Automotive trends in 2025 impacting middle-market organisations RSM Global

Demand is rising, especially for power electronics, battery management systems, and more energy-efficient chips. Also, MotionSafe protects the auto industry by securing vehicle data, supporting supply chains, and ensuring a safe transition to connected mobility. South African startup Motomatix applies AI and custom software solutions to strengthen supply chain resilience in the automotive repair sector. Supply chain resilience and nearshoring strengthen operational stability, while vehicle cybersecurity ensures trust in connected ecosystems.

Vehicle Purchases Shift Online

Despite initial scepticism, the automotive industry is embracing enhanced connectivity by enabling real-time updates and post-production feature additions. Through our work with automotive innovators, we witness first-hand how rapidly this sector is evolving. From electrification and software integration to new mobility models, the industry faces unprecedented change.

Automotive Industry and Market Trends

It incorporates an intuitive infotainment system for efficient power management while minimizing driver distractions. The control system includes safeguards like automatic overheating prevention, battery depletion protection, and real-time torque and speed calibration for optimal performance on challenging terrains. 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.

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Autonomous tech will likely be bundled with subscription services, reshaping mobility economics. From electric vehicles zipping past gas guzzlers to cars that update themselves like your smartphone, the industry is in the middle of a revolution. Did you know that EVs are projected to make up nearly 20% of global vehicle sales in 2026? That’s no longer a distant future — it’s happening now, and it’s transforming everything from manufacturing floors to your driveway. Connectivity is one of the key trends in automotive industry, and 5G is what takes it to a more advanced level.

Immersive technologies: VR & AR

System downtime caused by these attacks reached $1.99 billion, compared to $1.3 billion in 2021. AI, automation, and an ‘electric-first’ mindset are impacting every industry, and automotive is no exception. 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.

Advanced systems that power, control, and optimize automobiles are increasingly being built around tiny chips. Semiconductors ensure energy efficiency, consistent power distribution, and power the battery systems in EVs. They also enable software updates, enhance entertainment, and facilitate smooth communication in connected and software-defined vehicles.

• 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.
• From 2024 to 2029, the insurance telematics industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.6%.
• Moreover, redundancy across sensor types improves resilience in poor weather or low visibility.
• It provides grants, loans, and incentives to expand domestic fabs, semiconductor R&D, and the broader supply chain.
• From electrification and software integration to new mobility models, the industry faces unprecedented change.
• Indian startup General Intelligence creates self-driving intelligence software that supports software-defined vehicles in adapting to diverse driving environments.
• They have downgraded their EV targets and scaled back production of fully electric vehicles, suggesting that the transition to EVs will take longer than previously expected.

Sustainability has evolved from a competitive advantage to an existential necessity for the automotive industry. Efforts to adopt circular economy practices are intensifying, with manufacturers exploring innovative ways to extend the lifecycle of materials and reduce waste. Michelin’s development of tyres composed of 45% sustainable materials is a noteworthy example of how companies are rethinking material usage to minimise their environmental footprint. Henkel is using digital simulation tools to co-develop EV battery designs with automotive partners. The simulations improve thermal management, safety, and efficiency to meet the demands of future mobility.

It also uses regenerative braking to capture and store energy in the car’s battery. The APH-01 incorporates flax fiber in its body shell, which reduces weight, increases impact resistance, and improves vibration damping. In addition to enhancing energy efficiency, regenerative braking systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recovering energy during braking to support global efforts to meet stricter emission norms. Keyvault raised USD 1 million in January 2025 to introduce smartphone-enabled car keys in the US, following the trend of incorporating smart device features into automobiles. Mercedes-Benz is also using generative AI to include conversational assistants for improving user experiences and redefining in-car interactions. The number of connected cars worldwide will likely reach 400 million by 2025 up from 237 million in 2021.

Procon Analytics builds Automotive Finance

Quantum computing accelerates material discovery and crash simulation, and edge computing and 5G offer real-time responsiveness in vehicles. 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. Singapore’s adaptive traffic signal systems, along with real-time monitoring, ERP pricing, and predictive analytics, improve traffic efficiency.

Volta Trucks manufactures Electric Trucks

They improve energy efficiency through wide-bandgap devices that extend EV range and minimize charging times. The semiconductors also enable infotainment, voice assistants, and AI-driven interfaces for a better user experience. These advanced technologies are widely used across a great number of industries and the automotive domain is no exception. They are used by the automotive industry for car manufacturing, employee training as well as vehicle sales and marketing. The main advantage of this digital technology is that it allows auto manufacturers to create complex and at the same time lightweight vehicle parts.

CARNIQ Technologies specializes in Car Security & Compliance

Major automotive manufacturers are responding by rethinking their revenue models and investing heavily in on-demand vehicle access services. Meanwhile, tech companies such as Uber and Lyft continue to expand their digital-first transportation solutions, creating a more competitive and diverse mobility landscape. Moreover, automakers offer features on demand as they are turning cars into service platforms. Likewise, projects USD billion in annual software and services revenue by 2030 from connected vehicles. The startup strengthens autonomous driving by providing reliable and production-ready Level 4 vehicles that expand commercial mobility solutions. Semiconductors enhance safety by enabling faster decisions and reducing accident risks.

• Its bidirectional charging technology allows EV batteries to supply electricity to buildings during outages or peak demand.
• This both lowers costs and improves vehicle performance, addressing both market demands and sustainability goals.
• Lastly, there’s even a term “vehicle-to-everything” (V2X), which includes all types of vehicle communication.
• However, the landscape is proving difficult to steady with an intricate maze of regulations that differ by country or region and lack a unified benchmarking process for sustainability.
• The US market was worth $14 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% to reach more than $31 billion by 2028.
• The control system includes safeguards like automatic overheating prevention, battery depletion protection, and real-time torque and speed calibration for optimal performance on challenging terrains.
• 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.

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. GenAI offers potential for advanced applications like predictive maintenance, where AI could assist in analyzing vehicle data and forecast potential failures before they occur. This would mark a critical shift toward an era of personalized vehicle recommendations and optimized repair services. By addressing issues proactively, manufacturers and service providers can further reduce breakdowns, enhance vehicle reliability, and improve overall customer satisfaction. A simple yet impactful example would be the replacement of vehicle manuals with voice-activated AI assistants.

Automotive Supply Chain Issues.

It includes journey replays, geofencing, and driver behavior monitoring to enhance fleet efficiency and safety. The startup also offers Leap EasyTrack, a vehicle tracking solution that allows for quick and easy self-installation, making it simple to transfer between vehicles without downtime. Car connectivity and telematics improve the driving experience with real-time data integration. Cybersecurity protects these connected systems, while regenerative braking and sustainable step by step guide to vehicle history reports manufacturing practices reduce the environmental impact.

Launching of fuel cell EVs

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. 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.

Predictive maintenance powered by AI minimizes machine failures, while IoT networks provide detailed insights into factory operations. These practices not only meet regulatory demands but also resonate with consumers increasingly drawn to environmentally responsible brands. Toyota’s North Carolina battery plant exemplifies this commitment, with operations fully powered by renewables. Recycling initiatives, such as reusing EV batteries, further emphasize the industry’s shift toward circular manufacturing.

Q) How Will Adapting to Evolving Tech Landscape Help Automakers?

As climate change concerns intensify, automakers are increasingly pressured to reduce emissions, lower their environmental footprint, and embrace green technologies. “Advanced sensors will make a significant impact on ADAS solutions by providing more accurate data and improving safety maneuvers, from lane-keep-assist to auto parking and braking,” added Lyons. The automotive industry was perhaps the saving grace of the European semiconductor industry in 2023, but reality has hit hard in 2024. 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.

MotionSafe enables AI-powered Automotive Cybersecurity

US-based startup NuNami designs automotive semiconductors that provide reliable connectivity and safety-critical interfaces. Its modules integrate high-voltage isolation, digital error correction, and built-in self-testing to ensure secure data transfer and fault-tolerant operation in automotive systems. They also incorporate floating-point units that improve computational accuracy and performance. The startup provides single-chip motor control solutions that integrate RISC-V processor cores with programmable MOSFET drivers, FD-CAN and LIN interfaces, and dedicated PWM modules. The systems optimize the performance of electric power steering, vehicle pumps, cooling fans, and HVAC modules. EVs typically use 2-3 times more semiconductor content than internal combustion engine models, and in powertrain-specific components, that multiplier is possibly higher.

• These articles highlight not just the progress made but also the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
• Daymak will assemble Avvenire’s vehicles and distribute them through its network of over 200 dealers in 25 countries.
• Emerging companies are working to build the first fully autonomous vehicle for city roads, which in turn accelerates the advancements in-vehicle connectivity and IoT.
• Reports from 2022 showed vehicle inventory was stagnant, sitting between 1 million and 1.1 million vehicles, for the first six months of the year.
• EloyMessage broadcasts fixed or dynamic visual and audio messages directly into vehicles, reducing driver distraction with patented technology.
• Trends span sustainable manufacturing, EV expansion, supply chain nearshoring, vehicle cybersecurity, automotive semiconductors, sensor fusion, autonomous driving, subscription models, SDVs, and V2X.
• In 2025, electrification and software integration will have an essential impact on the automotive industry.

Its electronic control unit (ECU) platform combines AUTOSAR software modules with customizable hardware. It manages functions such as steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, engine control, and ADAS. At the same time, governments and companies view subscriptions as a pathway to scale EV adoption without heavy upfront investments. Bosch demonstrates this through 77 GHz radar modules integrated into adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems.

• 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.
• Automakers are adopting greener processes, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to utilizing renewable energy in manufacturing plants.
• 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.
• Displays will also be a key driver of automotive technologies in 2025, from microLEDs to the production of holographic windscreens and smart glass.
• It offers ready-to-use workflows across system, software, and project management processes.
• 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.
• 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.
• The startup’s technology allows these pods to adapt across industries, enhancing efficiency and safety in transporting people and goods.
• From groundbreaking advancements in EV battery technologies to bold steps toward sustainable production, this year has marked a pivotal shift in how vehicles are designed, built, and powered.

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. They also emphasize that regulatory support and infrastructure readiness are essential for large-scale deployment. BMW’s Neue Klasse illustrates this shift with four superbrains that reduce wiring by 600 meters and reduce vehicle weight. This centralization allows faster product cycles, OTA updates, and cross-domain features.

Governments also enforce stricter safety standards, pushing automakers to integrate advanced sensor systems. Further, sensor fusion systems incorporate AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms to enhance optimization, predictive maintenance, and decision-making. With a CAGR of 25.5% from 2025 to 2037, the global sensor fusion market is expected to reach USD 7.91 billion by 2025. The automotive cybersecurity market is projected to reach USD 5.11 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 18.14% from 2024 to 2034. Specific components like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power devices are expected to see growth, offering up to 60% improved efficiency over traditional silicon components. Jaguar Land Rover’s “Reimagine” strategy has cemented its position as a sustainability leader.

• Autonomous driving demonstrates scalable deployment across passenger and freight use cases, and subscription models give consumers flexible access to vehicles.
• By focusing on digital transformation, the company aims to integrate predictive analytics and process automation, creating production systems that are adaptable and resilient.
• They play pivotal roles in guiding self-driving cars, managing fleets, enhancing driver safety, and refining services such as vehicle inspections and insurance.
• US-based startup Aeluma develops semiconductor technology for mobile devices, AI, AR/VR, autonomous systems, and other applications.
• Apex.OS runs on automotive electronic control units (ECUs) and offers robust, reliable, and secure APIs to develop autonomous mobility solutions.
• The future trends in the automobile industry suggest that 2025 can be the milestone year for connected cars.
• The uptake in EVs is experiencing a surge, driven by rapid advances in battery technology, an expanding charging infrastructure and supportive government incentives.
• Changing consumer preferences, cost efficiency, technological progress, and sustainability targets drive this innovation.

Overview – Automotive Industry

Investors support companies with strong sustainability commitments, channeling funding toward greener production. The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 3836 exemplary startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform. It highlights high startup activity in Western Europe and the USA, followed by India. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.

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When it comes to the benefits of connected cars, it seems that drivers are more willing to allow for data collection, too. The same report states that 68% of drivers believe car companies should collect personal data, but only 5% agree to unrestricted collection. Most favour an opt-in approach (63%), and many are willing to share data for benefits, with 67% open to lower insurance rates, 43% for personalised features, and 36% for improved safety options. As will be discussed later, with more data being collected for premium features, the inevitable concern for data security is raised, and cyber security threats loom overhead. 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.

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.

Toyota unveiled its forward-thinking approach to electric vehicle design, focusing on sustainability, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Peugeot introduced groundbreaking technologies like the Hypersquare control system and steer-by-wire, marking a significant leap in electric vehicle design and user experience. These innovations represent the brand’s commitment to redefining driving dynamics in the EV era.

The region’s substantial market share results from government incentives and the growth of the automobile industry. The increasing adoption of EVs globally drives the optimization of energy usage and enhances features like regenerative braking systems through sensor fusion technologies. To accommodate the rising demand for EVs and autonomous vehicles, major automakers such as BMW, Hyundai, and Stellantis are investing in EV battery plants and semiconductor-related facilities. Sensor fusion and autonomous vehicle technologies enhance safety and enable intelligent driving solutions while ADAS bridges the gap to full autonomy.

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. Today, you can hear about renewable energy from every corner of the Internet, and it’s no wonder why.