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.
Review of NHTSA Proposal to Mandate V2V Communication for Safety
In December of 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding an addition to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards(FMVSS) that would require new light vehicles to include direct short-range communication (DSRC) technology for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)…
Contribution of Toyota Motor North America to the Economies of Nineteen States and the United States in 2015
This study estimates the employment and economic contribution of Toyota Motor North America’s operations and activities. The analysis includes detailed economic contribution results including employment, pay, and tax contributions to the overall U.S. economy, as well as the economies of 19 individual states.
Material Qualification in the Automotive Industry
This whitepaper explains the material qualification process in the automotive industry and explores opportunities for process improvements.
The Economic Implications of Potential NHTSA and EPA Regulatory Revisions on U.S. Light Truck Sales and Manufacturing
This report estimates the economic and financial contributions of U.S. light truck sales and production, and discusses the regulatory challenges facing the 11 manufacturers who produce light trucks in the United States.
An Assessment of Powertrain Technology Costs Associated with Meeting CAFE and GHG Standards
This report aggregates powertrain technology cost and efficiency data from nine global vehicle manufacturers. The goal was to assess the cost and effectiveness of powertrain technologies that may be used to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel economy standards.
Building Capacity and Capability in the Bio-based Materials Manufacturing Sector
This research, part of the Make it in America Challenge, explores pathways toward building capacity and capability in automotive use of manufactured biomaterials.
The Potential Effects of the 2017-2025 EPA/NHTSA GHG/Fuel Economy Mandates on the U.S. Economy
This study constitutes an economic cost benefit analysis of the national standards for light duty vehicle fuel economy (FE) and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) set by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the years 2017-2025.
Assessing the Fleet-wide Material Technology and Costs to Lightweight Vehicles
This study provides insight to the technology and cost to reduce vehicle weight for the U.S. fleet of light-duty vehicles
The Growing Role of Mexico in the North American Automotive Industry – Trends, Drivers and Forecasts
Mexican auto assembly capacity is projected to more than double between 2010 and 2020. This rapid growth is fuel by the investment infusion of $13.3 billion to move 3.3 million units of vehicle capacity from Japan, Germany, and South Korea to Mexico. This report highlights North American vehicle production trends,…
Mixed Materials Solutions: Alternative Materials for Door Assemblies
Collaboration demonstrates up to 65% weight savings compared to baseline design. The Coalition for Automotive Lightweighting Materials (CALM) reports on a co-development demonstration project focused on mixed-material lightweighting solutions. Collaborative contributions of more than twenty supplier companies offer a dozen integrated solutions deploying a mix of materials and technologies allowing…