This is not a sexy topic. Are you still interested?

At the risk of antagonizing the UAW, DaimlerChrysler is in talks with China's Chery Automobile Co. to build cheaper, more profitable cars.

Chrysler, according to company sources, has been talking to Chinese automaker Chery Automobile about manufacturing a small car based perhaps on the Dodge Hornet design study, or concept car, glimpsed at auto shows since last year. Chery has already earned some headlines in the U.S. for signing an agreement with automobile entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin, whose New York-based dealer network, Visionary Vehicles, will sell Chery-built premium and luxury vehicles in the U.S. The start date has been sliding, however, with the vehicles now not expected until 2009 or 2010 (see BusinessWeek.com, 6/6/06, "Here Come Chinese Cars").

In a few short years, U.S. cars will take a back seat (no pun) to those made in China. Take that, U.S. economy! And now this:

U.S. recalls 3 more Chinese kids products

A former department head at China's drug regulation agency was sentenced to death Friday on bribery charges, as U.S. regulators ordered a recall of three more Chinese-made products deemed dangerous to children.

The developments were the latest in widening concerns about the safety of Chinese goods both at home and abroad. [...]

Meanwhile, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Thursday three recalls, covering jewelry that the agency said could cause lead poisoning. They also covered a magnetic building set and plastic castles with small parts, which it said could choke children.

Can somebody point me to the U.S.of A.? I'm not able to recognize it any more.

I've worked up an appetite. Anyone up for a Pu pu platter?