I gotta question...........

What is the stardard for compensation for R&D?

For instance you loan your car to a company for them to use it to develop a product they intend to sell to others. What is the most common way of paying the car owner?

 

a rental and a free install of the final product seems fair

 

I can't tell you what the "standard" method of compensation is, but......

When I was one of the consumers (after retirement) to test the GMPP intake on my 2.4, I was given the intake free (of course, I provided written reports on the performance, etc.). I was also dynoed about 6 times for no cost and "kind of checked over".

Even when I worked for The General, I participated in consumer testing...A/C, shocks and struts, special window glass, stereo systems, brake material, etc. Usually I would get free OEM parts with the install after completion. Unless of course, the part was still in the advanced stages and wouldn't be introduced for another year or two.

When I searched and "rented" competitive consumer vehicles for testing, GM provided a similar vehicle (usually through a rental company agreement) AND PAID THE OWNERS FOR THE USE. They always got their vehicles back clean and detailed, full tank of gas, and with any repairs that may have been necessary (tires, alignment, balance, brakes, oil changes, shocks, etc.)

But that could be the difference between playing with the "big boys" and aftermarket companies that are trying to scrape a living.

 

Thanks Snoopy. That what I was thinking.

Anyone else?

 

My post is exactly what superchips provides for their donor vehicle program

a free version of the product, and a rental from enterprise during development.

they also fuel it, dyno it, drive it, and store it indoors, thats just common sense

so SNOOPY'S post is right on

 

Thanks Stephan!

 

If it's what I think it is, and the company also used the vehicle for promotional purposes during the time they were supposed to be developing the agreed upon system (i.e. Chicago Auto Show), I think the appropriate compensation would be a completed project that works properly and a warranty.

Then again, now I'm living in the world of Ford Mustangs, where vendors actually deliver on their promises instead of waiting 4 model years to actually release a product that doesn't require the sale of one's first born child to be affordable. I swear, these HHRs could've been great for customization if the aftermarket support had ever materialized. From what I've seen on the Camaro forums, I worry about that car too.