Native American Cars Reconsidered by New Measures

There’s a new measure for what is considered “American” vehicle and this year it gives the title back to U.S. brands.

Last year, ranks revealed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrated that the most “American” vehicle was absolutely the Toyota Matrix.

The rank was a part of NHTSA’s annual AALA report, which was approved in 1992 and sets the percentage of U.S. and Canadian volume in a vehicle. But Frank DuBois, a professor at American University developed a new ranking system making its first time exam this year.

DuBois’ new system measures more sides than AALA, including work for assembly, research and development, location of assembly and production, and few others.

AALA don’t actually provide car ranking, but offer a percentage. This year, the Matrix fell from being 95 % US to only 65 %. Four cars fought for the first place with 80 %: the Chevrolet Express, GMC Savanna, Toyota Avalon and Ford Expedition. Frankly Speaking, the Savanna and Express should be counted as one.

Additionally, the new index puts GM’s Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse trio to the top. The Dodge Avenger and Ford F-Series models came next and competed for second place while the Chrysler 200 was third.