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.
Impact of Overseas Tooling Sourcing by Automakers on U.S. Based Tool & Die Firms
U.S. tool & die manufacturers have provided U.S. automakers a local source for new model tooling for more than a century but, the industry is at a crossroads. U.S.-based shops have experienced a significant decline in new tools sourced from automakers over the past two decades. While cost models continue…
Impact of Automated, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) Vehicles on Design, Materials, Manufacturing, and Business Models
The automotive industry is going through an unprecedented change with advancements in innovative technologies and changing consumer preferences. In the future, it is likely that city transportation will be dominated by automated, connected, electric, and shared (ACES) vehicles. The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) took an initiative to research the…
Implementation Recommendations for Management Procedures for Data Collected via CAV
The report first reviews six MDOT data systems: Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS), Transportation Asset Management System (TAMS), Data Use Analysis and Processing (DUAP), Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS), and Road Weather Information System (RWIS). While MDOT had been proactive in ITS and…
Trade Briefing: Consumer Impact of Potential U.S. Section 232 Tariffs & Quotas on Imported Automobiles & Automotive Parts
The U.S. Department of Commerce is currently investigating whether U.S. automobiles and automotive parts constitute a national security threat under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended. The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) estimates that consumers will see the price of all new vehicles rise by…
Opportunities to Encourage On-road Connected and Automated Vehicle Testing – Recommendations for the Saginaw Region
Connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology has the potential to revolutionize transportation and mobility. For now, the most promising technologies are still being researched, developed, tested, and evaluated. This work is taking place across multiple industries, as well as in academia and the public sector. Before these technologies are widely…
NAFTA Briefing: Review of current NAFTA proposals and potential impacts on the North American automotive industry
The U.S. automotive industry is heavily dependent on trade within the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) region. Current proposals to change how NAFTA works in the automotive and parts industries have the potential to alter these U.S. industries dramatically. The renegotiation of NAFTA is ongoing, and proposals are changing…
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…