Annual list from American University examines the domestic content of 400+ vehicles.
The results are in!
American University’s Kogod School of Business on Thursday released its fifth annual Made in America Auto Index, which assesses the content of automobiles sold in the United States.
The Chevrolet Traverse came out on top, alongside the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia, as all three were found to have a total domestic content (TDC) of 85.5 percent.
The Kogod Index builds off the American Automobile Labeling Act in 1994, which required automakers to provide information on a vehicle's label detailing where its parts came from. The 2017 Index looked at 419 car and light truck models and complied rankings on a scale from 1-100, using seven points of criteria when measuring the TDC.
So how do you measure the criteria which makes a car the “most American?” Kogod’s seven categories include profit margin; labor; research and development; inventory, capital and other expenses; engine; transmission; and body, interior, chassis, and electrical components. Each of these categories also consider whether parts were assembled in the U.S., the location of a company’s headquarters, and if the part or component was developed in the United States. Each car is then ranked in criterion to produce a score.
Kogod produces its list every year to show the importance of the economic significance of sales and manufacturing of automobiles in the United States. According to researcher and A.U. professor Frank DuBois, knowledge of the auto industry can help consumers and automakers make better decisions and see the benefits on the country.
"America’s three auto manufacturers once again dominated the Kogod Made in America Auto Index. American University's research found that FCA US, Ford and GM continue to lead in the domestic automotive industry, producing 20 of the top 25 American-made vehicles,” said Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council. “AU's research also found that American automakers are at the top of the list in producing trucks, sedans and SUVs with U.S. auto parts.”
The U.S. automotive industry directly employed 2.5 million workers in 2016, generating 17.5 million units in total vehicle sales — accounting for roughly 3.5 percent of the U.S. GDP. It’s a point of manufacturing pride for many Americans, Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul noted.
“It is simple, when we support American car makers, we support American jobs,” Paul added.
Want to see where your car stands on the list? Check it out!