U.S. seaports and auto exports: A fresh angle

SAN FRANCISCO–While Detroit automakers are hoping that a bailout will help them manufacture cars that can compete with foreign manufacturers, some U.S. seaport authorities are pointing out that the globalization of the industry is not being fully told. Japanese multinationals, for example are providing American workers with jobs here, and their product is not just being sold on the domestic market. Although initial volumes are realtively slight, Mitsubishi Motors is exporting Eclipse sports cars through the Port of Tacoma to consumers in China and South Korea. Who builds them? The good and industrious citizens of  Normal, Il.