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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GM expanding urban gardening program in Detroit
General Motors Co. is expanding a Detroit recycling program to turn vacant lots into urban gardens.
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1,400 New Ford Employees Kick Off U.S. Production of Fusion to Meet Surging Customer Demand
Supported by 1,400 new employees, the new Ford Fusion will roll off the line at Flat Rock Assembly Plant today, marking the first time the popular car has been built in the United States.
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Ford building a best seller in Flat Rock
One of America’s best-selling cars is now being built in America.
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Ford Considering More U.S. Production After Boost for Fusion (2)
Ford Motor Co. (F:US), expanding output of its Fusion sedan to a U.S. plant, said that factory could produce another model as demand expands.
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General Motors promises nearly driverless cars by end of decade with 'Super Cruise' system
Sometime before the end of this decade, General Motors will put a car on the road that can almost drive itself.