Yeah, apparently, Germany has an annual vehicle inspection that not only requires functional brakes, headlamps, etc., but cosmetic perfection. I read something awhile back that said owning an automobile there was quite expensive.

skh
 

One of our German exchange students expressed puzzlement that Americans leave $50,000 worth of cars sitting in the driveway, while the garage shelters $3,000 worth of junk.

He might have a point.

skh - A driver's license in Germany requires $2,000+ in instruction and qualification testing before a license is issued, but I do think the result is that the average driver there is far more qualified than in the US. I've never seen a driver in Germany doing the stupid rude stuff that you can see constantly here.

On the other hand, go to a ticket office in the railroad station or try to get some service in a store, and after you get over the shock of being elbowed aside or snapped at by a surly cashier, you'll appreciate living in the US.

Lt. Gen. Tailgunner dick
 

Startlingly, you're absolutely right about how this is why they lose and we win.

The crucial device for strategic bombing in WWII was the drop tank on fighters. That allowed fighters to escort long-range bombers. The Germans actually tested drop tanks during the Spanish Civil War. But they couldn't stand throwing them away after one use, so the Luftwaffe high command banned them.

And that's just one example.