Meet George B. He just traded in his 750iL for a......Chevy Impala?

That's right.  For many years, George wanted to drive Germany's finest luxury sedans and in 2007 he leased the ultru-plush 750iL.  Massaging seats, technology galore, and of course that awesome BMW ride.  And why not?  He deserved it.  He's a 60-year old professional who makes a good living and wanted to treat himself.

Now fast-forward to 2009 when George's business is down 70% and reality sets it.  His BMW lease is expiring next month and he's not getting the new 750iL; he's getting a Chevrolet Impala and he doesn't care what anyone thinks.  

Of course I tried to talk some sense into him and at least get him to step up to a Nissan Maxima which is arguably the best front-wheel drive sedan in America.  But George was stubborn and insisted on buying American.  So not only is he downgrading from luxury to mainstream, but he's also changing zip codes from Munich to Detroit.

Is this the new trend in America?  Are we going to start following President Obama's mandate to buy American?  Lucky for us there are some really good cars being built in Detroit (even though the Impala isn't one of them).

If this is indeed the trend for 2009 and beyond, then it is welcome news for Detroit and maybe the Taurus will once again rule the heartlands.  For now, stay tuned.  I predict that owners of these foreign luxury cars will hang on to them a little longer and the pretenders who were leasing, will get a big dose of reality and figure out that German engineering doesn't really matter when you're commuting to the unemployment office.