The weirdest case I had was a multi-national auto component supplier actually went most of the way with me (almost a year of presentation, negotiation etc) and eventually they hit the same barrier!
"a year of presentation, negotiation etc" is very very far from starting a series project in the automotive world.
The typical product cycle from a supplier is :
1) idea
2) concept study
3) strategy planning ( does it fit the strategy of the company)
4) patent, if applicable
5) talking with5-6 OEMS under NDA
6) having a demonstrator made
7) talking with 1-3 OEMS under NDA
talking with 1 OEM under NDA, relizing he doesn't need or want it
9) talking with the other two OEMS under NDA
10) having one accept, finally
11) 2 Years development of a series product
12) 1 Year validation and adapting the production line
13) first SOP
total : 6-9 Years.
Usually 99% of ideas don't make it to step 10. Cancellations happen between step 1 and 9 usually.
Your idea made quite a way.