A report produced for the ‘American Automotive Policy Council’ (AAPC) says that American Automakers FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors are vital to the US economy, driving growth in both manufacturing and job creation.
As policymakers consider additional measures to support the US economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAPC says the data in the report shows why American automakers are critical to this effort.
“American Automakers FCA US, Ford, and General Motors are pivotal in driving growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector and will be essential to the recovery of America’s economy in the months ahead,” said Governor Matt Blunt, president of AAPC, the trade association representing American Automakers FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company.
“The 2020 State of the U.S. Automotive Industry report highlights the many crucial contributions American Automakers make to our nation’s economy. These unique contributions are especially important as policymakers consider steps to recover from the negative economic impact of the coronavirus on the U.S. economy.”
The report says FCA US, Ford, and General Motors produce more of their vehicles, buy more of their parts, and conduct more of their R&D in the U.S. than their competitors. As a result, they employ nearly two out of three U.S. autoworkers and operate three out of five American auto assembly plants. It also says that US auto assembly plants have a very high job multiplier impact.
Key statistics detailing FCA, Ford and General Motors impact on the US economy

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By GlobalDataProduction, Sales, and Exports
- Operate 3 out of 5 U.S. auto assembly plants.
- Produced 5.8 million vehicles in 2018, representing 75% of their U.S. sales.
- Exported nearly 1 million American-made vehicles last year, serving more than 100 foreign markets.
Investment
- Invested more than $34 billion in U.S. assembly, engine and transmission plants, R&D labs, headquarters, and other facilities (2013-2018).
Jobs
- Accounted for 238,000 U.S. workers at 260 assembly plants, manufacturing facilities, research labs, distribution centers, and other facilities, located in 31 states.
Research and Development
- Spent approximately $20 billion in R&D in 2018.
The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) represents American Automakers FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company. AAPC is a Washington, D.C. association representing the common public policy interests of its member companies.