FRM 2025: Sector Report Automotive Industry KPMG in Germany

Additionally, the onboard speed recorder limits the speed to discourage dangerous driving behaviors. Connected vehicles are fostering new business models centered on shared mobility, offering an alternative to traditional vehicle ownership. This shift supports mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), reducing the number of idle vehicles and addressing urban transportation needs without adding more cars. German startup ChargeX offers a modular EV charging solution that converts parking spaces into charging stations. The startup’s platform, Aqueduct, is easy to install, has 4 charging modules with up to 22kW, provides monthly reports, and uses a Typ2 charging cable.

What are Automotive Industry Trends?

For this, it uses advanced system-on-chips (SoCs) that integrate mixed-signal analog and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The European Union’s Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2), effective July 2024, mandates several ADAS features in new vehicles. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plans to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems in all new light-duty vehicles by 2026. This includes driver monitoring systems, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance systems. Integrating vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication further improves connectivity and safety. German startup Qumasoft offers a software-driven cybersecurity management solution for vehicles and components.

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.

Autonomous vehicles are changing the face of the auto industry

• By incorporating AI tools, the company has reduced production costs while accelerating vehicle launch timelines.
• The autonomous vehicle (AV) market is on an impressive growth trajectory, expected to surge from a market value of $1,921.1 billion in 2023 to a staggering $13,632.4 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 32.3%.
• As 2024 comes to a close, the automotive manufacturing industry continues to accelerate its transformation.
• In terms of new car sales, Norway boasts the highest percentage of battery-electric vehicles in Europe.
• Volkswagen is using digital twin technology at its Wolfsburg plant to simulate and optimise production processes for the Tayron SUV.
• We hope this blog helps you understand the upcoming automotive industry trends in 2025.
• German startup SafeAD develops a vision-first perception and scene-understanding pipeline for autonomous driving.

Legacy brands like Ford, GM, and Volkswagen are launching dedicated EV lines, while startups like Rivian and Lucid push luxury and performance boundaries. Supply chains are being restructured to secure critical minerals and diversify chip sources. The industry is also innovating in battery chemistry, thermal management, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech to improve EV usability. As we progress through 2025, these trends will continue to reshape the automotive landscape.

Why the EV Boom Hasn’t Happened

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.

This data-driven research provides innovation intelligence that helps you improve strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies in the automotive industry. In the Automotive Innovation Map below, you get a comprehensive overview of the innovation trends & startups that impact your company. Vietnamese startup Phenikaa-X creates autonomous electric vehicles with AI and multi-sensor technology for safe transportation. Its system uses functional modules, combining LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors to perceive surroundings, analyze traffic, and navigate efficiently.

ThinkSeed transforms In-car Experience

Also, radar ensures long-range detection of moving objects in all weather conditions, which is critical for adaptive cruise control and highway safety. US-based startup NuNami designs automotive semiconductors that provide reliable connectivity and safety-critical interfaces. Its modules integrate high-voltage isolation, digital error correction, and built-in self-testing to ensure secure data transfer and fault-tolerant operation in automotive systems. They also incorporate floating-point units that improve computational accuracy and performance. The startup provides single-chip motor control solutions that integrate RISC-V processor cores with programmable MOSFET drivers, FD-CAN and LIN interfaces, and dedicated PWM modules. The systems optimize the performance of electric power steering, vehicle pumps, cooling fans, and HVAC modules.

• It enables secure data sharing for connected and shared mobility solutions, including ride-hailing, urban transportation, and delivery services.
• 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.
• They also emphasize that regulatory support and infrastructure readiness are essential for large-scale 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.
• EVs drive the shift to greener mobility and it is aided by advancements in semiconductors for smarter and efficient vehicles.

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Automotive Trends Answered

The strong focus on technological advancements in the automotive sphere has also meant that cyber security is becoming a larger concern in a historically unconcerned industry. Threats like supply chain attacks, data breaches, ransomware, and state-sponsored intrusions are on the rise. Of course, the danger does not stop with vehicles as smart infrastructure is also at risk, potentially jeopardising safety and operational reliability. By 2025, V2X technology is expected to significantly create more innovative transportation networks and advance autonomous driving capabilities. Looking ahead, there is no doubt that the automotive industry is on the brink of a paradigm shift driven by unprecedented technological advancements and a commitment to sustainability.

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. Many of those trends will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas. Honda will be showing its Series 0 platform that will be used for its SAE Level 4 driverless car in 2026. Recent auto trends show that customers prefer to experience a car or dealership before purchasing.

Discover the Top 10 Auto Trends and Innovations

This rise in digital advertising spending is being steered by the growing usage of social media. Dealerships need to integrate strategic frameworks to capture potential buyers across different stages in the process with the use of social media marketing, click-to-call conversions, and messaging apps. The efficiency of electric power fused with the reliability of traditional engines has contributed to the rise of hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles present the perfect compromise of lower emissions and enhanced fuel economy without the need for charging.

• US-based startup Aviva Links builds in-vehicle connectivity solutions that include multi-gigabit Ethernet and ASA Motion Link (ASA-ML) semiconductor products for ADAS systems.
• German OEMs already have a full roadmap from L2 to L3, with Mercedes Benz commercializing their DrivePilot system, and BMW is likely to follow soon.
• As of the end of 2023, over 1 billion miles have been driven with Tesla Autopilot enables.
• Meanwhile, Toyota is reported to be cautiously evaluating the technology, balancing its benefits against potential risks.
• AI algorithms process vast data from sensors and cameras, enhancing decision-making for safe, efficient driving.
• Solid-state batteries increase energy density, shorten charging times, and give EVs longer ranges and greater convenience.

🏁 Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Automotive

Discover trends, forecasts, and global developments shaping the future of mobility. These systems will become increasingly sophisticated, moving toward semi-autonomous driving capabilities and improving the overall driving experience. Companies like Toyota and Hyundai are investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology.

APIs conversion growth

• North American and European automakers offer consumers the option to buy vehicles online without visiting dealerships.
• The trend is irreversible and will accelerate innovation while challenging legacy ICE-dependent supply chains.
• Integrating vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication further improves connectivity and safety.
• This would mark a critical shift toward an era of personalized vehicle recommendations and optimized repair services.
• This will drive growth opportunities for automakers in the years to come and shape the automotive industry outlook in the future.

They play pivotal roles in guiding self-driving cars, managing fleets, enhancing driver safety, and refining services such as vehicle inspections and insurance. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are advancing transportation by minimizing the need for human drivers and enhancing last-mile delivery efficiency. These vehicles improve public transport safety by reducing accidents caused by human error. LiDAR sensors enable precise 3D mapping, crucial for vehicle navigation and obstacle detection. AI algorithms process vast data from sensors and cameras, enhancing decision-making for safe, efficient driving. French startup Airnity provides a cellular connectivity platform for the automotive industry to enhance connected car operations.

How is the rise of shared mobility changing the automotive industry?

The startup also offers Leap EasyTrack, a vehicle tracking solution that allows for quick and easy self-installation, making it simple to transfer between vehicles without downtime. Car connectivity and telematics improve the driving experience with real-time data integration. Cybersecurity protects these connected systems, while regenerative braking and sustainable manufacturing practices reduce the environmental impact. EVs drive the shift to greener mobility and it is aided by advancements in semiconductors for smarter and efficient vehicles. OEMs are investing billions in EV platforms, battery R&D, and charging infrastructure partnerships.

• Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) convert the auto industry by shifting control from hardware to software.
• 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.
• Soon, this will expand to more complex urban environments as vehicle access becomes increasingly prioritised over ownership among the driving masses.
• 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.
• When paired with high-resolution cameras, these tools allow self-driving cars to identify objects, lane markers, and even pedestrians with unprecedented precision.
• It also manufactures direct current (DC) fast chargers with capacities of up to 240 kW.
• This could allow drivers to retain their jobs, but avoid the injuries and deaths that result from exhaustion.
• They’re so important that one analyst said, “semiconductors have moved ahead of oil as the world’s key commodity input for growth”.

The market reflects its role in meeting strict safety rules and consumer demand for smarter vehicles. 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. 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.

Toyota’s Legendary Hilux Is Going Electric

It is also integrated into fleet management dashboards and security operations centers (SOC). US-based startup MotionSafe provides AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that protect connected vehicles from data breaches and cyber threats. 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.

Renault Twingo E-Tech Is Cute, Clever, and Electric

This article highlights the company’s strides in electrification, material innovation, and circular economy practices. Notable achievements in 2024 include significant progress in reducing emissions and advancing transparent ESG reporting. As net-zero targets become the norm, the reliance on renewable energy is only set to grow. Exciting developments in energy storage and green hydrogen technologies promise to redefine production processes further.

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

The number of autonomous trucks on the road was expected to increase from roughly 150 in 2020 to over 2000 in 2021. It’s expected that the $800 billion trucking industry could benefit from a significant reduction in the 4900 trucking-related affiliate VIN decoder income deaths that occur each year if only Level 3 or 4 autonomy would gain traction. As of the end of 2023, over 1 billion miles have been driven with Tesla Autopilot enables. As a result of this partnership, Ford is expected to launch its own self-driving car business.

Top 10 Emerging Automotive Industry Trends 2025 and Beyond

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.

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. This allows Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealers to expand their businesses and extend credit to high-risk customers. Further, this also offers software solutions for fleet and asset tracking as well as connected cars.

• By 2035, approximately 16% of all new LV (light vehicle) sales in the US are predicted to consist of advanced automated vehicles (L3, L4, and L5).
• Swedish startup Radar Reticence designs radar sensors that advance sensor fusion capabilities in the automotive industry.
• The present-day automotive industry is affected by innovative ideas and is ready to transform and evolve rapidly.
• These articles highlight not just the progress made but also the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
• Further, Chipv creates power control chips equipped with triple RISC-V cores, extensive on-chip memory, and robust hardware security modules.
• The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 3836 exemplary startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform.

Contact Avenga today to learn more about what industry experts have to say about these trends. For instance, China has introduced policies encouraging automakers to procure up to 25% of their chips domestically by 2025, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. There will be continued demand for legacy process technology, with the construction and facilitation of the ESMC fab in Dresden progressing through 2025. Whether this central compute is a monolithic chip such as Nvidia Thor, which will be detailed in 2025, it will also be constructed from chiplets. This technology will be further developed through 2025, with the end results showing up in the following years.

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 regenerative braking market is expected to reach USD 13.83 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 15.8%. Usage-based insurance (UBI) models use driving behavior data to provide customized premiums and are gaining popularity. From 2024 to 2029, the insurance telematics industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.6%.

b. Charging Infrastructure Expansion

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. Current automotive trends are encouraging automotive manufacturers to offer consumers much more than a metal box on four wheels. In addition, the IoT’s potential in the automotive industry presents a significant chance for manufacturers to revamp their marketing strategies. IoT solutions can offer numerous benefits to end-users by utilizing interconnected systems, such as better safety, driving assistance, and predictive maintenance.

Google and Ford recently announced a connected car partnership called Team Upshift. This type of vehicle is defined by its ability to communicate with other software systems and collect data from its surroundings. And TuSimple is hoping to begin selling completely autonomous Level 4 trucks to fleet operators in 2024. In addition, more than half of all vehicles are expected to fall into the Level 1-5 range in 2024. There are already over 30 million vehicles on the road that meet the Level 1 standard.