[tovej]

I'm sorry, Europe has missed out on the last three generations of technology? I live in Europe and have visited the US. My impression has been the opposite.

When I was visiting (5 years ago):

- The trains didn't work

- People printed out google maps instructions instead of using a network connection because data connections were bad/expensive

- I had to sign my name to pay with a card at gas stations. I couldn't use an electronic payment card, only credit cards worked.

Now these are just examples off the top of my head. In my home country of Finland, the trains work, internet and utilities work (we don't have blackouts), payment is usually done by NFC for small amounts, card readers (with pin) for larger amounts.

If you're talking about industrial technology, I don't have enough information to compare. But I would assume Europe has better manufacturing. After all, Germany makes all the cars that end up in the US.

[dagw]

After all, Germany makes all the cars that end up in the US.

I just pulled up a list of the top 25 selling cars in the US and there are 0 German brands on that list. Plus most of the 'German' cars sold in the US are also made in the US.

[tovej]

I take it back, I was too hyperbolic.

The export is substantial though:

https://www.acea.be/publications/article/eu-us-automobile-tr...

[selimthegrim]

I don't think VW ever broke 1m cars a year here, off the top of my head.

[dagw]

According to this: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/volkswagen-us-sales-figures/

they've never broken 500k (at least going back to 2005).

edit: Volkswagen Group sell in the 500k-650k cars range

[g0ran]

Yeah, actually one third ends up in China.

[rvba]

Using physical checks/cheques to pay for rent what means that you need to physically go to a bank, or send it via post. It takes days if not weeks to clear

Lack of same day/instant money transfers between bank accounts so everyone uses paypal which is not a real bank and it can block your money for 180 days for their "investigations"