One reason American auto executives seemed downright giddy at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show is because of the falling dollar, which makes American cars cheaper overseas. This is especially good news now that domestic sales are slowing due to the continuing housing meltdown. But another benefit to the slumping greenback is that European automakers are returning to the U.S. to build factories. After a 13-year absence, Alfa Romeo may be sold in America again. Fiat CEO (Fiat owns Alpha) Sergio Marchionne suggested to "Automotive News Europe" that the company may seek to build a plant in the U.S. Volkswagen, which used to produce cars in Pennsylvania, is actively scouting for locations to build a plant. And there seems to be some interest among Renault and Peugeot for a return.
Sources: Reuters, New York Times, Automotive News