Lansing makes 3 of the most American-made cars

Three of the most American-made cars are made in Lansing.

Cars.com ranked the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave among the top seven models built with the highest percentage of American parts.

The Traverse ranked third while the Acadia and Enclave ranked fifth and sixth, according to Cars.com's 2015 American-made index.

All three cars are produced at GM's Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant.

"We're pleased with the positive recognition associated with three of our Lansing-built vehicles making the list," said Erin Davis, communications manager for the GM Lansing Regional Plant, in an email. "Our GM Lansing Delta Township team is committed to producing top-quality crossovers for our customers."

Cars on the list were built with at least 75 percent domestic content. Only seven hit that benchmark. The Toyota Camry, assembled in Georgetown Ky., and Lafayette, Ind., topped the list.

Mike Green, president of UAW Local 652, said using American-made parts ensures a higher quality vehicle.

"It allows for more control and the outcome is better," he said. "You might be buying supplies cheap (overseas), but you get what you pay for."

The AI unit of Local 652, which consists of 170 employees, supplies the interior for the three models, Green said.

Alex Hernandez, citizenship and legislation chair of UAW Local 602, said this report shows strength in GM.

"I think it's just fantastic," he said. "There's about 10 of my neighbors who all have the Traverse, and they always show it to me. They love it."

Hernandez said the news brings him back to when he worked at the Fisher Body plant making American-made Oldsmobiles 35 years ago.

"It's like Lansing is back in its heyday," he said.

Members of Local 652 are employed at the GM plant do the body work, assembly and the paint jobs.

"The bankruptcy changed the dynamics of the industry and you see a lot of foreign parts in cars now," Hernadez said. "We make sure that, when the car leaves the plant, it's a homerun."

Contact Alex Alusheff at (517) 388-1096 or aalusheff@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexalusheff.