#266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index

#266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index

Author: Michael Kahn August 2, 2023 Duration: 33:20
Buying a vehicle made in the United States is essential to many consumers. According to Cars.com, about half of the car buyers in the United States say they will pay more for a vehicle that creates U.S. jobs. Additionally, 24 percent of Americans believe a manufacturer has to be headquartered in the U.S. to qualify as "substantially contributing to the U.S. economy." Tesla holds the top four places in the 18th annual American-Made Index announced by Cars.com. Jenni Newman, the editor-in-chief of cars.com, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. We discuss consumers' preferences for cars made in the United States. Co-host Bruce Aldrich is away this week, so I interview Newman, a repeat guest, about the online publication's 18th annual American-Made Index (AMI). The index independently evaluates and ranks the highest-contributing vehicles to the U.S. economy for manufacturing, parts sourcing and employment. The Honda Odyssey is a mainstay on the American-Made Index announced recently by Cars.com. Image © James Raia/2016. Newman speaks to the methodology behind the compilation of the list, the disconnect between consumer understanding and the American-made automotive market. This year, the AMI consideration set comprises 388 vehicles. Only 100 made the cut with Tesla sweeping the first four spots, joined at the top by mainstay Honda and returning Acura. Volkswagen is debuting in the Index’s top 10. Here's the list, Nos. 1-10 on this year's AMI list: Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model S, Honda Passport, Volkswagen ID.4, Honda Odyssey, Acura MDX, Honda Ridgeline, Acura RDX. Please join me as Newman and I examine the AMI list and further discuss its relevance in today's automotive marketplace. All of the cars.com podcasts: #266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index #224, Cars.com editor reports on EVs, NY Auto Show #202, Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com talks future of EVs #200, Few Carmakers Get Top Grades in Car Seat Installation

Every seven days, The Weekly Driver Podcast pulls off the main road for a conversation that’s about more than just horsepower and torque. With James Raia and Bruce Aldrich behind the wheel, the discussion travels through the entire landscape of car culture, from the latest industry news and in-depth vehicle documentaries to the personal stories and societal shifts that happen on four wheels. This isn't a dry specs sheet or a simple review show. Instead, you’ll hear thoughtful commentary on how automobiles intersect with our leisure, history, and daily lives, uncovering narratives that often go unnoticed. The hosts’ long-running partnership brings a comfortable, informed dynamic to each episode, whether they’re debating a headline, analyzing a classic car’s legacy, or sharing an unexpected find from a local show. Tune in for a ride that treats the automotive world as a living, breathing character full of fascinating detours and destinations. The journey is different each time you listen to this podcast, but it’s always driven by a genuine passion for the stories found in the driver’s seat.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Weekly Driver Podcast
Podcast Episodes
#284, Volvo software chief talks new EV SUV, relationship with Nvidia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:38
It was just before the opening evening session of the recent2024 Nvidia GTC conference at the San Jose Convention Center and it got quiet quickly. Alwin Bakkenes, Russell Datz, the carmaker's national media relations man…
#282, 2024 Nvidia Conference With Danny Shapiro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
The autonomous vehicle industry has reduced its speed. Its future is here, but it's not quite as in focus as the next signpost. Even the most fervent believers have re-evaluated their enthusiasm for the human-free drivin…
#281, Automotive legend: Ralph Teetor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
A strong argument could be made that Ralph Teetor is responsible for what is now called autonomous driving. Blind since he was a young boy, Teetor invented cruise control in the 1940s. It was one of more than 40 patents…
#280, Pivotal Debuts Helix Personal Flying Vehicle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:17
Ken Karklin, the CEO of Pivotal, has had a several-decade career in engineering, aircraft and robotics. He knows technology as license holder of multiple patents. His latest passion is the Helix. Highlighted at the recen…
#279, Ben Welch and his Million-Mile Suburban [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:23
Ben Welch blames himself for driving his 1994 Chevy Suburban when he shouldn't have. He knew his van well except for one momentary lapse when the engine warnings were more serious than he thought. It was a long time ago…
#278, Lucid Air takes best of 2023 honors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
As co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast, Bruce Aldrich and I have for the past several years picked the top cars of the year at the end of the calendar year. This year, as we do most often, Bruce and I interview a guest…
#277, New author on Tales from the Garage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
Like many automotive enthusiasts, when Rodney Kemerer talks about cars his enthusiasm abounds. A lifelong enthusiast, Kemerer is the author of Tales From The Garage. As described in its Amazon profile, the "heartfelt boo…