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: Chevy Volt Owners Surpass 100 Million All-Electric Miles
Chevrolet Volt owners collectively have driven more than 100 million all-electric miles since the vehicle went on sale two years ago, General Motors Co. recently announced.
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Chevrolet Volt Owners Log More Than 100M Electric Miles
Chevrolet Volt owners collectively have logged more than 100 million all-electric miles two years after the plug-in, extended range vehicle went on sale, General Motors Co. said Wednesday.
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No End In Sight For Strong Auto Sales
Automakers reported their strongest monthly sales in nearly five years Monday, suggesting a solid end to 2012 and continued recovery in 2013.
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Nov. Vehicle Sales At Strongest Pace Since January 2008
U.S. consumers bought new cars and trucks at the fastest pace in nearly five years in November as growing confidence in the economy, low interest rates and the need to replace cars damaged by Superstorm Sandy drew customers to showrooms.
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GM, Chrysler Post Best November Sales Since '07; Ford Up 6.5%
Automakers posted strong sales results for November on Monday, with Ford Motor Co. hitting a 6.5 percent increase, while General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC reported their best Novembers in five years.