Which automaker has the largest R&D budget? The answer may surprise you.

Mercedes-Benz in second place. I hate to say it but I'm not surprised.

I never respected Ford, and now my perspective is confirmed. The highest R&D budget in the industry, and that crap on their lots is the best they can come up with??? After all of the disastrous safety recalls Ford has, maybe they're spending all of that cash just to figure out how to build cars that don't kill people.

Well, DaimlerChrysler is in 2nd place. So that includes Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Smart too.

Now that they are getting their act together again I can't wait to see where they stand next year. I miss the old Benzes...

I have to wonder what all ends up being treated as R&D expenses for purposes of tax accounting.

MidEngine, be quiet.

Having a company paying more than the other on R&D doesn't mean its better, I hope you're not thinking that?

That's because Bosch makes many of the systems and components that are crucial to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, aka the European cars, aka the best cars in the world.

"Is that why those cars break down the most?"

I read the other day that Suzuki and Mitsubishi are some of the least-reliable brands on the market. The Japanese are not inherently reliable, either.

So for spends the most but still producing garbage? wow, there is something very wrong in there.

Were are the fruit of Ford's Labor? I see it in MB,BMW Lexus and Infiniti...

Were are the fruits of Ford's Labor? I see it in MB,BMW Lexus and Infiniti...

Some of these comments sound so defensive. Why take it as a blow to a company's manhood? Do folks really think that companies are concerned about topping this list? Come on now.

Would not call it crap on Ford dealership lots. Check to see how many Ford cars have Highest Initial Quality with JD Power. The problem is 'again' perception and management with poor advertising. Also issues with having much better Ford vehicles sold OUTSIDE the USA.

Lastly do you know how many sub-car companies are under Ford? Plenty and needs to be sold soon if $$$ is not made.

Porschinator, given your comments and similar comments above I have to wonder how long before the whole company ends up being sold to Tata Motors. My personal experience with Ford's product flaws has led me to the decision never to buy another Ford again.

well you can see how DiesOtto, Bluetec, S-class tech, and German engineers creates a GOOD mix = DC

If true, this chart only confirms how irrelevant the information is.

First, how can Ford justify its state of chaos having so much R&D available?

Second, how is it possible that Porsche be so successful and not even be mentioned in the ranking?

Attempting to relate R&D to a companie's capability to be successful is, as shown here, meaningless.

It also seems to me that its yet another attempt at trying to rank companies/brands. What a waste of time!!!

Like many people here, I have my preference, and that is Audi all the way. Despite of how many comments get posted pro and against, they will not change my mind. I would have to have a low IQ to fall for childish and biased comments persuading me to like another brand more. GET OVER IT PEOPLE!

"Second, how is it possible that Porsche be so successful and not even be mentioned in the ranking?"

LOL, because they don't need to test them. They know their cars will drive better than everyone else's.

I agree with your Audi preference... :-D