U.S. Manufacturing: Why Jay Leno says America should get behind Tesla [Video]

With a newfound focus on American manufacturing from the Trump administration, it will be interesting to see how this changing political landscape affects U.S. car companies. Some of Detroit's Big Three auto companies have manufacturing facilities in Mexico. However, Tesla Motors [NASDAQ: TSLA], based in Silicon Valley, does not. In fact, both Tesla's California factory and its Nevada Gigafactory employ thousands of U.S workers manufacturing award-winning cars made right here in the U.S.A. Yesterday, Jay Leno went public to remind us of this noteworthy achievement.

Above: Jay Leno checks out the Model S with Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen (Source: CleanTechnica)

CNBC* reported that, "There's no shortage of digs and complaints when it comes to Elon Musk, his auto company, and the cars they make. But is it all just veiled jealousy? Are the criticisms justified? It depends on whom you ask. If you ask Jay Leno, host of 'Jay Leno's Garage' on CNBC, he'll tell you that Americans should be rooting for Tesla."

Above: Jay Leno talks Tesla (Source: CNBC*)

"It's a tough business to get into," Leno said. "And the fact that Tesla is making a go of it — and quite successfully — I think is impressive. It should be applauded... Here's a guy [Elon Musk] building an American car in America using American labor and paying them a union wage — the whole bit. Why are you not rooting for it to be successful? I don't quite understand that." 

Above: Tesla CEO Elon Musk discussing the Tesla Roadster years ago with Jay Leno (Source: Jay Leno's Garage)

CNBC reports, "Leno qualifies his assessment that the auto industry is cutthroat and unforgiving by quickly listing just a few of the American car brands that, in his lifetime alone, have fallen off the map. Oldsmobile. Pontiac. Saturn. Mercury." So... as we settle into a Trump administration, it's likely climate change initiatives won't be high on the agenda. However, American manufacturing most definitely will be a priority. That said, I'm hoping that Wall Street, the public, and the media really gets behind Tesla Motors. Why? Because, Jay Leno knows cars and he knows the American people. And, he's right.

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*Source: CNBC