To start, it's important to define what we mean by an "American" car brand.

For the purposes of this article, we will consider a brand to be American if it is based in the United States, even if it is owned by a foreign parent company.

This means that brands such as Cadillac, Buick, and Chevrolet, which are owned by General Motors, will be included in our count of American brands.

So, how many car brands are American? The answer to that question is somewhat difficult to pin down, as it depends on how you define a "brand." Some sources may count different model lines as separate brands, while others may group them together.

Additionally, there are many smaller, niche brands that may be less well-known to the general public.

That being said, we can still get a rough idea of the number of American car brands by looking at some of the major players in the industry.

According to data from Statista, there were 48 automotive brands operating in the United States in 2020.

Of those, 15 could be considered American based on our definition above.

This means that approximately 31% of car brands in the US are American.

Some of the most well-known American car brands include Ford, Chevrolet, and Tesla.

Ford is the second-largest US-based automaker (behind General Motors), and is known for its wide range of vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to sports cars and electric vehicles.

Chevrolet, also owned by GM, is a popular brand for both consumers and fleet buyers, with a range of vehicles including trucks, SUVs, and sports cars.

Tesla, while relatively new to the automotive scene, has made a significant impact with its lineup of electric vehicles and its focus on sustainability.

Other American car brands include Dodge, Jeep, Ram, GMC, and Cadillac, all of which are owned by General Motors or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now part of Stellantis).

There are also a number of smaller, more niche American car brands, such as Saleen, Karma Automotive, and Lucid Motors.

The history of the American automotive industry dates back to the late 19th century, when the first gasoline-powered vehicles were being developed.

Early pioneers in the field included Henry Ford, who founded Ford Motor Company in 1903, and Ransom Olds, who started Oldsmobile in 1897.

Over the years, American car manufacturers have played a major role in the development of the automobile, from the creation of the assembly line by Ford to the invention of the catalytic converter by General Motors.

However, the American automotive industry has faced its share of challenges over the years, from the oil crises of the 1970s to the rise of foreign competitors such as Toyota and Honda.

In recent years, American car manufacturers have also had to adapt to changing consumer preferences and new technologies, such as electric and autonomous vehicles.

Despite these challenges, American car brands continue to be a major force in the automotive industry, both in the US and around the world.

The popularity of trucks and SUVs has helped to drive sales for companies such as Ford and GM, while Tesla has become a leader in the electric vehicle market.

In addition, American car manufacturers continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive world.