FRM 2025: Sector Report Automotive Industry KPMG in Germany

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.

What is the scope of emerging auto trends?

Therefore, these were the five trends transforming the automotive industry this year and beyond. However, overcoming supply chain challenges takes time, so they are likely to remain in 2025. Examples are bikes, scooters, and mopeds, as well as the electric versions of these vehicles.

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

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.

Inside the architecture: How software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms are built

Approximately 70 percent of industrial companies report faster chip supply, possibly due to weakened consumer spending and demand. These constraints are expected to persist into 2025, as semiconductor production has exceeded full production-rate utilization since 2019, with recent rates surpassing 95%. Battery manufacturers have significantly reduced their production since early December due to the unpromising demand in the upcoming months. However, their preferences changed after some time, Buyers are willing to spend an amount, while looking for the best vehicles available in the market. Businesses would start optimizing their search guides as per the consumer’s preferences.

Chip Shortages Continue to Plague Auto Manufacturers

The US market was worth $14 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% to reach more than $31 billion by 2028. Tesla reportedly rewrote the software it uses in its vehicles so they could run on a different type of chip. They’re so important that one analyst said, “semiconductors have moved ahead of oil as the world’s key commodity input for growth”. However, the demand for parts is also being diminished by the increasing quality of newly manufactured vehicle parts. In addition, the ecommerce automotive aftermarket market is worth an estimated $85.28 billion.

Why the EV Boom Hasn’t Happened

• Sustainable manufacturing and EV expansion deliver cost savings, regulatory compliance, and reduced emissions, positioning automakers as leaders in green mobility.
• Manufacturers are prioritizing robust security measures to protect sensitive consumer data and prevent malicious interference.
• Telematics and IoT sensors monitor vehicle condition and enable predictive maintenance.
• By 2025, significant investments in fast-charging networks will be essential for EV adoption to reach mass-market penetration.
• The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, like electric luxury vehicles, also drives market growth.

The USMCA requires 75% of motor industry components to be produced in North America. And the US Inflation Reduction Act ties USD 7500 EV subsidies to regional sourcing. Cost efficiency strengthens the case, with Mexico offering a 35% landed-cost edge over China in 2022. And it is projected to widen to 45% by 2030 due to lower labor and freight costs. Also, advanced composites and recycled inputs reduce reliance on virgin resources.

Q) What are the new trends in the automotive industry?

Autonomous tech will likely be bundled with subscription services, reshaping mobility economics. From electric vehicles zipping past gas guzzlers to cars that update themselves like your smartphone, the industry is in the middle of a revolution. 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. The current trends in the automotive industry seen in previous years will remain in 2025 and are likely to become automotive future trends. We hope this blog helps you understand the upcoming automotive industry trends in 2025.

The rise of Chinese EV manufacturers

The high prices and increasing interest rates are causing sales to decline for dealers and automakers nationwide. Prices are expected to decrease as supply-chain issues improve, and sales continue to soften. However, interest rates may remain high as the Federal Reserve works to lower inflation. In October 2022, the delivery lead time for chips decreased by six days to 25.5 weeks, the most significant drop since 2016.

Shift to an “Agency model”

As a result, vehicles become even more connected with each other and the infrastructure and provide drivers with more advanced opportunities. The future of automotive industry trends suggests that the automotive parts market will grow aggressively due to a growing demand for replacement parts and an increase in vehicle production. The segment’s sales will rise in the first six months of fiscal 2025, while the industry’s revenue will increase at the same pace to $33.8 billion. According to Globe News Wire, the entire market will grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2033, logging USD 984 billion. Automakers and technology companies are forming partnerships due to vehicles’ constantly evolving tech requirements.

While fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) are not yet standard on the roads, significant advancements are being made in 2025 toward realizing the vision of driverless cars. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and others are working tirelessly to refine the technology, which includes machine learning, computer vision, and lidar (light detection and ranging) systems. 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.

Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) will Witness High Demand

IoT creates more opportunities for manufacturers to market to consumers even after they’ve made a purchase. Consistent brand messaging across all channels, including in-car infotainment systems and websites, can help foster long-term customer relationships, promoting brand loyalty and advocacy. Fuel-cell electric vehicles will emerge worldwide in 2025 due to their faster recharge, extended range, and zero emissions. Major car, truck, and SUV manufacturers are investing in fuel-cell electric vehicle development, with the support of countries like China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The EU’s Green Deal and its accompanying “Fit for 55” initiative aim to cut carbon emissions drastically by 2030, piling new expectations on manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact. Adding to the challenge, measures such as stricter Euro 7 tailpipe standards and updated rules on battery recycling demand deeper innovation within supply chains and operations.

• It also uses regenerative braking to capture and store energy in the car’s battery.
• Many of those trends will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas.
• Businesses would start optimizing their search guides as per the consumer’s preferences.
• The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 3836 exemplary startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform.
• The global automotive blockchain market is experiencing significant growth — it is projected to reach USD 6.11 billion by 2032.
• In addition, SWYTCHD includes access to premium electric scooters and cars such as the Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, TVS iQube, and Nexon EV.
• By optimizing driving routes, connected cars help reduce emissions, contributing to a greener future.

Autonomous Vehicles (Self-Driving Cars)

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.

Evolving video marketing & environmental sustainability

Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time monitoring solutions improve shipment tracking, warehouse oversight, and production visibility. 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. Czech Republic-based startup IONT tech manufactures EV charging stations that support home, business, and public use.

Modernized and upgraded vehicles with much more technology allow a thunder growth for the markets providing parts of the vehicles. 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.

• North America bore the brunt, accounting for 58% of publicly extorted ransomware victims.
• Cars are becoming unprecedentedly smarter, and this trend is here to stay in the future.
• As technology progresses, expect these trends to influence every facet of the automotive sector.
• Recent developments highlight how manufacturers are leveraging advanced technologies and evolving their strategies to meet these challenges.
• When paired with high-resolution cameras, these tools allow self-driving cars to identify objects, lane markers, and even pedestrians with unprecedented precision.
• At the same time, a limited EV infrastructure and uneven policy application dampen the pace of meaningful progress throughout the region.
• The infrastructure for EVs is expected to become more widespread and advanced, supporting the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.
• It also supports this process by integrating buybacks, residual value calculations, and automated stock analysis.

Micromobility Presents a Potential Shift Among Consumers

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.

• Moreover, V2X communication systems allow vehicles to interact with each other and infrastructure, improving traffic flow and reducing accidents.
• Further, high-speed automotive Ethernet, 5G networks, and V2X communication extend a car’s perception beyond its line of sight.
• Front-facing LiDAR scans the road to detect objects, track pedestrians, and respond to traffic to enhance safety.
• Vehicle cybersecurity drives one of the fastest-growing areas in the auto industry as connected vehicles multiply and cyber risks intensify.
• Driverless cars have sometimes struggled with unexpected incidents on the road and in poor weather conditions.
• Software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where software manages essential functions like steering, braking, and infotainment, will see rapid growth over the next few years.

Major automakers, such as General Motors, are expanding telematics offerings by integrating subscription-based services like OnStar as standard features across models. Partnerships between telecom providers and automakers, like Targa Telematics’ collaboration with Renault, are enhancing connectivity solutions, particularly for fleet management. 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. 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.

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. 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.

For the eighth time, we asked managers and decision-makers in the automotive industry which trends and developments they are currently focusing on. 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.

This is especially necessary for electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles, which require specialized software and advanced technology to function safely. Manufacturers are partnering with tech companies to design and produce the new operating systems necessary for the next generation of technologically advanced vehicles. Automakers and technology giants like Google and Tesla are incorporating more digital technology into their cars. The automotive industry stands at a thrilling crossroads, where innovation meets complexity and opportunity rides alongside challenge.

The simulations improve thermal management, safety, and efficiency to meet the demands of future mobility. Tesla’s relentless drive to expand its global gigafactory network has been a defining feature of 2024. This article dives into the company’s ambitious production targets, including the development of Gigafactory Mexico and its innovative approaches to battery cell technology. By streamlining its EpicVIN style VIN lookup illustrated supply chain through vertical integration, Tesla is raising the bar for EV production efficiency and sustainability. China’s automotive sector underwent substantial changes, with battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reaching 582,813 units in August 2024—a 20.8% increase from the previous month. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales also hit a record high, indicating a robust consumer interest in electric mobility.

These technologies enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience across vehicles. 2025 is no exception—automotive manufacturers are expected to continue implementing more and more advanced safety features in their vehicles. Last year, the European Union updated the General Safety Regulation (GSR) and establishes mandatory safety requirements for cars sold in the EU. According to this regulation, starting from 2024, the following features become compulsory.

• For instance, Texas Instruments‘ AWR2544 radar achieves sensing beyond 200 meters.
• Sales for BEV and PHEV in Europe increased by 137% in 2020 compared with the previous year (despite a 20% year-over-year decrease in the total car market).
• The Tree Map below illustrates the top 10 automotive trends that will impact companies in 2024.
• It enhances safety via driver-assist features and promises to revolutionize mobility with robotaxis and freight automation.

Ascent Labs builds Risk Management Platform

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). New vehicle inventory levels till December 2022 were 52% below December 2019 but 56% above January 2022. On the other hand, personal vehicles are on the rise due to improving urban road infrastructure, and the popularity of pre-owned cars among young people is also driving the market growth. 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.

Companies focus on increasing energy density to improve range and reduce charging times. The trends shaping automotive manufacturing in 2025 emphasize innovation, sustainability, and connectivity. As electric vehicles become mainstream, digitalization reshapes production, and mobility services redefine car ownership, the industry is set to transform how vehicles are manufactured and used.

Automakers reduce reliance on distant suppliers as trade tensions and conflicts expose the fragility of global networks. Also, advanced battery management systems improve safety, extend battery life, and optimize performance. Automakers integrate these systems to offer more reliable vehicles across global markets. 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.

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. CARNIQ Technologies secures the auto industry by embedding compliance-driven cybersecurity into development lifecycles.