Tesla’s dominance in the American-Made Index continues with the Model Y, but other models face tough competition from Honda and Volkswagen.
Tesla’s Model Y has once again topped Cars.com’s American Made Index (AMI) for 2024, marking its fourth consecutive year as the most American-made car. This recognition comes thanks to Tesla’s vertical integration approach, which ensures that many of its vehicle parts are manufactured within the U.S. This strategy has consistently placed Tesla at the top of the list, but this year, there have been some notable changes.
In 2023, Tesla swept the top four spots with its Model Y, Model 3, Model X, and Model S. However, in 2024, the list has seen a shake-up. While the Model Y retains its number one position, the other Tesla models have shifted. The Model 3, which held the second spot last year, has dropped significantly to 21st place. Cars.com attributes this drop to changes in U.S. manufacturing workforce calculations and a decrease in domestic parts content.
Despite this shift, Tesla still has three models in the top 10. The Model S and Model X remain strong contenders, positioned at 4th and 9th, respectively. This continued presence in the top ranks underscores Tesla’s commitment to domestic manufacturing. However, it’s worth noting that Tesla is the only domestic automaker in the top 10, with the next closest U.S. manufacturer being Ram, whose 1500 model is ranked 19th.
Here’s a look at the top 10 most American-made cars according to the 2024 AMI:
- Tesla Model Y
- Honda Passport (ICE)
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Tesla Model S
- Honda Odyssey (ICE)
- Honda Ridgeline (ICE)
- Toyota Camry (ICE)
- Jeep Gladiator (ICE)
- Tesla Model X
- Lexus TX (ICE)
The Model Y’s top position is the fruit of Tesla’s manufacturing strategy. However, the Volkswagen ID.4’s rise to the 3rd spot is also notable. It’s the only non-Tesla EV in the top 10, and its production was recently moved from Germany to Chattanooga, Tennessee, boosting its American-made credentials.
The AMI evaluates vehicles based on assembly location, parts content, engine origin, transmission origin, and U.S. manufacturing workforce. This year, it analyzed over 400 vehicles, and only eight EVs made it into the top 100. Apart from Tesla’s four models and the Volkswagen ID.4, the other EVs in the top 100 are the Ford F-150 Lightning (56th), Cadillac Lyriq (71st), and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (98th).
Indeed, Tesla’s dominance in the AMI is impressive, especially considering the challenges in the EV market. The shake-up in the rankings, particularly the drop of the Model 3, highlights the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and the constant changes in manufacturing processes and parts sourcing.
The importance of American-made vehicles remains high among consumers. A recent Cars.com survey found that 56% of in-market shoppers want to buy American-made vehicles, with many willing to pay a premium to keep jobs in the U.S. As the industry evolves, factors such as manufacturing location and parts content will continue to play crucial roles in consumer decisions.
Looking ahead, the industry faces ongoing changes. President Joe Biden’s administration has introduced tariffs on Chinese imports essential to the auto industry, aiming to bolster U.S. manufacturing. Such measures could impact supply chains and vehicle lineups, particularly for EVs. Despite these challenges, Tesla’s strong performance in the AMI shows that American-made EVs are gaining ground.
In summary, while Tesla’s Model Y continues to lead the pack, the shifting rankings in the AMI reflect broader trends and challenges in the automotive industry. With more EVs entering the market and evolving manufacturing practices, it will be interesting to see how these rankings change in the coming years.
