The global automotive industry is worth $4,359.98 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to $6,678.28 billion by 2032. So, what does this growth prediction look like in terms of manufacturing?
Pioneering technology involved in the automotive manufacturing industry is referred to as CASE, and includes;
- Connectivity
- Autonomy
- Shared Mobility
- Electrification
In our guide, we’ll explain what’s next in automotive manufacturing, including automotive manufacturing trends such as the electrification of vehicles and influence of industry 4.0.
Connectivity in the Automotive Industry
The automotive manufacturing industry will continue to harness industry 4.0 for increased connectivity through the supply chain. This includes manufacturing parts and designing ways for vehicles to communicate with each other.
The Internet of Things (IoT) in Automotive Manufacturing
Investment in IoT technology allows vehicle manufacturers to make operations much more efficient. This includes incorporating IoT devices and sensors across the manufacturing and assembly line. This technology can predict when machinery needs maintenance and collect data to optimize performance. Connected devices can communicate with each other to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Communication
Vehicle to Everything Communication allows vehicles to communicate with each other to reduce road hazards to increase safety. It can also share information about the local infrastructure on the road, such as detecting speed limits, road works and traffic cameras. Collecting this information can improve customer satisfaction on the road.
Autonomy in Automotive Manufacturing
Advancements in robotics, AI and machine learning are driving a change in how autonomy is seen in the automotive manufacturing industry. Adopting these technologies can improve product quality and make production more efficient.
Robotics in Automotive Manufacturing
Industrial robots can be utilized to perform repetitive tasks, such as welding and assembly to reduce the risk of human error. They are often utilized to assemble small components at high speeds, or for delicate installations like windshields. They can also be used alongside the workforce for more complex jobs.
Artificial Intelligence in Automotive Manufacturing
Automotive Manufacturing already harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to optimize vehicle design and production. Companies like BMW are using AI throughout the value chain, with other vehicle manufactures investing in the technology too.
Artificial intelligence can analyze large amounts of data which can predict potential areas of failure for machinery and highlight when machines need preventative maintenance. It can also inform and streamline operations, making them more efficient.
Shared Mobility in Automotive Manufacturing
The Shared Mobility movement is an area of continued investment in automotive manufacturing as people change the way that they use their vehicles. Shared mobility involves the concept of using car sharing technology which impacts the way vehicles are manufactured.
Some of the main considerations of shared mobility in automotive manufacturing are advanced materials, this is because vehicles designed for shared ownership need to be more durable than private cars.
Electrification of Vehicles
Electric Vehicles have become mainstream as a choice for motorists over the last 15 years. First with hybrids, and now with fully electric vehicles. As of 2023, global sales of electric vehicles reached almost 14 million with 17 million sales of electric cars predicted by the end of 2024.
So why the increased demand for electric vehicles? Globally governments around the world are looking for a solution to climate change. And as electric vehicles produce zero emissions from the tail pipe, they have become a popular alternative to internal combustion engines. Across the world, governments are offering financial incentives to reduce the cost of electric vehicles and make them more enticing for motorists.
Electric Vehicle Battery Development
One of the challenges associated with electric vehicle adoption is range. Early EV’s had a limited range, which was off-putting for potential customers, while this has increased over the last decade, investment battery technology is vital to the development of automotive technology.
This includes a shift from li-ion batteries to solid state batteries which allows longer driving ranges. Another area for investment for electric vehicles includes a focus on battery recycling. The production of EV batteries includes expensive materials like lithium and nickel, which makes recycling the battery not only important for the environment but also for recovering valuable components.
How Can Alexander Daniels Global Help?
The advent of digital transformation has impacted the manufacturing process for the automotive industry. Over the last 10 years the use of advanced technologies like additive manufacturing has not only reduced production time but has provided cost savings for manufacturers. Continued investment in digital transformation is vital for the development of automotive manufacturing processes.
Here at Alexander Daniels Global, we are established recruiters across all industry 4.0 applications including automotive manufacturing. If you’re a manufacturing professional looking to make a move into the AI, Software, or IoT industry, we welcome you to get in touch. Or browse the career portal to apply for our varied open job vacancies.
