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 Economic and Fiscal Contributions of the “Cash for Clunkers” Program – National and State Effects
The Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (C.A.R.S.) Program, commonly called “Cash for Clunkers” (C4C), was a $3 billion government incentive to boost automotive industry sales that was in place July 24, 2009 through August 24, 2009. The program was widely hailed as a success since 677,081 individuals traded in…
The Economic and Environmental Impacts of a Corporate Fleet Vehicle Purchase Program
The global recession and climate change have placed a premium on policies and practices that can create jobs while also addressing environmental challenges. In the United States, the business community has an opportunity to lead the way by shifting corporate vehicle fleets from reliance on the standard internal combustion engine…
The Major Determinants of U.S. Automotive Demand: Factors Driving the U.S. Automotive Market And Their Implications for Specialty Equipment and Performance Aftermarket Suppliers
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) have engaged in a multi-phased project to create business strategy guideposts for SEMA members.
Powertrain Forecast and Analysis: What is Coming and What Are the Implications for the Specialty Equipment and Performance Aftermarket Industry
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) have engaged in a multi-phased project to create vehicle technology planning and business strategy guideposts for SEMA members. The first Phase I report in the program—The Specialty Equipment Company of the Future: Guideposts for Technology Forecasting and…
CAR Research Memorandum: The Impact on the U.S. Economy of Successful versus Unsuccessful Automaker Bankruptcies
The automotive industry has long been, and continues to be, one of the most important sectors in the U.S. economy. The motor vehicle and parts manufacturing industries employed 597,000 workers directly, as of March 2009, and the Detroit 3 employed 202,8002 hourly and salary workers in the United States, as…
Contribution of Honda to the Economies of Seven States and the United States
The motor vehicle industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States. No other single industry is linked as closely to the U.S. manufacturing sector or directly generates as much retail business and employment as the motor vehicle industry. This study describes the economic contribution of American Honda Motor…
CAR Research Memorandum: The Impact on the U.S. Economy of a Major Contraction of the Detroit Three Automakers
The automotive industry has long been, and continues to be, one of the most important sectors in the U.S. economy. The motor vehicle and parts industries employed 732,800 workers directly as of September, 2008, and the Detroit Three employed 239,341 hourly and salary workers in the United States at the…
Collaboration in the Automotive Supply Chain – Realizing the Full Potential of a Powerful Tool
The automotive industry has undergone a transformational evolution over the last two decades. Compared to just 20 years ago, the industry is now building different, more complex products and using changing corporate structure to deliver more content to consumers while actually decreasing prices. The increases in efficiency necessary to accomplish…
The Specialty Equipment Automotive Company of the Future: Guideposts for Strategic Planning
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) have engaged in a multi-phased project to create business strategy guideposts for SEMA members. The first report in the program—The Specialty Equipment Company of the Future: Guideposts for Technology Forecasting and Strategic Planning—identifies strategic challenges for SEMA…
Team Michigan: Connecting Vehicles and Partners
This paper provides a overview of Michigan’s unique approach to moving ahead on the vision of technical and relationship integration and on building a connected vehicle system that meetsshared public and private objectives