Why are many Western brands (cars, apparel, houseware, etc) considered “luxury” brands in non-Western parts of the world?

Question

Especially as many of these products are partially or entirely manufactured in non-Western countries.

In: Economics

Answer 1

Because that’s what’s exported.

In Germany, Mercedes is a full-range transport company, selling trucks, busses, and cars. In the US, it’s a luxury car brand because those big ticket items where the transportation costs are a reasonable fraction of the total price.