Trends Shaping the Automotive Industry Outlook in 2021

Several automotive industry trends are impacting its future in 2021 and beyond. These trends involve the way vehicles are powered, driven, shopped for, and acquired. Plus, there are statistics you must know about if you plan to buy a vehicle in 2021. Here are the top 10 trends shaping the future of the rapidly changing auto industry and some critical motor vehicle-related statistics.

Trends Shaping The Auto Industry In 2021

1. Increased Production Of Electric Cars With Digital Technology

Automakers continue to integrate more digital technology into their vehicles. Plus, tech companies like Google and Tesla are working on electric and self-driving vehicles. As a result, it's clear that vehicles produced in 2021 and beyond with be full of technology to address digital touchpoints. There's fierce competition to develop software and digital and electronic operating systems to power and control the new, innovative zero-emission electric vehicles. These new vehicles will be filled with digital technology.

2. A Rise In Digital Automobile Sales

Automakers in North America and Europe have started giving consumers the option to skip the visit to the car dealership and pick and purchase the vehicles they want online. With a computer or smartphone, buyers can shop at their convenience, explore and select the features they want on a vehicle and get the financing they need. Dealerships now offer online sales, let an online buyer use virtual walk-around technology, facilitate at-home test drives and do home delivery of vehicles they sell. More dealerships will do so in 2021.

3. Increased Sales Of Pre-Owned Vehicles

There is a boom in used car sales going on. Car industry experts anticipate a 9% growth rate in used car sales between 2019 and 2025. The demand for used automobiles is high and rising, particularly for vehicles four years old or newer. These vehicles have lots of the latest automotive technologies but are not as expensive as new vehicles. This includes pre-owned electric and hybrid automobiles. Dealerships now have inventories full of certified pre-owned autos that look, feel and function like new cars but cost much less. Low APR financing also helps make pre-owned vehicles very attractive

4. More Connected Cars

Connected cars are vehicles connected to the Internet of Things using wireless means. These vehicles provide a safe, comfortable, convenient multimedia experience by using on-demand features that allow you to do anything you want on the web while in your vehicle. Connected cars can communicate bidirectionally with a range of other systems outside their local area network. The vehicles can share internet access, as well as data, with devices inside and outside of the car. Connected cars now send digital data as well as remote diagnostics, vehicle health reports, data-only telematics, access 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspots, get turn-by-turn directions, warn of car health issues and directly intervene to prevent breakdowns. Over a billion customer requests were processed by 2015, and connected car technology will explode on the scene in diverse ways in 2021 using predictive intelligence and maintenance technology

5. More Innovative Online Marketing Strategies

In China, automobile dealers use third-party e-commerce platforms to market cars, schedule visits, and book test drives. Social media influencers will play a more significant and more prominent role in engaging consumers and generating interest in the new vehicles that are hitting the market in 2021. Technology enablers like Roadster, G Forces, Digital Motors, Sophus3, and CitNow are powering the automotive ecosystem and engaging customers digitally with their compelling images, captivating presentations, and potent pitches. And car buyers can expect much more of it in 2021.

6. The Emergence Of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

In 2021, the worldwide emergence of fuel cell electric vehicles is poised to take place. More and more people embrace fuel cell electric vehicles because they recharge faster, have up to 5 times the range of other types of electric vehicles, and only emit water out of their tailpipes. A growing number of car, truck, and SUV manufacturers are investing in fuel cell electric vehicle development. Plus, the governments of China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States are backing fuel cell electric auto technology. So, 2021 could be the year they breakthrough.

7. Shared Mobility

Shared mobility is a new business model growing in popularity that's an alternative to vehicle ownership in the traditional sense. With shared mobility, two or more people use the same vehicle with short-term access. It's mobility-as-a-service like Uber or using a personal rental. This demand-driven vehicle-sharing arrangement has become a lot more popular in recent years. New companies offering shared mobility options are popping up every day, creating a creative, affordable, convenient alternative to the high costs and many responsibilities associated with vehicle ownership. Shared mobility is expected to grow dramatically in 2021.

8. Autonomous Self-Driving Vehicles

Autonomous self-driving vehicles are here and will be more prevalent in 2021 and beyond. Research has shown autonomous vehicles are safer, reduce downtime, expand the last-mile delivery scope, reduce driver fatigue and driver negligence-related accidents, improve fuel efficiency by 10%, and reduce CO2 emissions by 42 million metric tons a year. Several trucking companies have installed self-driving technology and have tested it at locations nationwide. Beginning in 2021, it will become commonplace to see a fleet of autonomous self-driving commercial trucks or a self-driving Tesla in the lane next to you.

9. Truck Platooning

Another automotive industry trend you will see more in 2021 is truck platooning. This is when multiple trucks use vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity to drive close behind each other while traveling at high speeds. Truck platooning will become more common in 2021 and beyond because research has shown that when trucks drive in this type of formation, they increase their fuel efficiency exponentially. Truck platooning has been shown to be particularly effective when used in combination with autonomous freight transport. As autonomous self-driving trucks become more commonplace on the road, so will the use of truck platooning.

10. Automakers And Technology Company Partnerships

With the rapid rate at which new technological advancements are being added to cars and other types of vehicles, it's not surprising to see automakers and technology companies forming partnerships. Electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles require specialized software and advanced technology to enable them to function safely and correctly. Car, truck, and SUV manufacturers have to either make massive investments in their technology divisions or partner with tech companies that can design and produce the new operating systems the next generation of technologically advanced automobiles will need. In 2021 you will begin to see many more automobile manufacturers and tech company partnerships.

10 Must-Know Statistics

The emerging automotive trends are caused by and are creating several significant changes in the habits of consumers. Here are ten must-know statistics that can help you to see the impact of those trends.

1. In the United States, automobile dealerships and auto parts stores make up 20% of the country's retail sales. That is the largest sector of the total U.S retail sales.
2. In 2020, the automotive industry in the United States employed 4.1 million people and contributed $562.2 billion to the country's gross domestic product. That's 2.5% of the GDP.
3. Electric vehicles release 54% fewer CO2 emissions into the atmosphere than even the newest gas-powered vehicles.
4. There are 1.2 million electric vehicles in use in the United States today. There are expected to be 18.7 million by 2030.
5. Under the new NAFTA, 75% or more of the components of American cars must be manufactured in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
6. Currently, vehicles that are assembled in the U.S. are made with about 40% to 50% of imported parts.
7. Of the auto workers building those cars, 30% or more of them must earn $16 an hour or more. The number increases to 40% in 2023.
8. Automobile industry experts predict in 2021 and beyond, car subscriptions will become the most popular alternative to private ownership of autos. They see the car subscription programs having a 23.9% share, with car-sharing and ride-hailing making up only 1% each.
9. The self-driving truck market globally is anticipated to be over $1,699 billion by 2025.
10. About 50% of small businesses say that truck fleets will be completely self-driving in 20 years. More than 35% of them say it could happen in 10 years.

New technologies that can make driving safer and benefit the environment are poised to have a larger presence in 2021 and beyond. Advanced connectivity technology that can analyze a driver's breath alcohol level monitor the health of car occupants, purify the air in automobiles, and even determine the air pollution level outside the vehicle will be commonplace by 2025. These are just a few top automobile-related trends and statistics.