6 Trends That Will Shape the Automotive Industry’s Future

For most of human history, humanity traveled on foot, horseback, or a wagon – all slow. It wasn’t until about 130 years ago that someone decided enough was enough. That person was Karl Benz, and he invented the automobile.

In just those 130 years, cars have improved by spades. Better engines, better suspension, and tons of onboard entertainment. Can this tried and tested design really improve any further?

It can, and it is improving as we speak. From electrification to autonomous driving, the vehicle industry will soon never be the same. Let’s take a look at six current trends that will affect the future of car technology.

1. Electrification

The United States has been slow on the take with electric vehicles (EVs) compared to the EU and China. Still, it has tripled the number of new vehicles since 2016.

It’s not hard to see why EVs are converting so many lifelong ICE owners. They’re fast, affordable, and cheaper to maintain and fuel. Most importantly, they’re green.

2. Autonomous Driving

Autonomous driving seemed like a far-future technology just a couple of decades ago, but it’s almost here. Major manufacturers all have some degree of semi-autonomous driving: lane keeping, collision avoidance, etc.

We are very, very close to vehicles with full self-driving, or FSD. This will drastically change how humans get around, their commute times, and vehicular safety. Soon, your car may drive you to work while you recline the seat and listen to Apple CarPlay podcasts.

3. VR, AR, & MR: Extended Reality

Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are all types of digital immersion. Current cars use AR in the form of windshield HUDs. Future cars may use VR goggles and AR glasses for a mixed-reality driving experience.

This will likely combine with existing FSD (full self-driving) to provide a more interactive experience. MR implements could help you to identify road signs and keep track of surrounding vehicles. It could also allow you to more safely use your smart devices in transit.

4. Connectivity

Modern cars have GPS, cellular connectivity, and Bluetooth. Development is in the works for a universal interconnected vehicular network. Connected vehicles can communicate traffic congestion, dangers, and sudden braking.

5. Integrated Factory Planning

Many factories already use robotic arms and AI design software to make them. AI is helping to streamline factories, speed up manufacturing, and create new trendy vehicles.

6. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence already plays a role in autonomous driving and integrated factory planning. It’s highly likely it will continue to influence how cars work, how manufacturers build them, and how driving networks operate.

Artificial intelligence, most of all, will decide the future of automobiles. It’s already changing other industries forever in unforeseen ways.

Find the Best Toyota Vehicles at Universal Toyota

Electrification and autonomous driving are reshaping the vehicle industry as we know it. Future vehicles will be more self-sufficient, more efficient, and easier to use. We are approaching a driverless world with heavily-integrated technology that requires almost no input from us.

Universal Toyota of San Antonio has all the best Toyota models in one place. We’ll help you sell a used car, get a new one, and/or keep it juiced up. Get started by checking out our new specials.