Projecting Automotive Industry Trends to Watch in 2018

Another year in the books, and it’s now 2018. Technology and innovation continue to lead the charge when it comes to automotive industry trends. Like any industry, trending technology in automobiles is prone to change with innovation.

In recent years, we’ve seen driverless vehicles, and an increase in infotainment and smart technology. Looking for the next trailblazing
automotive industry trends to watch out for? Check out our guide on the 2018 trending automotive topics below.

2018 Automotive Industry Trends – What to look for

Cloud Based Technology – Computing power is on the rise. Technology continues to hurtle itself at breakneck speed, and automobiles are now reaping the rewards. Innovation in safety features, upgraded real time statistics and additional data collection points are changing the game.

With the ability to host services in the cloud for cheap, automakers are pushing the envelope on cloud-based services. One of the biggest automotive industry trends of 2018, cloud computing has revolutionized the auto manufacturing process.

This trend will only continue, as engineers continue to integrate their engineering and design activities with the cloud. From design and operation, to assembly and beyond. Cloud computing is easily the most important automotive trend of 2018.

Automated Self Driving Cars – Self driving technology has been around for many years, and doesn’t look to be going anywhere. Hell, even race cars are automated now, taking automotive industry trends and putting them on their ear. This technology will continue to make it’s way into our collective consciousness, and will soon impact us on a larger scale.

Taxis and other mass transit vehicles are slowly converting to self-drive technology. This means less vehicles, more efficiency and less pollution, which is a win for everyone. In fact, according to most automotive industry experts, the trend is the future.

Many experts predict that in the year 2030, one out of every ten cars sold is estimated to be a shared vehicle. This makes the movement to ‘go green’ and reduce our carbon footprint is one of the most important automotive industry trends on our list in 2018.

More crossovers – A true culmination in practicality, reliability and versatility, the crossover is all the rage. The upcoming generation of new car buyers are after the fuel efficiency with the practicality of a larger SUV. Enter the small to mid-size crossover, which solves many of these issues with ease.

One of the biggest automotive industry trends in 2018 is sure to bank on the growth of this segment. You can expect lots of new models and experimentation as automakers look to push the envelope.

IoT on the Rise – Along with cloud computing the integration of IoT devices into vehicles is bringing new experiences for drivers across the world. While this technology certainly isn’t new, you can expect an increase as IoT continues to work it’s way into our society.

Connected cars should begin to take on a more personalized feel in 2018. As automakers continue to connect these cars to the Internet, you can be sure that features and services will be easier than ever to access.

Many auto manufacturer already connect to popular mobile phone operating systems like Android and iOS. With these IoT developments, 2018 should bring more cars with interconnected features.

It is expected that connected cars will step out of developmental obscurity and become an important personal item to be connected to the internet. While the technology in itself isn’t new, the adoption rate of connected vehicles will rise steadily over the next five years. IoT sparking the growth of connected cars

3D Printing – This simple technology could truly change everything about the way we think about automotive manufacturing. Names such as Strati, Local Motors and many more have spearheaded this movement. As one of the biggest automotive industry trends of 2018, 3D printing could change much more than just the investment prospectus for any automaker.

Auto manufacturers are already producing 3D printed components and parts. Given the cost-effective nature of these parts, you can be sure that
3D printing in the automation industry will be on the rise in 2018. Expect some of the big-name manufacturers in this sector to start making some noise.