Innovation is essential to the ability of U.S. automakers and their suppliers to build and sell their products in a highly competitive and global industry, especially at a time of heightened technological uncertainty. Innovation is also critical to the long-term health of the auto sector and the many Great Lakes communities it supports. Given the limitations of industry-supported research and development, federal policies and investments are needed to help inspire creative advancements that will ensure American cars and trucks are cleaner, more fuel efficient, and globally competitive in the decades to come.