THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER ETHNOCENTRISM IN MICHIGAN

Abstract

In this study I hope to discover whether or not there are in fact signs of ethnocentrism within the automobile industry in the state of Michigan. Throughout the study I
will be looking at a few different variables. One of these variables is the per capita income in the state measured on a county by county basis. I will also be noting the
location of the twelve different vehicle assembly plants located throughout Michigan. A third variable is the number of car dealerships in the state. By looking at these
variables in comparison to the number of vehicles registered in 2012 and whether or not they were produced by a foreign auto maker or a domestic auto maker I found that
there was evidence showing that there was indeed a tendency for consumers in Michigan to own cars that were made by American auto makers.