Publications
The Center for Automotive Research is involved in the research of significant issues that relate to the future direction of the global automotive industry. As a nonprofit research organization, and in cooperation with study funders, most CAR research is released publicly through this website.
Impact of Automated, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) Vehicles on Design, Materials, Manufacturing, and Business Models
The automotive industry is going through an unprecedented change with advancements in innovative technologies and changing consumer preferences. In the future, it is likely that city transportation will be dominated by automated, connected, electric, and shared (ACES) vehicles. The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) took an initiative to research the…
The Great Divide: What Automotive Consumers are Buying vs. Auto & Supplier Investments in Future Technologies, Products & Business Models
The U.S. automotive industry is in the midst of a critical period. U.S. light vehicle sales are plateauing at a very high level and include a rich mix of pickup trucks, SUVs, and CUVs that are producing record profits. Despite all the new truck, SUV, and CUV launches at last…
EPA Mass Reduction Analysis – Observations and Recommendations
In this report, CAR researchers assess the technical analysis for vehicle mass reduction performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the draft Technical Assessment Report (TAR). CAR’s analysis finds that the EPA’s approach is substantially incorrect and warrants significant revision. CAR’s report provides observations and recommendations designed to improve…
Technology Roadmaps: Intelligent Mobility Technology; Materials and Manufacturing Processes; and Light Duty Vehicle Propulsion
Major technological advances to both products and manufacturing processes are accelerating innovation throughout the automotive industry. To capture the scope of these technologies, CAR has developed a technology roadmap for the automotive sector to provide a broad understanding of technology trends throughout the industry from current year to beyond 2030….
Mixed Material Joining – Advancements and Challenges
The global emphasis on reducing carbon emission is pushing automakers to improve the fuel economy of their vehicle fleet. Vehicle performance (acceleration, road noise, vibrations, steering response, et cetera) and comfort features which also need to be improved every model year to meet customer expectations. Vehicle weight reduction, also called…
Material Qualification in the Automotive Industry
This whitepaper explains the material qualification process in the automotive industry and explores opportunities for process improvements.
The Economic Implications of Potential NHTSA and EPA Regulatory Revisions on U.S. Light Truck Sales and Manufacturing
This report estimates the economic and financial contributions of U.S. light truck sales and production, and discusses the regulatory challenges facing the 11 manufacturers who produce light trucks in the United States.
Assessing the Fleet-wide Material Technology and Costs to Lightweight Vehicles
This study provides insight to the technology and cost to reduce vehicle weight for the U.S. fleet of light-duty vehicles
The Potential Effects of the 2017-2025 EPA/NHTSA GHG/Fuel Economy Mandates on the U.S. Economy
This study constitutes an economic cost benefit analysis of the national standards for light duty vehicle fuel economy (FE) and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) set by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the years 2017-2025.
An Assessment of Powertrain Technology Costs Associated with Meeting CAFE and GHG Standards
This report aggregates powertrain technology cost and efficiency data from nine global vehicle manufacturers. The goal was to assess the cost and effectiveness of powertrain technologies that may be used to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel economy standards.