Three General Motors crossovers tied for first place in the 2017 “Kogod Made in America Auto Index” from American University’s Kogod School of Business: the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse. USA Today reported the results on June 8, 2017.
The rankings
The three crossovers each scored 85.5. Next came:
- Ford F-150, 85
- Chevrolet Corvette with automatic transmission, 82
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and two other Wrangler versions, 81.5
- Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4 and Ford Expedition, 81
The Toyota Camry, Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and CR-V, Acura RDX and Kia Optima tied at 78.5.
How the index works
Professor Frank DuBois compiled the index. It scores several factors:
- the share of USA and Canadian parts
- where the vehicle is assembled
- where the engine and transmission come from
- whether more than 15% of parts come from a foreign country
It also counts estimated research and development costs. DuBois used American Automobile Labeling Act data, automakers’ annual reports and SEC filings.
DuBois found that overall domestic content had fallen about five percentage points in the five years since the index began. “U.S. domestic companies are taking advantage of outsourcing,” he said.
Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, praised the results for Detroit’s three automakers.
Later that month, Cars.com named a different leader. See our report on the Cars.com 2017 index, and for a later Kogod edition, the 2020 results.
FAQ
Which vehicles tied for first?
The Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse, each at 85.5.
Who compiles the index?
Professor Frank DuBois at American University’s Kogod School of Business.
What trend did it find?
Overall domestic content was down about five percentage points over five years.
Source & credit
Source: USA Today: “Want the most American car or truck? Here are the models, study finds”, June 8, 2017.