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.
-
Lights That Bring Out a Car's True Colors
Dodge drivers are seeing red. Buick owners are being bathed in "ice blue." Ford buyers can push a button and pick a color to suit their mood.
-
Ford Results Shows Power of North America
Ford Motor Co. overcame tough times in Europe to post a $1.6 billion third-quarter profit that showed the widening effect of the auto maker's focus on improving profit across its cars and trucks.
-
Subcompact Sonic Dusk takes cue from larger cars
General Motors Co. said Thursday it is adding a Chevrolet Sonic Dusk production vehicle to its lineup in 2014, giving buyers a choice for a more sophisticated vehicle in a small size.
-
Corvette Gets Redesigned Engine, New Emblem
General Motors revealed Wednesday the redesigned 6.2-liter V8 engine that will power the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette.
-
GM researchers have way to use magnesium in place of steel, aluminum
General Motors researchers who tinkered with magnesium in the laboratory have developed a proprietary way to use the lightweight material as an alternative to steel and aluminum, the company said Tuesday.