People are shifting to EVs because of their design and their being environmentally friendly. 50% of buyers are willing to opt for EVs, so businesses should surely focus on marketing electric vehicles to make their brands more broader. Increased government focus on charging networks will be needed to support the expanding EV fleet. The autonomous vehicle sector will advance as UN regulators lift their speed limit. In the United States, the newly appointed administration has issued several executive orders that will likely have drastic impacts on both global and national automotive markets. One such order significantly impacts the future of EVs and EV infrastructure by rolling back policies that once supported their growth.
🚗 Subscription Models and Car-Sharing Services
Sustainable manufacturing lowers emissions, which allows automakers to meet compliance requirements and reduce their environmental footprint. Cleaner production methods reduce operating costs and free resources for reinvestment in new technologies. In 2025, electrification and software integration will have an essential impact on the automotive industry. These tendencies are long-term and are expected to continue shaping the auto industry in the near future. In the next section, we’ll explore these and other automotive sector trends in more detail, and see how they will evolve in 2025. Environmental concerns and technological innovations are advancing faster than many anticipated.
The USMCA requires 75% of motor industry components to be produced in North America. And the US Inflation Reduction Act ties USD 7500 EV subsidies to regional sourcing. Cost efficiency strengthens the case, with Mexico offering a 35% landed-cost edge over China in 2022. And it is projected to widen to 45% by 2030 due to lower labor and freight costs. Also, advanced composites and recycled inputs reduce reliance on virgin resources.
For instance, Qualcomm states that C-V2X allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, with infrastructure (V2I), and with vulnerable road users. TeraDAR strengthens sensor fusion by providing high-resolution, all-weather imaging that improves vehicle perception and increases safety. Moreover, the startup leverages patented research and extensive radar expertise to deliver dependable detection in densely populated settings. Radar Reticence strengthens sensor fusion by supplying interference-free radar data that enhances vehicle perception and improves safety.
Driverless Vehicles- The Future of Connected Cars
- Battery manufacturers have significantly reduced their production since early December due to the unpromising demand in the upcoming months.
- For example, its StellarAi data intelligence platform offers templates to quickly identify engineering variables, trends, and vulnerabilities.
- Wireless and ultra-fast charging stations are also emerging as promising solutions to ease the transition to EVs further.
- Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors improve energy efficiency in high-voltage EV systems by reducing losses and enhancing thermal management.
- Further, Jaguar Land Rover is pioneering a closed-loop recycling process for seat foam, turning waste from old vehicles into high-quality material for new ones.
- This article explores the strategic reasons behind the move, including the UAE’s favourable energy policies, market accessibility, and logistical advantages.
Owing to these advancements, the global SDV market is set to reach USD 3.3 trillion by 2034, growing at 31.2% annually. BMW’s Neue Klasse illustrates this shift with four superbrains that reduce wiring by 600 meters and reduce vehicle weight. This centralization allows faster product cycles, OTA updates, and cross-domain features. Digital platforms enable smooth access and allow users to book, swap, and unlock vehicles through mobile apps. For example, Hyundai partners with Revv in India to expand subscription offerings through a mobile-first platform. AI and ML processors support object recognition, path planning, and decision-making.
Along with an increase in refueling stations, look to see an increase in the variety of FCEVs available to consumers in the coming years. In addition, Hawaii passed a bill in 2022 that will create a hydrogen refueling system rebate for developers. Any infrastructure that’s built after January 1, 2023, and utilizes renewable hydrogen will be eligible for up to $200k.
This makes sense, as 83% of car customers already said they wish they could save time by shopping online. This number is expected to have risen in 2020 as dealers everywhere turned to digital channels. As of 2023, the two now equip Ford and Lincoln vehicles with a built-in Android operating system. In addition, TuSimple has partnered with Navistar and UPS to test its software under supervised driving conditions.
Dealerships can take advantage of different video formats, like how-to videos, car highlights, and customer testimonials. For this in-depth research on the Top Automotive Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 6000+ global startups & scaleups. Volvo has adopted megacasting techniques to simplify EV production, reducing the number of components required and streamlining assembly processes. This both lowers costs and improves vehicle performance, addressing both market demands and sustainability goals. Connectivity is one of the key trends in automotive industry, and 5G is what takes it to a more advanced level. 5G facilitates faster data transmission, higher network and bandwidth capacity as well as improves security (e.g., protection from cyberattacks).
💡 Related Insights: Diving Deeper into Specific Automotive Niches
Its product, THINKey, transforms smartphones into digital keys that allow users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles. The integration of 5G networks is accelerating advancements in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, supporting autonomous driving functionalities. The startup offers tools for real-time calibration health checks for deployed fleets to reduce time-to-market and operational risks. Further, its AI-enabled depth sensor, HiFi, enhances 3D sensing with 1.6-megapixel supersampled depth, 8 TOPS of AI compute, a 136° ultra-wide field of view, and connectivity options like PoE and USB-C. This platform uses secured safety assurance and risk-mitigation principles to detect and address failures in assisted and self-driving systems. Qumasoft’s solution enables companies to develop, produce, and operate cybersecure vehicles and components efficiently.
Luxury Car Brands See Growth
- Moreover, automakers offer features on demand as they are turning cars into service platforms.
- Along with an increase in refueling stations, look to see an increase in the variety of FCEVs available to consumers in the coming years.
- After a disappointing 2019 in terms of EV sales, 2020 sales surpassed expectations, growing over 40% year-over-year.
- Its solution, carSECURITY, provides organizations with a complete cybersecurity process landscape.
- The system combines this data with inputs from multiple cameras and sensors to enable AI-driven perception and decision-making in near-real-time driving scenarios.
This process enables us to identify the most impactful and innovative trends in the automotive industry. Volvo Cars has announced plans to adopt large aluminium castings for its next-generation electric vehicles, aiming to simplify production and enhance sustainability. Meanwhile, Toyota is reported to be cautiously evaluating the technology, balancing its benefits against potential risks. Sustainability has evolved from a competitive advantage to an existential necessity for the automotive industry.
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Senegal-based startup Kemet Automotive manufactures all-terrain electric vehicles (EVs) designed for the road conditions. It builds connected EV models that operate reliably on diverse terrains and promotes sustainable mobility solutions for the region. The present-day automotive industry is affected by innovative ideas and is ready to transform and evolve rapidly. Current automotive trends are encouraging automotive manufacturers to offer consumers much more than a metal box on four wheels.
Governments worldwide are imposing stricter emissions standards and incentivizing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). This pushes automakers to invest heavily in electric drivetrains, recycled materials, and circular economy practices. Consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly options, influencing market offerings.
ARK MOTORS builds Electric Vehicles
The charging infrastructure is more vulnerable as a result of the quick uptake of EVs, which hackers may attack to obtain customer information or interfere with services. Advances in solid-state batteries promise higher energy density and faster charging times, while the expansion of ultra-fast chargers addresses key barriers to EV adoption. With the growing popularity of bidirectional charging (V2G) technology, EVs now contribute energy to the grid to improve stability. Volkswagen’s Traton Group, recognising the urgency of addressing these bottlenecks, is planning a third battery assembly plant in Europe.
However, there are yet to be more autonomous vehicles on the road due to the technological and safety challenges that must be overcome. Driverless cars have sometimes struggled with unexpected incidents on the road and in poor weather conditions. The future trends in the automobile industry suggest that 2025 can be the milestone year for connected cars. The expansion will stem from the speedy spread of data that can be capitalized upon to lower expenses, streamline research and development, enhance products and services, and restrict emissions.
Safety and Security in Automobiles
The automotive manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly as manufacturers respond to technological advancements, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. With established automakers facing nimble startups in the mobility race, building new businesses should be a priority for auto executives. Data-driven connectivity services and on-demand mobility will add up to $1.5 trillion to the automotive revenue pool by the year 2030. Electrification and autonomous vehicles will remain megatrends, transforming the sector and forcing automakers, suppliers, and dealers to adapt to new technologies and business methods. The new year will also witness L4 implementation, with companies like Baidu, Pony.ai, and WeRide conducting extensive road tests across various cities. Initiatives and support from the Chinese government, such as pilot zones and regulatory frameworks, are further accelerating the process.
The strong focus on technological advancements in the automotive sphere has also meant that cyber security is becoming a larger concern in a historically unconcerned industry. Threats like supply chain attacks, data breaches, ransomware, and state-sponsored intrusions are on the rise. Of course, the danger does not stop with vehicles as smart infrastructure is also at risk, potentially jeopardising safety and operational reliability. Figures from the last few years show that the EV adoption rate is still slow at a global level. However, the share of cars that are electric (hybrid and full electric) continues to rise. Also, despite the slowing adoption rate, data has shown that the number of electric and hybrid vehicles actually on the road has dramatically increased (from 26 million in 2022 to 40 million in 2023).
- The US market was worth $14 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% to reach more than $31 billion by 2028.
- Analysts project the automotive cybersecurity market to increase from USD 5.24 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 18.88 billion by 2034, advancing at a CAGR of 15.3%.
- Moreover, it ensures perception in challenging conditions such as night, rain, fog, and snow.
- Several leading OEMs have already announced plans to adopt the chipset for their automotive solutions, including BYD, Nuro, XPENG, Volvo and Zeekr.
Q) What are the new trends in the automotive industry?
This approach could significantly reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable automotive industry. Leading companies such as Volkswagen, General Motors, and Volvo have committed to producing zero-emission vehicles and achieving carbon-neutral operations by mid-century. In line with this, automakers focus on sustainability in their manufacturing processes, energy sourcing, and material selection. While some regions already allow limited AV testing and deployment, 2025 will likely see a more transparent legal framework surrounding autonomous driving technology. This regulatory clarity will pave the way for broader AV adoption in cities, particularly in controlled environments like urban areas or designated autonomous vehicle lanes. Additionally, infrastructure developments like Toyota‘s new battery plant in North Carolina underscore the industry’s dedication to scaling EV output.
Ascent Labs builds Risk Management Platform
These systems aim to minimise human intervention, improve decision-making, and enhance overall efficiency, paving the way for smarter supply chain operations. However, the primary function of these cars is not just to entertain they can connect to other vehicles (V2V), pedestrians (V2P), infrastructure (V2I), and cloud (V2C). Lastly, there’s even a term “vehicle-to-everything” (V2X), which includes all types of vehicle communication.
The Tree Map below illustrates the top 10 automotive trends that will impact companies in 2024. Emerging companies are working to build the first fully autonomous vehicle for city roads, which in turn accelerates the advancements in-vehicle connectivity and IoT. It incorporates an intuitive infotainment system for efficient power management while minimizing driver distractions. The control system includes safeguards like automatic overheating prevention, battery depletion protection, and real-time torque and speed calibration for optimal performance on challenging terrains.
- Startups are developing big data solutions to help manufacturers and related industries streamline operations and maximize profits.
- Moreover, car connectivity transforms the driving experience by integrating with real-time systems and smart gadgets.
- The Auto Industry Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation & startup scouting process.
- Moreover, its NuPort solution extends reliability by enabling connections between automotive components that support both diagnostics and long-term endurance.
Jaguar Land Rover’s REALCAR project established a closed-loop recycling system that reclaims over 50K tonnes of aluminum scrap. The project avoids more than 500K tonnes of CO2 emissions by reducing the need for primary aluminum. Another instance is that of Michelin, which made a road-approved car tire with 45% sustainable materials. While the market for cars valued below $80k is expected to remain flat through 2031, the luxury car market is predicted to grow at up to 14% CAGR. While the past two years have been a challenge for most auto manufacturers, high-end luxury brands have experienced unexpected success.
is set to be a big year for automotive production
Automakers reduce reliance on distant suppliers as trade tensions and conflicts expose the fragility of global networks. Also, advanced battery management systems improve safety, extend battery life, and optimize performance. Automakers integrate these systems to offer more reliable vehicles across global markets. In 2024, EV sales reached 17 million units, accounting for over 20% of global new car sales. Also, the EV market is projected to reach USD 6.16 trillion by 2035 at a CAGR of 25.32%. Autonomous driving demonstrates scalable deployment across passenger and freight use cases, and subscription models give consumers flexible access to vehicles.
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
Demand may decelerate due to the end of Chinese subsidies for EVs, but it should not lead to a decrease. Apart from this, reduced access to EV charging points remains a significant challenge, according to consumer trends in the automotive industry. In 2022, the automotive industry’s automotive digital marketing spending increased to $17 billion and is predicted to keep growing in 2025. Experts anticipate a rise in digital advertising spending, driven by the growing mobile and social media usage rates. Chatbots and messaging solutions are key technology trends in the automotive industry. These tools enable dealerships to handle inquiries efficiently, freeing time for other tasks.
Top 10 Automobile Industry Trends & Innovations (
They improve energy efficiency through wide-bandgap devices that extend EV range and minimize charging times. The semiconductors also enable infotainment, voice assistants, and AI-driven interfaces for a better user experience. Swedish startup Intended Future utilizes data-driven design benchmarking tools for the automotive industry. These advanced technologies are widely used across a great number of industries and the automotive domain is no exception. They are used by the automotive industry for car manufacturing, employee training as well as vehicle sales and marketing. However, although the Chinese EV market may take some time to adapt to the new subsidy-free scenario, the situation is optimistic.
It also provides validation services that ensure resilience against potential risks. German startup CARNIQ Technologies enhances vehicle cybersecurity through web-based and AI-powered tools that ensure compliance with automotive standards. The rapid rollout of software-defined vehicles, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, and electrification pushes automakers to secure digital systems as rigorously as physical components. Moreover, the startup’s marketplace connects professionals in a secure environment. It provides exclusive access to vehicles and optimizes purchase decisions based on supply and demand trends. Also, digital twin technology builds virtual replicas of supply chains to simulate disruptions and optimize performance.
Chip Shortage Continues to Plague Auto Manufacturers
Personalising the IVX will EpicVIN vehicle history for everyday drivers drive the need for AI agents, which is one reason why EDA tool vendor Synopsys is working with Sima.ai. Across in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), there have been various OEM innovations in the past year, with AI models being integrated into these systems. For example, Mercedes-Benz is using Chat-GPT for intelligent virtual assistants within its vehicles.
This ensures precise planning, reduces downtime, and enhances efficiency in assembly operations. This decision also highlights a broader trend toward diversification in battery production hubs. With the Middle East emerging as a significant player in the EV supply chain, manufacturers must adapt their strategies to seize these new opportunities. Looking ahead, Tesla’s strategies are likely to influence industry standards and inspire localisation efforts across the sector. With its focus on next-generation cells and expanded production capacity, Tesla is paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable global EV landscape. The next wave of auto trends is shaped by enabling technologies that extend beyond electrification and connectivity.
