FRM 2025: Sector Report Automotive Industry KPMG in Germany

Success will depend on manufacturers’ ability to balance technological advancement with practical implementation while meeting evolving consumer expectations. The transformation of the automotive sector is far from complete, but the direction is clear – towards a more sustainable, connected and intelligent future of mobility. Moreover, automakers offer features on demand as they are turning cars into service platforms. Likewise, projects USD billion in annual software and services revenue by 2030 from connected vehicles. The global vehicle subscription market is projected to reach as high as USD 791.0 billion by 2032 at growth rates of up to 74.6% annually. This rapid expansion reflects how automakers and mobility providers are shifting from ownership models toward flexible, access-based mobility solutions.

SWYTCHD offers EV Subscription

Moreover, the solution is customizable to any car model or specific OEM requirements. 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. These advancements are driving the future of connected vehicles, which are increasingly becoming a standard feature in new cars.

Explore the Top 10 Automotive Industry Trends in 2024

Sensor fusion that combines information from various sources improves safety and autonomy by enabling accurate decision-making. The Asia-Pacific region currently controls the majority of the market due to the strong uptake of electric cars (EVs) in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region’s substantial market share results from government incentives and the growth of the automobile industry. Indian startup ThinkSeed develops middleware solutions that enhance smartphone connectivity to vehicles for secure access and infotainment.

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Automotive Trends Answered

• The Starkenn Brake Safe, a collision mitigation system features automatic emergency braking in critical scenarios.
• Moreover, redundancy across sensor types improves resilience in poor weather or low visibility.
• The global automotive semiconductor market is expected to grow at a rate of 8.1% between 2023 and 2030.
• This decision also highlights a broader trend toward diversification in battery production hubs.
• In addition to enhancing energy efficiency, regenerative braking systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recovering energy during braking to support global efforts to meet stricter emission norms.
• 2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for automotive with regards to global shifts in the market with a mixed bag of potential harmony and disruption.
• Automakers are also adopting hyper-personalized features to offer customized experiences through infotainment systems, user profiles, and real-time navigation updates.

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. While some regions already allow limited AV testing and deployment, 2025 will likely see a more transparent legal framework surrounding autonomous driving technology. This regulatory clarity will pave the way for broader AV adoption in cities, particularly in controlled environments like urban areas or designated autonomous vehicle lanes. Additionally, infrastructure developments like Toyota‘s new battery plant in North Carolina underscore the industry’s dedication to scaling EV output.

Sustainable production continues to rise

Here’s how TikTok unboxings and gaming are driving one of 2025’s top retail trends. Data from the past 10 years shows the sale of luxury vehicles making a steep climb in 2022. Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo have been the two major players in the market since sales launched in 2016.

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.

Automotive Industry Trends 2025: Future & Growth of Automotive

Lithium-ion battery prices have fallen by 89% over the last decade, pre trip VIN check for your car reaching a price of $137/kWh in 2020. After a disappointing 2019 in terms of EV sales, 2020 sales surpassed expectations, growing over 40% year-over-year. The industry itself, however, has remained relatively stable over the last decade.

Major transportation industry trends in 2026

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. Governments are implementing innovative policies to encourage sales without increasing costs or benefiting high-income households.

The automotive manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly as manufacturers respond to technological advancements, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. With established automakers facing nimble startups in the mobility race, building new businesses should be a priority for auto executives. Data-driven connectivity services and on-demand mobility will add up to $1.5 trillion to the automotive revenue pool by the year 2030. Electrification and autonomous vehicles will remain megatrends, transforming the sector and forcing automakers, suppliers, and dealers to adapt to new technologies and business methods. The new year will also witness L4 implementation, with companies like Baidu, Pony.ai, and WeRide conducting extensive road tests across various cities. Initiatives and support from the Chinese government, such as pilot zones and regulatory frameworks, are further accelerating the process.

• The rise of such technologies reflects consumer demand for vehicles that are not just transportation tools but extensions of their digital ecosystems.
• As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this year was a turning point for automotive manufacturing.
• Fuel-cell electric vehicles will emerge worldwide in 2025 due to their faster recharge, extended range, and zero emissions.
• This regulatory clarity will pave the way for broader AV adoption in cities, particularly in controlled environments like urban areas or designated autonomous vehicle lanes.
• This innovative, circular production approach supports sustainability goals by reducing landfill waste and advancing circular economy practices in automotive manufacturing.

China remains dominant but new players are also making noise on the EV scene

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.

• 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.
• North American and European automakers offer consumers the option to buy vehicles online without visiting dealerships.
• This simplifies the transition to electric vehicles for fleets, reducing environmental impact and promoting safer urban transport.
• Its system uses functional modules, combining LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors to perceive surroundings, analyze traffic, and navigate efficiently.
• Join us today and access AMS’s wealth of global news, insights, intelligence and content, and to make valuable connections with your peers from across the automotive industry.
• This includes aligning new technologies and business models with the company’s vision.
• The automotive V2X market reached USD 2.87 billion in 2025 and is expected to expand to USD 18.67 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 45.43%.
• Voice search assistants also optimize their interface for advertisements and voice search queries.

Methodology: How We Created the Automobile Trend Report

Automakers will continue to incorporate these systems into even more affordable models, making safety technologies more accessible to a broader range of consumers. By leveraging tech and sustainable practices, the automotive sector can meet the challenges of tomorrow while delivering exceptional value to consumers. As urban areas grow more congested, the focus is shifting from traditional car ownership to mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) models. Fleet-as-a-Service (FaaS) solutions, particularly autonomous fleets, are set to transform how people navigate cities. This digital transformation enhances scalability, a key driver in the competitive automotive sector.

Motomatix develops Auto Parts Ordering Platform

The truck’s design removes the internal combustion engine, advancing commercial vehicle safety standards, and protecting pedestrians and other road users. Volta Trucks also offers leasing or purchasing options, and integrates services like maintenance, charging infrastructure, and training through its truck-as-a-service model. This simplifies the transition to electric vehicles for fleets, reducing environmental impact and promoting safer urban transport. US-based startup FlxTran develops a new transportation system using self-driving vehicles on abandoned railroad tracks to provide fast regional transport to connect smaller communities.

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.

This will further usher the industry into a new era of smarter, more connected, and more efficient vehicles. The startup’s platform combines augmented reality (AR), smart camera, and surround-view monitoring to illuminate the route on turns, curves, slopes as well as complex junctions. This assists the drivers in keeping lanes, prevents collisions, and enables autonomous driving options.

• XTrude models the physics of FDM processes to optimize parameters like flow rate and extrusion temperature to ensure large-scale 3D printing.
• The platform includes geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, route mapping, and integrated or standalone camera options, accessible via a dashboard and mobile app.
• It re-engineers proven EV technology and applies it to Land Rover Defenders, Range Rover Classics, and Series models from 1949 to 2016.
• Efforts to adopt circular economy practices are intensifying, with manufacturers exploring innovative ways to extend the lifecycle of materials and reduce waste.
• More than 12% of consumers who financed a new car in June of 2022 had a monthly payment of $1,000 or more.

🔌 Trend 1: The Electric Revolution Accelerates – EVs Taking Charge

• Moreover, automakers reduce tailpipe emissions, cities improve air quality, and governments reduce fossil fuel dependence.
• The study offers data-based insights and recommendations for action for decision-makers in the automotive sector.
• In 2025, electrification and software integration will have an essential impact on the automotive industry.
• Along with battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) are another alternative to internal combustion engines.
• As a result of this partnership, Ford is expected to launch its own self-driving car business.
• They also enable software updates, enhance entertainment, and facilitate smooth communication in connected and software-defined vehicles.

Since we’ve already explored the use of AI in the auto industry, it makes perfect sense to discuss connected cars, which are undoubtedly one of the top trends for the future. Connected cars are equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows them to connect to the Internet, other vehicles, and external software. These cars offer numerous benefits, not just for drivers and manufacturers, but also for passengers and the environment. By optimizing driving routes, connected cars help reduce emissions, contributing to a greener future. Using data from IoT technology, drivers receive real-time route suggestions to avoid traffic jams and ease congestion, ensuring faster, stress-free travel. Autonomous driving technology is one of the automotive industry’s most exciting and potentially disruptive developments.

Autonomous Vehicles are Changing the Face of the Auto Industry

The chip shortage is proving to be costly for the industry with many auto manufacturers shutting down plants due to low supply. The global automotive parts market has been steadily growing for the past twenty years. Increasing battery efficiency as well as EV charging infrastructure can speed up adoption. As climate change concerns intensify, automakers are increasingly pressured to reduce emissions, lower their environmental footprint, and embrace green technologies. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical systems—are gaining traction, enabling manufacturers to simulate scenarios and predict outcomes in real-time. Predictive maintenance powered by AI minimizes machine failures, while IoT networks provide detailed insights into factory operations.

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.

Personalising the IVX will drive the need for AI agents, which is one reason why EDA tool vendor Synopsys is working with Sima.ai. Across in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), there have been various OEM innovations in the past year, with AI models being integrated into these systems. For example, Mercedes-Benz is using Chat-GPT for intelligent virtual assistants within its vehicles.

For instance, India’s eBus Sewa scheme deploys 10K electric buses to curb urban pollution. Further, it establishes local manufacturing facilities, which reduce supply chain dependency and generate employment and stimulate economic growth. Read on to explore each trend in depth – uncover key drivers, current market stats, cutting-edge innovations, and the 20 leading innovators shaping the future.

The number of connected cars worldwide will likely reach 400 million by 2025 up from 237 million in 2021. The startup also offers META, a compact shuttle for urban mobility; and SPACE for passenger transportation. These vehicles use a re-assembly factory model, which allows upgrades and updates to extend their lifecycle. Moreover, lightweight and bio-based materials are used to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency, which aligns with sustainability goals. These pods use AI and machine learning algorithms for real-time perception and adaptive decision-making. The startup’s technology allows these pods to adapt across industries, enhancing efficiency and safety in transporting people and goods.

is set to be a big year for automotive production

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. Sustainability is a major driver reshaping vehicle design, manufacturing, and lifecycle management.

The Future of Automobiles

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. Instead, they get power from a fuel-cell stack that’s fed hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity through a chemical reaction. According to a study completed by INRIX Transportation, Honolulu, New Orleans, and Nashville are the three US cities that stand to gain the most from micromobility vehicles. The market for micromobility sat at $40 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to $195 billion by 2030.

MotionSafe enables AI-powered Automotive Cybersecurity

Most consumers today are much more concerned with what the in-cabin experience is going to be, than the size and power of the engine. However there are huge opportunities for the industry in the shift to software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving. These shifts are beneficial to ARM, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors and Infineon Technologies. Contact us today to make critical data-driven decisions, prompting accelerated business expansion and breakthrough performance. GenAI offers potential for advanced applications like predictive maintenance, where AI could assist in analyzing vehicle data and forecast potential failures before they occur. This would mark a critical shift toward an era of personalized vehicle recommendations and optimized repair services.