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.
-
Drive On: GM Is Taking Chevrolet Corvette More Upscale
No question about it, the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was the hit of the North American International Auto Show.
-
Next Ford F-150 Could Be A Hybrid
The new Atlas Concept that Ford Motor Co. unveiled at Detroit this past week revealed several interesting technologies that altogether could save fuel (active grille shutters, active wheel shutters, a drop-down air dam, and power running boards) and be useful to serious truck users (dynamic hitch assist, hidden cargo ramps, and a point of view camera).
-
All-Season Athlete: New 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier
Through lifestyle driven models, the new 2013 Chrysler 300 continues to show the numerous personalities that are capable from its elegant and iconic design.
-
A Digital Paradise By The Dashboard Light
The driver of the first Corvette, in 1953, was welcomed by a lovely fan of numbers — a sweeping, eye-catching speedometer denominated in 10-mile-per-hour intervals up to 160.
-
Detroit Big Three Dominate Readers' Choice Awards
Detroit's Big Three automakers dominated the 2013 Detroit News Readers' Choice Awards at the North American International Auto Show.