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's New Enterprise Data Center Transforms Global IT
General Motors today unveiled a state-of-the-art $130-million enterprise data center that will serve as the computing backbone for the automaker’s vast global operations. The center, benchmarked against the best in the world, is the capstone of GM’s efforts to transform its IT operations to help the company work smarter and faster from the design studio to the factory to the showroom floor.
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Aluminum, Structural Adhesive Help Boost Cadillac Performance and Quietness
Greater use of structural adhesive and aluminum is helping Cadillac reduce overall weight of the ATS and all-new CTS sedans, contributing to better ride and handling and reduced cabin noise in both models.
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Amazon's Music Service Is Coming to Ford Vehicles
For the first time, Amazon's streaming music service, Cloud Player, will be making its way into cars.
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Fiesta achieves goal of attracting first-time Ford buyers
Three years ago, Ford Motor Co. introduced its Fiesta subcompact car to the U.S. market in an attempt to bolster its entry-level offerings and reach a younger consumer base.
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Chrysler to accept more applications for Toledo Assembly plant
Chrysler Group LLC is looking for more people who are interested in working at the Toledo Assembly Complex.