Trade Conflicts Elevate 'Made in America' Beyond Merely a Brand
Tesla Model 3 Tops Cars.com's 2022 American-Made Index
In a significant shift for the automotive industry, Tesla's Model 3 has claimed the top spot on Cars.com's 2022 American-Made Index. The electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer's Model S follows closely in third place, with the Model Y ranking second.
The American-Made Index evaluates more than 400 vehicles based on criteria such as U.S. factory jobs, manufacturing locations, and parts sourcing. The index takes on particular importance in 2025, the year of the tariffs, as it aims to highlight vehicles that contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.
Michigan has the most car assembly plants in the U.S., while most international nameplates with "transplant" factories in the U.S. are in the South. Honda, for instance, has several models, including the Passport and CR-V, that are ranked high on the index.
Other notable mentions include the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck in fifth place, the Subaru Crosstrek one rank above the Nissan Rogue, and the Hyundai Odyssey in eighth position. Kia's EV6 and Volkswagen's ID.4 also feature in the top 10, ranking sixth and tenth respectively.
However, the exact top 10 list from 2021 was not available in the indexed sources. Traditional American trucks like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado frequently feature near the top, along with Honda models.
The tariffs create an uncertain market for automakers and dealers. Dealers can help customers understand price increases due to tariffs by being transparent. Price-conscious car consumers are advised to buy now to avoid potential future price increases.
The study focuses on powertrain, transmission, and propulsion systems, but does not factor in the country of origin for parts like door handles, tires, and interior materials. The tariff situation puts dealers in a challenging position between making a profit and increasing sales volumes.
Almost 5.5 million U.S. jobs are automotive-related, including 302,000 factory workers and 1.2 million people working at car dealerships. Recently, Hyundai opened a major manufacturing facility in Georgia, further boosting domestic production.
The trade war with China remains fragile, with a truce existing as of late. The tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump are intended to spur job and manufacturing growth in the U.S. The Cars.com American-made index only lists auto factory jobs, not jobs at U.S. design and R&D centers.
Despite the challenges, the American-made auto industry continues to thrive, with EVs like Tesla's Model 3 leading the way.
- In the world of finance and economics, the tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump aimed to stimulate job and manufacturing growth within the U.S. automotive industry.
- As technology advances and electric vehicles become more prevalent in the industry, businesses like Tesla are making significant strides, as evidenced by the Tesla Model 3's top spot on the 2022 American-Made Index.
- The lifestyle of many American consumers includes sports and outdoor activities, which are often facilitated by vehicles like the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck, ranked fifth on the American-Made Index.
