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.
Plant Risk Assessment
In 2025, CAR conducted a comprehensive plant risk analysis covering vehicle assembly plants, propulsion facilities (engines and transmissions), and light-vehicle battery cell plants (existing and planned). Building on more than a decade of risk-scoring and benchmarking automaker plants across North America, the analysis provided actionable, data-driven insights to support state…
Michigan Semiconductor Supply Chain Assessment
As domestic semiconductor fabrication capacity expands, it is essential to identify oportunities for the broader industrial base to its diversify products and services to support sustained industry growth. In 2025, CAR conducted an assessment of Michigan’s semiconductor supply chain, highlighting strategic opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in…
Connected Vehicle Ecosystem Assessment
Connected vehicle or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology is designed to enable vehicles to communicate with one another, along with surrounding infrastructure, pedestrians, and other road users. V2X technology is critical for reducing crashes, improving safety, and traffic management, and coincides with advancements in automated driving systems. CAR completed a study in…
Automotive Suppliers and the Revenue Acquisition Process – Then and Now: 2025 Update
Automotive Suppliers and the Revenue Acquisition Process – Then and Now: 2025 Update The comparison shows that the RA process remains at the core of supplier performance but has not become more efficient. Suppliers are now processing more RFQs each year — typically over 800 according to 2025 study respondents,…
Tariff Impact Analysis on Automakers in the United States
Tariff Impact Analysis on Automakers in the United States The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) released a new analysis of the impact of potential tariffs on imported auto parts and light vehicles. The analysis addresses the critical question: What impact will a uniform 25% tariff on all trading partners have…
Northwest Ohio Automotive Manufacturing Sector Study – Executive Summary
Northwest Ohio Automotive Manufacturing Sector Study – Executive Summary The Center for Automotive Research (CAR), in collaboration with the Center to Advance Manufacturing (CTAM), undertook an initiative to identify automotive manufacturing organizations in Northwest Ohio and analyze their key business needs. This work aims to support strategic efforts to support…
Economic Contribution of the U.S. Automotive Industry
Economic Contribution of the U.S. Automotive Industry An Economic Contribution Analysis of Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing in the United States Although it is well established that the automotive industry contributes significantly to the US economy and employs millions of people, the industry’s expanding…
Affordability: The Twenty-Five Thousand Dollar Electric Vehicle
Affordability: The Twenty-Five Thousand Dollar Electric Vehicle White Paper A topic on the minds of consumers and automotive industry members alike relates to vehicle affordability. CAR explores this issue in detail in a series of round table discussions with experts and industry stakeholders with a focus on supply, demand, and…
Assessment of Cost Associated with the Implementation of the Federal Trade Commission Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (RIN 2022-14214), CFR Part 463 – Addendum
In May of 2023, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) produced an assessment of costs associated with the implementation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notice of proposed rulemaking Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule (16 C.F.R. § 463) (“Proposed Rule”), called the Assessment of Costs Associated with the Implementation…
The Ramifications of the UAW’s Victory at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee Assembly Plant
The Ramifications of the UAW’s Victory at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee Assembly Plant White Paper This white paper examines the implications of the UAW’s historic unionization vote at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How the UAW victory could reshape the landscape of auto manufacturing. Key challenges…