Technology is driving the world’s digital transformation at lighting speed nowadays. Almost every sector has been affected by it in one way or another, from the video gaming industry to the automotive sector. For example, by 2030, it’s expected that over 95% of cars will be partially electrified. For this reason, every business related to the automobile industry must invest in innovations to meet expectations or outclass competitors. So what are these 2021 trends that are gaining momentum? Review this list below.
1. VAR and AR showrooms
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies appeared on the scene about two decades ago. In 2021 however, VAR and AR are making huge comebacks, and experts predict it’ll be an essential milestone for automotive commercialization. Statista also predicts that by the end of 2021, the VR and AR market size will increase to about $ 20.4 billion, almost double the figure recorded in 2018.
How are these two being incorporated into the automotive business? VR headsets are increasingly becoming less costly for starters, making it possible for all persons on the budget spectrum to afford one. For example, the Oculus Rift S now costs $399 after several price drops. Furthermore, because embedded ARs are no longer the sole preserve of the gaming industry, more vehicle buyers are experiencing it in showrooms. Others are even in the form of games.
As the year progresses further, the automotive industry is set to give customers heightened AR and VR-based experiences. Don’t be surprised if a vehicle showroom doesn’t have all the car models you expect to see physically on their premises or even rent a car Dubai, an emerging city in technology. All you’ll need to do is put on your VR headset to see and experience all the models.
2. 5G Connected vehicles with predictive maintenance
Today, end-users are obsessed with the enormous benefits that connectivity offers. First of all, it’s convenient and makes life easier. From small smartwatches to SIM-card embedded eyeglasses, everybody wants some element of connectivity. Connectivity refers to how gadgets interact with each other. Therefore, if you’re using a smartphone and your car supports Bluetooth (BT) connectivity, you can make that call without handling your phone. Now that BT connectivity is getting quite old, why not move to what’s trending in 2021, 5G?
This technology is a super speed internet connectivity making it almost impossible to ignore. Moreover, car manufacturers have grabbed onto this technology and are running with the concept to meet the market demand. In-vehicle connectivity has practically become synonymous with a car steering wheel. In other words, users are beginning to equate in-vehicle connectivity with basic car functionality.
Additionally, connectivity will allow drivers to run real-time car diagnostics and helps users to detect vehicle malfunctions even before they breakdown. Better yet, connected cars can interact with other vehicles to improve safety. Therefore, it’s not surprising that 250 million 5G-connected cars will be on the market, starting from 2021 to 2023.
3. Personalized driving experience
Just as you can personalize your smartphone to accommodate your needs and lifestyle, you can do the same for your car. Enhanced comfort seems to be the reason manufacturers are paying much attention to personalization. This will apply to how to plan your daily routes, to air conditioning, automatic seat adjusters (based on driver’s weight and height), and a long list of others. Today, automobiles such as Nissan cars are designed to adapt to specific functions and uses.
Moreover, because cars are now expected to perform certain functions without human interference, users can spend time on the road in a more productive way. Already, self-driving vehicles are on the market, though, not in huge numbers. Hopefully, when these autonomous driving cars are mass-produced, users will benefit more from enhanced safety features.
4. More electrification
The global push to take a critical look at emissions is fuelling this transformation. Developed and developing nations continue to buckle under the growing effects of climate change. As an answer to this call to go green, some car manufacturers have taken electrification to new heights. Thankfully, government incentives, competition among other factors, have enabled electric cars to join the mainstream.
China, for example, is a huge market for Electric Vehicles (EVs). By September 2021, China’s EV sales are expected to shoot up by a whopping 50%. Meanwhile, the United States has also joined the growing demand for EVs as market projections indicate 6.9 million units by 2025.
The world is undoubtedly changing, especially with the technology-led digital transformations. There can only be more room for improvements and innovations in the automotive industry.
