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.
Vehicle Technology Trends in Electronics for the North American Market; Opportunities for the Taiwanese Automotive Industry
The purpose of this study is to conduct a preliminary investigation into the future business potential for automotive electronics, particularly for general Taiwanese companies. Although many Taiwanese companies are targeting China as a growth opportunity, our preliminary investigation was based on North America with the understanding that a more targeted…
Copper in End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling
The following report describes the current state of the art in vehicle recycling by focusing on operations that affect the recycling of copper. For this purpose, selected dismantlers and shredding companies were visited and representatives from industry organizations were interviewed. Selected OEMs have also been interviewed to better understand the…
Key Factors that Enable Product Development: An Investigation of Creating “Cool” Products
The Center for Automotive Research has undertaken the CAR-Microsoft Program on Automotive Industry Practices. The program is a four-year research effort consisting of indepth, focused interviews with industry participants on subjects of importance to all industry stakeholders. The intent of this paper is to investigate how different companies have adapted…
The World Class Tool Shops and Its Prospects in Michigan
Automotive companies are trying to buy their tools, dies, and molds (TDM) at the lowest possible price. With the recent emergence of tooling capacity in “low-cost countries” (LCCs), that low price is getting even lower. Domestic TDM sources are being pressed to meet the “world price” for tools or risk…
Low-Volume Vehicle Production
Many auto companies are targeting low-volume vehicles as a means to increase market share and, in some cases, to establish a “halo effect” with niche products. Engineering and production resource availability, and manufacturing cost are two critical constraints present in low-volume products. Sponsored by: American Plastics Council; ASC, Inc.; Dana…
Distributed Adaptive Optimization in Virtual Body Assembly
The Digital Body Development System (DBDS) is 4 year project to shorten the time to launch vehicles by improving the launch problem solving process.
Virtual Functional Build for Body Assembly
Functional build (FB) is a critical process in launching a vehicle, whereby individual prototype parts are stamped and then sent to a central location to be assembled into a prototype vehicle body. Proceeding of IMECE2005, 2005 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition.
Changing Business Dynamics in the Automotive Supplier Sector: The Strategic Use of Mergers & Acquisitions, Outsourcing, Supply Chain Consolidation, and IT by Automotive Suppliers
Automotive suppliers find themselves facing a business environment that continues to grow more competitive. Rising materials prices coupled with demands for price cuts, as well as the growing cost of health care and increased competition have created a business environment in which suppliers struggle to succeed. Prepared for gedas, USA,…
The Warranty Process Flow Within the Automotive Industry: An Investigation of Automotive Warranty Processes and Issues
This report will focus on how the industry is addressing warranty issues that appear to be systemic in nature, and would thus present significant potential cost exposure. Prepared for the Program on Automotive Practices Sponsored by Microsoft Corporation.
Contribution of Toyota to the Economies of Fourteen States and the United States in 2003
The motor vehicle industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States. No other single industry is linked so much to the U.S. manufacturing sector or directly generates so much retail business and employment. This study describes the economic contribution of an important company included in the U.S. motor…
