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.
Use of ITS Technology for Management of Freight and Transit Assets
Freight movement and public transit are essential components of Michigan’s transportation system. The development, adaptation, and deployment of intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies for commercial vehicle platforms and public transit systems will have significant impacts and special implications to the statewide transportation planning process, economic well-being, and quality of life….
International Survey of Best Practices in Connected Vehicle Technologies: 2012 Update
Michigan is a major U.S. center of connected vehicle technology development and testing, but other states within the country are involved in significant connected vehicle activities as are other countries throughout the world. This report investigates connected vehicle and connected vehicle-related activities underway outside Michigan, especially international examples of connected…
Self-driving cars: The next revolution
This whitepaper, written by both CAR and KPMG, reflects the results of interviews with more than 25 thought leaders, automotive and high-tech executives, and government officials, as well as analysis of industry trends, and provides insight on the convergence of sensor-based and communication-based vehicle technologies and its implications. The automobile…
The Effects a U.S. Free Trade Agreement with Japan would have on the U.S. Automotive Industry
Automotive trade has always been an important aspect of the United States and Japanese trading relationship. The value of Japanese manufactured vehicle exports and related parts to the United States peaked most recently at nearly $60 billion in 2006. Due to the unbalanced nature of automotive trade between the two…
Public Perceptions of Connected Vehicle Technology
Federal and state agencies, in conjunction with private industry, are working to develop and implement connected vehicle technologies. As envisioned, these technologies will enable vehicles to communicate with each other and the roadway for the purpose of achieving safety, mobility, and environmental improvements within the vehicle-based transportation system. While connected…
Analysis of the Economic Contribution of Constructing the New International Trade Crossing: A New Bridge Linking Detroit and Windsor
Ontario. In this study, CAR estimates the employment and economic contributions that will accrue to the region as a result of adding a second bridge. The construction of this bridge will provide an estimated 12,000 jobs per year for each of the four years of the construction phase, and once…
Ethics of Government Use of Data Collected Via Intelligent Transportation Systems
The convergence of sensing, wireless telecommunications, and multi-media platforms has provided new opportunities for the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). While ITS applications can enhance mobility, increase safety, and improve the environmental performance of the transportation system, they also raise legal and ethical questions about privacy, anonymity, and other…
Repurposing Former Automotive Manufacturing Sites in the Midwest
The Midwest, as the traditional core of the U.S. automotive industry, has seen many auto plant closures over the years. The number of shuttered facilities in this region, specifically Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, vastly outpaces those in other parts of the country. Simultaneously, the economy has been disproportionately impacted by…
The Bio-Based Materials Automotive Value Chain
The study examines the bio-based automotive parts and components market and identifies several successful approaches to increase commercialization of bio-based materials in automotive components. This report includes an examination of the status of current bio-based materials technology and use within the automotive industry, emerging industry trends toward deployment of bio-based…
Assessment of Tax Revenue Generated by the Automotive Sector
This study describes the financial contribution of the motor vehicle industry in supporting federal and state governments through tax revenues, and also examines multiple instruments that generate tax revenues at various points in the automotive product lifecycle. Examples are the sales taxes collected when vehicles are purchased; income taxes paid…
