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 chairman: Auto industry growth to continue
General Motors Co. Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said Thursday that the growth of U.S. auto industry could continue for the next several years as consumers continue to replace their older vehicles.
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GM invests in plants in Mich., Ohio, Ind.
General Motors Co. said Thursday it will invest $331.8 million into four powertrain plants in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana to help it build more fuel-efficient engines and an eight-speed transmission.
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Miami, Golden Coast Lead Growth in Ford's 'Super Segment'
Ford (F) says its "super segment" that includes four different classifications of vehicles ranging from sub-compact vehicles to midsize sedans and crossovers climbed 18% in the first quarter, with surprising growth on the coasts of California and Florida.
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General Motors to invest $332 million in four U.S. factories, including Michigan
General Motors plans to invest $332 million into four factories in three Great Lakes states to build new, more efficient engines and transmissions.
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Chrysler begins shipping 2013 SRT Viper
Almost a year to the day after SRT president and CEO Ralph Gilles first introduced – and kissed the fender of – the 2013 SRT Viper at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the high-performance coupe has begun shipping to dealers.