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Tesla Achieves Top Ranking Again in the Kogod Made in America Auto Index

In a significant affirmation of its manufacturing excellence, Tesla has once again secured the top position in the 2024 Kogod Made in America Auto Index. Published annually by American University's Kogod School of Business, the index serves as a vital resource for consumers who wish to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases, highlighting the cars that boast the highest level of American-made content.

This year’s results reveal that Tesla’s Model 3 Performance model dominated the index, taking rank number one. Following closely were the standard and Long Range versions of the Model Y, which secured a tie for second place. The much-anticipated Cybertruck made an impressive debut, claiming the third spot. Notably, the Model S and Model X also made their mark, tying for fourth place alongside multiple variants of the Ford Mustang GT.

The fifth position on the list was a tie between Honda’s Passport AWD and Passport Trailsport, while Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara models shared the sixth position. A mix of models, including the Volkswagen ID.4 AWD and various Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon iterations, held the seventh spot. Finally, rounding out the top ten were the Volkswagen ID.4 RWD, several Honda models including the Odyssey and Ridgeline, as well as the Lincoln Corsair.

Introduced back in 2013 by Frank DuBois, an associate professor specializing in global supply chain issues, the Kogod Made in America Auto Index assesses vehicles based on seven core criteria. These include the manufacturer's profit margin, labor, the location of research and development facilities, as well as components like the engine, transmission, and body/chassis. This evaluation method provides a quantitative measure of the “Total Domestic” content within vehicles sold in the United States, allowing consumers to better understand how their purchasing choices impact the economy.

Since its inception, the index has seen a remarkable transformation in its rankings. Initially led by well-established American manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and Chrysler, the index now showcases a diverse array of companies, including Japanese and Korean manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai/Kia. This shift is largely attributed to foreign manufacturers increasing their sourcing within the U.S., positioning themselves as strong contenders in an American automotive landscape that has become increasingly globalized.

A complex mix of factors is influencing these trends, including ongoing shifts in international trade agreements. With impending changes in the global supply chain, domestic carmakers may feel the pressure to realign their sourcing decisions back to U.S.-based operations. Moreover, the implications of tax incentives tied to electric vehicle purchases, established through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, might further compel manufacturers to strive for more domestic sourcing of electric vehicle batteries and minerals.

Professor DuBois elaborates, stating, “As automakers navigate through changes in international trade agreements and potential new tariffs on imports, the need to find alternative sources for their components will drive them to adapt.” He anticipates that the upcoming years will usher in significant shifts regarding the amount of American-sourced content in cars available for purchase in the U.S., as manufacturers pivot to comply with evolving economic realities.

For interested consumers and industry watchers, further insights about the Kogod Made in America Auto Index can be found on their official website, which also features the complete 2024 rankings.

This continued recognition of Tesla as a leader in American automotive manufacturing signals a broader trend towards valuing locally sourced vehicle options, prompting both consumers and manufacturers to rethink what it means to buy