Automotive Topics and Trends

Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time monitoring solutions improve shipment tracking, warehouse oversight, and production visibility. In addition, it offers charging solutions for e-bikes, including wallboxes and mass-charging systems for hotels and public spaces, thereby broadening access to sustainable transport. Czech Republic-based startup IONT tech manufactures EV charging stations that support home, business, and public use.

Leap Business Solutions advances Fleet Management

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.

Lean Project Management: What It Is, Key Principles & How to Implement It

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 Topics and Trends

Q) What are the predictions for the automotive industry?

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) convert the auto industry by shifting control from hardware to software. Automakers move from fleets of electronic control units (ECUs) toward centralized computing platforms that run multiple domains on Systems on Chip (SoCs). Vehicle subscriptions reduce financial barriers for consumers and offer bundled insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance in predictable monthly fees. For businesses, the vehicle subscriptions lower capital requirements and simplify fleet management. The sensor integrates chip-level innovations that reduce power consumption, simplify hardware complexity, and enable performance through a modular architecture. This design ensures durability, compact packaging, and flexible vehicle integration.

🔒 Data Privacy Concerns and Ethical Use of Vehicle Data

Automotive Topics and Trends

The uptake in EVs is experiencing a surge, driven by rapid advances in battery technology, an expanding charging infrastructure and supportive government incentives. As more manufacturers roll out affordable and appealing EV models, the market is shifting towards sustainable alternatives which are becoming more accessible to check seller claims remotely by VIN 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.

  • Tesla already employs single inverter housings across its models, offering efficient integration of power electronics.
  • In 2025, many automakers will focus on creating vehicles that are easier to disassemble, repair, and recycle at the end of their lifecycle.
  • Through V2X, vehicles can share information about road conditions, accidents, and traffic patterns, allowing for real-time decision-making.
  • In addition, the startup strengthens automotive cybersecurity with features such as real-time intrusion detection and automated containment protocols.
  • These practices not only meet regulatory demands but also resonate with consumers increasingly drawn to environmentally responsible brands.
  • Its product range includes an electric modular chassis, the standard autonomous shuttle pod, and pods for other applications.
  • However there are huge opportunities for the industry in the shift to software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving.

What are the future predictions for automotive industry innovations?

  • 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.
  • “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.
  • Road safety, regulatory mandates, autonomous vehicle adoption, and smart city development drive this innovation.
  • By 2025, nearly all new vehicles are expected to feature advanced connectivity options, integrating aspects of digital life directly into driving experiences.
  • In addition, the IoT’s potential in the automotive industry presents a significant chance for manufacturers to revamp their marketing strategies.
  • Examples are bikes, scooters, and mopeds, as well as the electric versions of these 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.

Singapore’s adaptive traffic signal systems, along with real-time monitoring, ERP pricing, and predictive analytics, improve traffic efficiency. The automotive V2X market reached USD 2.87 billion in 2025 and is expected to expand to USD 18.67 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 45.43%. This rapid expansion reflects its role in reducing road accidents, enabling connected mobility, and smart city systems worldwide. Moreover, the startup engineers the ECU platform with compliance to ISO for functional safety. It also aligns with ISO for cybersecurity and ensures reliability under demanding automotive standards. Also, automotive Ethernet and time-sensitive networking (TSN) provide deterministic in-vehicle data highways that keep safety-critical communication reliable.

Q) What are the new trends in the automotive industry?

It highlights high startup activity in Western Europe and the United States, followed by India. From these, 20 promising startups are featured below, selected based on factors like founding year, location, and funding. We don’t just regurgitate press releases—we road-trip, wrench, code, and occasionally sleep in dealership parking lots to bring you unfiltered truth. Our proprietary data blends EPA fuel-economy dumps, NHTSA complaint logs, insurance quote engines, and Reddit sentiment (yes, really).

The automotive parts market continues to grow

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.

EV technology is the catalyst for transformation—it’s forcing OEMs to rethink vehicle architecture, supply chains, and customer engagement. Battery improvements reduce costs and increase range, making EVs more accessible. EVs also enable new business models like vehicle-to-grid services and battery leasing. This tech shift is also accelerating the move toward software-defined vehicles and connected ecosystems. Moreover, high-performance computing platforms supply the processing power needed to run these systems in real time. NVIDIA’s DRIVE Thor, for instance, offers up to 2000 TOPS of AI inference performance.

  • MaaS is set to become a key focus for the automotive industry in 2025 as companies look to diversify their business models and create new revenue streams.
  • XCognition captures operator input or sensor data to generate execution-ready robotic programs to increase accuracy and reduce deployment time.
  • After the pandemic, we developed a habit of shifting all requirements to online methods, and so do goes with the automobile industry.
  • In addition, TuSimple has partnered with Navistar and UPS to test its software under supervised driving conditions.
  • Additionally, interest rates for used vehicle loans are higher than those for new cars.
  • EVs drive the shift to greener mobility and it is aided by advancements in semiconductors for smarter and efficient vehicles.

To understand AI’s impact on the automotive industry, it is important to consider the ongoing shifts across the automotive landscape, especially the transition toward software-defined vehicles. Modern vehicles have transitioned from distributed architecture to a centralized, high-performance computing model. This transformation has further streamlined the vehicle architecture, facilitating over-the-air software updates, more efficient management, and lowering overall complexity. EloyMessage broadcasts fixed or dynamic visual and audio messages directly into vehicles, reducing driver distraction with patented technology. EloySignals utilizes AI to optimize traffic flow, advising drivers on stopping or proceeding, and prioritizing emergency vehicles and vulnerable road users.

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.

WF Telematics improves Fleet and Asset Management

Discover how these shifts improve charging, safety, and sustainability and what they mean for your business. The AI systems also learn about the driver’s preferences in music and temperature, making the driving experiences as enjoyable as possible. Many auto manufacturers are considering integrating in-car payments to ease refueling, paying for parking or tolls, and even grocery shopping.

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. Automotive drivers now expect vehicles to behave like smartphones, gaining features through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Regulations also support adoption, as safety and emissions standards require continuous updates and smarter architectures. Indian startup SWYTCHD manages vehicle subscription services that focus on electric two-wheelers and cars. This enables an all-inclusive model that replaces ownership with monthly flexibility.

🚗 Subscription Models and Car-Sharing Services

Moreover, the startup offers fleet-grade protection through continuous monitoring and predictive alerts. Its intelligent asset tracking defends vehicles against spoofing, ransomware, and remote control attempts. Also, EV charging infrastructure requires strong cybersecurity, as attackers target charging stations for data theft or service disruption. The startup also operates PartSmart, a real-time parts ordering platform that connects insurers, workshops, fleet owners, and suppliers. The platform enables visibility across the entire claims cycle and supports both OEM and aftermarket sourcing. AI and predictive analytics enhance demand forecasting, risk detection, and sourcing optimization.

Software-defined Vehicles (SDV): Market Set to Reach USD 3.3T by 2034

  • The connected car market is a battleground for tech giants and traditional automakers alike.
  • By incorporating AI tools, the company has reduced production costs while accelerating vehicle launch timelines.
  • Advances in AI, sensor technology, and connectivity are also playing a key role in improving the safety and adoption of autonomous vehicles.
  • Big data and advanced analytics play a crucial role in decision-making throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle.
  • Whether this central compute is a monolithic chip such as Nvidia Thor, which will be detailed in 2025, it will also be constructed from chiplets.

Lastly, MARV.Automotive is a configurable and extensible data management platform that reliably transmits data from the vehicle to the cloud. The US-based startup Launch Mobility develops a platform for a range of shared mobility solutions. The platform LM Mission ControlTM offers free-floating or station-based car sharing, advanced shuttle services, shared dockless scooters, keyless rental programs, and peer-to-peer shared mobility. Further, their drivers use out-of-the-box or white-labeled apps to manage reservations or remotely access vehicles.

Conclusion: The Automotive Industry in 2025

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. Big data and advanced analytics play a crucial role in decision-making throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle. Vehicle-generated data facilitates predictive maintenance, fleet management, and accident response. Additionally, customer data drives sales, optimizes supply chains and informs new vehicle designs.

  • According to Globe News Wire, the entire market will grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2033, logging USD 984 billion.
  • It also leads Europe in new EV market activity, with just 9.61 percent of new passenger car sales in 2023 attributed to gasoline, diesel, and non-rechargeable hybrid 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.
  • As 2024 comes to a close, the automotive manufacturing industry continues to accelerate its transformation.
  • In terms of new car sales, Norway boasts the highest percentage of battery-electric vehicles in Europe.
  • Partnerships between telecom providers and automakers, like Targa Telematics’ collaboration with Renault, are enhancing connectivity solutions, particularly for fleet management.
  • This approach enhances flexibility across its global operations, ensuring a rapid response to shifting market demands.
  • The platform LM Mission ControlTM offers free-floating or station-based car sharing, advanced shuttle services, shared dockless scooters, keyless rental programs, and peer-to-peer shared mobility.
  • The push toward electrification is reshaping the automotive manufacturing landscape.

Inside the architecture: How software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms are built

In the UK, auto production surpassed one million units in 2023, marking a significant recovery. However, with the cessation of certain models, there are concerns about a potential production dip in 2024. New EV launches slated for 2025 are expected to reinvigorate the market, underscoring the importance of product innovation in sustaining growth. Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as megacasting and giga-stamping, are playing a pivotal role in enabling the industry’s transformation.

Instantly Analyze Any Market

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.

Therefore, websites must be easily readable and accessible on mobile devices, with clear calls to action. Brands provide specific offers by analyzing your needs, preferences, and behavior. Paul Marinelli gets straight to the point—exploring key trends and innovations shaping tomorrow’s mobility in just five minutes. Long journeys are no longer exhausting and tedious, as everyone on board can watch movies, stream their favorite music, and play games through pre-loaded entertainment services. These cars even come equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots, ensuring easy Internet access for all passengers.

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).

Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Feels Lighter Than It Is

According to Statista’s report, global sales of electric vehicles are expected to reach an astounding US$786.2 billion by the end of 2024. As cities become more congested, shared mobility solutions are becoming increasingly popular. In 2025, we expect to see more automated and electric shared vehicles providing affordable, on-demand transportation. Self-driving vehicles rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to process real-time data from cameras, sensors, and radars. The goal is to enable cars to make decisions and navigate without human intervention. In 2025, automakers will continue improving AI systems’ reliability, reducing the likelihood of accidents, and enabling safer autonomous driving experiences.

The US-based startup Procon Analytics leverages big data to offer a solution for automotive finance. The solution captures millions of data points in real time and analyzes them to enable lenders to instantly assess and reduce risk. This allows Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealers to expand their businesses and extend credit to high-risk customers.

Toyota’s Vision for the Future of EV Design

Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular—they combine electric power with the reliability of a combustion engine. Compared to EVs, they don’t require charging, but at the same time reduce carbon emissions. However, it’s estimated that there will be 33 million autonomous vehicles on the road by 2040. Consumer trends in the automotive industry reveal that short videos are more effective than text in converting leads into customers in the automotive industry. Dealerships can take advantage of various videos, such as how-to videos, car highlights, and customer testimonials. The modernized vehicles available in the market have opened an opportunity for the firms that supply and also manufacture the parts.

Automakers will continue to incorporate these systems into even more affordable models, making safety technologies more accessible to a broader range of consumers. By leveraging tech and sustainable practices, the automotive sector can meet the challenges of tomorrow while delivering exceptional value to consumers. As urban areas grow more congested, the focus is shifting from traditional car ownership to mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) models. Fleet-as-a-Service (FaaS) solutions, particularly autonomous fleets, are set to transform how people navigate cities. This digital transformation enhances scalability, a key driver in the competitive automotive sector.

Lithium-ion battery prices have fallen by 89% over the last decade, reaching a price of $137/kWh in 2020. After a disappointing 2019 in terms of EV sales, 2020 sales surpassed expectations, growing over 40% year-over-year. The industry itself, however, has remained relatively stable over the last decade.