Origins Of American Car Companies
From the early days of motoring, car companies around the world have sought to shape the way we drive and live. In the United States, automobiles were largely powered by steam until the late 1800s, when the gasoline-powered engine was introduced. Within decades, American automobile production had become a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Accordingly, some of the most well-known international car brands have their roots in America, and now boast a sizable market share of the global automotive industry.
Today, the U.S. industry is still among the foremost contenders in terms of production volume, capitalization, and design. Companies like General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are widely recognized as some of the largest auto producers in the world, with their widely popular models dominating the roads of many countries the world over. But with the auto industry so vast and varied, it raises the question: Which American car company is the best?
Understanding The U.S. Automotive Industry
In order to understand the answer to this question, we must first look at the broader context of America’s automotive market. As of 2019, the U.S. auto industry remained one of the world’s biggest with over 17.2 million registered cars. According to Reuters, the domestic auto market was anticipated to contract by 10-12% from 2019 to 2020, reflecting the impacts of ongoing macroeconomic issues. Despite this, vehicles of American make and design continue to enjoy a great deal of attention from motorists throughout the world.
In terms of ownership, the six leading U.S.-based auto makers comprise what is referred to as the Big Three. These are General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The Big Three have been a defining force in the automobile industry since the early 20th century and have ensured that the country continues to produce some of the best performing machines available today. Some of their most iconic models include the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Chrysler 300.
Comparing 2014-2019 Performance
In terms of performance over the past five years, General Motors are widely considered to have been the leading American carmaker. This was mainly due to their continuing success in emerging markets and their commitment to innovation and development.
GM’s profit share of the Big Three has steadily risen since 2014, with earnings more than doubling that of Ford and Chrysler. Furthermore, GM vehicles have consistently ranked highly in the J.D. Power Annual Vehicle Dependability Study, suggesting the company has demonstrated a consistent level of quality across a majority of their models.
In terms of public perception and marketplace research, the company has developed a user-friendly interface to manage their many models. In addition, GM is known for its wide range of intuitive driver-assist technologies, such as Super Cruise and Side Blind Zone Alert.
Analysis By Industry Experts
In the opinion of automotive experts, General Motors appears to be the standout leader among the Big Three. The company rivaled the top international automotive companies in global profits and overall market share in the past five years. It had the widest reach, most efficient production lines, and was consistently one of the most profitable automakers worldwide.
Additionally, GM vehicles demonstrate a higher level of performance in the J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study in comparison to Ford. While Ford was the second-most profitable Big Three maker, the brand has experienced a major decline in its sales numbers since 2018. This could be related to the lack of emphasis given towards designing and distributing innovative, quality vehicles.
Environmental Impact Of American Cars
The manner in which an automobile company is perceived goes beyond their sales figures and profit margins – it is increasingly important to consider the environmental impact of their methods of manufacture. In this regard, the Big Three have stayed largely positive, albeit with some room for improvement. In line with industry regulations, the companies have worked to reduce their emissions and ensure their vehicles meet the required standards.
In 2018, Ford and General Motors worked to save emissions in their facilities, with Ford showing the biggest efforts. Thanks to improved production processes and the use of advanced technology, both companies reduced their carbon output by roughly 0.01%. At the same time, automakers sought to improve the fuel economy of their models and up the MPG-level significantly.
Battery Technology
The Big Three have also been pushing towards electric vehicles and making progress in the battery technology domain. General Motors, for example, promises up to 400 miles per charge on some of their electric models and 80% recharge in 30 minutes. Additionally, Ford has been issuing new electric vehicles such as the Mustang Mach-E, the company’s first all-electric SUV set to rival the Tesla Model Y.
Customer Satisfaction Surveys
Analyzing customer satisfaction surveys from 2014 to 2019, General Motors has maintained its position as the most popular among the Big Three in the eyes of domestic car buyers. GM’s customer satisfaction levels have sloped slightly, but the company retained its cumulative customer loyalty rates – a key metric in the auto industry.
Factors To Consider
When evaluating an American car company, owners and prospective buyers must consider the key features that make some of the brands stand out. These range from performance statistics and customer satisfaction surveys, to environmental impact and quality of design. In this respect, General Motors is one of the most competitively advantaged of the Big Three, a fact which many industry observers apply when choosing the best U.S. auto maker.
Changing Technology
As technology continues to soar in the car industry – from driverless vehicles to facial recognition systems – automakers must commit to evolving and updating their models to meet consumer needs and stay competitive. As technology becomes more advanced, the need for quality products should not dwindle; instead, American car companies must act to ensure the vehicles they produce remain of the highest standards.
The Future Of U.S. Automobiles
In order to stay ahead of the game, the Big Three must work to create efficient and innovative models, built with value and performance in mind. This could involve investing heavily in research and development or focusing on the production of more fuel-efficient cars. Additionally, automakers must continue to cultivate the best talent in the industry and look towards the future of automotive technology.
Ultimately, in looking at the answer to the question: “Which American car company is the best?”, one must bear in mind the factors mentioned above and look beyond the current sales figures and profit margins. Certainly, the Big Three have produced some of the best cars ever to grace the roads of America, and it is likely that they will continue to do so in the years to come.
