Molding in German

[Gayle]

Our "lingua franca" no less. Schade.

It is interesting that nothing annoys English speakers as much as foreign conversations they can't understand.

It is true. We don't have to learn other languages because everywhere we go, they speak English. We have no motivation to learn other languages and it is so rare that we are left out, we can't cope

[Kai@e34.de]

It is true. We don't have to learn other languages because everywhere we go, they speak English. We have no motivation to learn other languages and it is so rare that we are left out, we can't cope

agree... my sister's bf is american, too. he lives in germany for ~15yrs now and knows only a few german words/phrases like hallo, wie gehts, ich heisse john and so on. there's no real need to learn it, nearly everyone here speaks a little bit english.

Enough of this German engineering Natzi ****!!!! Buy a Commodore Ya sillly C@#$S!!!!

an Opel Commodore would be a german nazi car, too a real nice one, in my opinion.

[Zeuk in Oz]

It is true. We don't have to learn other languages because everywhere we go, they speak English. We have no motivation to learn other languages and it is so rare that we are left out, we can't cope

The internet, being predominantly in English, has also exacerbated this phenomenon.
I realise, upon re-reading my post, that it might have been a little condescending. That was not my intention, rather I just wanted to highlight the characteristic which I have witnessed here in Oz, in the States and to a lesser extent in the UK.
I have this very problem with my in-laws (who have never been out of Australia) constantly in that they do not tolerate anything other than English being spoken in their presence. This even if someone else does not speak English and translation is occurring.
My solution to this "problem" is to encourage young people to travel far and wide, thus experiencing different cultures and languages and developing more tolerance.
In Oz few children take the study of languages seriously as they feel no need to learn another language - implying that if someone doesn't speak English then they are not worth conversing with !
What this has meant is that few Aussie children know any English grammar as it is not taught in schools any more. Were they to learn another language in which grammar was taught, this would in effect help their English.
It certainly did mine !
I even wonder how many of the readers of my post understand the concept of a lingua franca - where 2 people converse in a common language which is foreign (not their mother tongue) to both of them. Erich (shogun) and I do so every time we post.
Sorry for the rant - just consider it the random ramblings of a deranged mind !

[genphreak]

It is not quite that simple, methinks.
There is now very little protection as far as imports are concerned, rather, as far as I am aware, it is more just a matter of collecting as much tax as possible.
Also the importers of fine, quality cars know that there is no threat from the local opposition so they make sure they all price them to the max !
Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons are amazingly inexpensive given their size and performance, however no-one would ever accuse them of being at the cutting edge with respect to engineering, technology or safety.
Most quality control is done after purchase on the road !

Too right Zeuk, except there is plenty of protection- Importers are slugged 10% in duty (as well as consumption tax on the commercial value (ie this includes freight+insurance)), plus manufacturers get considerable credits if they export, which in many cases they would do anyway.

Good point you and Gayle made on English speakers not tolerating other languages too btw

[genphreak]

Does anybody know how will be in German: driver door molding?

Thanks.

I can tell you that in the Queen's ENGLISH it is Driver's door moulding

[632 Regal]

Long live the Queen!

I can tell you that in the Queen's ENGLISH it is Driver's door moulding

[genphreak]

Long live the Queen!

LOL, yea Jeff, and all her in-bred relos...

[Zeuk in Oz]

Too right Zeuk, except there is plenty of protection- Importers are slugged 10% in duty (as well as consumption tax on the commercial value (ie this includes freight+insurance)), plus manufacturers get considerable credits if they export, which in many cases they would do anyway.

Granted, but it used to be closer to 50% duty and I understand it will be reduced further then the present levels in the near future.
The consumption tax can be claimed back, I presume, when the car is sold.
Australia, for those that don't know, is the only country in the world that believes in a level playing field with respect to trade. That is why we signed the lop-sided trade agreement with the old U S of A recently - because it favoured the US ! - I certainly cannot figure it out !
Don't start me on why our Prime Minister thinks the sun shines out of George W's arse !

[genphreak]

Granted, but it used to be closer to 50% duty and I understand it will be reduced further then the present levels in the near future. The consumption tax can be claimed back, I presume, when the car is sold.

Yes indeed that is true. Claim the tax back? I doubt it, my car would only ever be sold at a loss.... Hahaha... but a lot of it would have to be considered 'consumables'...

[Zeuk in Oz]

Claim the tax back? I doubt it, my car would only ever be sold at a loss....

I meant the importers would have to pay GST which they would then claim back when the car was sold as new.