Connected vehicles are entering a software-defined era where 5G, AI, and V2X convert cars into real-time data nodes that communicate smoothly with infrastructure, other vehicles, and the cloud. Our new report spotlights 10 connected vehicle trends to watch in 2026 that promise safer, smarter mobility and fresh revenue streams for automakers. Curious how electric vehicle trends like solar integration, AI-powered systems, and modular design are innovating mobility?
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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. 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. 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.
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Toyota continues to emphasize hybrids as a critical part of its electrification strategy. Let’s have a closer look at the top automotive trends poised to dominate the landscape in 2025. Supplemented by the categorisation of our experts, a clear picture emerges of where the industry stands – and where it should develop in order to remain fit for the future. Automakers are also adopting hyper-personalized features to offer customized experiences through infotainment systems, user profiles, and real-time navigation updates. Many of these vehicles will feature over-the-air (OTA) upgrades and V2X communication. Xaba’s proprietary process and AI-driven large-scale 3D printer enable sustainable materials, such as fibers, fiber-reinforced polymers, and metals, to create functional car chassis.
Volta Trucks manufactures Electric Trucks
By leveraging tech and sustainable practices, the automotive sector can meet the challenges of tomorrow while delivering exceptional value to consumers. 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. As we look ahead to 2025, these trends highlight the challenges and opportunities why VIN checks are essential when buying used that manufacturers face.
SafeAD enables Large-scale Fleet Learning
These are the old and traditional methods that buyers use to contact dealers or check your products or information about the brand on search engines. Buyers check all the accessible platforms like your social media, website, videos, and more. Buyers would be shifting to a new modernized model and will directly deal with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and the dealer will play the role of an agent. By the second quarter of 2024, global cyber-attacks had surged, with organisations facing an average of 1,636 attacks per week—a 30% year-on-year increase.
Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Automotive Trends
Google and Ford recently announced a connected car partnership called Team Upshift. This type of vehicle is defined by its ability to communicate with other software systems and collect data from its surroundings. And TuSimple is hoping to begin selling completely autonomous Level 4 trucks to fleet operators in 2024. In addition, more than half of all vehicles are expected to fall into the Level 1-5 range in 2024.
What are the future predictions for automotive industry innovations?
It offers more sustainable 3D printing by developing its own large-scale printing hardware and using fully recycled composite materials. 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.
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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. General Intelligence strengthens the evolution of software-defined vehicles by aligning human-inspired learning with safety. It also advances autonomous driving by enabling adaptability across vehicle types and conditions. In addition, the unit supports multiple communication protocols, including CAN and FlexRay.
Automotive Industry Trends 2025: Future & Growth of Automotive
Meanwhile, environmental concerns will drive automakers to focus on sustainable manufacturing processes, alternative fuels, and circular economy principles. In 2024, the automotive industry is increasingly integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations. 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.
What are the expected effects of sustainability and environmental concerns on the automotive industry’s future trends?
Its RISC-V IP processors adopt 32/64-bit architectures supported by a nine-stage dual-issue pipeline. 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.
The final trend, and one which has been subject to a lot of attention (and hype), is driverless transportation. 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.
Increasing production of digital vehicles
- As a car seller, dealer, or manufacturer, you must only build flexible yet solid automotive marketing strategies and create a strong sense of customer trust and loyalty.
- However, sales of robotaxi vehicles will remain a minority, as safety concerns, legislative bottlenecks and the high cost of operations restrict growth.
- Operating from Germany and the US, EcoG is a startup offering an IoT-based operating system and platform for EV charging.
- The industry trends show a positive perspective for the times to come despite the expected global slowdown and supply chain disruptions.
- LiDAR sensors enable precise 3D mapping, crucial for vehicle navigation and obstacle detection.
- Top car brands are embracing VR as part of their dealership photography strategies to further enhance the customer experience.
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.
- This both lowers costs and improves vehicle performance, addressing both market demands and sustainability goals.
- Recycling initiatives, such as reusing EV batteries, further emphasize the industry’s shift toward circular manufacturing.
- With consumers increasingly prioritizing environmental performance when purchasing vehicles, automakers must focus on reducing emissions and developing more sustainable transportation options.
- Key players like Bosch, Continental AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG are investing in technological advancements.
SDVs are more efficient and safer and can be updated with the latest technologies through software, keeping them up to date in a constantly evolving industry. The big data market in automotive is growing, with a projected market size of USD 5.92 billion in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 16.78% to reach USD 12.86 billion by 2029. Startups are developing big data solutions to help manufacturers and related industries streamline operations and maximize profits.
Tesla’s EV battery production and global gigafactory network
- Tesla reportedly rewrote the software it uses in its vehicles so they could run on a different type of chip.
- Simultaneously, many automakers embrace vertical integration strategies, taking control of the software stack from chip development to application integration.
- The platform features customizable work product templates, detailed instructions, and comprehensive checklists for self-assessment.
- Automotive drivers now expect vehicles to behave like smartphones, gaining features through over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- Chinese startup Chipv offers automotive semiconductors that combine computing capabilities with motor control and power management.
- The company already has 50 Level 4 autonomous trucks operating in the Southwestern United States.
European manufacturers are leading the charge with plans for affordable EV models, such as Citroën and Renault. These budget-friendly models aim to stimulate adoption following a dip in EV sales. Consumers research their preferred car on their mobile phones, looking for the best options, offers, and dealerships. Therefore, websites need to be easily readable and accessible across mobile devices, with clear calls to action.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies continue to evolve, bringing unprecedented changes to vehicle safety and functionality. Additionally, infrastructure developments like Toyota‘s new battery plant in North Carolina underscore the industry’s dedication to scaling EV output. Expected to produce batteries for up to 800,000 vehicles annually, the plant will be powered entirely by renewable energy, demonstrating a dual focus on production efficiency and sustainability. 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.
Jaguar Land Rover’s REALCAR project established a closed-loop recycling system that reclaims over 50K tonnes of aluminum scrap. The project avoids more than 500K tonnes of CO2 emissions by reducing the need for primary aluminum. Another instance is that of Michelin, which made a road-approved car tire with 45% sustainable materials.
💡 Related Insights: Diving Deeper into Specific Automotive Niches
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to grow, although governments may restructure their incentive programs. The automotive industry is transforming, fueled by evolving consumer demands, rapid technological advancements, and the urgency of addressing climate change. In 2025, the future of mobility will take a new shape in ways that promise smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable vehicles. Central to this evolution is the growing demand for electric vehicles and software-defined vehicles. 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.
The shortages have forced manufacturers to delay product launches and reduce outputs, among other issues. Asia, home to key production hubs, remains at the epicentre of attempts to address this crisis, with nations like Taiwan investing heavily in scaling chip production. Additionally, Europe and the U.S. have sought to bolster their chip and semiconductor production with the ‘European Chips Act’ and the ‘CHIPS and Science Act’, respectively.
