The platform allows autonomous vehicles to discover AVs, service providers, or clients around them. The vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is either on-blockchain, with smart contracts or off-blockchain using DAV’s protocols. The startup develops protocols for drone charging networks, drone flight planning, and open mobility. Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as megacasting and giga-stamping, are read the uncovering your car’s history guide playing a pivotal role in enabling the industry’s transformation. Megacasting, which involves producing large aluminium castings to replace multiple smaller components in vehicle structures, is gaining momentum in the automotive industry. Shared mobility reduces individual car ownership, especially in urban areas, impacting vehicle sales volumes but increasing demand for fleet vehicles and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms.
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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. The chip shortage is one-factor holding cars back from getting to the dealership lots. But, there are other various supply chain issues and factory closures that have led to low inventory, too. After demand started coming back, there simply wasn’t an adequate supply of chips, and the auto industry has been feeling the effects ever since. The parts industry is benefiting from the ever-increasing average age of vehicles on the road.
Electric Mobility
DAM can print parts as large as 1000x3000x1000mm using engineering-grade recycled plastics. Firstly, it accelerates the design and testing process through rapid prototyping. The Automotive Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation & startup scouting process. Identifying new opportunities & emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. The vehicle’s architecture includes a 3D mapping system that merges GPS and IMU data with digital maps to determine precise positioning and plan optimal routes.
At the same time, BYD, Stellantis, and Volkswagen are focused on designing a stronger PHEV portfolio. Hyundai plans to ramp up its hybrid offerings under its ‘Hyundai Way’ strategy from seven to 14 models by 2030. Toyota continues to emphasize hybrids as a critical part of its electrification strategy.
💻 Trend 2: The Rise of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) – Cars as Computers
Some countries (and California) have even committed to phasing out all new sales of combustion engine vehicles over the next few decades. Even with this rapid growth, EV’s share of cars on the road is expected to remain at just 8% by 2030. If you want to learn more about 10 of the most important auto industry trends for the next months, read on. The specialty equipment industry recognizes the potential in off-road products and accessories, mainly for pickups and SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler. More than half of pickup owners purchase off-road parts and engage in outdoor activities with their vehicles. Overlanding, a newer trend, combines off-roading with remote travel and camping, with products like mounted tents falling under this category.
Software-Defined Vehicles: Cars as the Ultimate Connected Devices
In addition, it adapts to applications across fleets, workplaces, airports, and multi-housing units. Its electronic control unit (ECU) platform combines AUTOSAR software modules with customizable hardware. It manages functions such as steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, engine control, and ADAS.
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Telematics adoption in logistics and transportation industries is driven by features such as real-time tracking, driver behavior analysis, and fuel consumption reduction. Join us today and access AMS’s wealth of global news, insights, intelligence and content, and to make valuable connections with your peers from across the automotive industry. Volkswagen is using digital twin technology at its Wolfsburg plant to simulate and optimise production processes for the Tayron SUV. 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.
🔌 Trend 1: The Electric Revolution Accelerates – EVs Taking Charge
Reports from 2022 showed vehicle inventory was stagnant, sitting between 1 million and 1.1 million vehicles, for the first six months of the year. Sales of passenger cars were down 25% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Many expected the auto industry to mount a post-pandemic rebound in 2021, but that didn’t happen. Search volume for “Infineon Technologies” has seen modest growth over the past 5 years. Infineon, the largest manufacturer of auto chips, is increasing its investment in production by nearly $1 billion euros in 2022.
Apex AI offers an Automotive Data Management Platform
It enables sensor fusion and control for advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving. Luxury car brands are experiencing growth due to increased tangible luxury offerings and rising disposable incomes. The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, like electric luxury vehicles, also drives market growth. The adoption of pre-owned luxury cars is increasing due to easy access to financing and lower entry prices. Manufacturers are investing in innovative mobility technologies, such as personal voice assistance, autonomous driving, and AI and ML, creating a positive market outlook. Developing high-performance, long-lasting, and cost-effective batteries is a key area of focus for automakers in 2025.
EcoG builds an Electric Vehicle Charging Platform
- Leading companies such as Volkswagen, General Motors, and Volvo have committed to producing zero-emission vehicles and achieving carbon-neutral operations by mid-century.
- Indian startup RevitsOne offers AI-powered fleet-management software that is suitable for fleets of varying sizes.
- The demand is highest for vehicles under four years old, which have the latest technologies but are less expensive than new cars.
- 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.
- Further, high-speed automotive Ethernet, 5G networks, and V2X communication extend a car’s perception beyond its line of sight.
- Automakers must balance traditional desires for performance and style with new expectations for tech integration and environmental responsibility.
- Let’s consider the recent trends in automobile industry related to the application of latest technologies.
These pods use AI and machine learning algorithms for real-time perception and adaptive decision-making. The startup’s technology allows these pods to adapt across industries, enhancing efficiency and safety in transporting people and goods. Singaporean startup EVIE Autonomous designs electric, autonomous shuttles for last-mile delivery, passenger transport, agriculture, and cargo movement. Its product range includes an electric modular chassis, the standard autonomous shuttle pod, and pods for other applications.
- Miniaturization trends in automotive electronics enable the integration of multiple sensors into compact systems to improve vehicle performance while reducing costs.
- By securing these systems, cybersecurity prevents hijacking of steering or braking functions, protects sensitive driver data, and shields automakers from costly recalls and reputational harm.
- Their scooters use an aviation-grade aluminum frame and are customized for sharing, safety, reliability, and durability.
- This transformation is also expected to help revive sluggish vehicle sales by 2030.
- The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, like electric luxury vehicles, also drives market growth.
- Semiconductor chips are at the heart of almost every automotive trend, from connected technologies to autonomous driving and EVs.
- Declining battery costs move EVs closer to price parity with combustion vehicles.
Technology in automotive industry forges ahead—the latest technological advancements are more and more extensively used by the domain. Let’s consider the recent trends in automobile industry related to the application of latest technologies. Along with battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) are another alternative to internal combustion engines. By 2035, approximately 16% of all new LV (light vehicle) sales in the US are predicted to consist of advanced automated vehicles (L3, L4, and L5). Fewer new vehicle purchases mean consumers hold onto their vehicles longer, reducing the available used inventory and increasing prices.
It also enables customers to schedule and monitor charging activity for improved efficiency. Australian startup V2Grid designs V2G technology that converts EVs into mobile energy resources for homes, businesses, and the national grid. Its bidirectional charging system enables EV batteries to both draw electricity and feed surplus power back, which balances demand during peak hours and reduces strain on infrastructure. In Europe, the new General Safety Regulation II (from July 2024) and related standards embed connectivity, advanced sensors, and cybersecurity requirements into safety compliance frameworks. This increases the regulatory push toward connected and safety-enhanced vehicles.
The rising preference for pre-owned/used cars
Localized production and sourcing are gaining momentum as companies aim to mitigate risks and ensure a steady supply of components. Automakers are adopting greener processes, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to utilizing renewable energy in manufacturing plants. Many of those trends will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas. Honda will be showing its Series 0 platform that will be used for its SAE Level 4 driverless car in 2026. Recent auto trends show that customers prefer to experience a car or dealership before purchasing.
At the same time, governments and companies view subscriptions as a pathway to scale EV adoption without heavy upfront investments. Bosch demonstrates this through 77 GHz radar modules integrated into adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems. LiDAR enables high-resolution 3D mapping by emitting laser pulses to measure distances.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Production Expansion
Their scooters use an aviation-grade aluminum frame and are customized for sharing, safety, reliability, and durability. Users discover the nearest Beam scooter on the app and park it in visible public spots after the ride. Further, the micro-mobility platform offers a sustainable alternative to short-distance rides and helps regulate traffic flow in cities.
Methodology: How We Created the Automobile Trend Report
By the end of that decade, it’s predicted that over 30% of the cars on the road will be EVs. The massive rotation in the global vehicle fleet is predicted to take place in the 2030s. Bloomberg New Energy Finance expects EVs to account for 10% of all new car sales by 2025 and 58% by 2040. After a disappointing 2019 in terms of EV sales, 2020 sales surpassed expectations, growing over 40% year-over-year. EV sales grew from less than 1% of total vehicle sales a decade ago to more than 4% today. Rapid technological and environmental innovations have forced incumbents to adapt to new challenges.
As more manufacturers roll out affordable and appealing EV models, the market is shifting towards sustainable alternatives which are becoming more accessible to a broader consumer base. One of the most in-demand connectivity solutions is in-vehicle infotainment—the systems that provide both information and entertainment for enhanced driving experience. The currently available infotainment systems can connect with smartphones, sensors, ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) as well as other in-vehicle and external systems. In 2025, a great number of car manufacturers are planning to improve their infotainment systems providing them with more and more advanced capabilities. Vehicle connectivity has become a really game-changing innovation in automotive industry that will transform the future of driving. Cars are becoming unprecedentedly smarter, and this trend is here to stay in the future.
Innovation Map outlines the Top 10 Automotive Trends & 20 Promising Startups
This article highlights the company’s strides in electrification, material innovation, and circular economy practices. Notable achievements in 2024 include significant progress in reducing emissions and advancing transparent ESG reporting. As net-zero targets become the norm, the reliance on renewable energy is only set to grow. Exciting developments in energy storage and green hydrogen technologies promise to redefine production processes further.
Top car brands are embracing VR as part of their dealership photography strategies to further enhance the customer experience. Due to these advancements, the global automotive IoT market is anticipated to reach USD 56 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 19% during the period from 2021 to 2026. It also uses regenerative braking to capture and store energy in the car’s battery. The APH-01 incorporates flax fiber in its body shell, which reduces weight, increases impact resistance, and improves vibration damping. In addition to enhancing energy efficiency, regenerative braking systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recovering energy during braking to support global efforts to meet stricter emission norms.
This digital transformation enhances scalability, a key driver in the competitive automotive sector. Companies like Huawei are allocating significant resources to developing EVs with cutting-edge ADAS and autonomous features. These technologies aim to reduce accidents and provide a safer driving experience.
EloySignals utilizes AI to optimize traffic flow, advising drivers on stopping or proceeding, and prioritizing emergency vehicles and vulnerable road users. India-based startup DriveTech-AI builds solutions centered around optimizing the vehicle testing process through smart solutions. Its suite of platforms and solutions allows automotive OEMs to accelerate testing data analysis and enhance automation and team collaboration. For example, its StellarAi data intelligence platform offers templates to quickly identify engineering variables, trends, and vulnerabilities. AI technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision are advancing robotic automation.
THINKey operates through a secure architecture using enclaves in the phone, vehicle, and cloud, adhering to the car connectivity consortium’s digital key standard. Additionally, the startup offers infotainment solutions with plug-and-play SDKs and certification-ready apps for phone mirroring and multimedia features. This facilitates the integration of Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, and media streaming into in-vehicle infotainment systems.
It provides grants, loans, and incentives to expand domestic fabs, semiconductor R&D, and the broader supply chain. It offers ready-to-use workflows across system, software, and project management processes. Its MotionSafe Privacy platform uses algorithms to monitor controller area network (CAN) traffic and detect anomalies. The platform also erases personally identifiable information (PII) from vehicle systems to maintain privacy. For example, over-the-air (OTA) updates depend on secure encryption and authentication to block malicious code injection. Likewise, fleet operators strengthen defenses for telematics, routing data, and driver information against manipulation.
- The growing shared mobility trend also looms as more people are using shared transportation methods instead of owning cars.
- While fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) are not yet standard on the roads, significant advancements are being made in 2025 toward realizing the vision of driverless cars.
- In 2025, a great number of car manufacturers are planning to improve their infotainment systems providing them with more and more advanced capabilities.
- This calls for a thorough analysis of recent trends in the automotive industry, So this blog brings you some of the significant car market trends in 2025 that you must know.
- The parts industry is benefiting from the ever-increasing average age of vehicles on the road.
- New vehicle inventory levels till December 2022 were 52% below December 2019 but 56% above January 2022.
- Rapid technological and environmental innovations have forced incumbents to adapt to new challenges.
Such advancements align with global trends favoring autonomous fleet deployment in urban areas, positioning automakers to meet future demand for self-driving capabilities. Most consumers today are much more concerned with what the in-cabin experience is going to be, than the size and power of the engine. Global economic slowdowns and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers have slowed the growth of EVs. In 2025, the automotive industry’s digital marketing spending is predicted to keep growing.
What are the latest automotive industry trends in 2024?
- IoT creates more opportunities for manufacturers to market to consumers even after they’ve made a purchase.
- This could allow drivers to retain their jobs, but avoid the injuries and deaths that result from exhaustion.
- Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) convert the auto industry by shifting control from hardware to software.
- When paired with high-resolution cameras, these tools allow self-driving cars to identify objects, lane markers, and even pedestrians with unprecedented precision.
- Soon, this will expand to more complex urban environments as vehicle access becomes increasingly prioritised over ownership among the driving masses.
- The startup develops Konnect – GS01, an automatic electronic logging device (ELD) to continuously track vehicular health.
- In this world where we are shifting to EVs, individuals usually prefer to shift to smaller vehicles which are much more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures are revolutionising automotive technology, with electric models often leading this digital transformation. While traditional OEMs are adapting to this shift, we are also witnessing newer market entrants are making significant strides in implementation, which is making for a more competitive automotive sector. Road safety, regulatory mandates, autonomous vehicle adoption, and smart city development drive this innovation. The World Health Organization links 1.36 million annual deaths to road accidents.
The startup employs the Perceived Quality Index to eliminate engineering bias by translating customer insights into measurable quality improvements. Cost savings also play a role, as recycled aluminum or bioplastics often return their investment in just over a year. Investors support companies with strong sustainability commitments, channeling funding toward greener production.
It is also integrated into fleet management dashboards and security operations centers (SOC). US-based startup MotionSafe provides AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that protect connected vehicles from data breaches and cyber threats. By securing these systems, cybersecurity prevents hijacking of steering or braking functions, protects sensitive driver data, and shields automakers from costly recalls and reputational harm.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Michelin Makes Tires with 45% Sustainable Materials
More than 12% of consumers who financed a new car in June of 2022 had a monthly payment of $1,000 or more. It’s clear that a select subset of today’s consumers are willing to pay for high-end automobiles. Power say that sales of cars worth more than $100k were outselling lower-priced cars 3 to 1 in the first quarter of 2022. The market for FCEVs is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of nearly 70%, through 2026.