Although not often at the forefront of auto industry conversation, western NY has for many years had a significant auto industry which Ford and GM have recently reasserted their commitment to with over
$1 billion in investments. The auto industry in NY is hiring for the first time since before the recession with investments in plants owned by GM, Ford, and engine manufacturer Cummins, Inc.
Also not well known is the contribution by New York inventors to the auto industry. Looking at these, GM and Ford over the last five years have received over 450 patents with all but 5 going to GM. Many of GM's patents to NY inventors are in fuel cells with the technology developed at GM's research center at Honeoye Falls - which has since been
closed. It will be interesting as time goes on to see if NY inventors continue to gain patents for GM at its other NY facilities- which appear to based more on manufacturing than research. Regarding GM's fuel cell work, the company recently retook the quarterly crown for the
Clean Energy Patent Growth Index in the third quarter which appears to show GM's continued commitment to Fuel Cell technology . . . even if not developed in NY. Ford's New York inventors are more limited with one New York City inventor who appears to be an expert in steering wheels. Recent patents by New York inventors, and owned by GM and Ford can be found in
this list.