FRM 2025: Sector Report Automotive Industry KPMG in Germany

Automotive Topics and Trends

Younger buyers often prefer subscription models or shared mobility over ownership. The rise of online car buying and digital retail experiences is forcing dealerships and OEMs to innovate. Demand for customizable, software-updatable vehicles is growing, as is interest in electric and hybrid powertrains. Automakers must balance traditional desires for performance and style with new expectations for tech integration and environmental responsibility. The present-day automotive industry is affected by innovative ideas and is ready to transform and evolve rapidly.

Its image-signal processor manages approximately 1 billion pixels per second from high dynamic range (HDR) sensor inputs. The system combines this data with inputs from multiple cameras and sensors to enable AI-driven perception and decision-making in near-real-time driving scenarios. Additionally, the startup offers plug-and-play solutions that simplify deployment in safety-critical applications such as EV fast charging and sensor integration.

This assists the drivers in keeping lanes, prevents collisions, and enables autonomous driving options. Moreover, the solution is customizable to any car model or specific OEM requirements. Additionally, smart virtual assistants are emerging as a key HMI feature, aiding drivers and passengers in interacting with vehicles and external services. The global Automotive Human Machine Interface market, valued at USD 70.41 billion in 2022, is expected to grow significantly, reflecting these advancements in automotive technology. Big data and advanced analytics play a crucial role in decision-making throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle. Vehicle-generated data facilitates predictive maintenance, fleet management, and accident response.

Top 10 Emerging Automobile Trends 2025 and Beyond

Its product, THINKey, transforms smartphones into digital keys that allow users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles. The integration of 5G networks is accelerating advancements in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, supporting autonomous driving functionalities. The startup offers tools for real-time calibration health checks for deployed fleets to reduce time-to-market and operational risks.

Partnerships between telecom providers and automakers, like Targa Telematics’ collaboration with Renault, are enhancing connectivity solutions, particularly for fleet management. Miniaturization trends in automotive electronics enable the integration of multiple sensors into compact systems to improve vehicle performance while reducing costs. US-based startup Aeluma develops semiconductor technology for mobile devices, AI, AR/VR, autonomous systems, and other applications.

Shortage of chips will complicate the automotive industry

Wireless and ultra-fast charging stations are also emerging as promising solutions to ease the transition to EVs further. Wireless charging could eliminate the need for physical connectors, offering a more seamless user experience. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical systems—are gaining traction, enabling manufacturers to simulate scenarios and predict cross country camper VIN report outcomes in real-time.

Manufacturers that successfully integrate these elements into their strategies will not only navigate the challenges of today but also position themselves as leaders in the future of mobility. Nearshoring is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in North America, where manufacturers are shifting operations closer to key markets to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce logistical costs. In the UK, auto production surpassed one million units in 2023, marking a significant recovery. However, with the cessation of certain models, there are concerns about a potential production dip in 2024. New EV launches slated for 2025 are expected to reinvigorate the market, underscoring the importance of product innovation in sustaining growth.

Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout relevant technologies & startups that matter to you. Operating from Germany and the US, EcoG is a startup offering an IoT-based operating system and platform for EV charging. The startup provides manufacturers with tools that make the development and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure simple, fast, and scalable.

Udelv manufactures Self Driving Last Mile Delivery Vehicles

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.

  • Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout relevant technologies & startups that matter to you.
  • 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.
  • From supply chain optimization and manufacturing to personalized driving experiences and smart routing, advanced AI systems and real-time data analysis enable it all.
  • Volvo Cars has announced plans to adopt large aluminium castings for its next-generation electric vehicles, aiming to simplify production and enhance sustainability.
  • Telematics and IoT sensors monitor vehicle condition and enable predictive maintenance.
  • Changing consumer preferences, cost efficiency, technological progress, and sustainability targets drive this innovation.

Discover all Auto Trends, Technologies & Startups

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.

Whilst these acts have been active for some years now, the landscape has not changed drastically. Until these efforts bear fruit, the industry will need to focus on mitigating risks and prioritising demand effectively. Whilst the U.S. may be bucking it, there is certainly a global trend towards a more sustainability-forward manufacturing scene.

This leaves the vast majority of companies concerned with their supply and wanting for more. With 2024 now firmly in the rearview mirror, let us dive into how those trends have developed into 2025 and what that means for middle-market organisations for the year ahead. In addition, it offers insurance-approved vehicle tracking systems with Thatcham S5 and S7 certification to meet insurer requirements and offers nationwide installation with priority police response.

Vehicle Subscription Services: SIXT & Stellantis Partner on 250K Vehicle Subscription Deal

The final trend, and one which has been subject to a lot of attention (and hype), is driverless transportation. In addition, it adapts to applications across fleets, workplaces, airports, and multi-housing units. Its electronic control unit (ECU) platform combines AUTOSAR software modules with customizable hardware.

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

The global automotive semiconductor market is expected to grow at a rate of 8.1% between 2023 and 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of electronic control units (ECUs) in modern vehicles and the rising implementation of advanced safety systems. Semiconductors are, in essence, at the heart of modern car manufacturing, reshaping our understanding of mobility. The US-based startup Procon Analytics leverages big data to offer a solution for automotive finance. The solution captures millions of data points in real time and analyzes them to enable lenders to instantly assess and reduce risk.

Following these trends helps greater penetration in the emerging market, like the growing adoption of electric vehicles in China and India. Following these trends will equip enterprises with greater penetration in the emerging market, such as the growing adoption of EVs across China and India. A combination of technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and new business models will shape the automotive industry in 2025. The rise of electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and innovative mobility solutions will redefine how we think about transportation.

How is technology improving the auto industry?

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. Its AI-driven control systems, xCognition and xTrude, enhance industrial robotics and additive manufacturing by automating programming and improving precision.

🤔 Uncertain Market Acceptance and Consumer Adoption of New EV Tech

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.

Classic and Historical Cars

It also supports this process by integrating buybacks, residual value calculations, and automated stock analysis. The automotive industry is one of the most severely affected by supply chain disruptions. Currently, its greatest challenge is uncertainty and instability, which are expected to persist this year. Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular—they combine electric power with the reliability of a combustion engine. Compared to EVs, they don’t require charging, but at the same time reduce carbon emissions. However, it’s estimated that there will be 33 million autonomous vehicles on the road by 2040.

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Auto Industry Trends

The startup develops Konnect – GS01, an automatic electronic logging device (ELD) to continuously track vehicular health. Israeli startup DAV offers a decentralized autonomous vehicles platform based on blockchain technology. The platform allows autonomous vehicles to discover AVs, service providers, or clients around them. The vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is either on-blockchain, with smart contracts or off-blockchain using DAV’s protocols.

Volvo has adopted megacasting techniques to simplify EV production, reducing the number of components required and streamlining assembly processes. This both lowers costs and improves vehicle performance, addressing both market demands and sustainability goals. Autonomous driving will continue progressing from Level 2+ driver-assist to Level 3 conditional autonomy in geo-fenced areas. Full Level 4 and 5 autonomy remain years away due to regulatory, ethical, and technical challenges. Expect more robotaxi pilots, fleet autonomy, and advanced safety features integrated into mainstream cars. The focus will also be on cybersecurity and fail-safe systems to build consumer trust.

Autonomous Driving: Waymo Offers 250K Paid Rides Weekly Across US Cities

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.

  • Israeli startup NoTraffic develops an AI-powered traffic signal platform that digitizes road infrastructure management and connects drivers to the city roadways to manage various traffic-related challenges.
  • According to Globe News Wire, the entire market will grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2033, logging USD 984 billion.
  • Also, additive manufacturing makes prototyping more rapid, which enables faster design and testing periods for new vehicles.
  • The used car market is also expected to become more important for consumers looking for cheaper EVs, which typically face greater levels of depreciation than internal combustion engine vehicles.
  • The inherent flexibility of electric powertrains is enabling automakers to reimagine vehicle design, resulting in lighter, more efficient vehicles.
  • It combines advanced AI algorithms and hyper-speed teleoperations for human-assisted guidance in unique situations.
  • For example, Hyundai partners with Revv in India to expand subscription offerings through a mobile-first platform.

Also, MotionSafe protects the auto industry by securing vehicle data, supporting supply chains, and ensuring a safe transition to connected mobility. South African startup Motomatix applies AI and custom software solutions to strengthen supply chain resilience in the automotive repair sector. 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. This process enables us to identify the most impactful and innovative trends in the automobile industry.

Electric Mobility

Automotive Topics and Trends

The growing shared mobility trend also looms as more people are using shared transportation methods instead of owning cars. 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. By addressing issues proactively, manufacturers and service providers can further reduce breakdowns, enhance vehicle reliability, and improve overall customer satisfaction.

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Automotive Trends Answered

The industry itself, however, has remained relatively stable over the last decade.

  • The global automotive sensor fusion market is projected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2030 at a 42.4% CAGR.
  • Also, digital twin technology builds virtual replicas of supply chains to simulate disruptions and optimize performance.
  • With EV makers in China engaging in a price war due to declining demand, Chinese brands with strong hybrid presently are gaining popularity.
  • Subsidies and incentives for EVs are also under scrutiny, with plans to reconsider or eliminate government-imposed market advantages that favour them.
  • By securing these systems, cybersecurity prevents hijacking of steering or braking functions, protects sensitive driver data, and shields automakers from costly recalls and reputational harm.
  • The AI system answers the driver’s query by cross-referencing data from the car’s diagnostics.

Evolving video marketing & environmental sustainability

French startup Airnity provides a cellular connectivity platform for the automotive industry to enhance connected car operations. THINKey operates through a secure architecture using enclaves in the phone, vehicle, and cloud, adhering to the car connectivity consortium’s digital key standard. Additionally, the startup offers infotainment solutions with plug-and-play SDKs and certification-ready apps for phone mirroring and multimedia features. This facilitates the integration of Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, and media streaming into in-vehicle infotainment systems. UK-based startup WF Telematics offers vehicle and asset tracking solutions for businesses seeking efficient fleet management and asset monitoring.

  • A recent survey reveals automotive companies have product development and launch cycles shorter than 18 months.
  • After a disappointing 2019 in terms of EV sales, 2020 sales surpassed expectations, growing over 40% year-over-year.
  • Supply chains are being restructured to secure critical minerals and diversify chip sources.
  • Automakers integrate these systems to offer more reliable vehicles across global markets.
  • As we progress through 2025, these trends will continue to reshape the automotive landscape.
  • 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.
  • Its intelligent asset tracking defends vehicles against spoofing, ransomware, and remote control attempts.

Aviva Links advances In-vehicle Connectivity

Norway set a record in the electric vehicle sector in August 2024, as the number of all-electric vehicles on the road surpassed that of gasoline-powered vehicles for the first time. In terms of new car sales, Norway boasts the highest percentage of battery-electric vehicles in Europe. It also leads Europe in new EV market activity, with just 9.61 percent of new passenger car sales in 2023 attributed to gasoline, diesel, and non-rechargeable hybrid vehicles.

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. Key players like Bosch, Continental AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG are investing in technological advancements. They are focusing on lightweight materials and improved energy recovery efficiency.

The automotive industry report of the Future Readiness Monitor 2025 provides differentiated insights into strategies, challenges and fields of action in the industry. The trends in automobile industry and startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of automotive innovations that we identified during our in-depth research. Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business early on goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage.