Perspectives - January 2023
By Damien Moore-Evans
As we head into 2023, the automotive industry is on the cusp of major changes and advancements. Two of the biggest events in the industry, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show, which we have attended the past few weeks, have provided a glimpse into the trends that will shape the future of the automobile.
One of the biggest trends on display at CES and NADA is the continued development of electric vehicles (EVs). Many major automakers, including Ford, Stellantis, GM, and Mercedes, have announced plans to significantly increase their EV offerings in the coming years. EV born automotive brands such as Vinfast, Togg, Rivian, Lucid and others will continue to advance EV tech and customer choice - meaning brand will play an even bigger role in driving customer loyalty. This shift towards EVs is being driven by both consumer demand and government regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions. With so much great technological advances by so many automotive players the focus now shifs to the EV infaustructure and how governments will invest in building a convenient, reliable, and affordable EV charging network.
Another trend that was prominently featured at CES is the continued development of autonomous driving technology. Many companies, including Tesla, Waymo, and GM Cruise, are working on developing fully autonomous cars that will be able to drive themselves without any human input. While the technology is still in the early stages, it is clear that autonomous cars will play a major role in the future of transportation.
Connectivity and the integration of smart technology is also a major trend in the automotive industry. Many new cars are now being equipped with advanced infotainment systems, including large touchscreens and voice-controlled assistants. In addition, many cars now offer wifi connectivity, allowing drivers to stay connected even when on the go.
Finally, the trend of "smart cities" and "smart transportation" systems is also starting to have an impact on the automotive industry. Companies are developing technologies that allow cars to communicate with each other and with traffic infrastructure, allowing for more efficient and safer driving.
In conclusion, EVs, autonomous driving, connectivity and smart cities, will be shaping the future of the automotive industry. The CES and NADA shows have provided a glimpse into the technologies and innovations that will drive this change, and it will be exciting to see how these trends continue to evolve in the coming years.