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. In 2025, new registrations of electric vehicles – BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) – are anticipated to reach a record 18.1 million – up from 16.3 million in 2024. However, growth EV adoption is predicted to slow, with year-on-year growth falling from 15% in 2024 to 11% in 2025.
Automotive trends for 2025
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? This report explores the top 10 electric vehicle trends shaping the industry in 2026. Discover how these shifts improve charging, safety, and sustainability and what they mean for your business.
What are the latest automotive industry trends in 2024?
- For this, it uses advanced system-on-chips (SoCs) that integrate mixed-signal analog and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms.
- Manufacturers are partnering with tech companies to design and produce the new operating systems necessary for the next generation of technologically advanced vehicles.
- Moreover, the technology combines EV chargers, a DC bus, smart inverters, and an energy management platform.
- In the US, the CHIPS and Science Act allocates USD 52.7 billion in funding and offers a 25% investment tax credit.
- The semiconductors also enable infotainment, voice assistants, and AI-driven interfaces for a better user experience.
- The startup enables dealerships, fleet managers, and manufacturers to manage inventory strategically.
Personalising the IVX will drive the need for AI agents, which is one reason why EDA tool vendor Synopsys is working with Sima.ai. Across in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), there have been various OEM innovations in the past year, with AI models being integrated into these systems. For example, Mercedes-Benz is using Chat-GPT for intelligent virtual assistants within its vehicles. 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. The automotive industry is being altered by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is powering a new wave of smarter and more personalized innovations. From enhancing in-vehicle safety solutions to enabling semi-autonomous driving features, AI is redefining innovations in vehicle functionality and unprecedentedly shaping the driving experience.
Mechatnom applies Automotive Software Modules
Automotive suppliers are renegotiating their vendor/supplier contracts to align with these new predictions. 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. The recently proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, while temporarily delayed, may also have a drastic impact on the global automotive supply chain. 2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for automotive with regards to global shifts in the market with a mixed bag of potential harmony and disruption. This agreement is expected to drastically enhance automotive trade between these regions.
- Monitoring and understanding these trends are critical for automakers and other stakeholders to stay ahead of their competitors.
- Crucially, the order halts federal funding for EV infrastructure projects, such as charging station programs, until they align with the administration’s policy goals.
- This agreement is expected to drastically enhance automotive trade between these regions.
- It uses AI-powered damage recognition, estimation, and work distribution to streamline repair processes.
- The startup also operates PartSmart, a real-time parts ordering platform that connects insurers, workshops, fleet owners, and suppliers.
- The platform allows autonomous vehicles to discover AVs, service providers, or clients around them.
- This vehicle’s design prioritizes driver safety and comfort, featuring a central driving position and panoramic vision for enhanced visibility.
- Ransomware-related costs in the automotive industry skyrocketed from $74.7 million to $209.6 million in just the first half of 2023.
- According to Globe News Wire, the entire market will grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2033, logging USD 984 billion.
APIs conversion growth
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. Norwegian startup Chargerly designs vehicle-to-building (V2B) solutions that integrate EVs with building energy systems to improve resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. 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.
NoTraffic facilitates Digital Road Infrastructure Management
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.
Self-Driving Vehicles.
- 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.
- 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.
- Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) convert the auto industry by shifting control from hardware to software.
- This could allow drivers to retain their jobs, but avoid the injuries and deaths that result from exhaustion.
- The startup develops Konnect – GS01, an automatic electronic logging device (ELD) to continuously track vehicular health.
Vehicle cybersecurity drives one of the fastest-growing areas in the auto industry as connected vehicles multiply and cyber risks intensify. Analysts project the automotive cybersecurity market to increase from USD 5.24 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 18.88 billion by 2034, advancing at a CAGR of 15.3%. Geopolitical risks, regulatory frameworks, cost advantages, and compliance needs drive the auto industry toward supply chain resilience and nearshoring. Automakers reduce reliance on distant suppliers as trade tensions and conflicts expose the fragility of global networks. Also, advanced battery management systems improve safety, extend battery life, and optimize performance. Automakers integrate these systems to offer more reliable vehicles across global markets.
Reports from key manufacturing shows
- Additionally, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Jaguar have all released more affordable EVs that have a range of anywhere from 200 miles to 250 miles.
- The connected car market is a battleground for tech giants and traditional automakers alike.
- The Latin America Energy Organisation (Olade), released a report showing that with the increase in supply, lower prices and tax incentives, Latin America and the Caribbean have great potential for EV growth.
- The platform features customizable work product templates, detailed instructions, and comprehensive checklists for self-assessment.
- The chip shortage is one-factor holding cars back from getting to the dealership lots.
- Technological advancements, changes in consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and global economic conditions drive these trends.
- One critical challenge in transitioning to electric mobility is the availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure.
- Its solution, carSECURITY, provides organizations with a complete cybersecurity process landscape.
The technology has already processed over a billion customer requests and is set to grow in 2025 with predictive intelligence and maintenance technology. North American and European automakers offer consumers the option to buy vehicles online without visiting dealerships. With a computer or smartphone, buyers can choose desired features, secure financing, and even take virtual walk-around and test drives. In 2025, more dealerships are expected to offer online sales, vehicle inspection, and home delivery. read the six smart moves for business growth Solid-state batteries, which promise to offer higher energy density and improved safety over traditional lithium-ion batteries, are on the horizon. These batteries can provide longer driving ranges and faster charging times, which have historically been limitations for EV adoption.
Global Startup Heat Map covers 4859 Innovative Automotive Startups & Scaleups
More than 12% of consumers who financed a new car in June of 2022 had a monthly payment of $1,000 or more. It’s clear that a select subset of today’s consumers are willing to pay for high-end automobiles. Power say that sales of cars worth more than $100k were outselling lower-priced cars 3 to 1 in the first quarter of 2022. The market for FCEVs is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of nearly 70%, through 2026.
Softening demand for pure EVs to shift focus towards hybrid technologies
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. A few hybrid models are priced below their EV and ICE counterparts, attracting Chinese consumers to hybrids, especially plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and extended-range hybrid (EREV) models.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Michelin Makes Tires with 45% Sustainable Materials
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. However there are huge opportunities for the industry in the shift to software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving. These shifts are beneficial to ARM, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors and Infineon Technologies. While there are a lot of opportunities ahead for the industry, there will be plenty of challenges like cost pressures, growing competition, and globalization. The growing shared mobility trend also looms as more people are using shared transportation methods instead of owning cars.
♻️ Circular Economy Principles and Eco-Friendly Production
Despite this, 2025 is guaranteed to be pivotal, with potential breakthroughs in autonomous driving technology along with a stronger push toward hybridization and sustainability. Simultaneously, many automakers embrace vertical integration strategies, taking control of the software stack from chip development to application integration. This approach equips them to differentiate their offerings, with software being the key to creating compelling customer experiences.
Connected, autonomous, shared, and electric (CASE) vehicle technologies remain a strong focus in automotive markets
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. Brands need to provide specific offers by analyzing their customer’s needs, preferences, and behavior. OEMs like Toyota, Hyundai-Kia, Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi, and Stellantis already have a large portfolio of hybrid variants, including mild and full hybrids.
Also, automotive Ethernet and time-sensitive networking (TSN) provide deterministic in-vehicle data highways that keep safety-critical communication reliable. In addition, SWYTCHD includes access to premium electric scooters and cars such as the Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, TVS iQube, and Nexon EV. This approach enhances road efficiency and reduces fuel consumption, thereby lowering emissions. Regulations such as Europe’s General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2), US mandates for automatic emergency braking, and China’s target of 70% Level 2-3 adoption by 2025 compel automakers to improve deployment. US-based startup TeraDAR designs its 4D imaging sensor that enhances sensor fusion by offering the Terahertz wavelength for vehicle perception. Moreover, redundancy across sensor types improves resilience in poor weather or low visibility.
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.
Here’s how TikTok unboxings and gaming are driving one of 2025’s top retail trends. Data from the past 10 years shows the sale of luxury vehicles making a steep climb in 2022. Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo have been the two major players in the market since sales launched in 2016. Along with an increase in refueling stations, look to see an increase in the variety of FCEVs available to consumers in the coming years. In addition, Hawaii passed a bill in 2022 that will create a hydrogen refueling system rebate for developers. Any infrastructure that’s built after January 1, 2023, and utilizes renewable hydrogen will be eligible for up to $200k.