According to a new study, international automakers build more cars in the U.S. than the Big Three Detroit automakers (GM, Ford, Stellantis). The study, released by Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association, highlights the decline in U.S. auto manufacturing by the Big Three over the last 25 years, as well as the rise in U.S. manufacturing by international automakers. Notably, domestic makes still produce more U.S.-built vehicles than international automakers when adding in domestic EV brands (Lucid, Rivian, and Tesla).
According to the study, international automakers produced 4.9 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, accounting for 48 percent of the total U.S. vehicle production. These vehicles were manufactured at 31 facilities, including vehicle, battery, and component plants across the country. International automakers employ 156,000 people directly, with two-thirds of those jobs in manufacturing roles. Over the past 25 years, international automakers have increased their total U.S. vehicle production by more than 85 percent.
By contrast, domestic vehicle production for American manufacturers totaled approximately 5.35 million vehicles in 2023. The Big Detroit Three produced an estimated 4.6 million vehicles, while all-electric EV producers Lucid, Rivian, and Tesla contributed 754,342 units. This indicates a significant reduction in the number of vehicles manufactured in the U.S. by the Big Three over the past quarter-century.
Looking at the numbers, the difference is stark. In 1998, the Big Three produced 9.2 million units in the U.S., as compared to just 4.6 million units in 2023, a decrease of roughly 50 percent. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles built in the U.S. by international automakers has risen dramatically, up from 2.4 million units in 1998 to 4.9 million units in 2023.
Despite the substantial decline in production by the Big Three, the total number of cars built in the U.S. has only decreased by 11 percent, thanks primarily to the increased manufacturing output from international manufacturers.
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Until Americans decide that they are not going to buy Vehicles made in other countries the automakers will continue to offshore assembly plants. The issue of UAW wages should never be an issue. I have had the opportunity to see Thousands of UAW members building product for the auto companies. These workers are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. The Assembly line doesn’t stop because workers are exhausted from building products at a rapid pace! I will never buy a vehicle not made in the USA! The people have the power to stop these companies from building in other countries and selling here, simply by checking where it is made and leaving them on the auto lot!
My new car was built in Hiroshima! How ironic is that?