In 2024, hybrids saw a YoY growth of almost 19%, which is expected to grow to over 23% by 2025. Italian startup Moi combines thermosetting composite materials and 3D printing to manufacture high-performance parts for the automotive industry. Moi uses continuous fiber manufacturing (CFM) technology, robotic intelligence, and digital fabrication to deposit fibers. As a result, the solution is easily scalable for producing composites for panels, frames, and interior components. The startup also serves other industries, such as aerospace, construction, and biomedical. Additionally, blockchain is instrumental in verifying the supply chain of automotive parts, ensuring that materials and components are sourced from legal and trustworthy suppliers.
Charge Your Porsche Cayenne Electric Like an iPhone
Self-driving vehicles are becoming increasingly common and will continue to do so in 2025. Research has indicated that autonomous cars are safer, reduce downtime, expand the last-mile delivery scope, and improve fuel efficiency by 10%. Additionally, several trucking companies have tested self-driving technology, and it will soon become commonplace, with fleets of autonomous trucks sharing the road with traditional vehicles. The market share with EVs specifically is even greater, manufacturing 58% of the world’s electric vehicles. While China’s dominance in EV and automotive production at large is not anything new, the movements being made in emerging economies outside of China are.
Shift to Omni channel content strategy
Key automotive industry trends include a significant rise in electric vehicle production, a growing market for pre-owned vehicles, and an uptick in digital car sales. Alongside established technologies like AI and big data analytics, the industry is also embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain for diverse applications. This technological evolution is reshaping the automotive landscape, driving innovation and efficiency.
Autonomous Vehicles (Self-Driving Cars)
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.
Moreover, car connectivity transforms the driving experience by integrating with real-time systems and smart gadgets. These advancements guide the automotive sector toward a more intelligent, secure, and sustainable future. It includes journey replays, geofencing, and driver behavior monitoring to enhance fleet efficiency and safety. The startup also offers Leap EasyTrack, a vehicle tracking solution that allows for quick and easy self-installation, making it simple to transfer between vehicles without downtime. Indian startup Starkenn develops AI-powered ADAS to enhance vehicle safety and reduce road accidents.
Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference Returns to Detroit in 2025
Whilst these acts have been active for some years now, the landscape has not changed drastically. Until these efforts bear fruit, the industry will need to focus on mitigating risks and prioritising demand effectively. Whilst the U.S. may be bucking it, there is certainly a global trend towards a more sustainability-forward manufacturing scene. However, as with all complex bodies of rulesets, differing rules and regulatory mandates across the globe make it easier for international automakers to fall foul of compliance.
b. Charging Infrastructure Expansion
- The Tree Map below illustrates the top 10 automotive trends that will impact companies in 2024.
- For instance, Texas Instruments‘ AWR2544 radar achieves sensing beyond 200 meters.
- For example, BMW’s San Luis Potosí facility applies digital replicas to reconfigure layouts and minimize waste.
- Sales for BEV and PHEV in Europe increased by 137% in 2020 compared with the previous year (despite a 20% year-over-year decrease in the total car market).
- They also support smart city initiatives by offering data for traffic management and logistics automation.
- Notably, China, Europe, and the US have established themselves as the leading EV markets, with other countries following suit.
As a result of this partnership, Ford is expected to launch its own self-driving car business. The standard ranges from SAE Level 0 (no automation) to SAE Level 5 (full automation). The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) “Levels of Driving Automation” standard shows how stages of vehicle automation progress. In China, it was even reported that lithium-ion battery pack prices fell below $100/kWh for the first time. It’s estimated that to meet many of these net-zero emission goals, EVs will have to climb to at least half of all new car sales by 2050.
Chip shortages remain a major thorn in automotive’s side
- Despite initial scepticism, the automotive industry is embracing enhanced connectivity by enabling real-time updates and post-production feature additions.
- It uses AI-powered damage recognition, estimation, and work distribution to streamline repair processes.
- At the same time, governments and companies view subscriptions as a pathway to scale EV adoption without heavy upfront investments.
- Connected cars create new revenue streams via subscription services, data monetization, and personalized experiences.
- Additionally, Cube Intelligence offers ride-hailing and valet parking services for AVs, as well as smart parking management systems.
- Research has indicated that autonomous cars are safer, reduce downtime, expand the last-mile delivery scope, and improve fuel efficiency by 10%.
- The European Commission will start talks in the New Year on the future of the industry in the region as sales of electric vehicles stall.
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.
This EV Just Set an Efficiency Record
- Semiconductors are, in essence, at the heart of modern car manufacturing, reshaping our understanding of mobility.
- Honda will be showing its Series 0 platform that will be used for its SAE Level 4 driverless car in 2026.
- Supply chains are being restructured to secure critical minerals and diversify chip sources.
- Probably the most important trend in the automotive industry is the worldwide shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
- Also, radar ensures long-range detection of moving objects in all weather conditions, which is critical for adaptive cruise control and highway safety.
We expect to see the concept of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) develop through 2025. Initial deployments focus on simpler, grid-like cities such as Phoenix in the USA, Milton Keynes in the UK, and Singapore. Soon, this will expand to more complex urban environments as vehicle access becomes increasingly prioritised over ownership among the driving masses. In addition, it adapts to applications across fleets, workplaces, airports, and multi-housing units.
AI to Impact All of the Automotive Trends
- On the bright side, partnerships between automakers and tech companies are fuelling innovation and accelerating development, bringing their vision of safer, smarter transportation closer to reality.
- This assists the drivers in keeping lanes, prevents collisions, and enables autonomous driving options.
- The sensor integrates chip-level innovations that reduce power consumption, simplify hardware complexity, and enable performance through a modular architecture.
- What lies ahead is not just a continuation of trends but the potential for transformation that pushes the boundaries of how we move, connect, and thrive.
- This is especially necessary for electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles, which require specialized software and advanced technology to function safely.
- Miniaturization trends in automotive electronics enable the integration of multiple sensors into compact systems to improve vehicle performance while reducing costs.
- The industry trends show a positive perspective for the times to come despite the expected global slowdown and supply chain disruptions.
- These innovations collectively propel the industry towards safer, more efficient transportation.
- Moreover, the solution is customizable to any car model or specific OEM requirements.
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. The automotive regenerative braking market is expected to reach USD 13.83 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 15.8%. Keyvault raised USD 1 million in January 2025 to introduce smartphone-enabled car keys in the US, following the trend of incorporating smart device features into automobiles.
Tesla’s EV battery production and global gigafactory network
By 2030, automotive industry trends 2030 will witness a significant shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, driving sustainable growth in the car market. The infrastructure for EVs is expected to become more widespread and advanced, supporting the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road. Additionally, autonomous driving technology is set to dominate the industry, creating a safer and more efficient transportation system. Following these trends helps greater penetration in the emerging market, like the growing adoption of electric vehicles in China and India.
Toyota’s North Carolina battery plant exemplifies this commitment, with operations fully powered by renewables. Recycling initiatives, such as reusing EV batteries, further emphasize the industry’s shift toward circular manufacturing. “Advanced sensors will make a significant impact on ADAS solutions by providing more accurate data and improving safety maneuvers, from lane-keep-assist to auto parking and braking,” added Lyons. The automotive industry was perhaps the saving grace of the European semiconductor industry in 2023, but reality has hit hard in 2024. Auto brands that stay on top of these trends and continue to innovate will be able to build a resilient business, that will help nurture a more electrified, connected, and sustainable future. With EV makers in China engaging in a price war due to declining demand, Chinese brands with strong hybrid presently are gaining popularity.
The data of all road users is streamed and processed in real-time to empower smart mobility. The solution also serves as the base for additional services such as micropayments and micro-mobility. Nearshoring is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in North America, where manufacturers are shifting operations closer to key markets to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce logistical costs.
- This design ensures durability, compact packaging, and flexible vehicle integration.
- FlxTran’s approach improves connectivity and access to opportunities beyond major cities.
- These advancements are driving the future of connected vehicles, which are increasingly becoming a standard feature in new cars.
- Most favour an opt-in approach (63%), and many are willing to share data for benefits, with 67% open to lower insurance rates, 43% for personalised features, and 36% for improved safety options.
- In the future, advanced integrated solutions will dominate, leading to lighter and more efficient electric powertrains and driving the next generation of high-performance and mass-market EVs.
Top 8 Automotive Manufacturing Trends Shaping the Future of 2025
Perhaps the biggest shift here is in a new manufacturing landscape, with new decentralised hubs across the globe producing EVs for local markets. On the other side of the globe, in Asia, China has implemented a landmark energy policy, aptly named the ‘Energy Law’, as of January 2025. The law emphasises a cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels, placing a higher emphasis on sustainability and developing renewable energy infrastructures. This comes as China continues to make their presence known in the global EV scene, with ramped-up production and dominance in the verify your family car before road trips international EV market. Moving further east, Thailand’s electric car sales quadrupled, aided by subsidies and Chinese carmaker investments, positioning the country as a potential EV manufacturing hub.
While fully autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionise how society moves from A to B, the industry is taking a more measured approach to implementation. Safety concerns remain in the spotlight – this is leading to greater acceptance of incremental developments in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) rather than pushing for immediate full autonomy. Major automotive manufacturers are responding by rethinking their revenue models and investing heavily in on-demand vehicle access services. Meanwhile, tech companies such as Uber and Lyft continue to expand their digital-first transportation solutions, creating a more competitive and diverse mobility landscape. The startup strengthens autonomous driving by providing reliable and production-ready Level 4 vehicles that expand commercial mobility solutions. Semiconductors enhance safety by enabling faster decisions and reducing accident risks.
Toyota Launches the Urban Cruiser EV—Just Not Here
The industry will continue to experience disruptions from geopolitical headwinds to regulatory and legislative developments, data security and economic challenges. Maximising the ROI to investors and stakeholders while remaining competitive will be priorities of the industry. The continued global expansion of various players will require a strategic focus on supply chain efficiencies and may bring transformation and consolidation in the industry. What initially appeared to be a niche sector is now the foundation of the auto industry’s transition. While automakers spend billions developing electric cars, most governments worldwide have ambitious plans to phase out internal combustion engines.
Expect more biodegradable components, renewable energy-powered factories, and battery recycling programs. The trend is irreversible and will accelerate innovation while challenging legacy ICE-dependent supply chains. British startup Cube Intelligence develops a blockchain-based security platform for autonomous vehicles. The startup’s technology utilizes hash codes to block malicious attacks or hacking attempts on autonomous cars and connected cars. Additionally, Cube Intelligence offers ride-hailing and valet parking services for AVs, as well as smart parking management systems.
Challenges Facing EV Manufacturers
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.