Additionally, the startup offers plug-and-play solutions that simplify deployment in safety-critical applications such as EV fast charging and sensor integration. ADAS adoption enables lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking to rely on AI-powered processors and sensor fusion chips. CARNIQ Technologies secures the auto industry by embedding compliance-driven cybersecurity into development lifecycles. German startup CARNIQ Technologies enhances vehicle cybersecurity through web-based and AI-powered tools that ensure compliance with automotive standards. Further, it establishes local manufacturing facilities, which reduce supply chain dependency and generate employment and stimulate economic growth.
Autonomous Vehicles (Self-Driving Cars)
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.
Rise in the Adoption of VR Tech
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.
Additionally, CARNIQ Technologies supports the automotive sector with threat analysis, cybersecurity management, and secure system development. It also provides validation services that ensure resilience against potential risks. The rapid rollout of software-defined vehicles, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, and electrification pushes automakers to secure digital systems as rigorously as physical components. Moreover, the startup’s marketplace connects professionals in a secure environment. It provides exclusive access to vehicles and optimizes purchase decisions based on supply and demand trends.
Electrification to grow despite various hurdles
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 automotive industry.
- The currently available infotainment systems can connect with smartphones, sensors, ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) as well as other in-vehicle and external systems.
- Its early fusion approach integrates LiDAR and radar data, while neural networks infer road elements and topology to create accurate high-definition maps.
- The move highlights the scale of investment required to meet zero-emission vehicle targets and align with regulatory pressures for decarbonisation.
- 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.
- The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that V2X addresses up to 80% of crashes involving non-impaired drivers.
- In 2025, Uber and GM Cruise will partner, allowing users of the Uber ride-hailing platform to book fully self-driving vehicles from the app in selected US cities.
- AI-powered semiconductors drive transformation in autonomous driving systems by enabling real-time communication with road infrastructure and enhancing safety features such as emergency braking systems.
- It enhances safety via driver-assist features and promises to revolutionize mobility with robotaxis and freight automation.
Still not the EV revolution once thought but still plenty of growth
Subsidies and incentives for EVs are also under scrutiny, with plans to reconsider or eliminate government-imposed market advantages that favour them. Crucially, the order halts federal funding for EV infrastructure projects, such as charging station programs, until they align with the administration’s policy goals. Additionally, looking at supply chains, AI and machine learning are driving the rise of autonomous logistics systems that can self-optimise routing, scheduling, and inventory management. These systems aim to minimise human intervention, improve decision-making, and enhance overall efficiency, paving the way for smarter supply chain operations. In Latin America, much like other regions, the electrified vehicle fleet is still only a small share of the total vehicle fleet; however, that share is growing. The Latin America Energy Organisation (Olade), released a report showing that with the increase in supply, lower prices and tax incentives, Latin America and the Caribbean have great potential for EV growth.
- Toyota’s North Carolina battery plant exemplifies this commitment, with operations fully powered by renewables.
- Regulations such as Europe’s General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2), US mandates for automatic emergency braking, and China’s target of 70% Level 2-3 adoption by 2025 compel automakers to improve deployment.
- And it is projected to widen to 45% by 2030 due to lower labor and freight costs.
- The global automotive industry, responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, faces ongoing pressure to overhaul its practices.
- Emerging automotive industry trends include the increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), advanced semiconductors, and the growing focus on vehicle cybersecurity.
- 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.
- Automakers reduce reliance on distant suppliers as trade tensions and conflicts expose the fragility of global networks.
Inside the architecture: How software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms are built
- Automakers move from fleets of electronic control units (ECUs) toward centralized computing platforms that run multiple domains on Systems on Chip (SoCs).
- Tesla reportedly rewrote the software it uses in its vehicles so they could run on a different type of chip.
- Notable achievements in 2024 include significant progress in reducing emissions and advancing transparent ESG reporting.
- AI, additive manufacturing, the Internet of Things, and 5G have become sources of product innovation and manufacturing efficiency, which in turn has led to revolutionary changes in customer experience.
- The integration of renewable energy into automotive production took centre stage in 2024.
- The segment’s sales will rise in the first six months of fiscal 2025, while the industry’s revenue will increase at the same pace to $33.8 billion.
The law emphasises a cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels, placing a higher emphasis on sustainability and developing renewable energy infrastructures. 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. In 2023, the global connected car market was valued at $80.87 billion and projecting remarkable growth. It is expected to expand from $95.14 billion in 2024 to $386.82 billion by 2032, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% over the forecast period according to some figures.
By 2025, 48% of light vehicles sold across 43 major economies will be SAE level 2
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. Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) is the essential resource for automotive manufacturing professionals and suppliers globally. We invite you to revisit these top stories, share your perspectives, and stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of the trends shaping the automotive world.
Global Startup Heat Map covers 4859 Innovative Automotive Startups & Scaleups
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. LiDAR enables high-resolution 3D mapping by emitting laser pulses to measure distances.
And it is projected to widen to 45% by 2030 due to lower labor and freight costs. The startup enables automakers to reduce waste, optimize design processes, and advance sustainable manufacturing strategies. Also, advanced composites and recycled inputs reduce reliance on virgin resources.
Vehicle Purchases Shift Online
The automotive industry is gearing up for a transformation as fast and furious as the iconic franchise suggests. The latest technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences are seriously revamping vehicle production as we know it, remodeling the auto market for good. A quick online search reveals that by 2040, 33 million autonomous cars are expected to be on the road. Autonomous driving technology is one of the automotive industry’s most exciting and potentially disruptive developments.
Stop Guessing, Start Growing 🚀
Some countries (and California) have even committed to phasing out all new sales of combustion engine vehicles over the next few decades. Even with this rapid growth, EV’s share of cars on the road is expected to remain at just 8% by 2030. If you want to learn more about 10 of the most important auto industry trends for the next months, read on. The specialty equipment industry recognizes the potential in off-road products and accessories, mainly for pickups and SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler. More than half of pickup owners purchase off-road parts and engage in outdoor activities with their vehicles. Overlanding, a newer trend, combines off-roading with remote travel and camping, with products like mounted tents falling under this category.
In 2024, EV sales reached 17 million units, accounting for over 20% of global new car sales. Also, the EV market is projected to reach USD 6.16 trillion by 2035 at a CAGR of 25.32%. Autonomous driving demonstrates scalable deployment across passenger and freight use cases, and subscription models give consumers flexible access to vehicles. Software-defined vehicles redefine business models through centralized computing and OTA upgrades.
Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Automotive Trends
This ensures cybersecurity and reliability for engine control, powertrain management, and other mission-critical automotive applications. Further, Chipv creates power control chips equipped with triple RISC-V cores, extensive on-chip memory, and robust hardware security modules. In the US, the CHIPS and Science Act allocates USD 52.7 billion in funding and offers a 25% investment tax credit.
According to this regulation, starting from 2024, the following features become compulsory. However, there are yet to be more autonomous vehicles on the road due to the technological and safety challenges that must be overcome. Driverless cars have sometimes struggled with unexpected incidents on the road and in poor weather conditions. The future trends in the automobile industry suggest that 2025 can be the milestone year for connected cars. The expansion will stem from the speedy spread of data that can be capitalized upon to lower expenses, streamline research and development, enhance products and services, and restrict emissions.
Q) What are the new trends in the automotive industry?
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. After a disappointing 2019 in terms of EV sales, 2020 sales surpassed expectations, growing over 40% year-over-year. EV sales grew from less than 1% of total vehicle sales a decade ago to more than 4% today. Rapid technological and environmental innovations have forced incumbents to adapt to new challenges.
Innovation Map outlines Top 10 Automotive Trends & 20 Promising Startups
Advances in solid-state batteries promise higher energy density and faster charging times, while the expansion of ultra-fast chargers addresses key barriers to EV adoption. With the growing popularity of bidirectional charging (V2G) technology, EVs now contribute energy to the grid to improve stability. By focusing on digital transformation, the company aims to integrate predictive analytics and process automation, creating production systems that are adaptable and resilient. These examples point to AI enabling real-time decision-making and predictive maintenance, while improving quality control and minimising downtime, marking the technology ‘a no-brainer’ for production in 2025. Toyota unveiled its forward-thinking approach to electric vehicle design, focusing on sustainability, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
The expected reach in 2026 is expected to reach nearly $62 billion at a growth of CAGR 22.75%. Self-driving cars are considered safer since they can sense their environment and operate safely within it, eliminating factors such as human error and driver fatigue. In 2025, new registrations of electric vehicles – BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) – are anticipated to reach a record 18.1 million – up from 16.3 million in 2024. However, growth EV adoption is predicted to slow, with year-on-year growth falling from 15% in 2024 to 11% 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. 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.
Other Technology Trends in Automotive Industry
For our trend reports, we leverage our proprietary StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 7M+ global startups, 20K technologies & trends, plus 150M+ patents, news articles, and market reports. As technology progresses, expect these trends to influence every facet of the automotive sector. When demand for cars plummeted in the early days of the pandemic, auto manufacturers stopped ordering them and chip producers focused their attention elsewhere. The global automotive parts market has been steadily growing for the past twenty years. Europe now is the largest market for new plug-in electric vehicles, overtaking China’s first spot.
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.
The Automotive Parts Market Continues to Grow
Avvenire focuses on sustainable mobility to contribute to a cleaner environment and meet the demand for green transportation. With zero emissions, low noise, and a range of up to 400 km, FALAK offers a sustainable urban mobility solution. The startup emphasizes comfort with electric doors, linking auto industry data and sustainability extended safety features, and panoramic views from all seats.
However, used electric powertrain vehicles are still few and far between, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, in the UK, suggesting EVs make up 2.7% of the total used car market. These solutions decrease fleet wait times and cut pollution from petrol or diesel vehicles. Hungarian startup V2ROADS offers a range of products and services tailored to the V2X ecosystem. They provide V2X applications, services, and communication stacks specifically designed for on-board units (OBUs) and road-side units (RSUs). Further, its V2X-cloud system implementation guarantees uninterrupted connectivity between vehicles and infrastructure. Finally, its V2AP (V2X Integration Platform) is a server-side software to amplify V2X services to elevate road safety and efficiency.
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. From encrypted communications to intrusion detection systems, cybersecurity advancements will ensure consumer trust as vehicles become smarter and more networked.
b. Regulatory and Legal Challenges
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.
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.
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. Similarly, Skoda has embraced AI to navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing. Senegal-based startup Kemet Automotive manufactures all-terrain electric vehicles (EVs) designed for the road conditions.
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