From artificial intelligence to blockchain, new technologies have been transforming the automotive industry. They deliver improved connectivity, enhanced safety, reduced pollution, and highly personalized user experiences. 

In this article, you will learn more about the hottest trends that are transforming the automotive industry.

1. Autonomous Vehicles

Statistics say that the global AV market currently sits at $60 billion. Autonomous vehicles, also called self-driving cars, aim to reduce the need for human intervention. They optimize everyday transportation in multiple ways. 

First, autonomous vehicles can reduce the number of accidents caused by drivers’ fatigue and dangerous behaviors. One of their most significant promises is the reduction of speeding, distractions, drugged driving, and impaired driving.

Second, highly automated technologies ensure there is a safe and consistent distance between vehicles and, as such, contribute to the reduction of traffic congestion.

Third, they can also offer numerous environmental gains. By minimizing traffic jams, autonomous vehicles reduce harmful emissions.

2. Connectivity

In the era of the Internet of Things, the digital transformation of the automotive industry is finally happening.  Advanced vehicle-to-everything technologies allow drivers to stay connected with other vehicles and devices via a digital cockpit platform. Sophisticated sensors in cars provide better safety, navigation, and diagnostic features.

Over the past few years, V2X technologies have been paving the way to autonomous driving. They represent an umbrella term for advanced car communicating systems, including:

• Vehicle-to-network (V2N)

• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)

• Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)

• Vehicle-to-cloud (V2C)

• Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P)

• Vehicle-to- device (V2D)

• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)

3. Electric Cars

Electric vehicles can transform the global automotive industry in multiple ways. For starters, they are practical and efficient. They also provide better connectivity options. By connecting your car with your smartphone, you can start your engine or run diagnostics via an app.

Sure, the most obvious benefit of electric vehicles is their eco-friendliness. The depleting fossil fuel reserves and enhanced pollution have led to the faster adoption of electric cars.

However, the growth of electric cars is still slow-paced. The manufacturers of electric vehicles still need to address multiple issues such as high vehicle prices, fleet electrification, weak battery, the charging infrastructure, etc. 

4. Blockchain

Blockchain is a digital, decentralized, and distributed ledger that improves data sharing and maintenance. It offers multiple benefits for users, from improved transaction transparency to enhanced data safety. 

Now, blockchain transforms the automotive industry in multiple ways, including:

• Financing: The automotive industry uses cryptocurrencies for payments.

• Data security: Autonomous and connected vehicles are more susceptible to sophisticated cyberattacks. Blockchain enables data encryption and prevents hackers from decrypting them. 

• Identification and tracking: RFID tags allow you to track inventory and assets. For example, if you are looking for Chevy truck parts for sale, these technologies help you track and verify them for authenticity in a few simple steps. 

• Car maintenance: Vehicles using blockchain are equipped with on-board computers, such as EDU. They have error logs, allowing service providers to easily diagnose errors and repair the vehicle. 

• Faster ownership transfer: Blockchain provides the utmost transparency during the process of changing car ownership. It also uses smart contracts, where a seller and a buyer can carry out the transaction without hiring a middleman.

5. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has been revolutionizing the automotive industry for good. Its subsets, such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, enable the evolution of self-driving technologies. They improve the overall safety of the vehicle, as well as allow for more efficient vehicle inspection and maintenance. 

AI-powered cars are becoming our virtual assistants and deliver personalized user experiences. Mercedes-Benz rolled out the MBUX, a driver assistance package, which is equipped with AI technologies like natural speech recognition. With the help of AI, the system memorizes a driver’s needs, preferences, and driving patterns. For example, it can automatically turn the radio to their favorite station or provide driving instructions.

However, the use of AI in the automotive industry is not restricted to autonomous driving. It also finds applications in the automotive manufacturing sector, allowing brands to optimize the production rate, reduce human error, and minimize costs.

Over to You

What you can conclude from these examples is that most automotive trends are interrelated. For instance, with the rise of machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the IoT, the adoption of electric and self-driving vehicles has grown exponentially.

The leading players in the automotive industry will need to stay on top of the latest tech trends and team with tech startups that have the potential to improve the industry.