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 Pledges To Cut Energy Used In Automaking 25% By 2016
Ford Motor Co. (F), claiming a one-fifth cut in energy used to make cars since 2006, pledged to reduce consumption in its factories an additional 25 percent by 2016.
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Chrysler aims to crack small-car market by reviving Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart, a reinterpretation of the 1960s' nameplate, needs to hit the bull's-eye if Chrysler is to have any chance of regaining a toehold in the competitive compact car market long dominated by import brands such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
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GM workers rev up engines for charity drive
LORDSTOWN
With engines revving, the 16th Annual UAW-GM Bike Show roared into the welcome center of General Motors East plant Thursday with a parade of 40 motorcycles whose riders brought a gift for Mahoning Valley March of Dimes.
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Ford Show Truck Is Drafted Into Service After Texas Tornadoes
As multiple tornadoes blistered the Dallas area on April 3, a custom-built Ford F-550 Super Duty pickup suddenly went from show truck to fully engaged fire department support vehicle.
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Ford brings contrasts of electric and gas cars into sharper focus
Car shoppers will soon find two Ford Focus sedans sitting side by side when they visit the dealership — one with a gas tank and another with batteries.