Tesla, Inc. is an American multinational automotive and clean energy company headquartered in Austin, Texas. Starting in July 2020, it has been the world’s most valuable automaker. With global expansion and manufacturing companies in other countries, it challenges the notion if it truly is “America’s” car brand.
According to a recent NHTSA filing, Tesla vehicles have the largest U.S. percent content compared to other brands. This includes key components — like batteries, electronics and drivetrain parts, much of which come from Tesla’s U.S.-based manufacturing facilities, like the Gigafactory in Nevada and the Fremont factory in California. The Model 3 Long Range AWD and RWD are in first place alongside the Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport, with 75% of their parts being created in the U.S.
With different models containing different percentages, they all surpass their automotive competitors by a long shot. Not only do they have the highest U.S. content percentage, but they also have their final assembly located in the U.S. While this is true of most models, it excludes the Cybertruck. Having a 65% U.S. content percentage, it falls in second place for most EV American trucks behind the Honda Ridgeline at 75%.
With this most recent NHTSA filing, it challenges the notion whether traditional American car companies are even American anymore. Brands such as Ford, Cadillac, Chrysler and Chevrolet — all of which had their start as American-based companies — are no longer in the lead in U.S. content percentage.
Tesla, ensuring their cars remain the lead in U.S. part content, have established more U.S. based factory installments. Such factory installments include the Gigafactory Texas and Gigafactory Nevada, located in Austin, Texas and Reno, Nevada respectively.
They also have Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Shanghai, which are considered international plants. While these are not U.S. based, Tesla has increased production in its American facilities to ensure that its U.S. operations are still a key part of the supply chain.
When it comes to which brand is producing the most “American” car, there is no doubt Tesla is in the lead. As Tesla continues to expand its U.S.-based manufacturing plants, they may continue to be America’s lead car for years to come.
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