This rise in digital advertising spending is being steered by the growing usage of social media. Dealerships need to integrate strategic frameworks to capture potential buyers across different stages in the process with the use of social media marketing, click-to-call conversions, and messaging apps. The efficiency of electric power fused with the reliability of traditional engines has contributed to the rise of hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles present the perfect compromise of lower emissions and enhanced fuel economy without the need for charging.

This article highlights the company’s strides in electrification, material innovation, and circular economy practices. Notable achievements in 2024 include significant progress in reducing emissions and advancing transparent ESG reporting. As net-zero targets become the norm, the reliance on renewable energy is only set to grow. Exciting developments in energy storage and green hydrogen technologies promise to redefine production processes further.

Future Readiness Monitor: Automotive Industry Report

For this in-depth research on the Top Automotive Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 6000+ global startups & scaleups. However, automotive executives need help as they focus on new technology that meets consumer and regulatory demands. This has led to a shift away from traditional automotive infrastructure, which focused on powertrains, interiors, electrical systems, and safety systems.

Software-Defined Vehicles: Cars as the Ultimate Connected Devices

For example, Toyota plans a commercial rollout by 2027 to bring solid-state battery EVs into mass production. Moreover, automakers reduce tailpipe emissions, cities improve air quality, and governments reduce fossil fuel dependence. For instance, India’s eBus Sewa scheme deploys 10K electric buses to curb urban pollution. Government incentives, environmental imperatives, technological advances, and shifting consumer preferences drive this expansion. The EU enforces a 2035 zero-emission mandate, and the US Inflation Reduction Act channels subsidies into domestic EV production and attracts international manufacturers.

Urban Traffic Continues, but Some US Cities Spared

In 2024, the automotive industry is increasingly integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations. Key automotive industry trends include a significant rise in electric vehicle production, a growing market for pre-owned vehicles, and an uptick in digital car sales. Alongside established technologies like AI and big data analytics, the industry is also embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain for diverse applications. This technological evolution is reshaping the automotive landscape, driving innovation and efficiency.

Norway set a record in the electric vehicle sector in August 2024, as the number of all-electric vehicles on the road surpassed that of gasoline-powered vehicles for the first time. In terms of new car sales, Norway boasts the highest percentage of battery-electric vehicles in Europe. 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. The idea behind a circular economy is to create a closed-loop system where materials are reused, refurbished, and recycled rather than disposed of.

Full Level 4 and 5 autonomy remain years away due to regulatory, ethical, and technical challenges. Expect more robotaxi pilots, fleet autonomy, and advanced safety features integrated into mainstream cars. The focus will also be on cybersecurity and fail-safe systems to build consumer trust. 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.

MotionSafe enables AI-powered Automotive Cybersecurity

Statevolt’s decision to build its gigafactory in the UAE rather than Europe has been a talking point this year. This article explores the strategic reasons behind the move, including the UAE’s favourable energy policies, market accessibility, and logistical advantages. By leveraging these factors, Statevolt is positioning itself to meet the rising demand for EV batteries in an increasingly competitive market.

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. 3D printing them is faster than traditional manufacturing and cheaper, which makes the whole process more efficient. Also, additive manufacturing makes prototyping more rapid, which enables faster design and testing periods for new vehicles. As the technology evolves and becomes more affordable for the industry, it opens more and more opportunities every year.

b. Charging Infrastructure Expansion

Meanwhile, Carlos Tarves, CEO of automaker Stellantis, has said the chip shortages will continue to plague his industry next year. Self-driving taxis are already available in parts of China and several US cities. More driverless journeys will occur as technology continues to be enhanced and refined. Global passenger EV sales grew 60% from 6.5 million units in 2021 to 10.5 million in 2022. EV sales are going to increase aggressively in 2025, providing a bright spot in the small businesses verifying fleet purchases automotive industry.

WF Telematics improves Fleet and Asset Management

The US-based startup Udelv provides autonomous vehicles for last-mile deliveries. It combines advanced AI algorithms and hyper-speed teleoperations for human-assisted guidance in unique situations. The vans deliver groceries from nearby stores and send out a push notification when the order arrives.

• North America bore the brunt, accounting for 58% of publicly extorted ransomware victims.
• 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.
• Also, regulatory frameworks such as ISO and Europe’s mandate for emergency braking systems encourage mission-critical chip integration across new vehicles.
• 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.
• However there are huge opportunities for the industry in the shift to software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving.

Electrified Vehicles Top 50% of Sales in China

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.

Latest Trends in the Automotive Industry (2025-

Batteries are the heart of any electric vehicle, and improvements in battery technology will continue to shape the future of EVs. Companies focus on increasing energy density to improve range and reduce charging times. The trends shaping automotive manufacturing in 2025 emphasize innovation, sustainability, and connectivity. As electric vehicles become mainstream, digitalization reshapes production, and mobility services redefine car ownership, the industry is set to transform how vehicles are manufactured and used.

Trends in Project Portfolio Management: What’s Next in PPM

In 2025, many automakers will focus on creating vehicles that are easier to disassemble, repair, and recycle at the end of their lifecycle. This approach could significantly reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable automotive industry. Leading companies such as Volkswagen, General Motors, and Volvo have committed to producing zero-emission vehicles and achieving carbon-neutral operations by mid-century. In line with this, automakers focus on sustainability in their manufacturing processes, energy sourcing, and material selection. The SDVs market is set to reach 7.6 million units in 2025 from 6.2 million units in 2024.

The main issue holding back the popularity of these vehicles is a lack of hydrogen fueling stations. Instead, they get power from a fuel-cell stack that’s fed hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity through a chemical reaction. However, that number is smaller than it was in 2019 when more than 80% of people commuted by car. The Wall Street Journal reports that dealerships have been known to charge $40k above MSRP on luxury cars. In some cases, car dealerships are charging huge markups on the inventory they do have. Even six months into 2022, vehicle manufacturers haven’t been able to correct the issue of low inventory.

Electrification to grow despite various hurdles

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. These sensors measure distances, identify obstructions, and capture crucial traffic and road condition data. When paired with high-resolution cameras, these tools allow self-driving cars to identify objects, lane markers, and even pedestrians with unprecedented precision. While full autonomy is still on the horizon, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are already transforming how we drive.

In 2024, hybrids saw a YoY growth of almost 19%, which is expected to grow to over 23% by 2025. In 2025, used passenger car registrations are forecast to hit 179 million globally and are predicted to grow by 1.4% year-on-year. The cost of new cars remains at an all-time high, and with higher interest rates, consumers are likely either to wait for rates to decrease or to turn to the used car market. 2025 is predicted to be a big year for self-driving taxi services, as companies look to re-imagine the future of the automotive and taxi-hailing industry.

Predictions: AI, Digital Twins, EV Growth, and Sustainability

• 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.
• For instance, Audi and BMW vehicles exchanged sensor data, including camera feeds, during 5G-V2X Direct demonstrations in Berlin.
• Notably, China, Europe, and the US have established themselves as the leading EV markets, with other countries following suit.
• Research has indicated that autonomous cars are safer, reduce downtime, expand the last-mile delivery scope, and improve fuel efficiency by 10%.
• Automakers are investing in cybersecurity technologies such as hardware security modules (HSMs), AI-based intrusion detection systems, and secure over-the-air (OTA) updates to address these challenges.
• Moreover, car connectivity transforms the driving experience by integrating with real-time systems and smart gadgets.

AI and machine learning (ML) support cyber defenses by enabling real-time anomaly detection and predictive monitoring. For instance, AI-driven intrusion detection systems adapt to new attack patterns and block breaches before they spread. Further, through its smart management app, it enables users to schedule charging, monitor consumption, and manage fleets from one platform. Moreover, the startup installs Tesla motors and Fellten battery systems, which provide up to 295 horsepower, enable flexible range options, and ensure authenticity through fully reversible conversions. 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. Declining battery costs move EVs closer to price parity with combustion vehicles.

• The AV market is projected to reach USD 1.73 trillion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 31.85% from 2025 to 2033.
• The automotive industry is transforming, fueled by evolving consumer demands, rapid technological advancements, and the urgency of addressing climate change.
• 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.
• The integrated powertrain segment is likely to hold ~60-65% of the total e-powertrain market in 2025.
• Xiaomi’s foray into the electric vehicle market is exemplified by its state-of-the-art factory, capable of producing an electric car every 76 seconds.
• In the UK, auto production surpassed one million units in 2023, marking a significant recovery.

Manufacturing

• While automakers spend billions developing electric cars, most governments worldwide have ambitious plans to phase out internal combustion engines.
• For example, BMW’s San Luis Potosí facility applies digital replicas to reconfigure layouts and minimize waste.
• This tech shift is also accelerating the move toward software-defined vehicles and connected ecosystems.
• These material innovations are also crucial to meeting evolving regulations, particularly the EU’s stringent emission standards.
• There will be continued demand for legacy process technology, with the construction and facilitation of the ESMC fab in Dresden progressing through 2025.
• Its AI-driven control systems, xCognition and xTrude, enhance industrial robotics and additive manufacturing by automating programming and improving precision.
• A 5G connection transmits data to a remote control station, which allows operators to monitor and intervene when needed.

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. The chip shortage is one-factor holding cars back from getting to the dealership lots. But, there are other various supply chain issues and factory closures that have led to low inventory, too. After demand started coming back, there simply wasn’t an adequate supply of chips, and the auto industry has been feeling the effects ever since. The parts industry is benefiting from the ever-increasing average age of vehicles on the road.

Battery manufacturers have significantly reduced their production since early December due to the unpromising demand in the upcoming months. However, their preferences changed after some time, Buyers are willing to spend an amount, while looking for the best vehicles available in the market. Businesses would start optimizing their search guides as per the consumer’s preferences. 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. In addition to electrification, hydrogen fuel cell technology is gaining traction as a potential solution for zero-emission transportation.

🇨🇳 Increasing Competitiveness and Influence of Chinese Automakers

Front-facing LiDAR scans the road to detect objects, track pedestrians, and respond to traffic to enhance safety. The startup uses automotive sensors and compute platforms to offer a scalable solution for cars to enable large-scale fleet learning. German startup SafeAD develops a vision-first perception and scene-understanding pipeline for autonomous driving. The charging infrastructure is more vulnerable as a result of the quick uptake of EVs, which hackers may attack to obtain customer information or interfere with services.

While full autonomy is still years away, incremental advances are reshaping vehicle capabilities and market offerings today. These material innovations are also crucial to meeting evolving regulations, particularly the EU’s stringent emission standards. For EVs specifically, weight reduction translates directly into extended range and improved battery performance. The inherent flexibility of electric powertrains is enabling automakers to reimagine vehicle design, resulting in lighter, more efficient vehicles.