Which Automakers Make The Most Vehicles In America?
President Donald Trump’s newly signed 25% tariff on imported vehicles will impact nearly every automaker selling cars in the United States, with foreign brands bearing the brunt—but domestic automakers like Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors won’t be immune either.
Key Points
- President Trump's 25% tariff on non-U.S.-built vehicles is expected to raise the average price of new cars by several thousand dollars, impacting both foreign and domestic automakers.
- Brands like Volvo, Mazda, and Volkswagen, which build a low percentage of their U.S.-sold vehicles domestically, are likely to feel the greatest impact.
- About 45% of vehicles sold in the U.S. are imported, and every 2025 model-year vehicle includes at least 20% content from outside the U.S. and Canada, meaning few models will be fully exempt.
The policy, set to take effect April 3, will apply to all imported automobiles and eventually auto parts that don’t meet content thresholds under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Even vehicles assembled in the U.S. are at risk of higher costs due to the global nature of automotive supply chains.
Consumers should prepare for higher vehicle prices across the board—how much more buyers will be asked to pay will depend on each automaker’s ability—or willingness—to absorb additional costs. Still, even conservative estimates suggest average new vehicle prices will rise by several thousand dollars.
Foreign automakers that produce a small share of their U.S.-sold inventory domestically are likely to be hit hardest.
Volvo builds only 13% of its U.S. vehicles within the country, followed by Mazda (19%) and Volkswagen (21%), according to research from Wards Automotive and Barclays. Hyundai-Kia (33%), Mercedes-Benz (43%), BMW (48%), and Toyota (48%) also fall below the halfway mark.
Rivian and Tesla are the only automakers who produce 100% of their vehicles sold to Americans in the U.S.—Tesla's vehicles boast the most American content, with figures ranging from 80-87%. Ford is closest to the EV makers, with 78% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S made in the U.S. Contrasting Ford, General Motors sits at just 52%, which is less than Honda (64%), Stellantis (57%), Subaru (56%), and Nissan (53%).
Many popular 2025 model-year vehicles currently sold in the U.S. are imported, including the Ford Maverick, Chevrolet Blazer, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Sentra, Porsche 911, and Toyota Prius. Even Ford and GM, despite their large domestic footprints, rely heavily on cross-border manufacturing and imported components.
Data from the Department of Transportation’s American Automobile Labeling Act shows that every 2025 model-year vehicle contains at least 20% non-U.S. and non-Canadian content— meaning very few vehicles will be fully exempt under the new rules.
With around 45% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. being imported, and every automaker subject to global supply dependencies, the new tariffs will absolutely reshape pricing, sourcing, and availability across the automotive landscape—unless individual countries can carve out exemptions. Although that seems unlikely at this phase.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Wow, that was a misleading headline.
Should have said which auto maker has the most content made in the United States.
But I'll answerer your headline.
GM 16.8%, Toyota 15%, Ford 14% in 2024 to name the top 3.
What Automakers Make The Most (Vehicles) In America.
CONTENT, is not mentioned in the headline.
Comprehend: To grasp the nature, significance, or meaning of
Go back and comprehend my post.