/** * This file represents an example of the code that themes would use to register * the required plugins. * * It is expected that theme authors would copy and paste this code into their * functions.php file, and amend to suit. * * @package TGM-Plugin-Activation * @subpackage Example * @version 2.3.6 * @author Thomas Griffin * @author Gary Jones * @copyright Copyright (c) 2012, Thomas Griffin * @license http://opensource.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.php GPL v2 or later * @link https://github.com/thomasgriffin/TGM-Plugin-Activation */ /** * Include the TGM_Plugin_Activation class. */ require_once dirname( __FILE__ ) . '/class-tgm-plugin-activation.php'; add_action( 'tgmpa_register', 'my_theme_register_required_plugins' ); /** * Register the required plugins for this theme. * * In this example, we register two plugins - one included with the TGMPA library * and one from the .org repo. * * The variable passed to tgmpa_register_plugins() should be an array of plugin * arrays. * * This function is hooked into tgmpa_init, which is fired within the * TGM_Plugin_Activation class constructor. */ function my_theme_register_required_plugins() { /** * Array of plugin arrays. Required keys are name and slug. * If the source is NOT from the .org repo, then source is also required. */ $plugins = array( // This is an example of how to include a plugin pre-packaged with a theme array( 'name' => 'Contact Form 7', // The plugin name 'slug' => 'contact-form-7', // The plugin slug (typically the folder name) 'source' => get_stylesheet_directory() . '/includes/plugins/contact-form-7.zip', // The plugin source 'required' => true, // If false, the plugin is only 'recommended' instead of required 'version' => '', // E.g. 1.0.0. If set, the active plugin must be this version or higher, otherwise a notice is presented 'force_activation' => false, // If true, plugin is activated upon theme activation and cannot be deactivated until theme switch 'force_deactivation' => false, // If true, plugin is deactivated upon theme switch, useful for theme-specific plugins 'external_url' => '', // If set, overrides default API URL and points to an external URL ), array( 'name' => 'Cherry Plugin', // The plugin name. 'slug' => 'cherry-plugin', // The plugin slug (typically the folder name). 'source' => PARENT_DIR . '/includes/plugins/cherry-plugin.zip', // The plugin source. 'required' => true, // If false, the plugin is only 'recommended' instead of required. 'version' => '1.1', // E.g. 1.0.0. If set, the active plugin must be this version or higher, otherwise a notice is presented. 'force_activation' => true, // If true, plugin is activated upon theme activation and cannot be deactivated until theme switch. 'force_deactivation' => false, // If true, plugin is deactivated upon theme switch, useful for theme-specific plugins. 'external_url' => '', // If set, overrides default API URL and points to an external URL. ) ); /** * Array of configuration settings. Amend each line as needed. * If you want the default strings to be available under your own theme domain, * leave the strings uncommented. * Some of the strings are added into a sprintf, so see the comments at the * end of each line for what each argument will be. */ $config = array( 'domain' => CURRENT_THEME, // Text domain - likely want to be the same as your theme. 'default_path' => '', // Default absolute path to pre-packaged plugins 'parent_menu_slug' => 'themes.php', // Default parent menu slug 'parent_url_slug' => 'themes.php', // Default parent URL slug 'menu' => 'install-required-plugins', // Menu slug 'has_notices' => true, // Show admin notices or not 'is_automatic' => true, // Automatically activate plugins after installation or not 'message' => '', // Message to output right before the plugins table 'strings' => array( 'page_title' => theme_locals("page_title"), 'menu_title' => theme_locals("menu_title"), 'installing' => theme_locals("installing"), // %1$s = plugin name 'oops' => theme_locals("oops_2"), 'notice_can_install_required' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_install_required"), theme_locals("notice_can_install_required_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_install_recommended' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_install_recommended"), theme_locals("notice_can_install_recommended_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_install' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_install"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_install_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_activate_required' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_activate_required"), theme_locals("notice_can_activate_required_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_activate_recommended' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_activate_recommended"), theme_locals("notice_can_activate_recommended_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_activate' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_activate"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_activate_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_ask_to_update' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_ask_to_update"), theme_locals("notice_ask_to_update_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_update' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_update"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_update_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'install_link' => _n_noop( theme_locals("install_link"), theme_locals("install_link_2") ), 'activate_link' => _n_noop( theme_locals("activate_link"), theme_locals("activate_link_2") ), 'return' => theme_locals("return"), 'plugin_activated' => theme_locals("plugin_activated"), 'complete' => theme_locals("complete"), // %1$s = dashboard link 'nag_type' => theme_locals("updated") // Determines admin notice type - can only be 'updated' or 'error' ) ); tgmpa( $plugins, $config ); } News & Insights Latest Automotive Trends and Industry Updates

News & Insights Latest Automotive Trends and Industry Updates

Automotive Topics and Trends

In 2024, hybrids saw a YoY growth of almost 19%, which is expected to grow to over 23% by 2025. In 2025, used passenger car registrations are forecast to hit 179 million globally and are predicted to grow by 1.4% year-on-year. The cost of new cars remains at an all-time high, and with higher interest rates, consumers are likely either to wait for rates to decrease or to turn to the used car market. 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.

While full autonomy is still years away, incremental advances are reshaping vehicle capabilities and market offerings today. These material innovations are also crucial to meeting evolving regulations, particularly the EU's stringent emission standards. For EVs specifically, weight reduction translates directly into extended range and improved battery performance. The inherent flexibility of electric powertrains is enabling automakers to reimagine vehicle design, resulting in lighter, more efficient vehicles.

Sensor fusion that combines information from various sources improves safety and autonomy by enabling accurate decision-making. Indian startup ThinkSeed develops middleware solutions that enhance smartphone connectivity to vehicles for secure access and infotainment. 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.

wrap up and 2025: EV batteries, gigafactories, sustainability and smart factories in auto manufacturing

Such advancements align with global trends favoring autonomous fleet deployment in urban areas, positioning automakers to meet future demand for self-driving capabilities. 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. Global economic slowdowns and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers have slowed the growth of EVs. In 2025, the automotive industry’s digital marketing spending is predicted to keep growing.

Dodge Unleashes the Durango Hellcat, Everywhere

Despite this, 2025 is guaranteed to be pivotal, with potential breakthroughs in autonomous driving technology along with a stronger push toward hybridization and sustainability. Simultaneously, many automakers embrace vertical integration strategies, taking control of the software stack from chip development to application integration. This approach equips them to differentiate their offerings, with software being the key to creating compelling customer experiences.

  • This includes pre-owned electric and hybrid vehicles, and dealerships now offer certified pre-owned cars that look and function like new ones at a lower cost.
  • Vietnamese startup Phenikaa-X creates autonomous electric vehicles with AI and multi-sensor technology for safe transportation.
  • While most of these concerns can be overcome, it will take some time, and this time will be the most challenging for the industry.
  • Likewise, projects USD billion in annual software and services revenue by 2030 from connected vehicles.
  • These shifts are beneficial to ARM, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors and Infineon Technologies.
  • Solid-state batteries, which promise to offer higher energy density and improved safety over traditional lithium-ion batteries, are on the horizon.
  • These vehicles reduce emissions and feature innovative designs for modern commuters.

Automobile Engineering Seminar Topics For Students

  • By leveraging these factors, Statevolt is positioning itself to meet the rising demand for EV batteries in an increasingly competitive market.
  • This report explores how breakthrough technologies are accelerating the shift toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems worldwide.
  • AI, automation, and an ‘electric-first’ mindset are impacting every industry, and automotive is no exception.
  • For instance, Qualcomm states that C-V2X allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, with infrastructure (V2I), and with vulnerable road users.
  • These innovations represent the brand’s commitment to redefining driving dynamics in the EV era.
  • More driverless journeys will occur as technology continues to be enhanced and refined.
  • Due to the pandemic, the automotive sector is undoubtedly facing one of the most challenging periods and a massive slowdown for the last couple of years.

We expect to see the concept of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) develop through 2025. Initial deployments focus on simpler, grid-like cities such as Phoenix in the USA, Milton Keynes in the UK, and Singapore. Soon, this will expand to more complex urban environments as vehicle access becomes increasingly prioritised over ownership among the driving masses. The startup’s product range includes residential wallboxes from 7 to 22 kW and commercial chargers up to 132 kW. These units support CCS2 and CHAdeMO standards, ensuring broad adaptability across EV models. For example, Qualcomm released reports and white papers highlighting C-V2X as a critical capability for intelligent transportation systems.

Apache Automotive develops Hybrid Cars

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.

📱 The Digital Dealership Experience and Online Sales

Automotive Topics and Trends

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. Curious how electric vehicle trends like solar integration, AI-powered systems, and modular design are innovating mobility? This report explores the top 10 electric vehicle trends shaping the industry in 2026. Discover how these shifts improve charging, safety, and sustainability and what they mean for your business.

This chiplet-based architecture integrates with automotive processors via PCIe Gen5 and UCIe interfaces, which allows customizable and cost-effective system enhancements. BOS Semiconductors focuses on high-performance, energy-efficient AI solutions to drive innovation in autonomous driving and enhance in-cabin experiences. US-based startup Avvenire develops LEVs for efficient and eco-friendly urban transportation. Its products include the Leggera, an all-electric vehicle for on-road and off-road use, and the Spiritus, a three-wheel electric car with optional autonomous driving, Wi-Fi connectivity, and solar panels. 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.

Did you know that EVs are projected to make up nearly 20% of global vehicle sales in 2026? That’s no longer a distant future — it’s happening now, and it’s transforming everything from manufacturing floors to your driveway. Connectivity is one of the key trends in automotive industry, and 5G is what takes it to a more advanced level.

  • Additionally, infrastructure developments like Toyota‘s new battery plant in North Carolina underscore the industry’s dedication to scaling EV output.
  • Avvenire focuses on sustainable mobility to contribute to a cleaner environment and meet the demand for green transportation.
  • Israeli startup DAV offers a decentralized autonomous vehicles platform based on blockchain technology.
  • 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.
  • As we look forward to 2025, RSM’s automotive professionals predict a slowdown overall in the growth of the industry as well as a reduction in overall margins and profitability.
  • In 2025, automakers will continue improving AI systems’ reliability, reducing the likelihood of accidents, and enabling safer autonomous driving experiences.

Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference Returns to Detroit in 2025

It uses Tenstorrent’s Tensix NPU core to deliver up to 250 tera operations per second (TOPS) for efficient AI processing. The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 6000+ exemplary startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform. It highlights high startup activity in Western Europe and the United States, followed by India. From these, 20 promising startups are featured below, selected based on factors like founding year, location, and funding.

Waymo highlights this in its robotaxi fleet, which processes multimodal data to complete over 250K paid rides weekly with high reliability. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Computer processes high-rate image input, handling camera streams of up to approximately 2.5 billion pixels per second through its camera serial interface. 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.

In 2024, the automotive industry is increasingly integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations. Key automotive industry trends include a significant rise in electric vehicle production, a growing market for pre-owned vehicles, and an uptick in digital car sales. Alongside established technologies like AI and big data analytics, the industry is also embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain for diverse applications. This technological evolution is reshaping the automotive landscape, driving innovation and efficiency.

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.

Lexus LS Coupe Concept Could Be the Future of… Something

However, it’s estimated that there will be 33 million autonomous vehicles on the road by 2040. Virtual car shopping is the new norm and will remain a significant car industry trend for years. The booming e-commerce industry is essential to the global online car buying demand. This is further fueled by increasing awareness of convenience and supported by rising digital literacy, internet accessibility, urbanization, and disposable income levels. After the pandemic, we developed a habit of shifting all requirements to online methods, and so do goes with the automobile industry. Our new generation which is called millennials or Genz researches everything online before the actual purchase.

Manufacturing

UK-based startup Electric Car Converts changes classic Land Rovers into EVs by replacing combustion engines with modern electric motors and battery packs. Ultra-fast charging infrastructure minimizes downtime by offering hundreds of kilometers of range in just minutes. For example, BYD demonstrated a 1000 kW charging system that is capable of adding about 400 km of range in five minutes to its Han L and Tang L models under ideal conditions. Solid-state batteries increase energy density, shorten charging times, and give EVs longer ranges and greater convenience.

Consumer trends in the automotive industry reveal that short videos are more effective than text in converting leads into customers in the automotive industry. Dealerships can take advantage of various videos, such as how-to videos, car highlights, and customer testimonials. The demand is highest for vehicles under four years old, which have the latest technologies but are less expensive than new cars. This includes pre-owned electric and hybrid vehicles, and dealerships now offer certified pre-owned cars that look and function like new ones at a lower cost. As we look forward to 2025, RSM’s automotive professionals predict a slowdown overall in the growth of the industry as well as a reduction in overall margins and profitability. Many OEM’s are already revisiting original forecasts and realigning through-put and production schedules accordingly.

🔒 Data Privacy Concerns and Ethical Use of Vehicle Data

In 2025, many automakers will focus on creating vehicles that are easier to disassemble, repair, and recycle at the end of their lifecycle. 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. The SDVs market is set to reach 7.6 million units in 2025 from 6.2 million units in 2024.

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. From supply chain optimization and manufacturing to personalized driving experiences and smart routing, advanced AI systems and real-time data analysis enable it all. 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%.

  • Many enterprises are moving ahead to create autonomous vehicles with all the multi-faceted benefits.
  • Consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly options, influencing market offerings.
  • While traditional OEMs are adapting to this shift, we are also witnessing newer market entrants are making significant strides in implementation, which is making for a more competitive automotive sector.
  • 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.
  • Now, 94% of consumers check the manufacturer’s website for product information before purchasing a part.
  • Software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where software manages essential functions like steering, braking, and infotainment, will see rapid growth over the next few years.

Indian startup SWYTCHD manages vehicle subscription services that focus on electric two-wheelers and cars. This enables an all-inclusive model that replaces ownership with monthly flexibility. Its RC ONE driverless vehicle combines proprietary software and hardware with automotive-grade components to achieve EpicVIN VIN check service for consumers low-speed autonomous operation.

Key Technology Trends in the Automotive Industry in 2025

This data alerted drivers to pedestrians and cyclists before they became visible. Dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) based on IEEE 802.11p facilitates direct vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. For instance, Volkswagen integrated DSRC-based V2X technology into its Golf 8 and its ID electric series in Europe. Moreover, it enables companies to customize their fleet by choosing preferred brands, models, and service options, ranging from premium to ultra-luxury vehicles. Moreover, blockchain and digital contracts enhance security and automate billing.

Automotive Topics and Trends

Moreover, the startup offers fleet-grade protection through continuous monitoring and predictive alerts. Its intelligent asset tracking defends vehicles against spoofing, ransomware, and remote control attempts. Also, EV charging infrastructure requires strong cybersecurity, as attackers target charging stations for data theft or service disruption. The startup also operates PartSmart, a real-time parts ordering platform that connects insurers, workshops, fleet owners, and suppliers. The platform enables visibility across the entire claims cycle and supports both OEM and aftermarket sourcing. AI and predictive analytics enhance demand forecasting, risk detection, and sourcing optimization.

It integrates electric drivetrains, transforming existing vehicles into sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to new EVs. The kit maintains original vehicle features to ensure a seamless transition and familiar driving experience. Indian startup Starkenn develops AI-powered ADAS to enhance vehicle safety and reduce road accidents. Its product suite includes a collision warning system, Starkenn Safe which uses radar to detect obstacles and alert drivers of potential collisions.

Methodology: How We Created the Automotive Trend Report

Automakers like Toyota and QuantumScape are heavily investing in this technology, and we can expect breakthroughs in battery chemistry and design in the coming years. 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. By 2025, nearly all new vehicles are expected to feature advanced connectivity options, integrating aspects of digital life directly into driving experiences.

Waymo’s Autonomous Cars: A Look at the Future of Transportation in Los Angeles

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.

Software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures are revolutionising automotive technology, with electric models often leading this digital transformation. While traditional OEMs are adapting to this shift, we are also witnessing newer market entrants are making significant strides in implementation, which is making for a more competitive automotive sector. 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.

Telematics adoption in logistics and transportation industries is driven by features such as real-time tracking, driver behavior analysis, and fuel consumption reduction. 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. Volkswagen is using digital twin technology at its Wolfsburg plant to simulate and optimise production processes for the Tayron SUV. This ensures precise planning, reduces downtime, and enhances efficiency in assembly operations. This decision also highlights a broader trend toward diversification in battery production hubs. With the Middle East emerging as a significant player in the EV supply chain, manufacturers must adapt their strategies to seize these new opportunities.

Automotive Topics and Trends

The integration of renewable energy into automotive production took centre stage in 2024. This article sheds light on how OEMs are embracing solar, wind, and hydrogen power to achieve sustainability goals. From energy-efficient factories to green hydrogen applications, the examples showcased highlight the industry’s shift toward greener production methods. Battery technology has taken centre stage in the EV revolution, and this article provides a deep dive into the leading chemistries and formats that defined 2024. From LFP to cutting-edge solid-state batteries, it examines the trade-offs between cost, performance, and sustainability while uncovering key regional trends. These advancements are critical as manufacturers aim to balance efficiency, durability, and safety.

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.

Swedish startup Radar Reticence designs radar sensors that advance sensor fusion capabilities in the automotive industry. Its technology applies signal processing algorithms to eliminate interference and ensure radar units operate reliably within the same environment. In parallel, the startup offers carAISuite, an AI-driven tool that automates engineering and compliance activities. It enables systematic results in cybersecurity, functional safety, and process conformance. In addition, the startup strengthens automotive cybersecurity with features such as real-time intrusion detection and automated containment protocols.

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