LOUISVILLE, Ky. The concept of a completely 'Made in the USA' vehicle is more complicated than it appears. Take, for example, a white 2025 Ford Expedition SUV with bronze exterior trim that recently rolled off the assembly line at Ford Motors Kentucky Truck Plant. While assembled in the United States, determining the precise cost of a vehicle with 100% American-made components presents several challenges.
One major hurdle is the global nature of the automotive supply chain. Modern vehicles are composed of thousands of parts, many of which are sourced from various countries to optimize cost and efficiency. Tracing the origin of each component and calculating the cost of using only American-made alternatives is a logistical and economic undertaking.
Furthermore, labor costs play a significant role. While the Expedition is assembled by American workers, the cost of labor varies depending on location and union agreements. Producing all components domestically could potentially increase labor expenses, ultimately impacting the final price of the vehicle. Therefore, while a 'Made in the USA' car is a nice idea, it is difficult to achieve at a reasonable price.
The Cost of a 100% 'Made in the USA' Car: More Than You Think
The idea of a car built entirely with American parts and labor sounds appealing, but the reality is complex. A recent example is a 2025 Ford Expedition SUV assembled in Kentucky. While it's made in the USA, pinpointing the exact cost of a truly 100% American-made vehicle involves considering numerous factors, including parts sourcing and labor.
Source: Read the original article at NBC