Automotive Topics and Trends

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.

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. As per the traditional method, we used to visit the dealer and purchase vehicles from him, and the dealer used to make transactions with OEMs. However, as per the new Agency model, we will get to see that the people would directly be dealing with the OEMs and the dealer’s profit would be shared by OEMs. That will enhance in gaining the trust of society and the brand’s potential customers. Consumers thoroughly research their preferred car on their mobile phones, searching for the best offers and dealerships in their area.

Autonomous Vehicles are Changing the Face of the Auto Industry

As battery technologies evolve, the future promises breakthroughs in recyclability and energy efficiency. Innovations like solid-state batteries are set to revolutionise manufacturing priorities and reshape the EV supply chain. Toyota unveiled its forward-thinking approach to electric vehicle design, focusing on sustainability, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Peugeot introduced groundbreaking technologies like the Hypersquare control system and steer-by-wire, marking a significant leap in electric vehicle design and user experience. These innovations represent the brand’s commitment to redefining driving dynamics in the EV era.

Key Technology Trends in the Automotive Industry in 2025

BOS Semiconductors focuses on high-performance, energy-efficient AI solutions to drive innovation in autonomous driving and enhance in-cabin experiences. US-based startup Avvenire develops LEVs for efficient and eco-friendly urban transportation. Its products include the Leggera, an all-electric vehicle for on-road and off-road use, and the Spiritus, a three-wheel electric car with optional autonomous driving, Wi-Fi connectivity, and solar panels. Younger buyers often prefer subscription models or shared mobility over ownership.

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.

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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).

Forecasting Top 3 Automotive Industry Trends, 2030

  • The final trend, and one which has been subject to a lot of attention (and hype), is driverless transportation.
  • In 2025, a great number of car manufacturers are planning to improve their infotainment systems providing them with more and more advanced capabilities.
  • The ongoing global semiconductor shortage continues to cast a shadow over manufacturing progress, particularly for industries such as automotive and electronics.
  • This digital transformation enhances scalability, a key driver in the competitive automotive sector.
  • Governments are implementing innovative policies to encourage sales without increasing costs or benefiting high-income households.
  • 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.
  • Geopolitical risks, regulatory frameworks, cost advantages, and compliance needs drive the auto industry toward supply chain resilience and nearshoring.

Automakers like Toyota and QuantumScape are heavily investing in this technology, and we can expect breakthroughs in battery chemistry and design in the coming years. The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is revolutionizing automotive manufacturing. IoT, AI, and digital twins are becoming essential tools for improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and optimizing production processes. The push toward electrification is reshaping the automotive manufacturing landscape. By 2025, we will see increased investments in EV production as automakers cater to evolving consumer demands and regulatory pressures.

  • Cars are becoming unprecedentedly smarter, and this trend is here to stay in the future.
  • North America bore the brunt, accounting for 58% of publicly extorted ransomware victims.
  • At the same time, a limited EV infrastructure and uneven policy application dampen the pace of meaningful progress throughout the region.
  • 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.
  • Motoreto strengthens supply chain resilience in the auto industry and drives nearshoring by aligning distribution, procurement, and sales with regional market needs.
  • Recent developments highlight how manufacturers are leveraging advanced technologies and evolving their strategies to meet these challenges.
  • When paired with high-resolution cameras, these tools allow self-driving cars to identify objects, lane markers, and even pedestrians with unprecedented precision.
  • This technology will be further developed through 2025, with the end results showing up in the following years.

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Continuous change detection triggers automatic cloud updates to ensure up-to-date navigation information. South Korean startup BOS Semiconductors builds Eagle-N, an AI accelerator for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and ADAS. It uses Tenstorrent’s Tensix NPU core to deliver up to 250 tera operations per second (TOPS) for efficient AI processing. The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 6000+ exemplary startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform.

Automotive Semiconductors: Asia-Pacific Leads with 45% Global Share

Connected cars are vehicles that use wireless means to connect to the Internet of Things. They offer a safe, comfortable, and convenient multimedia experience with on-demand features that allow users to browse the web while in their vehicle. They provide various features such as remote diagnostics, vehicle health reports, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspots, turn-by-turn directions, and warnings of car health issues. The technology has already processed over a billion customer requests and is set to grow in 2025 with predictive intelligence and maintenance technology. Conversely, in Europe, regulations are scaling up in preparation for the EU ban on new ICE vehicles by 2035. Chinese EV automakers’ expansion into new markets, including Europe, other Asian countries, and Latin America as previously mentioned, could see a completely new global EV landscape.

Automotive Topics and Trends

Shared mobility

The best-selling vehicle in the US, the Ford F-Series pickup, has an average price of $66,451, placing it in the luxury category. 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. They are much more convenient to use in these congested cities and parking these vehicles is much easier. Younger generations, especially Genz or millennials prefer these vehicles as they are much more attractive. The shortage may not be as bad as it was in the early 2020s; however, even with a larger output, a report has found that only 26% of organisations that are reliant on these chips have a sufficient supply. This leaves the vast majority of companies concerned with their supply and wanting for more.

Why the EV Boom Hasn’t Happened

This will further usher the industry into a new era of smarter, more connected, and more efficient vehicles. The startup’s platform combines augmented reality (AR), smart camera, and surround-view monitoring to illuminate the route on turns, curves, slopes as well as complex junctions. This assists the drivers in keeping lanes, prevents collisions, and enables autonomous driving options.

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For the eighth time, we asked managers and decision-makers in the automotive industry which trends and developments they are currently focusing on. The automotive industry report of the Future Readiness Monitor 2025 provides differentiated insights into strategies, challenges and fields of action in the industry. The trends in automobile industry and startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of automotive innovations that we identified during our in-depth research. Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business early on goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage.

EcoG builds an Electric Vehicle Charging Platform

Moreover, the startup installs Tesla motors and Fellten battery systems, which provide up to 295 horsepower, enable flexible range options, and ensure authenticity through fully reversible conversions. Ultra-fast charging infrastructure minimizes downtime by offering hundreds of kilometers of range in just minutes. For example, BYD demonstrated a 1000 kW charging system that is capable of adding about 400 km of range in five minutes to its Han L and Tang L models under ideal conditions.

a. Urban Mobility and Shared Vehicles

Wireless and ultra-fast charging stations are also emerging as promising solutions to ease the transition to EVs further. Wireless charging could eliminate the need for physical connectors, offering a more seamless user experience. These practices not only meet regulatory demands but also resonate with consumers increasingly drawn to environmentally responsible brands.

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.

  • It also provides validation services that ensure resilience against potential risks.
  • In the Automotive Innovation Map below, you get a comprehensive overview of the innovation trends & startups that impact your company.
  • 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.
  • These units support CCS2 and CHAdeMO standards, ensuring broad adaptability across EV models.
  • Regenerative braking systems, crucial in EVs and hybrid cars (HEVs and PHEVs), contribute to energy recovery rates of 5% to 20%, depending on driving conditions.
  • Developing high-performance, long-lasting, and cost-effective batteries is a key area of focus for automakers in 2025.

Indian startup RevitsOne offers AI-powered fleet-management software that is suitable for fleets of varying sizes. The startup’s vehicle management system provides insights into speed, running vitals, and health information. Drivers benefit from Voicera ID, a voice-based virtual assistant that helps them keep track of the information they need. Additionally, the onboard speed recorder limits the speed to discourage dangerous driving behaviors. Singapore-based startup Beam focuses on e-scooters to promote shared mobility in the Asia-Pacific region. Their scooters use an aviation-grade aluminum frame and are customized for sharing, safety, reliability, and durability.

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

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.

The growing shared mobility trend also looms as more people are using shared transportation methods instead of owning cars. The efficiency of electric power fused with the reliability of traditional engines has contributed to the rise of hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles present the perfect compromise of lower emissions and enhanced fuel economy without the need for charging.

  • In the UK, auto production surpassed one million units in 2023, marking a significant recovery.
  • In China, it was even reported that lithium-ion battery pack prices fell below $100/kWh for the first time.
  • This leaves the vast majority of companies concerned with their supply and wanting for more.
  • LiDAR sensors enable precise 3D mapping, crucial for vehicle navigation and obstacle detection.
  • Improved range, faster charging times and enhanced performance are making EVs not just environmentally conscious choices, but compelling alternatives for everyday use.
  • It also enables customers to schedule and monitor charging activity for improved efficiency.
  • Swedish startup Intended Future utilizes data-driven design benchmarking tools for the automotive industry.
  • 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.

These vehicles improve public transport safety by reducing accidents caused look up accident history by VIN by human error. LiDAR sensors enable precise 3D mapping, crucial for vehicle navigation and obstacle detection. AI algorithms process vast data from sensors and cameras, enhancing decision-making for safe, efficient driving. French startup Airnity provides a cellular connectivity platform for the automotive industry to enhance connected car operations.

In the US, the AV market is expected to expand, rising from USD 22.6 billion in 2024 to USD 222.8 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 28.92% starting in 2025. Regulatory frameworks like UNECE WP.29, effective from last year, mandate stringent cybersecurity measures to drive compliance-related investments. Moreover, Avvenire has a strategic agreement with Daymak International Inc., Canada’s leading LEV distributor. Daymak will assemble Avvenire’s vehicles and distribute them through its network of over 200 dealers in 25 countries. Further, as part of larger decarbonization efforts, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the contribution of EVs to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Europe is projected to reach a 20.4% market share, while the US is likely to reach 11.2%.

What are the latest automotive industry trends in 2024?

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), 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.

Ransomware-related costs in the automotive industry skyrocketed from $74.7 million to $209.6 million in just the first half of 2023. System downtime caused by these attacks reached $1.99 billion, compared to $1.3 billion in 2021. AI, automation, and an ‘electric-first’ mindset are impacting every industry, and automotive is no exception.

94 percent of global automakers are using ARM-based technology for automotive applications, alongside the top 15 automotive semiconductor suppliers in the world adopting ARM technologies in their silicon. Car companies plan to integrate powertrain components in the next five to ten years by combining onboard chargers with batteries. Tesla already employs single inverter housings across its models, offering efficient integration of power electronics. This shift is driven by the growing need for more efficient power management in electric vehicles, resulting in smarter and more streamlined EV designs.

Its product suite includes a collision warning system, Starkenn Safe which uses radar to detect obstacles and alert drivers of potential collisions. The Starkenn Brake Safe, a collision mitigation system features automatic emergency braking in critical scenarios. AI-powered semiconductors drive transformation in autonomous driving systems by enabling real-time communication with road infrastructure and enhancing safety features such as emergency braking systems. Car connectivity and telematics improve the driving experience with real-time data integration.

They also facilitate the management of maintenance and repair appointments, streamlining dealership operations. Voice search assistants also optimize their interface for advertisements and voice search queries. Therefore, you should focus on environmentally conscious manufacturing processes and eco-friendly cars like electric vehicles. This deal comes at a time when car sales in the EU have seen a noticeable dip as consumer preferences shift. Data suggests a decline in car sales across most categories, particularly traditional fuel vehicles like petrol and diesel, which saw significant drops in market share and registrations. While BEVs and PHEVs showed some growth in September 2024, the year-to-date figures for BEVs are still lower than last year, and PHEVs also experienced a notable decline.

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.