The startup also offers META, a compact shuttle for urban mobility; and SPACE for passenger transportation. These vehicles use a re-assembly factory model, which allows upgrades and updates to extend their lifecycle. Moreover, lightweight and bio-based materials are used to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency, which aligns with sustainability goals.

• One of the most significant shifts in the automotive industry is the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
• FlxTran’s approach improves connectivity and access to opportunities beyond major cities.
• The APH-01 incorporates flax fiber in its body shell, which reduces weight, increases impact resistance, and improves vibration damping.
• The main issue holding back the popularity of these vehicles is a lack of hydrogen fueling stations.
• 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.

Increased government focus on charging networks will be needed to support the expanding EV fleet. The autonomous vehicle sector will advance as UN regulators lift their speed limit. In the United States, the newly appointed administration has issued several executive orders that will likely have drastic impacts on both global and national automotive markets. One such order significantly impacts the future of EVs and EV infrastructure by rolling back policies that once supported their growth. It eliminates mandates that favour EVs, emphasising consumer choice and opposing regulations that make gasoline-powered vehicles less accessible.

OEMs seek alternative sources to improve sourcing flexibility and bring products to market faster. The U.S. and China trade war has also influenced the search for alternative sourcing options. Labor costs are another factor in the rise of local sourcing, with countries such as Taiwan, Cambodia, and Laos providing a lower-cost labor alternative to China. Given the opportunity to significantly disrupt private transport and shape the future of the automotive industry, companies are expected to continue investing in autonomous vehicles in 2025.

SafeAD enables Large-scale Fleet Learning

Hydrogen-powered vehicles produce only water vapor as a byproduct, making them a strong contender for sectors that are harder to electrify, such as long-haul trucking and commercial transportation. 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.

Qumasoft automates Automotive Cybersecurity Management

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. 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. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical systems—are gaining traction, enabling manufacturers to simulate scenarios and predict outcomes in real-time.

Innovation Map outlines Top 10 Automotive Trends & 20 Promising Startups

Sales for BEV and PHEV in Europe increased by 137% in 2020 compared with the previous year (despite a 20% year-over-year decrease in the total car market). 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. They are much more convenient to use in these congested cities and parking these vehicles is much easier. Younger generations, especially Genz or millennials prefer these vehicles as they are much more attractive.

Automotive Industry Trends 2025: Future & Growth of Automotive

• Sales for BEV and PHEV in Europe increased by 137% in 2020 compared with the previous year (despite a 20% year-over-year decrease in the total car market).
• Also, adoption rises quickly, with China reaching 50% EV penetration in 2024, and in India, over 18.8 lakh EVs are supported under FAME schemes till June 2025 by the government.
• Top car brands are embracing VR as part of their dealership photography strategies to further enhance the customer experience.
• The startup’s sensors provide consistent performance by transmitting and interpreting signals effectively.
• From these, 20 promising startups are featured below, selected based on factors like founding year, location, and funding.
• Additionally, the startup offers infotainment solutions with plug-and-play SDKs and certification-ready apps for phone mirroring and multimedia features.
• Voice search assistants also optimize their interface for advertisements and voice search queries.

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. Its RC ONE driverless vehicle combines proprietary software and hardware with automotive-grade components to achieve low-speed autonomous operation.

Electric Mobility

5G connectivity unlocks ultra-low latency communication, enabling real-time vehicle-to-everything (V2X) interactions. This enhances autonomous driving capabilities, traffic management, and safety features. It also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates with larger data payloads and faster speeds, improving software reliability and feature rollout. For consumers, 5G means richer infotainment, seamless smartphone integration, and enhanced navigation services.

Improve DH58GOH9.7: Top Tips to Boost Performance and Efficiency Today

While regulatory hurdles remain, 2025 will likely see significant progress in integrating these services into urban infrastructure, offering consumers affordable, sustainable alternatives to owning a car. On top of all the 2025 automotive trends there will be the impact of tariffs set by the US and Europe. With the new administration of Donald Trump in January, the trade war with China will have a major impact on the automotive industry in 2025. Displays will also be a key driver of automotive technologies in 2025, from microLEDs to the production of holographic windscreens and smart glass. Belgian startup Apache Automotive develops the APH-01, a T3 prototype for extreme terrain. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Technology in automotive industry forges ahead—the latest technological advancements are more and more extensively used by the domain. Let’s consider the recent trends in automobile industry related to the application of latest technologies. Along with battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) are another alternative to internal combustion engines. By 2035, approximately 16% of all new LV (light vehicle) sales in the US are predicted to consist of advanced automated vehicles (L3, L4, and L5). Fewer new vehicle purchases mean consumers hold onto their vehicles longer, reducing the available used inventory and increasing prices.

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.

In the first half of 2023, electrified vehicle production surged by 70%, highlighting the rapid pace of investment in EV production capabilities, and continues to grow. As battery technologies evolve, the future promises breakthroughs in recyclability and energy efficiency. Innovations like solid-state batteries are set to revolutionise manufacturing priorities and reshape the EV supply chain. 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.

Automotive Manufacturing North America

By 2030, automotive industry trends 2030 will witness a significant shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, driving sustainable growth in the car market. The infrastructure for EVs is expected to become more widespread and advanced, supporting the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road. Additionally, autonomous driving technology is set to dominate the industry, creating a safer and more efficient transportation system. Following these trends helps greater penetration in the emerging market, like the growing adoption of electric vehicles in China and India.

We expect to see the concept of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) develop through 2025. Initial deployments focus on simpler, grid-like cities such as Phoenix in the USA, Milton Keynes in the UK, and Singapore. Soon, this will expand to more complex urban environments as vehicle access becomes increasingly prioritised over ownership among the driving masses. The startup’s product range includes residential wallboxes from 7 to 22 kW and commercial chargers up to 132 kW. These units support CCS2 and CHAdeMO standards, ensuring broad adaptability across EV models. For example, Qualcomm released reports and white papers highlighting C-V2X as a critical capability for intelligent transportation systems.

Automotive Supply Chain Issues.

According to a study completed by INRIX Transportation, Honolulu, New Orleans, and Nashville are the three US cities that stand to gain the most from micromobility vehicles. Tesla reportedly rewrote the software it uses in its vehicles so they could run on a different type of chip. However, the demand for parts is also being diminished by the increasing quality of newly manufactured vehicle parts. In addition, the ecommerce automotive aftermarket market is worth an estimated $85.28 billion. The company already has 50 Level 4 autonomous trucks operating in the Southwestern United States. One of the most promising companies in the autonomous trucking ecosystem is TuSimple.

It builds connected EV models that operate reliably on diverse terrains and promotes sustainable mobility solutions for the region. Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and advanced semiconductors allow autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, and secure connectivity. These technologies enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience across vehicles. 2025 is no exception—automotive manufacturers are expected to continue implementing more and more advanced safety features in their vehicles. Last year, the European Union updated the General Safety Regulation (GSR) and establishes mandatory safety requirements for cars sold in the EU.

• This facilitates the integration of Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, and media streaming into in-vehicle infotainment systems.
• Semiconductor experts say manufacturers won’t see a return on investment if they build new foundries to meet the auto industry’s demand.
• Central to this evolution is the growing demand for electric vehicles and software-defined vehicles.
• In parallel, the startup offers carAISuite, an AI-driven tool that automates engineering and compliance activities.
• By optimizing driving routes, connected cars help reduce emissions, contributing to a greener future.
• Human-machine interfaces (HMIs), including voice-based and haptic feedback systems, are expanding control over various car functions.
• Environmental consciousness is driving the automotive industry toward more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
• Tesla’s relentless drive to expand its global gigafactory network has been a defining feature of 2024.

The rise of Chinese EV manufacturers

Such advancements align with global trends favoring autonomous fleet deployment in urban areas, positioning automakers to meet future demand for self-driving capabilities. Most consumers today are much more concerned with what the in-cabin experience is going to be, than the size and power of the engine. Global economic slowdowns and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers have slowed the growth of EVs. In 2025, the automotive industry’s digital marketing spending is predicted to keep growing.

Mechatnom applies Automotive Software Modules

AI and ML solutions process multimodal sensor data to power autonomy, predictive maintenance, and personalization. For instance, Qualcomm states that C-V2X allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, with infrastructure (V2I), and with vulnerable road users. 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).

In addition, Move-X supports over-the-air updates, ensures continuous improvement of system performance, and allows customization across used car due diligence checklist diverse use cases. Moreover, its NuPort solution extends reliability by enabling connections between automotive components that support both diagnostics and long-term endurance. Its solution, carSECURITY, provides organizations with a complete cybersecurity process landscape. It integrates templates, examples, and practices aligned with ISO/SAE 21434, Automotive SPICE for Cybersecurity, and VDA guidelines.

The market reflects its role in meeting strict safety rules and consumer demand for smarter vehicles. AI, additive manufacturing, the Internet of Things, and 5G have become sources of product innovation and manufacturing efficiency, which in turn has led to revolutionary changes in customer experience. Finally, automotive manufacturers are increasingly adopting PMO software to standardize the execution of complex projects with globally distributed teams and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Waymo’s Autonomous Cars: A Look at the Future of Transportation in Los Angeles

It enables sensor fusion and control for advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving. Luxury car brands are experiencing growth due to increased tangible luxury offerings and rising disposable incomes. The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, like electric luxury vehicles, also drives market growth. The adoption of pre-owned luxury cars is increasing due to easy access to financing and lower entry prices. Manufacturers are investing in innovative mobility technologies, such as personal voice assistance, autonomous driving, and AI and ML, creating a positive market outlook. Developing high-performance, long-lasting, and cost-effective batteries is a key area of focus for automakers in 2025.

For this, it uses advanced system-on-chips (SoCs) that integrate mixed-signal analog and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The European Union’s Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2), effective July 2024, mandates several ADAS features in new vehicles. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plans to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems in all new light-duty vehicles by 2026. This includes driver monitoring systems, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance systems. Integrating vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication further improves connectivity and safety. German startup Qumasoft offers a software-driven cybersecurity management solution for vehicles and components.

This data-driven research provides innovation intelligence that helps you improve strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies in the automotive industry. In the Automotive Innovation Map below, you get a comprehensive overview of the innovation trends & startups that impact your company. Vietnamese startup Phenikaa-X creates autonomous electric vehicles with AI and multi-sensor technology for safe transportation. Its system uses functional modules, combining LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors to perceive surroundings, analyze traffic, and navigate efficiently.

• The startup’s technology utilizes hash codes to block malicious attacks or hacking attempts on autonomous cars and connected cars.
• Regulations also support adoption, as safety and emissions standards require continuous updates and smarter architectures.
• Last year, the European Union updated the General Safety Regulation (GSR) and establishes mandatory safety requirements for cars sold in the EU.
• Blockchain secures supply chains and in-car data, and extended reality (XR) advances design, testing, and training.
• Below, you get to meet 20 out of these 4859 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop.
• This process enables us to identify the most impactful and innovative trends in the automotive industry.
• More than 12% of consumers who financed a new car in June of 2022 had a monthly payment of $1,000 or more.
• For example, Toyota plans a commercial rollout by 2027 to bring solid-state battery EVs into mass production.

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. The global automotive sensor fusion market is projected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2030 at a 42.4% CAGR.

Issues such as liability in the event of an accident, cybersecurity measures to prevent hacking, and how to deal with AVs in mixed-traffic environments (with human drivers) will need to be addressed. One critical challenge in transitioning to electric mobility is the availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure. By 2025, significant investments in fast-charging networks will be essential for EV adoption to reach mass-market penetration.

The scale established by these six stages is essential for comprehending and characterizing self-driving technologies, which span from complete human driving to complete vehicle autonomy. Through V2X, vehicles can share information about road conditions, accidents, and traffic patterns, allowing for real-time decision-making. This communication system is crucial for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles, as it will enable them to “talk” to other vehicles and infrastructure, reducing the risk of accidents. The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is revolutionizing automotive manufacturing. IoT, AI, and digital twins are becoming essential tools for improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and optimizing production processes.

Methodology: How We Created the Automobile Trend Report

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.

Printing: Revolution in Automotive Manufacturing

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. 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.

It enables secure data sharing for connected and shared mobility solutions, including ride-hailing, urban transportation, and delivery services. The evolution of self-driving and connected cars is simplifying driver-vehicle interaction. Human-machine interfaces (HMIs), including voice-based and haptic feedback systems, are expanding control over various car functions. For this in-depth research on the Top Automotive Industry Trends and startups, we analyzed a sample of 4859 innovative automotive startups & scaleups worldwide.

It highlights workforce trends, leading investors, and key technologies driving adoption across vehicles, batteries, charging, and software. However, the primary function of these cars is not just to entertain they can connect to other vehicles (V2V), pedestrians (V2P), infrastructure (V2I), and cloud (V2C). Lastly, there’s even a term “vehicle-to-everything” (V2X), which includes all types of vehicle communication. 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.