The U.S. Auto Industry is a Leader in Research & Development
Automakers and their suppliers are the world’s third biggest investor in R&D.
Designing and producing autos is a massive engineering challenge, which is why automakers and their suppliers invest approximately $130 billion in R&D each year – behind only pharmaceuticals and technology hardware.
American Automakers are Leaders in Research & Development and Innovation
In the U.S., automakers and their suppliers invested approximately $23 billion in 2018, representing approximately $1,333 of R&D for each car sold here that year, on average.
Over the past decade, automaker R&D has driven braking technology from anti-lock brakes (which help a driver brake faster) to electronic stability control (which keeps a vehicle moving safely when the driver has lost control), to automated emergency steering systems (which control braking, steering, and throttle functions)
Meanwhile, research into the use of new materials, better joining (welding, fasteners, adhesives), and fabrication could reduce a vehicle’s body weight by 10% to 20% from 2014 through 2020.
FCA, Ford, and General Motors each spend more per year than General Electric, Boeing, AT&T, and Tesla.
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Next-Generation Ford Transit Connect Taxi: Taxi of the Future With Increased Space, Performance and CNG/LPG Capability
Ford, America’s commercial truck and van leader, introduces the all-new 2014 Transit Connect Taxi, providing best-in-class performance, low operating costs, and improved comfort and flexibility for the North American taxi market.
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GM Honored for Sustained Environmental Leadership
General Motors and seven of its facilities are being recognized by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for longtime support of environment-focused community collaboration. GM remains the leader for most Neighborhood Environmental Partner awards granted since the program began in 2005.
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Chrysler expansion at Toledo Jeep plant exceeds its hiring promise
Chrysler Group LLC has added more than 1,800 jobs this year at its Toledo Assembly Complex, a significant boost to the city’s economy that goes far beyond what the automaker promised two years ago when it announced it would expand here to prepare for a new model.
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GM engine facility adding workers
General Motors’ Spring Hill plant will add about 100 jobs at its engine facility to meet increasing demand for the Ecotec 2.5 liter, 4-cyclinder motor, according to a company spokesperson.
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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor sales jumping to new heights
Ford can't seem to build F-150 SVT Raptors fast enough. The off-road-ready trucks have been one of the Blue Oval's most reliable sellers, with record sales in eight of the last 10 months and a 14-percent jump in 2013. That's impressive enough, considering that the least expensive Raptor starts at $44,000. Factor in the modded F-150's fuel economy (it's rated at 11 miles per gallon in the city and 16 on the highway) and a national average gas price, as of this writing, of $3.55 per gallon, and its success is as unlikely as Ford's home team, the Detroit Lions, winning the Super Bowl this year (sorry, Lions fans, we're just quoting the experts in Vegas...).