Despite Industry Headwinds, International Automakers Lead U.S. Vehicle Production Over Detroit-3 for Third Straight Year, Delivering 76% of Affordable New Vehicles

As Trade Uncertainty Squeezes Exports, International Automakers’ Steadfast U.S. Commitment Keeps Industry on Firm Footing – But the Stakes Are Clear

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Autos Drive America (ADA) and the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released their 2026 Economic Impact Report, painting a clear-eyed picture of an industry under pressure and the deep U.S. commitments that have kept it on firm footing.

The report covers data from 2025, a year marked by significant trade policy uncertainty and pressure on exports. Last year, international automakers exported 751,000 U.S.-built vehicles to nearly 130 countries and territories in 2025, generating $30 billion in export value–down from 795,500 units and $31 billion the prior year. The decline reflects the direct impact trade uncertainty has had on international market access and long-term planning.

Despite these challenges, the data also shows that international automakers produced 4.9 million light vehicles in their U.S. facilities, accounting for 49% of all U.S. vehicle production, while capturing 58% of new vehicle sales nationwide, including 76% of all affordable new vehicles.

“As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, international automakers mark six decades of deep investment in this country,” said Jennifer Safavian, President and CEO of Autos Drive America. “Trade volatility created real headwinds for our industry in 2025 and the data shows it as exports declined. These are the real-world consequences of policy uncertainty on American factories and workers. What this report also shows is that our members’ steadfast commitment to the United States cushioned that impact. Without it, the picture would look very different.”

Key findings from the 2026 Economic Impact Report include:

• Driving U.S. Manufacturing: International automakers produced 4.9 million vehicles in 2025 across 13 manufacturing states, with four new plants beginning production during the year. Their U.S. production has grown by more than 80% over the past 25 years – a track record built on long-term investment that trade uncertainty now puts at risk.
• Significant U.S. Investment: International automakers have invested $125 billion into U.S. operations over six decades, operating 500 facilities across 36 states and contributing $480 billion to U.S. gross domestic product in 2025. That investment held firm in 2025 – but it requires a stable, predictable environment to grow.
• Leading U.S. Affordability: International automakers sold 4 million vehicles priced at $35,000 or less in 2025, representing 76% of all affordable new vehicles sold in the U.S. At a time when cost-of-living is the top concern for American families, they offered 58 models at or below that threshold — more than any other segment of the industry. Policies that raise vehicle costs threaten to erase that advantage directly.
• Export Headwinds Are Real: U.S.-built vehicle exports fell to 751,000 units in 2025, down from 795,500 the prior year, with export value declining from $31 billion to $30 billion. International automakers continued to reach nearly 130 countries and territories – but trade uncertainty has made international market access harder and long-term export planning increasingly difficult. Sixty-six percent of those exports went to U.S. free trade agreement partners, underscoring how dependent this export footprint is on stable trade relationships.

“International nameplate dealerships are woven into the fabric of communities across America,” said Cody Lusk, AIADA President and CEO. “With 9,375 franchise locations and more than 570,000 direct employees, these dealers account for more than half of all U.S. dealership jobs. At a time when affordability is the top concern for American consumers, these dealers are delivering – connecting families with the most competitively priced vehicles on the market while investing deeply in the communities they serve. Our dealers are Main Street businesses. When trade policy creates uncertainty, they are the ones who feel it – in their showrooms, their service bays, and their payrolls.”

Investment in the American workforce continued, with international automakers reaching more than 22,000 workers and students through technical training programs across 26 states, with 70% of those programs reporting that the majority of participants achieved job placement or promotions. It is the kind of long-term investment in people that trade stability makes possible – and instability puts at risk.

“The story of 2025 is one of resilience,” Safavian added. “But resilience has limits. Our members have absorbed the uncertainty, held their investments, and kept their commitments to American workers. What this report cannot show is how much longer that holds if the policy environment doesn’t change.”

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About the Economic Impact Report

The annual Economic Impact Report educates policymakers and the public on the growing economic footprint of international automakers and dealers across the United States. The automobile manufacturers participating in the 2026 Autos Drive America and AIADA Economic Impact Survey were BMW Group, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Cars. Sales data represents new vehicle registrations in the United States in 2025 for Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Karma, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars.

About Autos Drive America

Autos Drive America represents the U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers integral to America’s workforce, communities, and economy. As the voice of international automakers in the United States, Autos Drive America works closely with policymakers at all levels of government to advance policies that promote jobs, trade, and growth in the U.S. automotive industry. Learn more at www.autosdriveamerica.org.

About the American International Automobile Dealers Association

Established in 1970, AIADA is solely focused on representing America’s international nameplate automobile franchises. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing over 570,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.