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.
Advanced Power Technology Alliance Advanced Internal Combustion Engine Survey (Light Duty Vehicle Technology)
The internal combustion engine (ICE) has been the predominant powerplant in the automobile for nearly a century. This study was prepared for the Advanced Power Technology Alliance (APTA) and sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Dow Foundation.
The Advanced Power Technology Dilemma: from Hydrocarbons to Hydrogen
Imagine that you’re an average consumer with limited knowledge of automotive technology, and you’re concerned about reports of global warming and America’s over dependence on foreign oil. You’ve probably read stories that the car manufacturers could use different technologies to improve fuel economy by producing hybrid-electric vehicles or making fuel…
The Effect of the Withdrawal of Automotive Leasing on the State of New York Economy
The purpose of this report is first to estimate the effect of the withdrawal of automotive leasing on automotive retail sales in New York, and second, to evaluate the effect of the loss of the automotive leasing option on the overall state economy. This report was completed with the cooperation…
Developing a National Strategy for High-Volume Manufacture of P.E.M. and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Workshop
This report presents the results of a workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that took place on December 8, 2003, in Dearborn, Michigan. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together a broad national audience to identify critical manufacturing issues associated with the high…
The Auto Industry Moving South: An Examination of Trends
Since the late 1980s, a number of high-profile automotive assembly facilities—and their associated jobs—have located in the southern portion of the United States—in a region which previously had a small automotive presence. This study was prepard for the Automotive Communities Partnership.
Economic Contribution of the Automotive Industry to the U.S. Economy – An Update
The motor vehicle is the second most important possession of the great majority of Americans after housing. In no other society does the motor vehicle play such a large role in the lives of citizens and the economy in general. This study was prepared by the Center for Automotive Research…
Revenue and Financial Margin Life Cycle Management Project Management Briefing Seminar 2003: Executive Panel Discussion
Managing the revenue and margin lifecycle is a critical strategic focus for automotive suppliers to move beyond cost cutting as the primary manner of improving financial performance. Based on a Tier 1 supplier executive panel at the 2003 Management Briefing Seminar, this report captures best practices for improving financials by…
Smart Programming: Automotive Renewal and the Michigan Permitting Process
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) has, at the request of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), undertaken a study for the Michigan Automotive Partnership (MAP) of the time needed for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to issue a major modification air quality permit and how it may…
The Michigan Automotive Policy Survey
This report contains two sets of overall results. First, a human resources forecast is presented. Most of the results contained in this section either describe Michigan’s automotive labor economy or forecast expected changes in Michigan’s automotive labor market during 1998-1999.
Michigan Automotive Partnership Research Memorandum No. 1 – The Future of Modular Automotive Systems: Where are the Economic Efficiencies in the Modular-Assembly Concept?
The world auto industry has experienced many fundamental changes in its long history. The majority of these changes have involved important shifts in the market for motor vehicles or improvements in product or manufacturing technologies.