Manufacturers are prioritizing robust security measures to protect sensitive consumer data and prevent malicious interference. From encrypted communications to intrusion detection systems, cybersecurity advancements will ensure consumer trust as vehicles become smarter and more networked. The rise of such technologies reflects consumer demand for vehicles that are not just transportation tools but extensions of their digital ecosystems. Connected cars enable real-time navigation updates, remote diagnostics, and seamless smartphone integration. They also support smart city initiatives by offering data for traffic management and logistics automation. Established in 2007, SG Analytics is a Great Place to Work® (GPTW) certified company with a team of over 1200 employees and a presence across the U.S.A., the UK, Switzerland, Poland, and India.
Methodology: How We Created the Automobile Trend Report
This article offers an inside look at the facility and Xiaomi’s ambitious plans in the automotive sector. Meanwhile, we are seeing the economic case for sustainable materials strengthen as manufacturers realise operational efficiency gains and reduce their long-term costs. Cross-industry collaboration is emerging as a key enabler, with automotive companies forming partnerships to develop and implement innovative material solutions. 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.
Autonomous driving technologies like AD and ADAS are only possible to implement with the adoption of AI. Driver assistance technology, in particular, can go as far as detecting driver fatigue by monitoring their eyes and taking measures to avoid car accidents. The systems that come together to implement such technologies are sensor fusion, computer vision, and real-time decisions to enable the vehicle to take all complex traffic scenarios easily. Significant investments in AI and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are crucial for fine-tuning self-driving algorithms, making them safer and more reliable. This also presents an emerging opportunity to connect the vehicle ecosystem, creating a dynamic adaptation of data for road and weather conditions, assisted by IoT-enabled devices. Almost 40% of all autonomous vehicles sold in 2025 are predicted to have L2 ADAS features.
Automotive Manufacturing North America
Its product range includes an electric modular chassis, the standard autonomous shuttle pod, and pods for other applications. The need for high-performance processors is also growing as a result of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), strategic decisions based on vehicle data which rely on semiconductors for ongoing updates and subscription-based services. The global automotive semiconductor market is projected to grow from USD 53.57 billion in 2025 to USD 86.81 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.22%. 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.
Methodology: How We Created the Automotive Trend Report
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.
Innovation Map outlines the Top 10 Automotive Trends & 20 Promising Startups
- Battery technology has taken centre stage in the EV revolution, and this article provides a deep dive into the leading chemistries and formats that defined 2024.
- The transition to electric vehicles has moved beyond early adoption and is now something of a global imperative.
- Also, advanced composites and recycled inputs reduce reliance on virgin resources.
- These advancements guide the automotive sector toward a more intelligent, secure, and sustainable future.
- This deal comes at a time when car sales in the EU have seen a noticeable dip as consumer preferences shift.
- And TuSimple is hoping to begin selling completely autonomous Level 4 trucks to fleet operators in 2024.
- The industry will continue to experience disruptions from geopolitical headwinds to regulatory and legislative developments, data security and economic challenges.
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.
- AI, additive manufacturing, the Internet of Things, and 5G have become sources of product innovation and manufacturing efficiency, which in turn has led to revolutionary changes in customer experience.
- Global economic slowdowns and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers have slowed the growth of EVs.
- Avvenire focuses on sustainable mobility to contribute to a cleaner environment and meet the demand for green transportation.
- Michelin’s development of tyres composed of 45% sustainable materials is a noteworthy example of how companies are rethinking material usage to minimise their environmental footprint.
- By streamlining its supply chain through vertical integration, Tesla is raising the bar for EV production efficiency and sustainability.
- The increasing adoption of EVs globally drives the optimization of energy usage and enhances features like regenerative braking systems through sensor fusion technologies.
- US-based startup Avvenire develops LEVs for efficient and eco-friendly urban transportation.
- Therefore, websites must be easily readable and accessible on mobile devices, with clear calls to action.
Hydrogen May Fuel the Future of the Automotive Industry
Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout relevant technologies & startups that matter to you. Operating from Germany and the US, EcoG is a startup offering an IoT-based operating system and platform for EV charging. The startup provides manufacturers with tools that make the development and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure simple, fast, and scalable. It also allows operators to integrate services and microservices in the chargers to make the charging process profitable. In addition, the solution works with any EV charger and enables new features to be shipped throughout the network.
Rise in autonomous self-driving cars
Swedish startup Volta Trucks makes Volta Zero, an electric truck for urban deliveries. This vehicle’s design prioritizes driver safety and comfort, featuring a central driving position and panoramic vision for enhanced visibility. The Volta Zero addresses sustainability by enabling zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner city environments. The US-based startup Udelv provides autonomous vehicles for last-mile deliveries. It combines advanced AI algorithms and hyper-speed teleoperations for human-assisted guidance in unique situations. The vans deliver groceries from nearby stores and send out a push notification when the order arrives.
Key Technology Trends in the Automotive Industry in 2025
- Through V2X, vehicles can share information about road conditions, accidents, and traffic patterns, allowing for real-time decision-making.
- Statevolt’s decision to build its gigafactory in the UAE rather than Europe has been a talking point this year.
- It won’t take too long for the CASE to accelerate the transition of the automotive industry from the way it has been working for hundreds of years.
- Many of these vehicles will feature over-the-air (OTA) upgrades and V2X communication.
- This infrastructure ensures the safety of drivers and passengers and can even send emergency SOS messages to respective services in case of an accident, sharing all the critical information.
- However there are huge opportunities for the industry in the shift to software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving.
- These practices not only meet regulatory demands but also resonate with consumers increasingly drawn to environmentally responsible brands.
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.
Charge Your Porsche Cayenne Electric Like an iPhone
The convergence of AI-driven production systems, the scaling of EV capabilities, and the adoption of sustainable practices will reshape the competitive landscape. Manufacturers that successfully integrate these elements into their strategies will not only navigate the challenges of today but also position themselves as leaders in the future of mobility. Artificial Intelligence and Smart Factory technologies are no longer aspirational but integral to modern automotive manufacturing. Stellantis, for instance, has demonstrated how AI can transform production efficiency. By incorporating AI tools, the company has reduced production costs while accelerating vehicle launch timelines.
Chargerly develops Vehicle-to-Building Solutions
Issues such as liability in the event of an accident, cybersecurity measures to prevent hacking, and how to deal with AVs in mixed-traffic environments (with human drivers) will need to be addressed. One critical challenge in transitioning to electric mobility is the availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure. By 2025, significant investments in fast-charging networks will be essential for EV adoption to reach mass-market penetration. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies continue to evolve, bringing unprecedented changes to vehicle safety and functionality.
Companies like Toyota and Hyundai are investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology. By 2025, we could see a broader adoption of fuel cell vehicles, especially in regions like Europe and Asia, where hydrogen infrastructure is beginning to grow. In addition to electrification, hydrogen fuel cell technology is gaining traction as a potential solution for zero-emission transportation. Hydrogen-powered vehicles produce only water vapor as a byproduct, making them a strong contender for sectors that are harder to electrify, such as long-haul trucking and commercial transportation. While regulatory hurdles remain, 2025 will likely see significant progress in integrating these services into urban infrastructure, offering consumers affordable, sustainable alternatives to owning a car. On top of all the 2025 automotive trends there will be the impact of tariffs set by the US and Europe.
The expected reach in 2026 is expected to reach nearly $62 billion at a growth of CAGR 22.75%. Self-driving cars are considered safer since they can sense their environment and operate safely within it, eliminating factors such as human error and driver fatigue. Sustainability is a major driver reshaping vehicle design, manufacturing, and lifecycle management.
Immersive technologies: VR & AR
Its RC ONE driverless vehicle combines proprietary software and hardware with automotive-grade components to achieve low-speed autonomous operation. US-based startup TeraDAR designs its 4D imaging sensor that enhances sensor fusion by offering the Terahertz wavelength for vehicle perception. Connectivity also adds momentum, with 5G and V2X semiconductors enabling real-time data exchange and secure over-the-air updates. Also, regulatory frameworks such as ISO and Europe’s mandate for emergency braking systems encourage mission-critical chip integration across new vehicles. ADAS adoption enables lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking to rely on AI-powered processors and sensor fusion chips. Additionally, CARNIQ Technologies supports the automotive sector with threat analysis, cybersecurity management, and secure system development.
This is not just a European problem with Volkswagen and Stellantis, as Honda and Nissan merge, and Ford and General Motors struggle. 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. This rise in digital advertising spending is being steered by the growing usage of social media. Dealerships need to integrate strategic frameworks to capture potential buyers across different stages in the process with the use of social media marketing, click-to-call conversions, and messaging apps. UK-based startup Distributed Additive Manufacturing (DAM) offers 3D printing services including design, building, and finishing of parts.
- TeraDAR strengthens sensor fusion by providing high-resolution, all-weather imaging that improves vehicle perception and increases safety.
- Increased government focus on charging networks will be needed to support the expanding EV fleet.
- As a result of this partnership, Ford is expected to launch its own self-driving car business.
- They also enable software updates, enhance entertainment, and facilitate smooth communication in connected and software-defined vehicles.
- System downtime caused by these attacks reached $1.99 billion, compared to $1.3 billion in 2021.
- Voice search assistants help optimize interfaces for advertisements and voice search queries.
- The convergence of AI-driven production systems, the scaling of EV capabilities, and the adoption of sustainable practices will reshape the competitive landscape.
- Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time monitoring solutions improve shipment tracking, warehouse oversight, and production visibility.
Recent auto trends show that customers prefer to experience a car or dealership before purchasing. Top car brands are embracing VR as part of their dealership photography strategies to further enhance the customer experience. OEMs like Toyota, Hyundai-Kia, Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi, and Stellantis already have a large portfolio of hybrid variants, including mild and full hybrids. 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.
Top 10 Global Automotive Industry Trends in 2025
This infrastructure ensures the safety of drivers and passengers and can even send emergency SOS messages to respective services in case of an accident, sharing all the critical information. Connectivity also enables remote diagnostics, alerts the driver about necessary maintenance, and promotes both safety and cost-efficiency. The foundation of autonomous vehicle architecture lies in a set of sensors, including LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic systems, providing cars with a 360-degree panoramic view.
- 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.
- Further, its Craidlr ATX-G gateways are integral to the surface temperature & vibration monitoring solution, catering to diverse automotive testing needs.
- In 2025, the automotive industry’s digital marketing spending is predicted to keep growing.
- The APH-01 incorporates flax fiber in its body shell, which reduces weight, increases impact resistance, and improves vibration damping.
- The data of all road users is streamed and processed in real-time to empower smart mobility.
- Consumer demand for eco-friendly products is rising, with 80% of US consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases in April 2024, up from 68% in 2023.
It also provides lane-change algorithms that ensure comfortable lateral movement and personalized passenger comfort profiles refined with each journey. The World Health Organization links 1.35 million annual deaths to road accidents, creating urgency for autonomy. AI, ML, and computing allow vehicles to process data points per second with split-second precision. Further, Chipv creates power control chips equipped with triple RISC-V cores, extensive on-chip memory, and robust hardware security modules. In the US, the CHIPS and Science Act allocates USD 52.7 billion in funding and offers a 25% investment tax credit. It provides grants, loans, and incentives to expand domestic fabs, semiconductor R&D, and the broader supply chain.