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.
Automotive Product Design & Development Delphi
This Delphi report describes the North American auto industry’s perspective on the current and future state of various issues surrounding the product design process and its impact on product design success. This study sponsored by Parametric Technologies Corporation
The Meaning of the 2003 UAW-Automotive Pattern Agreement
This report first reviews the general economic environment that led into the 2003 negotiations. A Research Report for the Auto Industry of the Future Program. Sponsored by Ernst & Young Global Automotive Center
Contribution of the U.S. Motor Vehicle to the Economies of the United States, California, New York, and New Jersey in 2003
The motor vehicle industry continues to be one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy. It is sufficiently prominent to influence the movements of Gross Domestic Product, and it employs hundreds of thousands of workers in well-paying jobs across the country. Prepared by: Institute of Labor and Industrial…
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…