Center for Automotive Research

Center for Automotive Research is an influential nonprofit research organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to the study of the automotive industry. Founded in 2003, it conducts in-depth analysis on critical issues facing the sector, including advanced technology, manufacturing, economic contribution, and public policy. The organization is widely recognized for its objective, data-driven research that informs decision-making among industry leaders, government officials, academia, and the media.

History and background

The organization was established in 2003, evolving from the Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation (OSAT) at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. This foundational link to a major research university provided an initial framework of academic rigor and deep industry connection. Its creation responded to a period of significant transformation within the global automotive industry, marked by increasing globalization, technological disruption, and complex policy challenges. Early work focused on the economic impact of automotive manufacturing in the United States and the competitive dynamics between Detroit automakers and international OEMs. Over the years, its research portfolio has expanded in response to emerging trends, such as the rise of electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and the industry's transition toward sustainable mobility.

Research focus and activities

The organization's research is structured around several interdisciplinary programs that address the industry's most pressing issues. Key areas include advanced vehicle propulsion and electrification, automated driving and connectivity, manufacturing, engineering, and lightweight materials. A significant portion of its work analyzes the broader economic contribution of the automotive sector to the U.S. economy, including job creation, trade, and gross domestic product. The group also provides expertise on industrial policy, environmental regulations, safety standards, and consumer adoption trends. Its activities encompass conducting proprietary studies, hosting major conferences like the CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan, and providing expert testimony before bodies such as the United States Congress and the United States Department of Transportation.

Organizational structure and leadership

The organization operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, governed by a Board of Directors composed of senior executives from across the automotive industry, supply chain, and academia. The research staff includes economists, engineers, and policy analysts with extensive experience. As of recent years, the presidency has been held by Carla Bailo, a former senior engineer at Nissan Motor Company and former Assistant Vice President for Mobility Research at The Ohio State University. Leadership also includes vice presidents overseeing specific research divisions, such as the Industry, Labor & Economics group and the Sustainability & Technology group. This structure ensures that research initiatives are aligned with both the strategic needs of industry stakeholders and the pursuit of objective, factual analysis.

Publications and impact

The organization produces a steady stream of influential publications, including detailed white papers, comprehensive annual reports like the *Contributions of the Automotive Industry to the U.S. Economy*, and timely briefing papers on emerging issues. Its research is frequently cited by major media outlets such as *The Wall Street Journal*, *Reuters*, and *Automotive News*. The annual CAR Management Briefing Seminars serve as a premier forum for industry leaders, policymakers from agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and analysts to discuss critical challenges. The group's data and forecasts on vehicle production, employment, and technology adoption are considered authoritative sources for corporate strategy and governmental policy formulation, significantly shaping the discourse on the future of mobility.

Collaborations and partnerships

Collaboration is central to its model, involving extensive partnerships with a wide array of stakeholders. It works closely with OEMs like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis, as well as global suppliers such as Robert Bosch GmbH and Magna International. Partnerships with academic institutions, including the University of Michigan and Clemson University, foster innovation in research methodologies and talent development. The organization also engages with government entities, including the United States Department of Energy and the State of Michigan, on projects related to advanced manufacturing, battery technology, and workforce development. These collaborations ensure its research remains grounded in practical industry challenges while maintaining academic integrity and relevance to the public policy arena.

Category:Automotive research organizations Category:Organizations based in Ann Arbor, Michigan Category:Organizations established in 2003