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.

 

 

 

  • It’s Official: 2014 Silverado and Sierra Deliver Most Power

    DETROIT – The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and High Country and the GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali 1500, available this fall, with a 6.2L V-8 produces an SAE-certified 420 horsepower (at 5600 rpm) and 460 lb-ft of torque (at 4100 rpm), the most power of any pickup engine and torque of any light duty pickup truck engine.

    The 6.2L V-8 available for Silverado LTZ and High Country and Sierra SLT and Denali models also delivers class-leading maximum available trailering capacity of 12,000 pounds when properly equipped.

  • Flint-area General Motors employees prepped for full slate of community volunteerism with teamGM Cares Week

    FLINT, MI – General Motors employees across Genesee County will step away from assembly lines and offices and into various neighborhoods, cleaning up blight and garbage, and trimming down overgrown weeds in and around Flint.

    Dozens of GM workers will participate in the company’s second annual teamGM Cares Week activities, including building a Peace Park and sprucing up local neighborhoods.

    The employees will work throughout the week of Sept. 9 at the Flint-based Catholic Charities office to build a Peace Park at the organization’s Center of Hope facility located at 901 Chippewa St.

  • Ford Is Working on a Warning System to Protect Police Officers

    The way The Boston Globe and most other media outlets reported Officer Sean Collier’s death, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus policeman didn’t even see it coming. As he sat in his cruiser, the men suspected of the Boston Marathon bombings crept up to him, and Officer Collier was shot and killed.

    Police officer spend a lot of time sitting in their cruiser waiting, watching and filling out reports. So what’s to keep an assailant from sneaking up on an officer distracted by other tasks? Now, there’s new technology available that could help protect them from being taken unawares.

  • Ford announces Vignale label luxury brand

    Ford has announced plans to launch a new luxury brand called Vignale.

    More of a sub-brand of the mothership, the name will denote the highest trim level for the company’s vehicles sold in Europe.

    The Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week featuring signature styling cues that include upgraded chrome trim, unique wheels and quilted leather upholstery that calls to mind that found in upscale brands like Bentley.


     

  • Chrysler’s Racing Viper Is Rolling Billboard for ‘Rush’

    Chrysler is using one of its SRT Viper GTS-R racing cars as a rolling billboard to promote “Rush,” the coming motorsport film from director Ron Howard.

    The No. 91 will be competing in the GT class of the American Le Mans Series race in Baltimore this weekend. It will carry prominent graphics of the movie’s title on its roof, hood and front fenders during the ALMS sports-car race. The Viper will also take parade laps ahead of the pace car during other races.