Tesla Model Y Tops 2024 American-Made Index for Third Year

Tesla has once again secured the top spot in Cars.com’s 2024 American-Made Index with its Model Y electric SUV, marking the third consecutive year it has achieved this ranking. The index evaluates vehicles based on criteria such as the percentage of US and Canadian parts, final assembly locations, and the origin of engines and transmissions, reflecting Tesla's strong performance in these areas for 2024.

The 2024 American-Made Index, compiled by Cars.com, provides a detailed overview of automotive manufacturing in the United States, highlighting contributions from both domestic and international companies. In previous years, Tesla dominated the index, holding the top four spots in 2023. However, for 2024, Tesla's Model X SUV dropped to ninth place, the Model 3 sedan fell to 21st, and the Model S luxury sedan is ranked sixth.

The Model Y's top ranking in the 2024 index underscores Tesla's focus on local production and parts sourcing. This strategy continues to position Tesla competitively in the automotive industry, with the index offering insights into the company's manufacturing practices and localization efforts. Honda's Passport SUV and Volkswagen's ID.4 electric SUV follow in second and third place, respectively. The top 10 also includes vehicles from Toyota, Jeep, and Lexus, showcasing a diverse range of manufacturers prioritizing local production, according to Cars.com data.

Honda's Passport SUV and Volkswagen's ID.4 electric SUV follow closely behind in second and third place, respectively. The top 10 also features vehicles from Toyota, Jeep, and Lexus, indicating a diverse representation of manufacturers prioritizing local production according to Cars.com data.

Foreign automakers influence the American-Made Index, accounting for 66% of the vehicles ranked. This includes substantial contributions from manufacturers like Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz, which have established production facilities in states such as Alabama. Michigan remains a key hub for vehicle production, with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis contributing a large number of vehicles to the index, reinforcing Michigan's leadership in American automotive manufacturing. Additionally, Alabama has emerged as an important player, hosting facilities for foreign automakers and further diversifying the US vehicle production landscape.

The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) assesses the impact of the US manufacturing workforce on light-duty vehicle production based on automakers' direct involvement and production output relative to industry standards. The AALA excludes vehicles exceeding 8,500 pounds in gross weight, those produced in fewer than 1,000 units annually, and models not yet on sale or intended solely for government or commercial use. 

Consumer sentiment toward supporting local job creation remains strong, as a Cars.com survey shows 56% of US consumers are willing to pay more for vehicles that help create local jobs.