Motoring

6 emerging car trends and innovations to watch out for in 2020

Audi
Written by Nigel Simpkins

There’s a radical evolution in technology over the next decade, and starting in 2020, cars are going to be more automated, more fuel-efficient, and more comfortable to drive. With cloud computing, Big Data, and artificial intelligence seem to rule the next few years, let’s take a look at the cosmetic and internal features 2020 will offer its consumers.

Automotive Software

Software management tools will be a big part of new vehicles. Although they were a part of cars in the last decade, the biggest issue was their high price point. Now, touch screen desktops, apps that connect your vehicle to your phone, and a customer interface are all readily available and cheap to produce. Maybe one day. You’ll be able to write an essay directly from your car!

Affordability

Automobiles have become very expensive in the last decade, with a new car costing upwards of 37 grand. More modern cars are shifting to affordability in the next decade to keep up with economic demand. Let’s face it – no one is buying new anymore. Even accessories, like number plates (check out the Absolute Reg website) are becoming more cost-effective than ever before.

Self-Driving Cars

There’s a lot of skepticism surrounding self-driving cars, but the future shows that more and more vehicles will be automated in the future. With over 90% of accidents being caused by driving errors, these cars could lower those numbers significantly. Although legalizing and putting these cars on the road isn’t close to being finished, it’s likely that by the end of the decade, we’ll be able to get to the supermarket without putting our hands on the steering wheel.

Electric Cars

The electric car is already commercially available today, although they are still out of the average consumer’s budget. In 2020 and beyond, we’re going to see electric cars and their charging stations on most city streets. Not only are they more economical than conventional vehicles, but they’re also practical and don’t pollute. Seeing an end to fossil fuels in the future will benefit the planet, and hopefully, our wallet.

Carbon Fibre

The lightweight material carbon fiber has been used in racing cars since 1981. It’s five times lighter and ten times stronger than steel, but it’s been used sparingly on commercial vehicles because of its high price point. Volvo’s Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid will include this material in its construction, and GM is planning to create a new bed that contains carbon fiber as well.

Customer Experience

The last decade has seen the car-buying experience as more personalized, with salesman selling cars that cater more to the customer, rather than the dealership. All dealership activities, from the software upgrades, employee training, internal processes, and building renovations, are designed for the optimal buying experience. Data and analytics use has gone up significantly, meaning dealerships can keep their clients and customers up to date with the latest deals and trends. It’s likely in the next decade that dealerships will focus on their customer experience more so than they had last decade.