Its product, THINKey, transforms smartphones into digital keys that allow users to lock, unlock, read recent posts by this user and start their vehicles. The integration of 5G networks is accelerating advancements in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, supporting autonomous driving functionalities. The startup offers tools for real-time calibration health checks for deployed fleets to reduce time-to-market and operational risks. Further, its AI-enabled depth sensor, HiFi, enhances 3D sensing with 1.6-megapixel supersampled depth, 8 TOPS of AI compute, a 136° ultra-wide field of view, and connectivity options like PoE and USB-C. This platform uses secured safety assurance and risk-mitigation principles to detect and address failures in assisted and self-driving systems. Qumasoft’s solution enables companies to develop, produce, and operate cybersecure vehicles and components efficiently.
Best of 2025 How Generative AI Is Transforming Industry
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.
ARK MOTORS builds Electric Vehicles
However, it raises privacy and cybersecurity concerns that OEMs must address to maintain consumer trust. The connected car market is a battleground for tech giants and traditional automakers alike. Automotive industry trends refer to changes in patterns within the automotive sector that influence vehicle design, production, marketing, and usage. Technological advancements, changes in consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and global economic conditions drive these trends. The automotive industry is highly dynamic, and trends are subject to change over time. Monitoring and understanding these trends is crucial for automakers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to stay competitive.
Inside the architecture: How software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms are built
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.
Discover all Auto Trends, Technologies & Startups
Moreover, the solution is customizable to any car model or specific OEM requirements. Hungarian startup V2ROADS offers a range of products and services tailored to the V2X ecosystem. They provide V2X applications, services, and communication stacks specifically designed for on-board units (OBUs) and road-side units (RSUs). Further, its V2X-cloud system implementation guarantees uninterrupted connectivity between vehicles and infrastructure. Finally, its V2AP (V2X Integration Platform) is a server-side software to amplify V2X services to elevate road safety and efficiency. These advancements are driving the future of connected vehicles, which are increasingly becoming a standard feature in new cars.
Vehicle Purchases Shift Online
- Factories equipped with IoT-enabled devices and machine learning capabilities are emerging as the backbone of next-generation automotive production.
- The startup enables dealerships, fleet managers, and manufacturers to manage inventory strategically.
- Until these efforts bear fruit, the industry will need to focus on mitigating risks and prioritising demand effectively.
- While the market for cars valued below $80k is expected to remain flat through 2031, the luxury car market is predicted to grow at up to 14% CAGR.
- Sustainable manufacturing lowers emissions, which allows automakers to meet compliance requirements and reduce their environmental footprint.
- A 5G connection transmits data to a remote control station, which allows operators to monitor and intervene when needed.
- OEMs are advancing and navigating regulatory challenges to introduce and test L3 and L4 automation, setting the background for augmented adoption of autonomous vehicles.
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.
Mechatnom applies Automotive Software Modules
To address these threats, proactive cyber security is a must for automakers and their partners across the value chain. Robust IoT (Internet of Things) security, regular software updates, and well-prepared incident response plans are the essential building blocks of a strong cyber security strategy. This move highlights the industry’s broader trend of building resilient supply chains to safeguard against geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Global supply chain disruptions over recent years have prompted manufacturers to rethink strategies.
Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) will Witness High Demand
Key players like Bosch, Continental AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG are investing in technological advancements. They are focusing on lightweight materials and improved energy recovery efficiency. Telematics adoption in logistics and transportation industries is driven by features such as real-time tracking, driver behavior analysis, and fuel consumption reduction. Singaporean startup EVIE Autonomous designs electric, autonomous shuttles for last-mile delivery, passenger transport, agriculture, and cargo movement.
🚗 Top 7 Automotive Industry Trends Shaping 2026
Looking ahead, there is no doubt that the automotive industry is on the brink of a paradigm shift driven by unprecedented technological advancements and a commitment to sustainability. While most of these concerns can be overcome, it will take some time, and this time will be the most challenging for the industry. Canadian startup KonnectShift provides IoT solutions to optimize fleet and asset management. The startup develops Konnect – GS01, an automatic electronic logging device (ELD) to continuously track vehicular health. Israeli startup DAV offers a decentralized autonomous vehicles platform based on blockchain technology.
Tangram Vision offers a Perception Platform
- By 2025, nearly all new vehicles are expected to feature advanced connectivity options, integrating aspects of digital life directly into driving experiences.
- 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.
- The USMCA requires 75% of motor industry components to be produced in North America.
- 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.
- Conversely, in Europe, regulations are scaling up in preparation for the EU ban on new ICE vehicles by 2035.
Following these trends will equip enterprises with greater penetration in the emerging market, such as the growing adoption of EVs across China and India. A combination of technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and new business models will shape the automotive industry in 2025. The rise of electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and innovative mobility solutions will redefine how we think about transportation. Meanwhile, environmental concerns will drive automakers to focus on sustainable manufacturing processes, alternative fuels, and circular economy principles.
Lexus LS Coupe Concept Could Be the Future of… Something
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. Below, you get to meet 20 out of these 4859 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These 20 automotive companies are hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised & more. As battery technology and charging infrastructure progress, EVs lead the push toward sustainability.
Forecasting Top 3 Automotive Industry Trends, 2030
Sensor fusion that combines information from various sources improves safety and autonomy by enabling accurate decision-making. The Asia-Pacific region currently controls the majority of the market due to the strong uptake of electric cars (EVs) in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region’s substantial market share results from government incentives and the growth of the automobile industry. Indian startup ThinkSeed develops middleware solutions that enhance smartphone connectivity to vehicles for secure access and infotainment.
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 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.
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.
- Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.
- This shift supports mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), reducing the number of idle vehicles and addressing urban transportation needs without adding more cars.
- This is fueled by increased vehicle production and sales in China, Japan, and South Korea.
- These tools equip dealerships to handle inquiries efficiently, thus freeing time for other important tasks.
- It provides exclusive access to vehicles and optimizes purchase decisions based on supply and demand trends.
- 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.
- AI, ML, and computing allow vehicles to process data points per second with split-second precision.
These tools equip dealerships to handle inquiries efficiently, thus freeing time for other important tasks. They further assist with management, maintenance, and repair appointments, as well as streamlining operations. Voice search assistants help optimize interfaces for advertisements and voice search queries.
- Connectivity also enables remote diagnostics, alerts the driver about necessary maintenance, and promotes both safety and cost-efficiency.
- Its solution, carSECURITY, provides organizations with a complete cybersecurity process landscape.
- As we progress through 2025, these trends will continue to reshape the automotive landscape.
- The system combines this data with inputs from multiple cameras and sensors to enable AI-driven perception and decision-making in near-real-time driving scenarios.
- Now, 94% of consumers check the manufacturer’s website for product information before purchasing a part.
- Additionally, customer data drives sales, optimizes supply chains and informs new vehicle designs.
- For this in-depth research on the Top Automotive Industry Trends and startups, we analyzed a sample of 4859 innovative automotive startups & scaleups worldwide.
- Moreover, blockchain and digital contracts enhance security and automate billing.
- UK-based startup Distributed Additive Manufacturing (DAM) offers 3D printing services including design, building, and finishing of parts.
- Sustainability has evolved from a competitive advantage to an existential necessity for the automotive industry.
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. Toyota intends to power its battery plant in North Carolina with renewable energy by 2025.
These over-the-air updates are becoming essential for ensuring vehicle reliability, safety and security, and are opening new revenue streams for manufacturers. Moreover, its software platform manages real-time energy flows and integrates with solar systems to optimize renewable energy usage. It also enables customers to schedule and monitor charging activity for improved efficiency. 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.
Quantum computing accelerates material discovery and crash simulation, and edge computing and 5G offer real-time responsiveness in vehicles. Moreover, the technology combines EV chargers, a DC bus, smart inverters, and an energy management platform. This coordinates power flows between vehicles, buildings, and distributed energy resources. Its bidirectional charging technology allows EV batteries to supply electricity to buildings during outages or peak demand. The technology also draws energy during off-peak hours to lower costs and stabilize the grid.
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.
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.
IoT creates more opportunities for manufacturers to market to consumers even after they’ve made a purchase. Consistent brand messaging across all channels, including in-car infotainment systems and websites, can help foster long-term customer relationships, promoting brand loyalty and advocacy. Fuel-cell electric vehicles will emerge worldwide in 2025 due to their faster recharge, extended range, and zero emissions. Major car, truck, and SUV manufacturers are investing in fuel-cell electric vehicle development, with the support of countries like China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The EU’s Green Deal and its accompanying “Fit for 55” initiative aim to cut carbon emissions drastically by 2030, piling new expectations on manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact. Adding to the challenge, measures such as stricter Euro 7 tailpipe standards and updated rules on battery recycling demand deeper innovation within supply chains and operations.
Further, this also offers software solutions for fleet and asset tracking as well as connected cars. AI is also transforming automotive manufacturing by speeding up production and cutting costs. Factories equipped with IoT-enabled devices and machine learning capabilities are emerging as the backbone of next-generation automotive production. These facilities use data-driven insights to optimise processes, reduce energy consumption, and increase operational efficiency. In 2024, the automotive industry experienced significant transformations, with advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies, and shifts in global markets. The auto manufacturers who rely on the older versions of chips which are not advanced and powerful will disrupt the growth of the automotive industry.
This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of electronic control units (ECUs) in modern vehicles and the rising implementation of advanced safety systems. Semiconductors are, in essence, at the heart of modern car manufacturing, reshaping our understanding of mobility. Developing high-performance, long-lasting, and cost-effective batteries is a key area of focus for automakers in 2025. Batteries are the heart of any electric vehicle, and improvements in battery technology will continue to shape the future of EVs.
