Automotive Trends to Watch in 2023

20th May 2023 by Premlal | Automotive

Automotive Trends

Technology advancements and shifting consumer preferences are causing a significant transformation in the automotive sector. The year 2023 will be significant in this process as the sector attempts to provide fresh solutions that satisfy customers' changing needs.

Despite the uncertain financial environment, the auto industry is anticipated to expand in the years to come. Global auto sales are anticipated to reach 69 million in 2023, driven by increased penetration in emerging economies, rising electric vehicle usage, and China's reopening following the removal of Covid-19 limitations. These potentials provide some resistance to the cost-of-living crisis and supply chain issues that are affecting sales and production when coupled with steady output volume and the sector's backlog of demand. The number of cars sold is predicted to increase even further to 74 million in 2024, following the upward trend we've witnessed since 2020 in the direction of the levels obtained in the years before the epidemic.

The beginning of the economic recovery occurred in 2022 following the difficult COVID-19 years. Despite the worst sales figures in more than a decade, the car sector reported stronger profits because of the robust demand that made higher prices possible. Geopolitical problems like the conflict in Ukraine and a lack of microchips are making experts and OEMs more cautious about their predictions of future performance. Production volumes may be lower than anticipated as we are all starting to feel the effects of inflation and unpredictable energy supplies. Nevertheless, the automotive industry is experiencing a lot of innovation. Let's take a closer look at the most recent trends in the car industry to see how they relate to the move toward a better future.

What are the Automotive Trends in 2023?

Electric Mobility:

Electric vehicles are first introduced to us when we consider the rate of depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the extent of environmental damage brought on by their use. (EVs). EVs must develop to address difficulties such as fleet electrification, low battery, inadequate charging infrastructure, high cost, and supplying renewable energy-based charging grids if they are to become more widely used.

As more automakers engage in the development of electric cars (EVs), the automotive industry is undergoing a significant shift towards electric mobility, according to the most recent developments in the sector. Governments all over the world are putting laws into place to assist the expansion of the EV market, increasing demand for these green vehicles. The FAME II program of the Indian government intends to encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in that nation. In 2023, the adoption of EVs may increase exponentially due to rising fuel prices and growing worries about air pollution.

A great example could be:

Lordstown Motors: An all-electric pickup truck being produced by a US-based startup company called Lordstown Motors. The truck Endurance TM is designed to be a sturdy vehicle with fewer parts than conventional commercial vehicles. This makes maintenance really simple. This truck has a four-hub electric motor that allows it to provide four-wheel drive and go more than 250 kilometers on a single charge.

Sales of EVs are anticipated to rise in 2023, offering the automobile sector some hope. Governments are employing creative ways to boost sales without raising expenses or helping households with high incomes.

  • For qualifying vehicles built in North America, the US will provide a $7,500 EV tax credit.
  • An EV leasing program with subsidies for low-income households is being developed in France.
  • Germany will, however, cut back on subsidies for plug-in hybrid EVs and increase incentives for battery EVs.
  • Starting in January 2023, Norway will gradually eliminate its tax advantages for pricey EVs.

The situation is not wholly bad, despite the fact that it might take some time for the Chinese EV market to adapt to the new subsidy-free environment. The expiration of Chinese subsidies for EVs may cause a slowdown in demand, but it shouldn't result in a falloff. In addition, consumer trends in the auto industry indicate that limited access to EV charging stations continues to be a major obstacle.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

One of the key trends in the automobile industry that is influencing its future is autonomous driving. Improved Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) allow cars to handle challenging road conditions with little assistance from a driver. Even while completely autonomous vehicles are still in the development stage, we may anticipate a gradual increase in the integration of ADAS into new cars starting in 2023, making for a safer and more effective driving experience.

They concentrate on the straightforward objective of reducing the need for human drivers and anticipate revolutionizing regular transportation. Stocks of AVs increase the range of last-mile deliveries, decrease total downtime, and work to transform the idea of transport into one that is safe and secure by reducing the accidents brought on by careless human drivers. The most recent and cutting-edge technologies are used by AVs, which use AI-enhanced computer vision to detect roadblocks or obstructions.

Examples of this are:

Intvo: The technology for indicating pedestrian behavior belongs to the US-based business Intvo. Intvo's solution compares the 2D and 3D object observation technology that looks at constrained criteria and checks for eye contact, head position, appropriate pedestrian leg movements, and accurate weather conditions to assign a specific risk rating. This technique lowers all accident risks and raises the bar for safety in autonomous vehicles.

One of the major developments in the automotive sector for 2023 is autonomous vehicles. By 2035, autonomous driving could generate $300 billion to $400 billion in income, according to McKinsey. Businesses like Google, Tesla, Ford, and General Motors support a future without steering wheels, and Google even has a division dedicated to autonomous vehicles. Since they can perceive their surroundings and drive safely in them, self-driving cars are said to be safer because they don't have to worry about things like human error and driver weariness. They are additionally more fuel-efficient.

However, the technological and safety barriers that still need to be overcome prevent there from being more autonomous vehicles on the road. Autonomous vehicles have occasionally had trouble handling unforeseen events on the road, especially in bad weather.

There have been some success stories in spite of these obstacles. A few US cities as well as areas of China already have self-driving cabs on the road. More driverless trips will be taken when technology is developed and improved.

Connected Cars and the Internet of Things (IoT):

Wireless communication continues to make significant strides, allowing automobiles to communicate with their surroundings, other vehicles, and internal components. As the Internet of Things (IoT) provides seamless connections between cars, infrastructure, and other devices, connected cars are transforming how we interact with our vehicles. Real-time data interchange is made possible by this networked ecosystem (IoT), which improves security, effectiveness, and simplicity.

On-demand services are now available, facilitating internet use, entertainment, and even payment through a car. This technology is revolutionizing the travel experience.

In order to give vehicle health reports, data-only telematics, and early breakdown prevention, connected automobiles can also use digital data and remote diagnostics.

In addition to revolutionizing the travel experience, these advances offer new chances for vehicle makers to make use of any data that is gathered and to work even more closely with telecom and technology firms, as was demonstrated last week at CES 2023. Additionally, it could bring up brand-new difficulties for the sector, particularly in terms of licensing and application of technology.

Shared Mobility:

With more and more people living in cities and traffic getting worse, Ride-sharing and car subscription services are becoming more and more common as the idea of car ownership changes. Expect to see a growth of these services in 2023, giving customers flexible travel choices free from the constraint of automobile ownership. Automobile producers may also enter the subscription industry by providing access to a fleet of automobiles for a set monthly charge.

Launching Fuel Cell Vehicles

When a vehicle uses fuel cell technology to generate energy and power its electric motors, it is referred to as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are propelled by hydrogen gas, which is mixed with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell stack to produce electricity with the sole byproduct being water vapor.

Many automakers have already introduced fuel-cell EVs or made plans to do so. For instance, Toyota provides the Nexo, Honda the Clarity Fuel Cell, and Hyundai the Mirai. Long driving ranges, low refueling times, and emission-free operation are all goals of these cars.

 The longer refueling periods and restricted charging infrastructure experienced by battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may be addressed by fuel cell electric vehicles (FC EVs). Similar to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, they have longer driven ranges and quick refueling times.

The widespread use of fuel-cell electric vehicles, however, confronts some challenges. Hydrogen fuel production, distribution, and storage can be difficult processes that call for extensive infrastructure development. In order to reach a larger market, issues like the price of fuel cell technology and the scarcity of hydrogen fuelling stations must be resolved.

Despite these difficulties, fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs) are viewed as a promising technology for environmentally friendly transportation, especially for heavy-duty vehicles and commercial fleets that need lengthy driving distances and quick refueling. In the upcoming years, it is anticipated that further developments in fuel-cell technology, increased infrastructure, and cost savings will aid in the development and uptake of fuel-cell electric vehicles (EVs).

Rise in Online Sales

The development of digitalization and its possible application in the sales process go hand in hand with improvements to the car-buying experience. Numerous automakers now permit customers to buy cars online; according to estimates, 10% of UK automobile purchases take place online.

This pattern is likely to persist as dealerships use new technologies to stay competitive. Examples include providing virtual walk-around and an online sales service, as well as facilitating at-home test drives and vehicle delivery. As more brands continue to switch from selling through distribution-style models to selling directly through agency sales models, the connection between online and in-person sales services is expected to become even more seamless.

When automobile purchasers had no other option but to seek cars online, everything began. The new standard and an important trend that will last for years in the auto business is online automobile shopping. Global demand for online car purchases is mostly driven by the thriving e-commerce sector. Increased awareness of its convenience, as well as rising levels of computer literacy, internet accessibility, urbanization, and disposable income, all contribute to this.

Social media networks also help the market flourish by offering creative vehicle discounts. On the other hand, the market is expanding because of the increase in personal vehicles brought on by better urban road infrastructure and by young people's preference for used cars.

Automotive Trends

Conclusion

A lot of significant changes are occurring in the automotive sector as a result of new technologies and changing consumer tastes. Trends like shared mobility, electric mobility, autonomous driving, networked cars, and the usage of lightweight materials will all improve things. Transportation will become safer, more eco-friendly, and more effective as a result of these automotive industry changes, and it will also be easier to accommodate the various demands of people throughout the world.

The top trends for 2023 demonstrate how the automotive sector is continuously changing and developing. The vehicle industry is poised to play a significant role in accelerating this shift as the world moves towards a more sustainable and interconnected future. Making the most of all the fantastic chances available to them can be accomplished by being informed and adjusting to these new trends.

It's a fantastic moment to take advantage of all the new changes that are emerging because the automotive sector is expected to undergo a major change in 2023. It's crucial to keep informed and be adaptable whether you're purchasing a new car or working in the automotive business and want to take advantage of all the changes taking place.

Premlal

Research Associate

Premlal is the Research Associate at Delvens. His core responsibilities are conduct fact-based research and analysis, Evaluate new and established research resources, support key business discussion, clarify complex data into graphs and related panels.

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