Center for Automotive Research - CAR

Center for Automotive Research - CAR We are a non-profit research org that informs and advises through independent research and education.

During his keynote briefing at MBS 2026, Peter Simhauser, Chief Counsel at NHTSA, provided insight into the agency's cur...
06/24/2026

During his keynote briefing at MBS 2026, Peter Simhauser, Chief Counsel at NHTSA, provided insight into the agency's current priorities.

The discussion covered a less aggressive fuel economy approach, technology-neutral policies across powertrain pathways, efforts to accelerate autonomous vehicle development, modernization of federal safety standards, and the importance of driver behavior enforcement in improving roadway safety.

As the industry continues to innovate, clear and predictable policy remains critical to maintaining North American competitiveness.

Last week at MBS 2026, Elizabeth Krear, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research, explored the rise of Ch...
06/23/2026

Last week at MBS 2026, Elizabeth Krear, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research, explored the rise of China's automotive ecosystem through six interconnected forces: setup, supply chain, saturation, subsidies, speed, and sales.

In a fireside conversation with Alex George, the discussion highlighted China's rapid pace of innovation, consumer acceptance of frequent over-the-air software updates, and the role of decision-making speed as a competitive advantage.

The takeaway: understanding China's automotive strategy is essential for anyone looking to compete in the global mobility landscape.

Smart manufacturing is no longer a future concept. It's becoming a competitive necessity.During the CAR Research Briefin...
06/22/2026

Smart manufacturing is no longer a future concept. It's becoming a competitive necessity.

During the CAR Research Briefing on Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact at MBS 2026, Edgar Faler of CAR and Brian Holte of Rockwell Automation explored findings from CAR's latest research publication on how manufacturers are increasingly adopting AI, machine learning, and automation to improve flexibility, address workforce constraints, manage mixed powertrain production, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

One key takeaway: automation is not replacing legacy systems, it's augmenting them. As adoption accelerates, an emerging performance divide is forming between companies that are leveraging AI/ML technologies and those that are not.

The question is no longer whether to adopt smart manufacturing, but how quickly organizations can put it to work.

Read the full CAR research publication: https://www.cargroup.org/publication/smart-manufacturing-in-auto/

That's a wrap on MBS 2026.Over the past two days, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, suppliers, and innovators...
06/17/2026

That's a wrap on MBS 2026.

Over the past two days, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, suppliers, and innovators came together to tackle the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the automotive and mobility industries. From North American competitiveness and automotive policy to software-defined vehicles, smart manufacturing, AI, workforce development, and the rise of China, the conversations were timely, candid, and forward-looking.

Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees for making MBS 2026 a success. The insights shared, connections made, and ideas exchanged will continue to shape the future of mobility long after this week's event.

We look forward to continuing the conversation.

What was your favorite session or key takeaway from MBS 2026? Let us know in the comments.

Vehicle affordability is about much more than the sticker price.During the CAR Research Brief, The Affordability Stack: ...
06/17/2026

Vehicle affordability is about much more than the sticker price.

During the CAR Research Brief, The Affordability Stack: Beyond the Sticker Price, Tyler Harp explored how factors such as financing costs, insurance expenses, repair complexity, and consumer purchasing power are reshaping vehicle affordability in North America.

One key finding: while new vehicle transaction prices have risen significantly over the past two decades, affordability looks different when measured against consumer spending and inflation. At the same time, vehicle purchases are becoming increasingly concentrated among higher-income households, highlighting a growing affordability challenge across the market.

Understanding affordability requires looking beyond the price tag and examining the full cost of vehicle ownership.

"Software is becoming the center of the vehicle, the brain of the vehicle."During today's fireside chat, Duncan Aldred, ...
06/16/2026

"Software is becoming the center of the vehicle, the brain of the vehicle."

During today's fireside chat, Duncan Aldred, North America President at General Motors, joined John Bozzella to discuss the realities of leading through a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

Key themes included the growing role of software in vehicle development, the importance of North America's engineering talent, the need for consistent policy and a level global playing field, and how changing consumer preferences continue to reshape the market.

As Duncan noted, "there is no such thing as a normal year anymore."

We kicked off the Policy Summit with an absolute powerhouse of an opening session! 🚗💨John Bozzella (President & CEO, A...
06/15/2026

We kicked off the Policy Summit with an absolute powerhouse of an opening session! 🚗💨

John Bozzella (President & CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell took the stage for a timely and critical discussion: "U.S. Industrial Strategy: Navigating Trade, Legislative Priorities, and Global Competitiveness."
As international trade dynamics continue to shift, defining a clear U.S. industrial strategy remains paramount to sustaining domestic automotive manufacturing leadership. John and Congresswoman Dingell dived deep into the crucial intersection of public policy and market realities.

Did you catch the session? What was your biggest takeaway from John and Representative Dingell? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments! 👇

Download the official CAR MBS 2026 app today to customize your schedule, browse sessions, get real-time notifications, a...
06/12/2026

Download the official CAR MBS 2026 app today to customize your schedule, browse sessions, get real-time notifications, and connect with other attendees…all from your fingertips.

How to get started:
Mobile: Search "CAR MBS 2026" in the App Store or Google Play.
Web: Access the platform directly from your browser at https://app.resultsathand.com/mbs2026
Log In: Use the email address you registered with, then create a secure passcode.

📥 Get ready for the event and download the app now!

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO SAVE 🚨Only 3 days remain until MBS 2026, and we're giving you one final opportunity to save 25% on regi...
06/12/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO SAVE 🚨
Only 3 days remain until MBS 2026, and we're giving you one final opportunity to save 25% on registration.

Join the industry's leading executives, innovators, policymakers, and technology experts as they tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the future of mobility.

Use code LASTCALL to receive 25% off your registration.
⏰ Offer ends soon. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversations driving the future of the automotive and mobility industry.
Register now and save: https://www.cargroup.org/mbs/registration/

Experience Technology in Motion. 🚘⚡ Join KPIT and N-Dream at the American Center for Mobility for an exclusive Demo Day ...
06/11/2026

Experience Technology in Motion. 🚘⚡

Join KPIT and N-Dream at the American Center for Mobility for an exclusive Demo Day during MBS 2026!

This is just one of many hands-on demonstrations taking place during Demo day. Get out of the conference room and onto the track to see how we are transforming vehicle interiors into immersive, interactive spaces, and catch a live look at the tech top global OEMs are already scaling.

📅 Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
📍 Location: American Center for Mobility | Ypsilanti, MI

Dont miss out: https://www.cargroup.org/mbs/registration/

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