I am on the lookout to see where parts of the car were made. The window sticker says that country that made the most parts was Germany, followed by Sweden. USA/Canada is 1% Japan supplies the automatic transmission in 9-3 but I have a manual.
final assembly: Sweden
engine: Germany
countries:
Germany: engine, wheels, oil filter, headlamp bulbs, stock Pirelli tires and replacement Goodyear tires
Sweden: manual transmission
Spain: battery
United Kingdom: ABS servo, windshield wiper motor
France: oil filter gasket, air filter
Austria: fog lights
Belgium: windshield wipers, amplifier
Poland: stock wheels
Taiwan Republic of China: spare tire
People's Republic of China: rear speakers
Japan: key fob battery, replacement Bridgestone snow tires
South Korea: ASA wheels
How U.S. cars vary from other markets (not an inclusive list)
1. Front bumper strips have yellow inserts/lights.
2. Except for the Aero, the standard tires are Pirelli P6 4 Seasons. In some markets outside the U.S., the standard tires are Goodyear Eagle NCT 5.
3. The 1.8, 1.8t, and diesel engines are not sold in the U.S.
4. The power steering reservoir is on the left compared with on the right for right hand drive cars (UK, Ireland, Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, etc.)
5. The standard wheels are different in the U.S.
6. The standard radio is a 7 speaker, 150 W system for the Linear and 13 speaker, 300W for the Arc and Aero.
7. The locking fuel door has been deleted for 2005.
8. There is a inside trunk release in the trunk.
9. There is no center rear headrest (now fitted in the 2008 model).
10. There is no center rear vent.
11. The driver's side mirror is different and flat.
12. The speedometer is calibrated in miles though there is a km scale.
13. The interval between frequencies in the radio is different than in Europe.
14. Some of the stickers are different (door jamb, glove compartment, engine compartment, sun visor/airbag).
15. A 5 speed manual transmission was used in the 2005 (2008 model has a 6 speed manual transmission). Some other markets had a 6 speed in 2005.
16. The dashboard cupholder is standard equipment.
Of note in RHD cars, the keyhole in the door is in the left doors in both RHD and LHD cars. The turn signal (directional indicator) lever is to the left of the steering wheel in both LHD and RHD cars.
The hood release is on the right where the driver is. The parking brake is next to the driver and the SmartSlot ticket holder or location for other alternate SmartSlot accessories is where the parking brake would be located in cars with the driver on the opposite side.
