Center for Automotive Research - CAR

09/02/2026

Join us as we continue the conversation from MBS on the future of sourcing and procurement in uncertain times.

In today’s volatile market, business as usual is no longer enough. Leading organizations are rethinking how sourcing connects with engineering, financial planning, and AI to better navigate commodity price volatility and ongoing uncertainty.

Join this industry panel as we build on the conversation from MBS and explore proven best practices and emerging research to help organizations develop smarter, more resilient sourcing strategies.

📅 September 22, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM ET

🔗 Register now and join the conversation: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RSi2s1ROQ86A0a4su_467g

08/26/2026

What does growing U.S. vehicle production mean for the automotive workforce?

In a recent Automotive News article, Tyler Harp, Industry Economist at CAR, shared his perspective on the growing divide between vehicle assembly employment and supplier jobs.

While vehicle assembly jobs have increased, auto parts supplier employment has continued to decline. Tyler notes that even as manufacturers expand U.S. production, shifting the supply chain and parts production to the U.S. can take significantly longer.

“Even if [manufacturers] add a third shift or increase vehicle output at a certain plant, it might take longer for them to shift the supply chain of that vehicle into the United States.”

As production trends continue to evolve, the long-term impact on the automotive workforce and supply base remains an important question for the industry.

Read the full Automotive News article: https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/an-auto-industry-workforce-decline-0818/

08/25/2026

Join us as we continue the discussion from MBS on the future of Sourcing and Procurement in Uncertain Times.

In today’s volatile market, business as usual is no longer enough. Leading organizations are rethinking how sourcing connects with engineering, financial planning, and AI to better navigate commodity price volatility and ongoing uncertainty.

Join this industry panel as we continue the conversation from MBS and explore proven best practices and cutting-edge research to help organizations build smarter, more resilient sourcing strategies.

📅 September 22, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM ET

Register now and join the conversation: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RSi2s1ROQ86A0a4su_467g

08/24/2026

China’s automotive emergence is not driven by one advantage. It is the result of a coordinated system built over decades, combining industrial strategy, supply chain development, speed, scale, government support, and expanding global sales.

CAR’s new white paper, China’s Automotive Surge: The Six “S” Framework Underpinning China’s Global Competitiveness, examines the six reinforcing factors behind China’s rise.

📄 Read the full white paper here:https://www.cargroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CAR_China_Whitepaper_MBS_2026.pdf

08/13/2026

CAR research is helping inform the national conversation on the future of the North American automotive industry.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s 2026 Report to Congress on the USMCA Automotive Provisions cites the Center for Automotive Research’s analysis that automakers and suppliers have announced more than $346 billion in U.S. investments since the conclusion of USMCA negotiations in 2018.

These investments reflect efforts to localize production and strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. and North American automotive industry.

We’re proud to see CAR research recognized in the report and contributing to the understanding of how trade policy is shaping automotive investment, employment, and competitiveness.

📄 Read the full report:https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/agreements/FTA/USMCA/2026%20USMCA%20Autos%20Report%20to%20Congress_070126.pdf

08/12/2026

📣 Check out our member's upcoming event!

Join our member, Oakland County Department of Economic Development, along with Clean Fuels Michigan and NextEnergy, for the Hydrogen Ride & Drive on Wednesday, August 26.

Explore the latest innovations in hydrogen mobility, hear from industry experts, and experience hydrogen-powered vehicles firsthand through on-site ride and drive opportunities.

📍 Oakland County Farmers Market
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This free event is a great opportunity for fleet operators, community leaders, economic developers, and anyone interested in the future of clean transportation.

We encourage you to check it out!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hydrogen-ride-drive-tickets-1990511468385?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

08/10/2026

Looking back on MBS 2026. 🎬

From hands-on innovation and Demo Day experiences to thought-provoking keynotes, research briefings, and conversations with leaders across the automotive industry, MBS 2026 brought together the people and ideas shaping what comes next.

Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, partners, members, and attendees for making this year's MBS a memorable one.

A few months later, we're still reflecting on the conversations, connections, and ideas that made MBS 2026 one to remember.

08/06/2026

CAR President & CEO Elizabeth Krear shares her perspective in this CNBC feature exploring the rapid growth of the U.S. hybrid vehicle market and the automakers leading the way.

Read the story to learn more about the market trends shaping the future of the automotive industry: ⬇️
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/23/hybrid-vehicles-toyota-honda-hyundai.html

Hybrid sales are surging in the U.S., and Japanese and Korean manufacturers making them are reaping the benefits.

08/05/2026

Demo Day was where innovation met the road.

Attendees got behind the wheel, explored emerging technologies, and experienced firsthand the ideas shaping the future of the automotive industry.

Here's a look back at one of the most exciting days of MBS 2026.

08/04/2026

China’s automotive advantage is not just about moving faster. It is built on a system designed for speed: streamlined decisions, vertical integration, common components, rapid iteration, and continuous software development.

At CAR MBS 2026, automotive leaders from the U.S. and Canada examined what “China Speed” means for North American competitiveness.

The takeaway: North America should not try to copy China’s model. It should build on its own strengths by reducing complexity, accelerating collaboration, expanding pre-competitive R&D, and investing in engineering, automation, AI, and software.

Read CAR’s new executive summary, China Speed: Mapping the Product Development Race and North America’s Response:https://www.cargroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CAR-China-Speed-Roundtable-White-Paper.pdf