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.
The Great Divide: What Automotive Consumers are Buying vs. Auto & Supplier Investments in Future Technologies, Products & Business Models
The U.S. automotive industry is in the midst of a critical period. U.S. light vehicle sales are plateauing at a very high level and include a rich mix of pickup trucks, SUVs, and CUVs that are producing record profits. Despite all the new truck, SUV, and CUV launches at last…
Future Cities: Navigating the New Era of Mobility
This report was commissioned by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Automotive Office to assess the potential impacts of CAVs and innovative mobility services on local communities in the state of Michigan. Bringing its communities up-to-date on the impacts of CAVs and innovative mobility services is important to ensure Michigan…
EPA Mass Reduction Analysis – Observations and Recommendations
In this report, CAR researchers assess the technical analysis for vehicle mass reduction performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the draft Technical Assessment Report (TAR). CAR’s analysis finds that the EPA’s approach is substantially incorrect and warrants significant revision. CAR’s report provides observations and recommendations designed to improve…
Strategic Growth Plan for Connected and Automated Vehicle Assets in Southeast Michigan
Michigan is known worldwide for leading-edge research and manufacturing for the automotive and defense industries. Southeast Michigan (greater Detroit), in particular, is an established hub of industrial innovation, including in the high-tech, communication technology arena. To better understand opportunities to enhance the region’s connected and automated vehicle (CAV) environment and…
Technology Roadmaps: Intelligent Mobility Technology; Materials and Manufacturing Processes; and Light Duty Vehicle Propulsion
Major technological advances to both products and manufacturing processes are accelerating innovation throughout the automotive industry. To capture the scope of these technologies, CAR has developed a technology roadmap for the automotive sector to provide a broad understanding of technology trends throughout the industry from current year to beyond 2030….
Mixed Material Joining – Advancements and Challenges
The global emphasis on reducing carbon emission is pushing automakers to improve the fuel economy of their vehicle fleet. Vehicle performance (acceleration, road noise, vibrations, steering response, et cetera) and comfort features which also need to be improved every model year to meet customer expectations. Vehicle weight reduction, also called…
New Materials/New Skills for Automotive Skilled Trades
CAR has completed research on the impact of new materials on skilled trades training and apprenticeship needs. Designing, analyzing, and building automotive tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures to form the wide array of new and advanced materials being deployed in current and future vehicles are changing skill needs not…
Planning for Connected and Automated Vehicles
Connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies have the potential to improve safety, alter transport costs, impact traffic patterns and congestion and fundamentally change mobility around the world. Though full deployment of CAVs is years away at best, government officials, planners, and economic developers are beginning to consider the potential influences…
NAFTA Briefing: Trade benefits to the automotive industry and potential consequences of withdrawal from the agreement
This briefing outlines the benefits of NAFTA to the automotive industry, consumers, and the economy as a whole, as well as the potential consequences of unilateral withdraw by the U.S.
International Scan of Connected and Automated Vehicle Technology Deployment Efforts
Connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology development is now a global phenomenon. In just the last few years, research and pilot projects have proliferated rapidly across the world. Still, while research and development projects have become practically countless, operational deployment of CAV technology remains rare. Only a fraction of recently…