Automotive trends in 2025 impacting middle-market organisations RSM Global

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are advancing transportation by minimizing the need for human drivers and enhancing last-mile delivery efficiency. These vehicles improve public transport safety by reducing accidents caused by human error. LiDAR sensors enable precise 3D mapping, crucial for vehicle navigation and obstacle detection. AI algorithms process vast data from sensors and cameras, enhancing decision-making for safe, efficient driving.

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. However, sales of robotaxi vehicles will remain a minority, as safety concerns, legislative bottlenecks and the high cost of operations restrict growth. The current trends in the automotive industry seen in previous years will remain in 2025 and are likely to become automotive future trends. The auto manufacturers who rely on the older versions of chips which are not advanced and powerful will disrupt the growth of the automotive industry.

• Automakers integrate these systems to offer more reliable vehicles across global markets.
• Its intelligent asset tracking defends vehicles against spoofing, ransomware, and remote control attempts.
• As we progress through 2025, these trends will continue to reshape the automotive landscape.
• A recent survey reveals automotive companies have product development and launch cycles shorter than 18 months.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

It also works with Ethernet and LIN, enabling integration across passenger cars, buses, trucks, and autonomous vehicles. Chinese startup Move-X Autonomous Driving offers Level 4 autonomous driving through integrated vehicle platforms designed for commercial deployment. TeraDAR strengthens sensor fusion by providing high-resolution, all-weather imaging that improves vehicle perception and increases safety. Moreover, the startup leverages patented research and extensive radar expertise to deliver dependable detection in densely populated settings. Radar Reticence strengthens sensor fusion by supplying interference-free radar data that enhances vehicle perception and improves safety.

Google and Ford recently announced a connected car partnership called Team Upshift. This type of vehicle is defined by its ability to communicate with other software systems and collect data from its surroundings. And TuSimple is hoping to begin selling completely autonomous Level 4 trucks to fleet operators in 2024. In addition, more than half of all vehicles are expected to fall into the Level 1-5 range in 2024.

• For example, BMW’s San Luis Potosí facility applies digital replicas to reconfigure layouts and minimize waste.
• While some regions already allow limited AV testing and deployment, 2025 will likely see a more transparent legal framework surrounding autonomous driving technology.
• Further, Jaguar Land Rover is pioneering a closed-loop recycling process for seat foam, turning waste from old vehicles into high-quality material for new ones.
• This allows Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealers to expand their businesses and extend credit to high-risk customers.
• While there are a lot of opportunities ahead for the industry, there will be plenty of challenges like cost pressures, growing competition, and globalization.
• Volkswagen’s Traton Group, recognising the urgency of addressing these bottlenecks, is planning a third battery assembly plant in Europe.
• 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.

Distributed Additive Manufacturing enables Large Scale Sustainable Parts Production

These advancements guide the automotive sector toward a more intelligent, secure, and sustainable future. 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 manufacturing practices reduce the environmental impact.

Key Technology Trends in the Automotive Industry in 2025

Consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly options, influencing market offerings. Expect more biodegradable components, renewable energy-powered factories, and battery recycling programs. The trend is irreversible and will accelerate innovation while challenging legacy ICE-dependent supply chains. 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.

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. In addition, assembling a car involves a massive number of parts (30,000 on average), with materials accounting for a significant portion (40-50 percent) of the manufacturing cost. To maintain cost competitiveness, automotive procurement teams must be critical in managing supplier networks and supply chains for existing and upcoming vehicle models. This includes aligning new technologies and business models with the company’s vision. With consumers increasingly prioritizing environmental performance when purchasing vehicles, automakers must focus on reducing emissions and developing more sustainable transportation options.

FlxTran develops Autonomous Vehicles for Unused Railway Tracks

Consumer demand for eco-friendly products is rising, with 80% of US consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases in April 2024, up from 68% in 2023. Toyota intends to power its battery plant in North Carolina with renewable energy by 2025. Its early fusion approach integrates LiDAR and radar data, while neural networks infer road elements and topology to create accurate high-definition maps. Continuous change detection triggers automatic cloud updates to ensure up-to-date navigation information. South Korean startup BOS Semiconductors builds Eagle-N, an AI accelerator for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and ADAS. It uses Tenstorrent’s Tensix NPU core to deliver up to 250 tera operations per second (TOPS) for efficient AI processing.

🤔 Uncertain Market Acceptance and Consumer Adoption of New EV Tech

Many expected the auto industry to mount a post-pandemic rebound in 2021, but that didn’t happen. Search volume for “Infineon Technologies” has seen modest growth over the past 5 years. 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.

⚖️ Regulatory Hurdles and Ethical Dilemmas in Autonomous Tech

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. Moreover, automakers and tier-suppliers are increasingly focusing on sustainable steel production to lower emissions across their supply chains. Further, Jaguar Land Rover is pioneering a closed-loop recycling process for seat foam, turning waste from old vehicles into high-quality material for new ones. This innovative, circular production approach supports sustainability goals by reducing landfill waste and advancing circular economy practices in automotive manufacturing.

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. 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.

Autonomous vehicles change the face of the auto industry

The answer lies in education, infrastructure, and trust-building—slow but steady wins the race. The software integrates a one-shot multitask network capable of performing 2D detection, semantic segmentation, and monocular depth estimation. It processes these tasks in real time at over 120 frames per second on consumer-grade graphics processing units (GPUs). Indian startup General Intelligence creates self-driving intelligence software that supports software-defined vehicles in adapting to diverse driving environments.

Inside the architecture: How software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms are built

Its intelligent asset tracking defends vehicles against spoofing, ransomware, and Australian buyers guide to VIN reports remote control attempts. Also, EV charging infrastructure requires strong cybersecurity, as attackers target charging stations for data theft or service disruption. The startup also operates PartSmart, a real-time parts ordering platform that connects insurers, workshops, fleet owners, and suppliers. The platform enables visibility across the entire claims cycle and supports both OEM and aftermarket sourcing.

The systems that come together to implement such technologies are sensor fusion, computer vision, and real-time decisions to enable the vehicle to take all complex traffic scenarios easily. Significant investments in AI and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are crucial for fine-tuning self-driving algorithms, making them safer and more reliable. This also presents an emerging opportunity to connect the vehicle ecosystem, creating a dynamic adaptation of data for road and weather conditions, assisted by IoT-enabled devices.

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Swedish startup Intended Future utilizes data-driven design benchmarking tools for the automotive industry. Probably the most important trend in the automotive industry is the worldwide shift to electric vehicles (EVs). New vehicle inventory levels till December 2022 were 52% below December 2019 but 56% above January 2022. On the other hand, personal vehicles are on the rise due to improving urban road infrastructure, and the popularity of pre-owned cars among young people is also driving the market growth. Fuel-cell electric vehicles will emerge worldwide in 2025 due to their faster recharge, extended range, and zero emissions. Major car, truck, and SUV manufacturers are investing in fuel-cell electric vehicle development, with the support of countries like China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

Discover Trending Technologies & Topics

Moi uses continuous fiber manufacturing (CFM) technology, robotic intelligence, and digital fabrication to deposit fibers. As a result, the solution is easily scalable for producing composites for panels, frames, and interior components. The startup also serves other industries, such as aerospace, construction, and biomedical.

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. 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.

More than 12% of consumers who financed a new car in June of 2022 had a monthly payment of $1,000 or more. It’s clear that a select subset of today’s consumers are willing to pay for high-end automobiles. Power say that sales of cars worth more than $100k were outselling lower-priced cars 3 to 1 in the first quarter of 2022.

Road safety, regulatory mandates, autonomous vehicle adoption, and smart city development drive this innovation. The World Health Organization links 1.36 million annual deaths to road accidents. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that V2X addresses up to 80% of crashes involving non-impaired drivers. Moreover, economic efficiency improves adoption, as autonomous vehicles reduce transport costs by up to 40% and maximize logistics utilization.

Approximately 70 percent of industrial companies report faster chip supply, possibly due to weakened consumer spending and demand. These constraints are expected to persist into 2025, as semiconductor production has exceeded full production-rate utilization since 2019, with recent rates surpassing 95%. Battery manufacturers have significantly reduced their production since early December due to the unpromising demand in the upcoming months.

OEMs are juggling more regulations with fluctuating demands and ongoing chip shortages

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. This ensures cybersecurity and reliability for engine control, powertrain management, and other mission-critical automotive applications.

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Factory technologies are no longer aspirational but integral to modern automotive manufacturing. Stellantis, for instance, has demonstrated how AI can transform production efficiency. By incorporating AI tools, the company has reduced production costs while accelerating vehicle launch timelines. This approach enhances flexibility across its global operations, ensuring a rapid response to shifting market demands.

wrap up and 2025: EV batteries, gigafactories, sustainability and smart factories in auto manufacturing

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. It also enables customers to schedule and monitor charging activity for improved efficiency. Australian startup V2Grid designs V2G technology that converts EVs into mobile energy resources for homes, businesses, and the national grid. Its bidirectional charging system enables EV batteries to both draw electricity and feed surplus power back, which balances demand during peak hours and reduces strain on infrastructure.

Companies like Toyota and Hyundai are investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology. By 2025, we could see a broader adoption of fuel cell vehicles, especially in regions like Europe and Asia, where hydrogen infrastructure is beginning to grow. Environmental consciousness is driving the automotive industry toward more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Manufacturers are prioritizing robust security measures to protect sensitive consumer data and prevent malicious interference.

Automakers need to redesign their vehicles or should look for other chip options available. The AI in Automotive industry in 2026 is evolving as AI, autonomous technologies, and software-defined vehicles reshape global mobility systems. This AI in Automotive Market Report examines the trends and technologies driving vehicle intelligence, operational efficiency, safety advancement, and data-driven mobility innovation. What initially appeared to be a niche sector is now the foundation of the auto industry’s transition. While automakers spend billions developing electric cars, most governments worldwide have ambitious plans to phase out internal combustion engines.

The need for high-performance processors is also growing as a result of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which rely on semiconductors for ongoing updates and subscription-based services. The global automotive semiconductor market is projected to grow from USD 53.57 billion in 2025 to USD 86.81 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.22%. Volkswagen’s Traton Group, recognising the urgency of addressing these bottlenecks, is planning a third battery assembly plant in Europe.

• The number of autonomous trucks on the road was expected to increase from roughly 150 in 2020 to over 2000 in 2021.
• The automotive industry is gearing up for a transformation as fast and furious as the iconic franchise suggests.
• In addition, the initiative will leverage the data collected by adding Google’s AI capabilities to Ford vehicles.
• Hungarian startup V2ROADS offers a range of products and services tailored to the V2X ecosystem.
• The World Health Organization links 1.35 million annual deaths to road accidents, creating urgency for autonomy.
• The startup’s vehicle management system provides insights into speed, running vitals, and health information.

Procon Analytics builds Automotive Finance

• US-based startup NuNami designs automotive semiconductors that provide reliable connectivity and safety-critical interfaces.
• Its early fusion approach integrates LiDAR and radar data, while neural networks infer road elements and topology to create accurate high-definition maps.
• If you want to learn more about 10 of the most important auto industry trends for the next months, read on.
• Firstly, it accelerates the design and testing process through rapid prototyping.
• As a result, vehicles become even more connected with each other and the infrastructure and provide drivers with more advanced opportunities.
• Italian startup Moi combines thermosetting composite materials and 3D printing to manufacture high-performance parts for the automotive industry.

The idea behind a circular economy is to create a closed-loop system where materials are reused, refurbished, and recycled rather than disposed of. 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.

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. 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.

European manufacturers are leading the charge with plans for affordable EV models, such as Citroën and Renault. These budget-friendly models aim to stimulate adoption following a dip in EV sales. Consumers research their preferred car on their mobile phones, looking for the best options, offers, and dealerships. Therefore, websites need to be easily readable and accessible across mobile devices, with clear calls to action.