FRM 2025: Sector Report Automotive Industry KPMG in Germany

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.

• Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals high startup activity in the US, Europe, and India.
• But, there are other various supply chain issues and factory closures that have led to low inventory, too.
• Sustainability is a major driver reshaping vehicle design, manufacturing, and lifecycle management.

Explore the Top 10 Automotive Industry Trends in 2024

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.

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Also, applications extend from adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and traffic jam assistance to robotaxis and driverless trucking. Advanced cameras paired with computer vision enable vehicles to classify road users, read signs, and recognize traffic signals, directly supporting ADAS and autonomous navigation. Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors improve energy efficiency in high-voltage EV systems by reducing losses and enhancing thermal management. Moreover, Asia-Pacific leads the automotive semiconductor market with a 45% global share. In Europe, the EU’s Chips Act aims to raise the bloc’s share of global chip production from under 10% to about 20% by 2030.

CARNIQ Technologies specializes in Car Security & Compliance

Regardless, with the continued global slowdown of EV adoption, we can also expect original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to follow suit, with a decrease in the level of production, especially in the West. Market leaders are adjusting their strategies to align with current trends, further emphasizing the shift towards EV-only vehicles. Just days ago, Jaguar unveiled their new concept car, the Jaguar Type 00, a fully electric, futuristic vehicle that marks a departure from every other car the brand has produced. This transformation is also expected to help revive sluggish vehicle sales by 2030. The next decade will undoubtedly see dramatic changes in how we drive, how we share vehicles, and how we engage with the technology that powers our transportation systems.

V2ROADS simplifies Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Connectivity

North America bore the brunt, accounting for 58% of publicly extorted ransomware victims. Manufacturing was not spared either, representing 29% of global ransomware targets, an alarming 56% rise over the previous year. Explore the most important trade fairs and conferences to boost your business success.

Vehicle Purchases Shift Online

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.

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• 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.
• Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) convert the auto industry by shifting control from hardware to software.
• IoT creates more opportunities for manufacturers to market to consumers even after they’ve made a purchase.
• They’re so important that one analyst said, “semiconductors have moved ahead of oil as the world’s key commodity input for growth”.
• This could allow drivers to retain their jobs, but avoid the injuries and deaths that result from exhaustion.
• 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.

Its RISC-V IP processors adopt 32/64-bit architectures supported by a nine-stage dual-issue pipeline. Connectivity also adds momentum, with 5G and V2X semiconductors enabling real-time data exchange and secure over-the-air updates. Also, regulatory frameworks such as ISO and Europe’s mandate for emergency braking systems encourage mission-critical chip integration across new vehicles.

Automotive Supply Chain Issues.

The study offers data-based insights and recommendations for action for decision-makers in the automotive sector. Gain in-depth insights into the key developments that characterise the automotive industry. UK-based startup Distributed Additive Manufacturing (DAM) offers 3D printing services including design, building, and finishing of parts. It offers more sustainable 3D printing by developing its own large-scale printing hardware and using fully recycled composite materials.

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.

Chip Shortage Continues to Plague Auto Manufacturers

The rise of such technologies reflects consumer demand for vehicles that are not just transportation tools but extensions of their digital ecosystems. Connected cars enable real-time navigation updates, remote diagnostics, and seamless smartphone integration. They also support smart city initiatives by offering data for traffic management and logistics automation. Established in 2007, SG Analytics is a Great Place to Work® (GPTW) certified company with a team of over 1200 employees and a presence across the U.S.A., the UK, Switzerland, Poland, and India.

Important Auto Industry Trends (2025-

AI is also transforming automotive manufacturing by speeding up production and cutting costs. In 2024, the automotive industry experienced significant transformations, with advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies, and shifts in global markets. Moreover, high-performance computing platforms supply the processing power needed to run these systems in real time. NVIDIA’s DRIVE Thor, for instance, offers up to 2000 TOPS of AI inference performance.

• Batteries are the heart of any electric vehicle, and improvements in battery technology will continue to shape the future of EVs.
• In China, it was even reported that lithium-ion battery pack prices fell below $100/kWh for the first time.
• Shared mobility reduces individual car ownership, especially in urban areas, impacting vehicle sales volumes but increasing demand for fleet vehicles and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms.
• Also, automotive Ethernet and time-sensitive networking (TSN) provide deterministic in-vehicle data highways that keep safety-critical communication reliable.
• 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.
• Therefore, these were the five trends transforming the automotive industry this year and beyond.

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.

Examples are bikes, scooters, and mopeds, as well as the electric versions of these vehicles. The chip shortage is proving to be costly for the industry with many auto manufacturers shutting down plants due to low supply. Increasing battery efficiency as well as EV charging infrastructure can speed up adoption.

While China’s dominance in EV and automotive production at large is not anything new, the movements being made in emerging economies outside of China are. The automotive industry is many things, but it is never idle; it thrives on the pulse of innovation, resilience in hard times, and mobility transformation. Every year brings with it new shifts in technology, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics, all of which shape and build automotive as a cornerstone industry of the world. The AI systems also learn about the driver’s preferences in music and temperature, making the driving experiences as enjoyable as possible.

Discover all Auto Trends, Technologies & Startups

The startup provides manufacturers with tools that make the development and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure simple, fast, and scalable. It also allows operators to integrate services and microservices in the chargers to make the charging process profitable. In addition, the solution works with any EV charger and enables new features to be shipped throughout the network. Additionally, blockchain is instrumental in verifying the supply chain of automotive parts, ensuring that materials and components are sourced from legal and trustworthy suppliers. The global automotive blockchain market is experiencing significant growth — it is projected to reach USD 6.11 billion by 2032. Singapore-based startup Beam focuses on e-scooters to promote shared mobility in the Asia-Pacific region.

• German startup CARNIQ Technologies enhances vehicle cybersecurity through web-based and AI-powered tools that ensure compliance with automotive standards.
• Let’s consider the recent trends in automobile industry related to the application of latest technologies.
• Leading companies such as Volkswagen, General Motors, and Volvo have committed to producing zero-emission vehicles and achieving carbon-neutral operations by mid-century.
• Indian startup RevitsOne offers AI-powered fleet-management software that is suitable for fleets of varying sizes.
• This transformation has further streamlined the vehicle architecture, facilitating over-the-air software updates, more efficient management, and lowering overall complexity.
• Further, high-speed automotive Ethernet, 5G networks, and V2X communication extend a car’s perception beyond its line of sight.

What are the predicted future trends in the automotive industry regarding autonomous driving?

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.

ChargeX specializes in Modular Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions

Central to this evolution is the growing demand for electric vehicles and software-defined vehicles. British startup Cube Intelligence develops a blockchain-based security platform for autonomous vehicles. The startup’s technology utilizes hash codes to block malicious attacks or hacking attempts on autonomous cars and connected cars. Additionally, Cube Intelligence offers ride-hailing and valet parking services for AVs, as well as smart parking management systems.

This EV Just Set an Efficiency Record

While automakers why blockchain suits VIN data spend billions developing electric cars, most governments worldwide have ambitious plans to phase out internal combustion engines. According to Statista’s report, global sales of electric vehicles are expected to reach an astounding US$786.2 billion by the end of 2024. The concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is changing how people think about transportation.

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. 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.

UK-based startup WF Telematics offers vehicle and asset tracking solutions for businesses seeking efficient fleet management and asset monitoring. Its vehicle tracking system provides 24/7 real-time visibility, supported by self-install and engineer-fitted options, with no minimum fleet size required. With the introduction of 5G networks, advanced telematics features like real-time diagnostics, autonomous driving, and improved safety systems are becoming even more feasible. Canadian startup Xaba develops intelligent automation solutions, materials, and processes for sustainable manufacturing.

• Another instance is that of Michelin, which made a road-approved car tire with 45% sustainable materials.
• Fuel-cell electric vehicles will emerge worldwide in 2025 due to their faster recharge, extended range, and zero emissions.
• The market for micromobility sat at $40 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to $195 billion by 2030.
• By 2025, significant investments in fast-charging networks will be essential for EV adoption to reach mass-market penetration.
• Investors support companies with strong sustainability commitments, channeling funding toward greener production.
• Additionally, the startup offers features such as platooning algorithms for safe and efficient vehicle grouping.

Electric vehicle trends in 2025

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.

Safety concerns remain in the spotlight – this is leading to greater acceptance of incremental developments in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) rather than pushing for immediate full autonomy. 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.

Supply chain resilience and nearshoring strengthen operational stability, while vehicle cybersecurity ensures trust in connected ecosystems. Automotive semiconductors and sensor fusion enhance safety, efficiency, and intelligence. This approach ensures our reports provide reliable, actionable insights into the automobile innovation ecosystem while highlighting startups driving technological advancements in the industry.

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. With EV makers in China engaging in a price war due to declining demand, Chinese brands with strong hybrid presently are gaining popularity. 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.