Re: [FWDLK] 1958 Dodge Production

In a message dated 2/3/2006 3:28:40 AM Eastern Standard Time, esierraadj@xxxxxxxxx writes:

How did all the materials and componentry, for the Belgium-made cars GET
to the Belgium assembly plant?

Were there 'duplicate' fabrication facilities, in Europe, or, in
essence, were un-assembled cars sent there, to be assembled?

CKD refers to "Completely Knocked Down" vehicle. Parts are stacked and shipped in boxes perhaps as many as 15 to 20 sets of parts in each box. Now it may take 10 or more boxes to complete the vehicles but that is how they go to the place of assembly. At the assembly facility the boxes would/will be opened and parts stacked along the line. Frequently some parts are sent in assembly alreadyif it makes logistical sense and the import rules allow. You can have "Partial Knock Down" also. Local tariff requirements often dictate. Only the good ole US is an open market where anyone can dump. Some tariffs are 50% and more. Imagine if an imported Toyota cost that much more over here. Or we manadated local content,not NAFTA. How many would they sell? Chrysler has, from time to time, CKD'd all around the world. Recently like Thailand for example. Chrysler CKD'd Jeeps there. Latin America for trucks and Jeeps. Alot of content goes to Graz, Austria for Jeeps and Voyager Minivans. Haven't assembled in Belgium or Kew GB in many years..Also many countries specify how much content must be local and how much assembly must be local.