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.

 

 

 

  • U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Ford Mustang Celebrates Aviation Team's 60th Anniversary, Supports Young Eagles

    DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2013 – The engineering and design teams at Ford Motor Company have produced a unique U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition 2014 Ford Mustang GT. This car will be donated by Ford to be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on Thursday, Aug. 1 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

    All proceeds from the car donation and sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles program, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992, helping inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders, aviators and innovators.

  • Thermal Imaging Technology Used to Hunt Criminals Helps Ford Detect Air Leaks, Design Quieter Vehicles

    DEARBORN, Mich., June 28, 2013 – Ford engineers are pioneering thermal imaging technology – similar to what law enforcement agents use to track down criminals – to find and eliminate air leaks in vehicle cabins. The result is less wind noise and a quieter ride, which is key to customer satisfaction with vehicle quality.

    Thermal imaging is the use of cameras to photograph heat in the environment. Thermal imaging cameras capture the radiation present that appears as an infrared image. In Ford tests, air leaks show up as hot spots when heated air escapes a vehicle.

  • Nice Timing: XTS, Luxury Watches Share Chrome Cues

    DETROIT – The creative use of metal finishes and styling cues in luxury watches helped inspire the chrome accents in the award-winning interior of the 2013 Cadillac XTS luxury sedan.

    XTS designers, who often look to fashion and other industries for trends in consumer preferences, applied two different chrome finishes to the interior. Satin-finished chrome accents adorn larger elements in the car, including along the door sills and the instrument panel. They create a warmer, more inviting interior and contrast with other finishes such as wood and leather.

  • All-New 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor Is World's First EcoBoost-Powered Sport Truck

    DEARBORN, Mich., June 27, 2013 – The 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor is the first-ever EcoBoost®-powered sport truck that addresses the needs of street truck enthusiasts looking for high-performance V8 power with V6 fuel economy.

    The short-wheelbase, regular-cab Tremor goes on sale this fall delivering distinctive looks and performance. The all-new truck couples the style of the FX Appearance Package with an EcoBoost engine and a launch-optimized 4.10 rear axle – the shortest final drive ratio offered in an EcoBoost F-150 – helping provide customers with fast acceleration.

  • Cadillac ELR Tech Targets Engaging Driving Dynamics

    DETROIT – Drivers expect hybrid and electric cars to have advanced battery and drive systems that make smart use of energy. Cadillac’s upcoming electrified luxury coupe, the 2014 ELR, is designed to exceed those expectations by also providing engaging, responsive driving dynamics enabled by advanced suspension and steering systems.

    The technologies include front HiPer Strut suspension, rear compound crank with Watt’s link suspension, a premium ZF electric power steering system and ZF-Sachs continuous damping control.