09.09.2024

TOP 5 AUTOMOTIVE TRENDS TO WATCH FOR 2025

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with 2025 poised to be a pivotal year for innovation and sustainability. As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, manufacturers and tech giants are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the road. From the continuing rise of electric and autonomous vehicles to ground-breaking advancements in AI, connectivity, and environmental responsibility; the future of transportation is closer than ever. In this blog, we’ll explore our top five trends in the automotive industry for 2025, offering a glimpse into the exciting innovations reshaping how we drive, commute, and think about mobility. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply curious about the future of transportation, these trends will redefine the driving experience and the industry at large.

ELECTRIFICATION WILL CONTINUE TO DOMINATE THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Across Europe, new car sales could rise by 34% during the continued electrification process - from around 18 million to just over 24 million units.

The shift to emissions-free personal mobility largely hinges on the electrification of drivetrains. One key factor is the reduction of local pollutants—today’s electric vehicles produce minimal harmful emissions, dust, and noise. Additionally, achieving true "emissions-free" status appears to be a global goal. The plan is for the electricity powering these vehicles to come from renewable energy sources, ensuring carbon-neutral mobility for a more sustainable future.

One in every four BMW vehicles registered in the UK in 2023 was fully electric; and in July 2024, the overall sales of Tesla vehicles in Europe were surpassed by BMW.

BMW announced that its iconic Munich plant will begin producing the Neue Klasse in 2026. By the end of 2027, the facility will exclusively manufacture all-electric vehicles, becoming the first in BMW’s production network to fully transition to electric mobility.

View BMW i Range

BMW's iconic MINI Plant Oxford is gearing up for further innovation with a £600 million investment in both the Oxford site and Swindon’s MINI factory. This investment aims to pave the way for all-electric MINI production in the UK by 2030.

Free Insurance Offer on Electric MINI

AUTONOMOUS DRIVING COMES HAND-IN-HAND WITH ELECTRIC

The automation of driving is expected to progress in well-defined and geographically limited areas, with inner cities being the primary focus. This gradual implementation will likely begin in urban environments where controlled conditions and infrastructure support the technology’s initial deployment.

Projections suggest that this technology could save an additional 3,200 lives and prevent 53,000 serious accidents by 2040, contributing to a £38 billion economic boost if self-driving passenger vehicles are introduced on UK roads. Notably, nearly a third of adults (29%) are open to using automated passenger services today, with interest even higher among Generation Z, where 44% express a willingness to adopt this technology.

EASE OF USE AND CONNECTIVITY 

The global connected car market is worth roughly $103.24 billion, and is expected to grow to $191.83 billion by 2028.

As 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to expand across industries, vehicles are becoming increasingly connected. Collaborations between tech giants and automotive leaders are set to transform the driving experience, merging transportation with digital ecosystems. Connected cars are quickly gaining prominence within the broader IoT landscape, with projections estimating over 400 million vehicles in operation by 2025, a significant rise from 237 million in 2021.

MICROMOBILITY WILL GAIN TRACTION

As urban centres face increasing congestion and environmental challenges, micromobility is emerging as a viable solution for last-mile transportation. Bikes, scooters, and electric micro-vehicles provide commuters with a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cars. Projections for the global micromobility market estimate its value to reach between £235 billion and £395 billion by 2030, with Europe, China, and the United States leading the charge. This year is already shaping up to be significant for micromobility, with nearly half (46%) of respondents in a McKinsey consumer survey expressing willingness for alternative modes of transport over the next decade. This underscores micromobility's potential to be one of the most dynamic sectors to watch in 2025.

BMW Motorrad CE-02

AI WILL SPEARHEAD THE WAY WE EXPERIENCE OUR CARS

As technology continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, the global market is experiencing the transformative rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This powerful technology is reshaping industries, driving innovation, and redefining how businesses and individuals operate, marking a new era of digital transformation.

AI is revolutionising the driving experience by enabling a level of personalisation that aligns with the driver's preferences and lifestyle. Some automotive giants are leading the way with "Recommendation Engines," which suggest vehicle configurations uniquely tailored to individual tastes. This advanced customisation highlights AI’s potential to transform driving into a more personalised and expressive experience, blending technology with personal style.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The automotive future is electrified, autonomous, and connected. Williams Group started life in 1909 as Williams Wheelwright Works, a repairer of horse-drawn vehicles for London and North Western Railways. We’ve continued to evolve and adapt which is something that contributes to our success today.

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