From older car models like the 1985-1992 Chevrolet Camaro IROC- Z to more recent models like the 2020 Cadillac CTS, cars have gone through a tremendous transformation over the years. The automotive industry, like many other industries, has seen progress in the area of technological advances.

But it seems the industry players, including the likes of Tesla, Volvo, and Waymo continuously churning out new machines and services, there’s no telling which seemingly wild invention might soon become the norm. However, here are some trends that are already transforming the industry.

Electrification

For centuries, cars have been powered by gas or petrol, but slowly but surely, electric cars are gaining ground in the industry. Cars powered by gas or petrol have been known to cause air pollution. They give off poisonous substances that are harmful to the environment. It is no surprise that electric cars are becoming a trend in modern times.

These cars use one or more electric or traction motors for propulsion. Apart from being eco-friendly, they can also save you some money. They can be charged at home, at work, or on the road as compared to other cars that require gas or fuel to run. The Jaguar I-Pace — 76 MPGe and the Audi e-Tron Sportback — 77 MPGe are some electric car models.

Electric cars do have a couple of disadvantages that should be looked at. They have a shorter range than traditional cars. A fully charged electric car can drive for about 100 miles. Difficulty in getting a charging station whilst on the road is also a problem.

The shift to electric cars has been led by Tesla, which is also implementing changes to the way cars are produced. There’s a renewed push towards centralized production, in addition to improved supply chain management, underpinned by reliable automotive supply chain companies to support the industry. The Giga factories are an example of this in action.

Autonomous Cars

Autonomous cars are self driving cars that require no human intervention. So how exactly do these cars work? They rely on sensors, actuators, machine learning systems, and powerful processors to execute software.

These cars can operate as cars that need human intervention. A couple of years ago, autonomous cars were only seen in Knight Rider and Batman’s episodes, but right before our eyes, these cars are becoming a reality. This new invention may be one of the solutions to the countless accidents plaguing our roads.

Waymo, a company that deals in self-driving cars, offers ride-hailing services to the public in some cities. However, it may take some time before this is done on a large scale. Autonomous cars, however, have some disadvantages. Due to the fact that they are self-driven, quite a number of people will be laid off, increasing the unemployment rate, which may further affect the economic growth of countries.

In addition to this, such cars are prone to hacking. These cars keep track of the owner’s personal details and may prove to be an easy way for hackers to collect personal data.

Online Shopping

This is a phrase we hear a lot of in these times. With the world battling a major pandemic, people are looking for ways to reduce human contact. People will rather stay in their homes and order what they need by searching for it online and making a few calls. The automotive industry is not left out.

Automobile parts can also be purchased online. A lot of car showrooms have had to close down due to the CoronaVirus, yet people are showing interest in purchasing cars. It might take some time before online shopping becomes the order of the day, but the possibilities are endless. It is important to note that a number of people have been defrauded through this means of buying cars, so one must be careful when buying or selling cars and spare parts online.

Car Sharing

Owning a car is a big deal. However, in recent times, people have become more open to car sharing. Particular car models are in high demand, especially because these models are perfect for car sharing. Uber operates in almost every country. For drivers and passengers alike, car sharing has become very effective. At the click of a few buttons on your phone, you get access to a car that takes you to your destination.

It saves time and reduces stress. It is an opportunity to earn extra money for people already working. Upgraded features include ride-sharing, where a link can be sent to a friend or relative to track the trip. The purpose of this is to prevent criminals from taking advantage of this to harm their passengers in any way.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS systems are systems that assist drivers, especially in driving and parking functions. They come in various forms, from systems that help the driver pick the best parking spot to systems that warn the driver of potential accidents. One of the aims, perhaps the most important aim is to reduce human error.

Advanced driver assistance systems include forward collision warning, anti-lock brakes, and lane departure warning. Although ADAS have gained some level of popularity, there is still a long way to go. This is because this technology is costly; hence it is not available on a larger scale.

Connected cars

Connected cars are cars that are able to communicate or share data with devices outside the car. From technology that can alert the driver of the nearest fuel station when the car is almost out of fuel to technology that can access the driver’s calendar to determine how long it will take the driver to get to his next destination, connected cars are here to make life easier. Connected cars, however, can become an avenue for hackers. The crimes that can be committed when these cars are hacked are endless.

Every industry should be open to changes and developments. The automotive industry is a highly competitive one; hence these technological updates are key in attracting both customers and investors. With how fast the world is going, an automobile company that is not open to technological advances will certainly be left behind. Advanced research is still being conducted to find ways of improving on already existing technologies. It certainly won’t come as a surprise if years from now, flying cars become a reality rather than a fantasy.