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.

 

 

 

  • GM Lures New-Car Buyers With Free Maintenance

    A perk often reserved for buyers of expensive luxury cars, General Motors recently announced it would be including free maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) with all of its 2014 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models. Cadillac owners already receive complimentary maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles.

  • 2014 Buick Lineup Offers Active Safety Suite

    DETROIT – Every 2014 Buick model – Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave – will be offered with a suite of available active safety systems that watch the front, side and rear of the vehicle to help prevent crashes.

    Buick will be the only brand in the industry to offer Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, and a Rear Vision Camera on every vehicle.

  • Ford breathes life into dormant Mexicantown center

    Today, more than five years after construction of the Mexicantown Mercado in southwest Detroit, the building at 2826 Bagley is finally springing back to life as the Ford Resource and Engagement Center.

    Thanks to a $10-million commitment by the Ford Motor Company Fund, the center will provide an array of programs and services ranging from job training and language classes to dance lessons and a Gleaners food bank hub. Mayor Dave Bing, Ford Fund President Jim Vella and partners from nonprofit agencies will be on hand for a 4 p.m. event to mark the opening today.