Publications
Independent Automotive Research & Industry Insights
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) delivers independent, data-driven research and analysis to inform industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders navigating the evolving automotive landscape. Our research examines the economic, technological, manufacturing, and policy developments shaping the future of North America’s automotive industry.
From automotive trade policy, supply chains, and economic trends to advanced manufacturing, electrification, workforce development, and emerging technologies, CAR’s publications provide credible insights and informed perspectives on the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Explore our library of automotive research reports, white papers, economic analyses, and industry studies to better understand the forces shaping automotive competitiveness, innovation, and the future of mobility. A lot of CAR’s research is publicly available, reflecting our commitment to advancing industry knowledge and informed decision-making.
Explore CAR Research Publications
Browse our latest research or search the collection to find analysis on the automotive industry topics most relevant to your organization.
CAR Research Memorandum: The Effect on the U.S. Economy of the Successful Restructuring of General Motors
CAR has released a new study estimating the effect on the U.S. economy of the successful restructuring of General Motors. This research memorandum estimates the value to the U.S. economy of the federal government’s intervention to prevent the failure of GM and Chrysler at the beginning of 2009. CAR previously…
International Survey of Best Practices in Connected and Automated Vehicle Technologies: 2013 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 and automated vehicle activities underway outside Michigan, especially international examples, for the purpose…
Financing the Infrastructure to Support Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Countries around the world have implemented regulatory requirements to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. These regulations encourage automakers to sell alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), which use fuels such as natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, and biofuels. Automakers are already making investments in developing and manufacturing AFVs….
Economic Contribution of the Ford Motor Company Michigan Assembly Plant to the Michigan Economy
Michigan has a rich legacy of automotive assets that are a bedrock of the state’s economy. This report examines the extensive supply chain that supports one assembly plant – Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP) in Wayne County, Michigan. This plant employs 5,000 people building the latest in fuel efficient vehicles,…
After the Bailout: Future Prospects for the U.S. Auto Industry
CAR’s new industry outlook provides a detailed forecast for the U.S. motor vehicle and parts manufacturing industry, including forecasts on U.S. automotive sales, production and employment. The report discusses the growth prospects of the U.S. industry including the industry’s potential for adding to the growth of the overall U.S. economy….
Economic Evaluation of Commercial Remote Sensors for Bridge Health Monitoring
The Michigan Tech Transportation Institute and Michigan Tech Research Institute, in cooperation with the Center for Automotive Research and the Michigan Department of Transportation, have investigated the use of remote sensing technologies to assess and monitor the condition of bridge infrastructure. This study was funded largely by the USDOT Research…
Connected Vehicle Technology Government Delphi Survey
The Michigan Department of Transportation asked the Center for Automotive Research to survey experts drawn from the public sector (including transportation and ITS contractors that work for public-sector agencies) to forecast the future of connected vehicle technology research and deployment.
Connected Vehicle Technology Industry Delphi Survey
The Michigan Department of Transportation asked the Center for Automotive Research to survey experts from the automotive industry to forecast the future of connected vehicle technology research and deployment. CAR researchers completed this survey effort and analyzed the results with an eye toward ascertaining the strategic directions of the connected…
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…