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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Ford Motor Company launches competition for fuel-efficiency app
Ford marketing honcho Jim Farley recently gave the keynote address at the 2013 New York AutoShow. While speaking about changes in the auto industry caused by shifts in demographics (e.g. Millennials) and mindsets (e.g. connectivity), he also announced a new app contest.
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SalesAssistant App Adds Mobility, Speed to GMC Sales
GMC’s ongoing push to create a modern and customer-focused dealer network includes updated facilities and new business approaches like Pro Grade Protection, which offers two years of included maintenance for Sierra full-size pickup owners. Now, GMC is adding mobility with a new SalesAssistant tablet app.
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Ford Fusion may get 1.5-liter engine option
Ford Motor Co. may be eyeing a smaller-displacement engine for its hot-selling Fusion midsize sedan.