The 2024 Made in America Auto Index, issued by American University’s Kogod School of Business, ranks Tesla at the top for the second consecutive year. The index serves as a consumer research tool to aid in car purchases, providing accessible data about car manufacturers and models that are most “American” made. This year’s index is released amid significant changes in international trade agreements and potential new tariffs in the U.S.
Tesla’s Model 3 Performance ranks No. 1 in the 2024 index. The Model Y and its Long Range version tie for second place, while the Cybertruck debuts in third. Tied for fourth are the Model S and Model X, along with three models of the Ford Mustang GT. Honda’s Passport AWD and Passport Trailsport tie at No. 5, and Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Sahara tie at No. 6. Six vehicles share the seventh spot, including the Volkswagen ID.4 AWD and several models of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Completing the top 10 are the Volkswagen ID.4 RWD, Honda Odyssey All, Honda Ridgeline, Honda Pilot All, and Lincoln Corsair.
The Made in America Auto Index was created in 2013 by Frank DuBois, an associate professor and global supply chain expert at Kogod School of Business. The index informs consumers about the U.S.-made content in their cars and the economic impact of their purchase decisions. Vehicles are ranked based on seven criteria: manufacturer’s profit margin, labor, location of research and development, inventory/capital, engine, transmission, and body/chassis. These data points calculate the “Total Domestic” content of vehicles sold in the U.S.
With changes in the global manufacturing landscape, domestic manufacturers may be incentivized to return sourcing to the U.S., impacting the Auto Index rankings. Policy factors, such as tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, may encourage manufacturers to source EV batteries and minerals from domestic suppliers.
