In addition to the Model 3 Performance, Tesla’s Model Y and Model Y Long Range tied for second place, while the Cybertruck made an impressive debut at No. 3. Tied for fourth place were the Model S, Model X, and three models of the Ford Mustang GT. Honda’s Passport AWD and Trailsport tied at No. 5, followed by Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Sahara at No. 6. The seventh spot featured a six-way tie, including the Volkswagen ID.4 AWD and several Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models. Rounding out the top 10 were the Volkswagen ID.4 RWD, Honda Odyssey, Honda Ridgeline, Honda Pilot, and Lincoln Corsair.
The Made in America Auto Index, launched in 2013 by Frank DuBois, an associate professor and supply chain expert at Kogod, ranks vehicles based on seven criteria: manufacturer’s profit margin, labor, research and development location, inventory/capital, and the origins of key components like the engine, transmission, and body/chassis. These metrics combine to calculate the “Total Domestic” content of vehicles sold in the U.S.
“The automotive industry is at a crossroads, with trade policies and EV incentives shaping the future of manufacturing,” said Professor DuBois. “Changes to international trade agreements and the possibility of new tariffs on foreign imports will force automakers to rethink their sourcing strategies.”
Over the years, the rankings have evolved significantly. In 2013, the index was dominated by the traditional “Big Three” automakers – Ford, GM, and Chrysler. Since then, foreign manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen have steadily increased their U.S.-based sourcing and now feature prominently alongside Tesla. This shift is partly attributed to foreign manufacturers’ efforts to localize production and sourcing to meet market demands and navigate trade complexities.
Policies like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which offers tax incentives for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, are further influencing manufacturing trends. These incentives encourage automakers to source EV batteries and critical minerals domestically, potentially reshaping the landscape of the Auto Index in years to come.
“As EV adoption accelerates, we expect significant changes in the sourcing of components like batteries, which are critical to the industry’s future,” DuBois added. “The Made in America Auto Index will continue to reflect these shifts, providing consumers with transparency about how their vehicle purchases impact the domestic economy.”
For more information about the 2024 rankings and the methodology behind the index, visit the Kogod School of Business website.