So I recently bought a brand new 2013 G37x and upon closer inspection of the Monroney (window) sticker, in the lower right hand portion under "Delivery" it has the Final Assembly Point listed as Los Angeles.

The VIN number still starts with a "J", indicating that it was built in Japan... I was under the impression that these cars were still assembled in Tochigi, Japan. Has something changed? Anyone have any ideas as to why Los Angeles is listed?

I'm assuming that the car was likely assembled primarily in Japan and that maybe final U.S. emissions related equipment (or something to that effect) was installed in Los Angeles; but figured I would check to see if anyone had any insight?

Thoughts?

 

PIO - port installed options. The car itself was 99.99% built in Japan. However things like a spoiler, wind deflector, grille, or illuminated kick plates for example may be installed at the port in LA. Look on the sticker for what options were installed at the port on your car.

 

Ahhh, that makes sense. Port options aren't listed on the sticker, but the car has the trunk carpet, net & first aid kit, so that would make sense.

 

So much knowldge! -- don't let that go to your head though.

 

I just have visions in my head of a box of parts showing up and an oil change jockey putting your G together on a Saturday morning.

Hopefully the instructions were good, and not in Japanese.

 

This has been a practice for decades since cars were first imported to the States. Nothing new. No different than some of the oil change jockeys who works on your car for $125 hour at the dealership.

 

Tell me about it. Had to have radio replaced in wifes TL, only time we could get it there was a Saturday.

Of course, it took 3 replacements to get it right (under warranty so no biggie).

Damn oil change jockeys.

 

I would be interesting to get an inside look at the process of unpacking the cars and preparing them for market.

 

When I bought my Neon RT (factory order car), I insisted I be there right after they take it off the truck. Dealer called me about 15 minutes after the car arrived....it went into their local storage lot (closed storage, secure parking garage)

I went and took a look....its pretty much how you would think. Interior still wrapped in plastic, outside of the car dirty (unless you are rich and buy those cars with the fancy dancy shipment covers ), etc. Not all things were installed (wheel center caps werent there, maybe one or two other things I didnt notice)

And it also depends on the state....my dad says down in VA they have DMV people observing the cars come off the truck, then they do the VA state inspection (which is pretty darn thorough), THEN the dealer puts the car in their lot.

Its an interesting process to be part of (from buying, to delivery to driving it home). Im glad my dad "made" me go with him when he bought new cars, so I could know how to beat up a salesman on price like he did Ill pass that wonderful experience down to my son too. Soon enough our names will be bad news at every brand of vehicle. Good times!