FRM 2025: Sector Report Automotive Industry KPMG in Germany

Automotive Topics and Trends

Its vehicle tracking system provides 24/7 real-time visibility, supported by self-install and engineer-fitted options, with no minimum fleet size required. With the introduction of 5G networks, advanced telematics features like real-time diagnostics, autonomous driving, and improved safety systems are becoming even more feasible. Canadian startup Xaba develops intelligent automation solutions, materials, and processes for sustainable manufacturing. Its AI-driven control systems, xCognition and xTrude, enhance industrial robotics and additive manufacturing by automating programming and improving precision. US-based startup Aviva Links builds in-vehicle connectivity solutions that include multi-gigabit Ethernet and ASA Motion Link (ASA-ML) semiconductor products for ADAS systems.

Automotive Topics and Trends

What role will artificial intelligence play in the future of the automotive industry and its trends?

It also provides lane-change algorithms that ensure comfortable lateral movement and personalized passenger comfort profiles refined with each journey. The World Health Organization links 1.35 million annual deaths to road accidents, creating urgency for autonomy. AI, ML, and computing allow vehicles to process data points per second with split-second precision. Further, Chipv creates power control chips equipped with triple RISC-V cores, extensive on-chip memory, and robust hardware security modules. In the US, the CHIPS and Science Act allocates USD 52.7 billion in funding and offers a 25% investment tax credit. It provides grants, loans, and incentives to expand domestic fabs, semiconductor R&D, and the broader supply chain.

AI to Impact All of the Automotive Trends

The study offers data-based insights and recommendations for action for decision-makers in the automotive sector. Gain in-depth insights into the key developments that characterise the automotive 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. 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.

Increasing production of digital vehicles

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.

Electrified Vehicles Top 50% of Sales in China

  • This coordinates power flows between vehicles, buildings, and distributed energy resources.
  • This is not just a European problem with Volkswagen and Stellantis, as Honda and Nissan merge, and Ford and General Motors struggle.
  • Consumer trends in the automotive industry reveal that short videos are more effective than text in converting leads into customers in the automotive industry.
  • The shortage may not be as bad as it was in the early 2020s; however, even with a larger output, a report has found that only 26% of organisations that are reliant on these chips have a sufficient supply.
  • Chinese EV automakers’ expansion into new markets, including Europe, other Asian countries, and Latin America as previously mentioned, could see a completely new global EV landscape.
  • Digital replicas and simulations allow manufacturers to test efficiency improvements before implementation.

The automotive industry is many things, but it is never idle; it thrives on the pulse of innovation, resilience in hard times, and mobility transformation. Every year brings with it new shifts in technology, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics, all of which shape and build automotive as a cornerstone industry of the world. 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.

Shift Toward Mobility Services

The global ADAS market is projected to reach USD 36.6 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 10.8% from 2025 to 2037. Level 3 (conditional automation) and Level 4 (high automation) systems are gaining traction, with broader availability expected in Europe and North America by 2025. The AV market is projected to reach USD 1.73 trillion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 31.85% from 2025 to 2033. Tangram Vision allows perception teams to focus on product-specific features by handling complex sensor tasks and accelerating development and deployment processes. The platform features customizable work product templates, detailed instructions, and comprehensive checklists for self-assessment. It also provides streamlined audit management, structured frameworks for continuous improvement, and intuitive escalation processes.

Canadian startup Aadhya Navik designs software solutions that improve safety, comfort, and traffic efficiency in autonomous driving. Its vehicle control system processes passenger comfort thresholds related to acceleration, deceleration, and jerk rate. It then adjusts driving decisions to minimize motion sickness and maintain smooth operation.

Motoreto simplifies Automobile Distribution for Used Vehicles

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.

Classic and Historical Cars

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. Moreover, redundancy across sensor types improves resilience in poor weather or low visibility.

Discover all Automotive Technologies & Startups

The move highlights the scale of investment required to meet zero-emission vehicle targets and align with regulatory pressures for decarbonisation. The road to 2025 is set to bring even more dynamic changes, with global collaborations, technological breakthroughs, and bold strategies defining the future of manufacturing. This article profiles the top five Chinese automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) leading the industry in sales volume and market capitalization.

This makes sense, as 83% of car customers already said they wish they could save time by shopping online. This number is expected to have risen in 2020 as dealers everywhere turned to digital channels. As of 2023, the two now equip Ford and Lincoln vehicles with a built-in Android operating system. In addition, TuSimple has partnered with Navistar and UPS to test its software under supervised driving conditions.

Automotive Topics and Trends

🔒 Data Privacy Concerns and Ethical Use of Vehicle Data

Blockchain secures supply chains and in-car data, and extended reality (XR) advances design, testing, and training. Additive manufacturing shortens prototyping cycles, and IoT-driven analytics improve predictive maintenance. Australian startup V2Grid designs V2G technology that converts EVs into mobile energy resources for homes, businesses, and the national grid.

Many expected the auto industry to mount a post-pandemic rebound in 2021, but that didn’t happen. Infineon, the largest manufacturer of auto chips, is increasing its investment in production by nearly $1 billion euros in 2022. All of this puts the auto industry at the back of the line when it comes to receiving chips. Now, 94% of consumers check the manufacturer’s website for product information before purchasing a part. And Tesla had already decided to close all its stores in 2019, now selling all new cars online.

  • These tools equip dealerships to handle inquiries efficiently, thus freeing time for other important tasks.
  • Toyota intends to power its battery plant in North Carolina with renewable energy by 2025.
  • This shift supports mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), reducing the number of idle vehicles and addressing urban transportation needs without adding more cars.
  • Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.
  • 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.
  • It offers ready-to-use workflows across system, software, and project management processes.
  • It provides exclusive access to vehicles and optimizes purchase decisions based on supply and demand trends.

Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) will Witness High Demand

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.

This EV Just Set an Efficiency Record

Senegal-based startup Kemet Automotive manufactures all-terrain electric vehicles (EVs) designed for the road conditions. It builds connected EV models that operate reliably on diverse terrains and promotes sustainable mobility solutions for the region. The present-day automotive industry is affected by innovative ideas and is ready to transform and evolve rapidly. Current automotive trends are encouraging automotive manufacturers to offer consumers much more than a metal box on four wheels.

Additionally, interest rates for used vehicle loans are higher than those for new cars. It is anticipated that used-vehicle sales will not return to pre-pandemic levels of around 40 million units per year until 2025, similar to new-vehicle sales. A recent survey reveals automotive companies have product development and launch cycles shorter than 18 months. As per market and industry experts, these four trends represent the future of the automotive industry. It won’t take too long for the CASE to accelerate the transition of the automotive industry from the way it has been working for hundreds of years.

As a result, vehicles become even more connected with each other and the infrastructure and provide drivers with more advanced opportunities. The future of automotive industry trends suggests that the automotive parts market will grow aggressively due to a growing demand for replacement parts and an increase in vehicle production. The segment’s sales will rise in the first six months of fiscal 2025, while the industry’s revenue will increase at the same pace to $33.8 billion. According to Globe News Wire, the entire market will grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2033, logging USD 984 billion. Automakers and technology companies are forming partnerships due to vehicles’ constantly evolving tech requirements.

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.

This approach enhances flexibility across its global operations, ensuring a rapid response to shifting market demands. Similarly, Skoda has embraced AI to navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing. Shared mobility reduces individual car ownership, especially in urban areas, impacting vehicle sales volumes but increasing demand for fleet vehicles and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms.

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

  • Connected cars create new revenue streams via subscription services, data monetization, and personalized experiences.
  • 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.
  • It uses AI-powered damage recognition, estimation, and work distribution to streamline repair processes.
  • Wireless charging could eliminate the need for physical connectors, offering a more seamless user experience.
  • Fleet-as-a-Service (FaaS) solutions, particularly autonomous fleets, are set to transform how people navigate cities.
  • Research has indicated that autonomous cars are safer, reduce downtime, expand the last-mile delivery scope, and improve fuel efficiency by 10%.
  • Additionally, Cube Intelligence offers ride-hailing and valet parking services for AVs, as well as smart parking management systems.
  • Also, the EV market is projected to reach USD 6.16 trillion by 2035 at a CAGR of 25.32%.

This ensures precise planning, reduces downtime, and enhances efficiency in assembly operations. This decision also highlights a broader trend toward diversification in battery production hubs. With reduce business risk with vehicle history the Middle East emerging as a significant player in the EV supply chain, manufacturers must adapt their strategies to seize these new opportunities. Looking ahead, Tesla’s strategies are likely to influence industry standards and inspire localisation efforts across the sector. With its focus on next-generation cells and expanded production capacity, Tesla is paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable global EV landscape. The next wave of auto trends is shaped by enabling technologies that extend beyond electrification and connectivity.

Its product suite includes a collision warning system, Starkenn Safe which uses radar to detect obstacles and alert drivers of potential collisions. The Starkenn Brake Safe, a collision mitigation system features automatic emergency braking in critical scenarios. AI-powered semiconductors drive transformation in autonomous driving systems by enabling real-time communication with road infrastructure and enhancing safety features such as emergency braking systems. Car connectivity and telematics improve the driving experience with real-time data integration.

BOS Semiconductors focuses on high-performance, energy-efficient AI solutions to drive innovation in autonomous driving and enhance in-cabin experiences. US-based startup Avvenire develops LEVs for efficient and eco-friendly urban transportation. Its products include the Leggera, an all-electric vehicle for on-road and off-road use, and the Spiritus, a three-wheel electric car with optional autonomous driving, Wi-Fi connectivity, and solar panels. Younger buyers often prefer subscription models or shared mobility over ownership.

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.