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.

 

 

 

  • Ford’s New Sustainable Workforce Initiative Helps Ensure Hourly Employee Health, Efficiency And Productivity

    Ford is taking environmental sustainability a step further through an initiative called Sustainable Workforce meant to ensure the long-term health, efficiency and productivity of the company’s most important asset – its people.

    “Ford could not exist without all of our hard-working employees, so it’s important for us to do everything in our power to provide a safe and sustainable work environment,” said Jim Tetreault, vice president, Ford North America manufacturing. Speaking today at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars, Tetreault added, “Through our Sustainable Workforce initiative, we’re taking a new, holistic approach to fostering growth and well-being amongst our workers, and making sure Ford is a great place to build a career over the long-term.”

  • 2013 Ford Focus Earns Highest Possible Safety Rating From Insurance Institute For Highway Safety

    The 2013 Ford Focus earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Focus is one of six vehicles in the small car segment to achieve IIHS’s highest rating.

    Top Safety Pick+ is a new category in the IIHS ratings. Vehicles must earn a “good” rating for occupant protection in four evaluations: moderate overlap frontal crash, side impact, rollover, and seats/head restraints. The tests are scored “good,” “acceptable,” “marginal” or “poor.” In addition, vehicles must achieve “good” or “acceptable” in a fifth test – small overlap frontal crash. Focus was rated “good” in each of the first four tests and “acceptable” in the small overlap frontal crash.

  • All-new 2014 Fiat 500L Named to KBB.com’s List of "10 Best Back-to-School Cars"

    August 8, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -
    Keeping the GPA up in school is challenging enough and the last concern students want to think about is the MPG efficiency of their ride. To make it easier, the editors of KBB.com have developed a list of the “10 Best Back-to-School Cars” and the all-new Fiat 500L delivers high marks in fuel economy, style, versatility and affordability.

    “With a loft-like interior, Italian style and innovative technology, our all-new Fiat 500L will strongly appeal to the back-to-school crowd,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “Expanding on the charm of the iconic 500, the Fiat 500L adds two more doors and 42 percent more interior space with comfortable accommodations for five passengers, plus numerous personalization options all for under $20,000.”

  • Dodge Dart Achieves New Top Safety Pick+ Rating From IIHS

    August 8, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2013 Dodge Dart adds to its list of awards with a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

    “We are very pleased that the Dart has earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO Dodge Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “In addition to its solid structure – the Dart’s 68-percent high-strength-steel content ratio is one of the highest in the industry – the Dart boasts more than 60 safety and security features. They include 10 standard air bags, which is unsurpassed in the compact car segment.”

  • General Motors teams with Back to the Bricks to bring Pistons Flight Crew, Children's Museum of Flint downtown

    FLINT, MI – Back to the Bricks is taking more steps to become a family event, and in doing so, have partnered with General Motors to bring the Detroit Pistons Flight Crew and mascot Hooper to join the show on Saturday, Aug. 17.

    In addition to the Flight Crew, General Motors and Back is also pairing with the Children’s Museum of Flint to offer a variety of child-focused activities.