Top trends driving the automotive sector in 2025 EMG

The global automotive blockchain market is experiencing significant growth — it is projected to reach USD 6.11 billion by 2032. Connected vehicles are fostering new business models centered on shared mobility, offering an alternative to traditional vehicle ownership. This shift supports mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), reducing the number of idle vehicles and addressing urban transportation needs without adding more cars. 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.

• In 2024, the automotive industry experienced significant transformations, with advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies, and shifts in global markets.
• To maintain cost competitiveness, automotive procurement teams must be critical in managing supplier networks and supply chains for existing and upcoming vehicle models.
• We evaluate our own startup data and complement these insights with external research, including industry reports, news articles, and market analyses.
• Italian startup Moi combines thermosetting composite materials and 3D printing to manufacture high-performance parts for the automotive industry.
• Car dealerships are no exception, as recent auto trends reveal that customers prefer to experience a car or dealership before purchasing.
• Autonomous tech will likely be bundled with subscription services, reshaping mobility economics.
• While traditional OEMs are adapting to this shift, we are also witnessing newer market entrants are making significant strides in implementation, which is making for a more competitive automotive sector.

Shared mobility

As 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue their growth, vehicles are becoming more and more connected. And TuSimple is hoping to begin selling completely autonomous Level 4 trucks to fleet operators in 2024. A major barrier to this relentless growth, however, is consumer and regulatory concerns. In addition, more than half of all vehicles are expected to fall into the Level 1-5 range in 2024.

Software-defined vehicles redefine business models through centralized computing and OTA upgrades. The latest technology in automobile industry have revolutionized the way vehicles are designed, manufactured, and sold, and the vehicles themselves have become much more than a means of transport. 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.

What role does autonomous driving play in current automotive trends?

Top car brands and dealerships are embracing VR as part of their dealership photography strategies to improve the customer experience. As we look forward to 2025, RSM’s automotive professionals predict a slowdown overall in the growth of the industry as well as a reduction in overall margins and profitability. Many OEM’s are already revisiting original forecasts and realigning through-put and production schedules accordingly.

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Companies like BYD are collaborating with TSMC and MediaTek to develop advanced chips for vehicle controllers and smart cockpits. 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.

• US-based startup MotionSafe provides AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that protect connected vehicles from data breaches and cyber threats.
• In 2025, we expect to see more automated and electric shared vehicles providing affordable, on-demand transportation.
• The global automotive blockchain market is experiencing significant growth — it is projected to reach USD 6.11 billion by 2032.
• The simulations enhance precision and minimise waste in this energy-intensive stage of manufacturing.
• Automakers like Toyota and QuantumScape are heavily investing in this technology, and we can expect breakthroughs in battery chemistry and design in the coming years.
• The startup emphasizes comfort with electric doors, extended safety features, and panoramic views from all seats.
• The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 3836 exemplary startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform.

Increasing production of digital vehicles

US-based startup MotionSafe provides AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that protect verifying mileage and write offs via VIN connected vehicles from data breaches and cyber threats. 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.

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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. According to this regulation, starting from 2024, the following features become compulsory.

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Let’s have a closer look at the top automotive trends poised to dominate the landscape in 2025. Supplemented by the categorisation of our experts, a clear picture emerges of where the industry stands – and where it should develop in order to remain fit for the future. Automakers are also adopting hyper-personalized features to offer customized experiences through infotainment systems, user profiles, and real-time navigation updates. Many of these vehicles will feature over-the-air (OTA) upgrades and V2X communication. Xaba’s proprietary process and AI-driven large-scale 3D printer enable sustainable materials, such as fibers, fiber-reinforced polymers, and metals, to create functional car chassis. Toyota intends to power its battery plant in North Carolina with renewable energy by 2025.

Shift to an “Agency model”

• The EU’s Green Deal and its accompanying “Fit for 55” initiative aim to cut carbon emissions drastically by 2030, piling new expectations on manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact.
• While fully autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionise how society moves from A to B, the industry is taking a more measured approach to implementation.
• It incorporates various AI-powered technologies like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, allowing vehicles to navigate complex road conditions autonomously.
• For instance, Qualcomm states that C-V2X allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, with infrastructure (V2I), and with vulnerable road users.
• Hybrid vehicles present the perfect compromise of lower emissions and enhanced fuel economy without the need for charging.
• Maximising the ROI to investors and stakeholders while remaining competitive will be priorities of the industry.
• They further assist with management, maintenance, and repair appointments, as well as streamlining operations.
• This move highlights the industry’s broader trend of building resilient supply chains to safeguard against geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
• IoT creates more opportunities for manufacturers to market to consumers even after they’ve made a purchase.

The USMCA requires 75% of motor industry components to be produced in North America. And the US Inflation Reduction Act ties USD 7500 EV subsidies to regional sourcing. Cost efficiency strengthens the case, with Mexico offering a 35% landed-cost edge over China in 2022. And it is projected to widen to 45% by 2030 due to lower labor and freight costs. Also, advanced composites and recycled inputs reduce reliance on virgin resources.

Launch Mobility streamlines Shared Mobility

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 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.

Major transportation industry trends in 2026

• In 2025, more dealerships are expected to offer online sales, vehicle inspection, and home delivery.
• In 2023, the global connected car market was valued at $80.87 billion and projecting remarkable growth.
• Also, its platform manages claims and mechanical breakdowns across vehicle models from manufacturers.
• The startup also offers META, a compact shuttle for urban mobility; and SPACE for passenger transportation.
• Moreover, the startup’s marketplace connects professionals in a secure environment.
• Emerging companies are developing advanced sensing technologies to collect extensive vehicle data and enable vehicles to better understand their surroundings.
• The vans deliver groceries from nearby stores and send out a push notification when the order arrives.

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.

It encourages OEMs to develop subscription models, short-term rentals, and multi-modal transport integration. Shared mobility also influences vehicle design toward durability, modularity, and connectivity. Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and advanced semiconductors allow autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, and secure connectivity.

From electrification to IoT connectivity, these shifts are changing the way cars are manufactured, sold, repaired, and driven. Shared micromobility vehicles are becoming a popular mode of transportation in cities where the pollution from cars and traffic congestion is particularly evident. Chip shortages have been causing myriad changes to trends that affect the automotive trends that are not all positive.

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Moreover, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with a projected CAGR of 14.8%. This is fueled by increased vehicle production and sales in China, Japan, and South Korea. The adoption of augmented reality (AR) in head-up displays and automated parking systems is expanding, which is advancing ADAS technologies.

In 2025, a great number of car manufacturers are planning to improve their infotainment systems providing them with more and more advanced capabilities. Vehicle connectivity has become a really game-changing innovation in automotive industry that will transform the future of driving. Cars are becoming unprecedentedly smarter, and this trend is here to stay in the future. Seamless connectivity between automobiles, infrastructure, and pedestrians is expected to become commonplace and help increase traffic safety and improve driver experience.

By the end of that decade, it’s predicted that over 30% of the cars on the road will be EVs. The massive rotation in the global vehicle fleet is predicted to take place in the 2030s. Bloomberg New Energy Finance expects EVs to account for 10% of all new car sales by 2025 and 58% by 2040.

Top trends driving the automotive sector in 2025

These systems aim to minimise human intervention, improve decision-making, and enhance overall efficiency, paving the way for smarter supply chain operations. 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.

Megacasting, which involves producing large aluminium castings to replace multiple smaller components in vehicle structures, is gaining momentum in the automotive industry. As 2024 comes to a close, the automotive manufacturing industry continues to accelerate its transformation. 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. Autonomous driving is a key innovation driver but remains in a development and regulatory phase. It enhances safety via driver-assist features and promises to revolutionize mobility with robotaxis and freight automation. Its progress influences OEM investments, partnerships with tech firms, and consumer expectations.

Demand may decelerate due to the end of Chinese subsidies for EVs, but it should not lead to a decrease. Apart from this, reduced access to EV charging points remains a significant challenge, according to consumer trends in the automotive industry. In 2022, the automotive industry’s automotive digital marketing spending increased to $17 billion and is predicted to keep growing in 2025. Experts anticipate a rise in digital advertising spending, driven by the growing mobile and social media usage rates. Chatbots and messaging solutions are key technology trends in the automotive industry. These tools enable dealerships to handle inquiries efficiently, freeing time for other tasks.

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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.