Automobiles move us in many ways. They also move the economy in multiple directions. Auto stores account for 25% of all United States retail sales. And vehicle sales have been a staple of the U.S. economy since Henry Ford began mass-producing the original Model T car.
The automotive industry is a powerhouse of innovation. But its focus on fast progress can make it hard to follow. What is new and important in automobiles today may be outdated tomorrow for vehicles.
What could happen in the car industry? What are some promising future developments for new cars? What are the issues to address among automobile manufacturers?
Answer these questions, and you can help drive the industry forward. Here is your quick guide to new automotive innovations driving us forward into the future.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EV) are one of the most important future developments for the automotive industry. The transportation sector accounts for nearly thirty percent of American greenhouse gas emissions. This is largely through the use of gas, one gallon of which emits 24 pounds of greenhouse gases.
By switching to electric power, electric vehicles will help reduce gas emissions. Many manufacturers are engaging with the technology.
General Motors has promised to release a line of electric vehicles by 2025 after releasing the electric Hummer last year. They bought Super Bowl ads encouraging Americans to look at electric cars. Ford just released its electric F150 Lightning pickup truck which is the industry leader in pickups. Volkswagen is looking to outproduce and outsell Tesla with new EV sales within a matter of years. And Apple is working on its own electric vehicles that may be available by 2024.
Self-Driving Vehicles
Self-driving or autonomous vehicles have some hurdles to cross. Some vehicles have a degree of automation in them.
Many cars like the Audi A8 can park themselves. Other cars like 2023 BMWs have systems that help with steering and braking.
Tesla and Waymo have been running experiments with fully automated vehicles along with Google. But these experiments in self-driving cars will take time to perform. A few accidents have occurred with automated vehicles, and each one takes the cars off the road, triggering potential local legislation against them.
For now, people looking to buy new cars can expect degrees of automation in their vehicles. As these systems become popular and develop a safety track record, manufacturers will add more automation. They may insert automated components into the auto body panel assembly.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing is one of the most intriguing ideas of the 2010s and has shown little sign of slowing down in 2023. Drivers sign up for Uber, Lyft, and other niche transportation providers on websites or mobile apps. Passengers who need a place to go select a driver to take them to their destination.
This may not sound important to the automotive industry. But ridesharing encourages self-driving vehicle production. Ridesharing companies like Uber are the leading advocates for autonomous cars.
Ridesharing is also changing how people use and buy cars. People are buying fewer vehicles because they share a ride instead, especially in cities. Rideshare drivers want long-lasting and large vehicles that can accommodate many passengers, while minimizing fuel consumption which cuts into profit margins.
Putting gadgets in cars is a way of attracting attention. But manufacturers must remain focused on the fundamentals: increasing endurance and size.
What To Look For In The Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is surging forward. Electric cars are rising in prominence. General Motors and Apple will turn out lines of electric vehicles over the next five years, helping slash greenhouse gas emissions.
Self-driving vehicles will take time to get onto the market. But you can find semi-autonomous cars with more functions available each year.
Ridesharing facilitates autonomous vehicles and decreases buying rates. Manufacturers may want to insert shiny toys into their cars. But they need to remember endurance and size if they want people to buy their vehicles.
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