Top 8 Automotive Manufacturing Trends Shaping the Future of 2025

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.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Production Expansion

With increasing political uncertainty and a cooling economy, responding to the top three trends will be key to traversing a difficult year ahead. Circular economy initiatives are also gaining momentum, exemplified by Jaguar Land Rover’s closed-loop recycling for seat foam and Michelin’s production of tires using 45% sustainable materials. The startup’s Ethernet products support precise timing synchronization with the 802.1AS Precision Time Protocol (gPTP) to ensure reliable communication for time-sensitive applications. In the US, the AV market is expected to expand, rising from USD 22.6 billion in 2024 to USD 222.8 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 28.92% starting in 2025. Regulatory frameworks like UNECE WP.29, effective from last year, mandate stringent cybersecurity measures to drive compliance-related investments.

🛍️ Trend 6: Evolving Consumer Preferences and New Mobility Solutions

They provide various features such as remote diagnostics, vehicle health reports, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspots, turn-by-turn directions, and warnings of car health issues. The technology has already processed over a billion customer requests and is set to grow in 2025 with predictive intelligence and maintenance technology. North American and European automakers offer consumers the option to buy vehicles online without visiting dealerships. With a computer or smartphone, buyers can choose desired features, secure financing, and even take virtual walk-around and test drives. In 2025, more dealerships are expected to offer online sales, vehicle inspection, and home delivery. Solid-state batteries, which promise to offer higher energy density and improved safety over traditional lithium-ion batteries, are on the horizon.

Top Automotive Marketing Trends in 2025

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.

a. Battery Technology and Range Improvements

As more manufacturers roll out affordable and appealing EV models, the market is shifting towards sustainable alternatives which are becoming more accessible to a broader consumer base. One of the most in-demand connectivity solutions is in-vehicle infotainment—the systems that provide both information and entertainment for ethical AI in automotive decision making enhanced driving experience. The currently available infotainment systems can connect with smartphones, sensors, ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) as well as other in-vehicle and external systems. In 2025, a great number of car manufacturers are planning to improve their infotainment systems providing them with more and more advanced capabilities.

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

This move highlights the industry’s broader trend of building resilient supply chains to safeguard against geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Global supply chain disruptions over recent years have prompted manufacturers to rethink strategies. Localized production and sourcing are gaining momentum as companies aim to mitigate risks and ensure a steady supply of components. Automakers are adopting greener processes, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to utilizing renewable energy in manufacturing plants.

Bring the studio to your cars.

• It then adjusts driving decisions to minimize motion sickness and maintain smooth operation.
• The current trends in the automotive industry seen in previous years will remain in 2025 and are likely to become automotive future trends.
• As 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue their growth, vehicles are becoming more and more connected.
• OEMs like Toyota, Hyundai-Kia, Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi, and Stellantis already have a large portfolio of hybrid variants, including mild and full hybrids.
• These cars offer numerous benefits, not just for drivers and manufacturers, but also for passengers and the environment.
• Shared mobility also influences vehicle design toward durability, modularity, and connectivity.
• They offer a safe, comfortable, and convenient multimedia experience with on-demand features that allow users to browse the web while in their vehicle.
• Bloomberg New Energy Finance expects EVs to account for 10% of all new car sales by 2025 and 58% by 2040.

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. 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.

The fleet of light-duty EVs has grown in the last four years by more than 14 times with a very significant, 17-times increase in the fleet of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Brazil is leading the way by a large margin, followed by Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Chile, respectively. This Electric Vehicles Market Report 2026 examines industry growth, investment flows, patent activity, and global hubs shaping the EV ecosystem. It highlights workforce trends, leading investors, and key technologies driving adoption across vehicles, batteries, charging, and software.

• The EU enforces a 2035 zero-emission mandate, and the US Inflation Reduction Act channels subsidies into domestic EV production and attracts international manufacturers.
• This is fueled by increased vehicle production and sales in China, Japan, and South Korea.
• Following these trends will equip enterprises with greater penetration in the emerging market, such as the growing adoption of EVs across China and India.
• Most car buyers now consider a vehicle’s environmental impact before purchasing, with many willing to pay a premium of over £2,000 for greener emissions.
• Curious how electric vehicle trends like solar integration, AI-powered systems, and modular design are innovating mobility?
• From these, 20 promising startups are featured below, selected based on factors like founding year, location, and funding.
• As incentives and projects pile up and resources remain limited, delivering everything on time,…

Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Feels Lighter Than It Is

In 2025, we expect to see more automated and electric shared vehicles providing affordable, on-demand transportation. Autonomous driving is one of the most prominent applications of AI in the industry. It incorporates various AI-powered technologies like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, allowing vehicles to navigate complex road conditions autonomously.

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. OEMs are advancing and navigating regulatory challenges to introduce and test L3 and L4 automation, setting the background for augmented adoption of autonomous 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.

Future Readiness Monitor: Automotive Industry Report

• This shift is driven by the growing need for more efficient power management in electric vehicles, resulting in smarter and more streamlined EV designs.
• North America bore the brunt, accounting for 58% of publicly extorted ransomware victims.
• Legacy brands like Ford, GM, and Volkswagen are launching dedicated EV lines, while startups like Rivian and Lucid push luxury and performance boundaries.
• 2025 is no exception—automotive manufacturers are expected to continue implementing more and more advanced safety features in their vehicles.
• In addition, it offers charging solutions for e-bikes, including wallboxes and mass-charging systems for hotels and public spaces, thereby broadening access to sustainable transport.
• ABB is investing in advanced software that simulates automotive painting processes, cutting costs by up to 30%.
• AI technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision are advancing robotic automation.

The systems optimize the performance of electric power steering, vehicle pumps, cooling fans, and HVAC modules. EVs typically use 2-3 times more semiconductor content than internal combustion engine models, and in powertrain-specific components, that multiplier is possibly higher. Demand is rising, especially for power electronics, battery management systems, and more energy-efficient chips.

Toyota’s Vision for the Future of EV Design

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.

Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) will Witness High Demand

Environmental concerns and technological innovations are advancing faster than many anticipated. From electrification to IoT connectivity, these shifts are changing the way cars are manufactured, sold, repaired, and driven. Shared micromobility vehicles are becoming a popular mode of transportation in cities where the pollution from cars and traffic congestion is particularly evident. Chip shortages have been causing myriad changes to trends that affect the automotive trends that are not all positive. 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.

• The main advantage of this digital technology is that it allows auto manufacturers to create complex and at the same time lightweight vehicle parts.
• Due to these advancements, the global automotive IoT market is anticipated to reach USD 56 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 19% during the period from 2021 to 2026.
• Until these efforts bear fruit, the industry will need to focus on mitigating risks and prioritising demand effectively.
• 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.
• Volvo has adopted megacasting techniques to simplify EV production, reducing the number of components required and streamlining assembly processes.
• With a computer or smartphone, buyers can choose desired features, secure financing, and even take virtual walk-around and test drives.
• Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo have been the two major players in the market since sales launched in 2016.
• By 2027, the global automotive AI market is expected to grow from its 2022 valuation of USD 2.3 billion to USD 7.0 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.1%.

2025 is predicted to be a big year for self-driving taxi services, as companies look to re-imagine the future of the automotive and taxi-hailing industry. 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. Italian startup Moi combines thermosetting composite materials and 3D printing to manufacture high-performance parts for the automotive industry.

🛣️ Trend 3: The Autonomous Horizon – Self-Driving Cars on the Near Road

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.

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. It provides grants, loans, and incentives to expand domestic fabs, semiconductor R&D, and the broader supply chain. It offers ready-to-use workflows across system, software, and project management processes. Its MotionSafe Privacy platform uses algorithms to monitor controller area network (CAN) traffic and detect anomalies. The platform also erases personally identifiable information (PII) from vehicle systems to maintain privacy.

Monitoring and understanding these trends are critical for automakers and other stakeholders to stay ahead of their competitors. The US-based startup Apex AI enables automotive companies to implement complex AI solutions. Apex.OS runs on automotive electronic control units (ECUs) and offers robust, reliable, and secure APIs to develop autonomous mobility solutions. ApexAutonomy offers modules to build 3D perception, localization, and control to enable autonomous vehicles. Lastly, MARV.Automotive is a configurable and extensible data management platform that reliably transmits data from the vehicle to the cloud. The US-based startup Launch Mobility develops a platform for a range of shared mobility solutions.

Digital Twins and Simulation technologies take centre-stage

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.

Sustainable manufacturing lowers emissions, which allows automakers to meet compliance requirements and reduce their environmental footprint. Cleaner production methods reduce operating costs and free resources for reinvestment in new technologies. In 2025, electrification and software integration will have an essential impact on the automotive industry. These tendencies are long-term and are expected to continue shaping the auto industry in the near future. In the next section, we’ll explore these and other automotive sector trends in more detail, and see how they will evolve in 2025.