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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General Motors unveils its new electric motor in White Marsh
General Motors officially launched its new electric motor in White Marsh Tuesday, a milestone in U.S. manufacturing — and a key part of the company's bet that the electric-vehicle market is poised to grow.
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GM building electric motors for new Spark EV in U.S.
General Motors Co. said Tuesday it has launched production of electric motors for its new Chevrolet Spark EV, which will go on sale in June.
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Fiat 500e: Chrysler prices first all-electric car at $32,500
...The vehicle will launch this summer in California. Eligible California residents may be able to purchase the 500e for as low as $20,500, after federal credits, state incentives and FIAT rebates are included. That’s about $200 less than the current starting price of a comparably-equipped Fiat 500 Lounge with a gas engine.
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GM, Ford to jointly develop 10-speed transmissions
The latest auto race isn't on a track. It's under the car, unseen, in the transmission.
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GM and Ford to Jointly Develop Advanced Automatic Transmissions
Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. have signed an agreement under which both companies will jointly develop an all-new generation of advanced technology 9- and 10-speed automatic transmissions for cars, crossovers, SUVs and trucks.