Center For Automotive ResearchEdit
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is a nonprofit research organization focused on the dynamics of the automotive industry, mobility, and related policy environments. Based in Ann Arbor, in the state of Michigan, CAR has grown into a prominent resource for industry executives, policymakers, and the public by delivering data-driven analysis of how manufacturing, supply chains, and workforce trends shape vehicle production and market outcomes. Its work covers a broad spectrum—from the macroeconomics of automotive manufacturing to the practical implications of new technologies and regulatory regimes.
From a policy and business perspective, CAR emphasizes the importance of a stable, innovative, and competitive marketplace. Its research often highlights how tax policy, regulatory certainty, and investment in research and development affect the ability of carmakers and suppliers to compete globally. Proponents argue that well-justified government policies, when measured and transparent, can accelerate innovation and job creation without sacrificing accountability or consumer welfare. Critics, however, sometimes contend that research funded by industry participants can tilt conclusions toward favorable outcomes for manufacturers. CAR responds by stressing methodological rigor, disclosure of sponsorship, and the value of independent analysis as a benchmark for public policy discussions.
CAR’s scope includes economic forecasting, technology assessment, and workforce analysis, all aimed at illuminating how the automotive sector adapts to rapid changes in technology and global trade. Its work on electric vehicles Electric vehicles, autonomous mobility Autonomous vehicles, and connected car technologies interacts with debates over how best to balance energy policy, environmental goals, and industrial competitiveness. The center also examines the resilience of supply chains, the effects of tariff and trade policies on production costs, and regional economic impacts, with an eye toward policies that support a robust, high-skilled manufacturing base.
History
CAR traces its roots to research programs linked to the broader Michigan automotive ecosystem and the academic tradition of quantitative analysis applied to industry. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it evolved into an independent nonprofit organization focused on applied research for the automotive sector. While headquartered in Ann Arbor, its influence extends to policymakers and industry stakeholders across the United States, reflecting the central role of the auto industry in the national economy. Its governance includes leadership drawn from global automakers, suppliers, and scholars, reflecting a commitment to aligning analytic rigor with real-world challenges facing manufacturers and workers alike.
Focus and activities
- Economic analysis and forecasting
- Studies of production trends, employment effects, and regional impacts of vehicle manufacturing.
- Assessments of capital investment, productivity, and the macroeconomic footprint of the automotive industry.
- Policy and regulatory analysis
- Evaluation of energy, environmental, trade, and safety policies as they affect competitiveness and innovation.
- Dialogue with policymakers about regulatory frameworks that encourage investment while safeguarding consumer welfare.
- Technology and mobility research
- Examination of Electric vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure, and the role of government incentives.
- Analysis of Autonomous vehicle developments, safety considerations, and the implications for urban planning and liability.
- Connectivity, data governance, and cybersecurity considerations in modern vehicles.
- Workforce and education
- Research on skills needs, training pathways, and the competitiveness of the manufacturing workforce.
- Collaboration with industry and educational institutions to address talent shortages and ongoing reskilling.
- Publications and events
- Regular reports, briefings, and data releases that serve as resources for executives, legislators, and researchers.
- Conferences and seminars designed to translate complex analytics into actionable insights for decision-makers.
- Global and regional engagement
- Comparative analyses of automotive production in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Engagement with international partners to understand how global trends affect domestic competitiveness.
The organization’s approach is characterized by practical, data-oriented analysis that seeks to inform policy discussions without prescribing a single political agenda. Supporters argue this makes CAR a valuable crossroads for evidence-based decision-making in a field where technology, trade, and labor policy intersect. Critics might argue that industry funding can color interpretations, but CAR’s emphasis on transparency, methodological clarity, and public-facing data aims to counter that concern and keep the discussion anchored in verifiable trends and outcomes.