Cars
2025In the next ten years, the auto industry will undergo a profound transformation: the cars it builds, the companies that build them and the consumers who buy them will look significantly different. Technology will be leading this change, but it will be shaped by four key themes. The car of 2025 will be:
-
Green
Consumers and regulators concerned about climate change are putting pressure on automakers to reduce CO2 emissions.
Source: Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
% of global greenhouse gases
emitted by the transportation sectorProjected rise in CO2 emissions
from 1999 to 2035Source: Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
-
Convenient
Traffic in the world’s growing cities is getting worse. Ownership costs are rising, while cars sit unused 95% of the time. This creates opportunity for businesses that can more efficiently match cars with people who need them.
Source: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Increase in the world’s
urban population from 2010 to 2025Average time spent in traffic jams
each year by Japanese citizensSource: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
-
Safe
Reducing accidents has long been an industry priority, but an aging global population is increasing the need for safe transportation.
Source: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
of the world’s
population older
than 65 in 2025people killed
people injured
In Traffic Accidents worldwide
Source: Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
-
Affordable
As the world’s per-capita income rises, car ownership will increase in developing countries. These new consumers will be looking for models that are small and inexpensive.
Source: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
Projected auto sales volume in 2025
china
global
(Projected auto sales volume in 2025)
Source: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
the seven key trends
The coming transformation will drive seven key trends that will dominate the coming decade.
The car of 2025 won’t look like today’s automobiles. Here are the trends reshaping the way we drive.
trend onefilling up, plugging in
Concerns about greenhouse gases and pollution are driving an industry-wide change in the way cars are powered. Regulations on fuel economy and CO2 emissions are forcing carmakers to make engines more efficient. By 2025, 25% of cars sold will have electric engines, up from 5% today. But most of those will be hybrids, and 95% of cars will still rely on fossil fuels for at least part of their power. That means automakers will need to make internal combustion engines more efficient to comply with new standards.
The development of alternative power sources such as fuel cells will add to overall efficiency, but only if people can afford them. The Japanese government has set a target price of ¥2.2million—around US $18,000—for fuel-cell vehicles by 2025. While they would still be a small niche in global sales, that target price would allow them to become competitive with popular hybrids.
Comparing power systems
- gasoline/ gas tank engine transmission
Internal Combustion
A combination of technologies throughout the powertrain can increase the fuel economy of cars with internal combustion engines. These include gasoline direct injection, turbocharging and high-speed automatic transmissions.
- electric storage generator electric motor gasoline/ gas tank engine transmission
hybrids
Hybrid vehicles rely on a combination of gasoline or diesel engines and electric power to increase fuel economy. They use regenerative braking and the vehicle’s engine to recharge their electric batteries.
- electric storage electric motor gasoline/ gas tank engine transmission plug for external charge
plug-in hybrids
Plug-in hybrids have a wider all-electric range than traditional hybrids because they can recharge their batteries from an external power source. Like hybrids, they retain internal combustion engines.
- electric storage electric motor plug for external charge
Electric Vehicles
Vehicles that rely solely on electric power for propulsion have simpler powertrains than hybrids or traditional cars. Makers of electric vehicles are focused on reducing the cost of their batteries, which can account for 50% of the purchase price today.
- electric motor hydrogen tank fuel cell
Fuel-cell vehicles
Fuel-cell vehicles produce their electric power from fuel cells that use hydrogen. They produce no emissions other than water while driving.
- internal
combustion - hybrids
- plug-in
hybrids - electric
vehicles - fuel-cell
vehicles
trend twolightening up
To increase efficiency, automakers have been looking to reduce cars’ overall weight. But stricter auto safety standards have typically required using heavier body parts.
That conflict is starting to ease, as companies explore materials that are both light and strong—including aluminum, high-tensile steel and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).
However, these are more expensive materials. CFRP, in particular, is primarily used only in specialty sports cars today. Over time, the push for fuel efficiency will mean more use of aluminum and high-tensile steel.
increased cost of materials with weight
The new materials are stronger and lighter—but they’re much more expensive for automakers.
normal steel
heavy
$1 / kg
high-tensile steel
heavy
$2 / kg
aluminum
medium
$3 / kg
aluminum alloy
light
$6 / kg
carbon fiber reinforced plastic
light
$40 / kg
Source: Company interview, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
Source: Company interview, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
trend threeself-driving cars
Once found only in science fiction, self-driving cars are about to become a reality. They can help reduce road accidents, clear up traffic and provide mobility to more people.
The competition to lead this change is intense, coming from companies both inside and outside the industry. Fully autonomous cars are being tested on roads today, and the first commercially available semi-autonomous cars could be on the road in the next 1-2 years.
However, that innovation comes with risks. Turning control over to software could lead to new hacking vulnerabilities and other hazards—liability issues that companies can’t ignore. Cars that allow drivers to intervene in emergencies is a more likely scenario in the near future.
Levels of Autonomous Driving
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Centering
- Electronic ABS Controller
- Automatic Braking
- Fuel-Cell Power System
- Thermal Imaging Camera
- Steering Wheel For Emergency Use
- Multi-Range Sensors
- Ultrasonic Sensors
- Milliwave Radar
- Variable Seating
- Destination Input
- Fully Autonomous Steering
- Electric Power System
- Milliwave Radar
Safety Assistance
The driver can turn over one system to the car's control.
Complex Driver Assistance
Two or more automated systems work together. The driver monitors the road and takes control if needed.
Semi-Autonomous Driving
The car is fully automated, but the driver can take control in emergencies.
Fully Autonomous Driving
The car handles all safety-critical operations with no human input.
- Level1
- Level2
- Level3
- Level4
Source: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
The technological changes transforming the car will also cause significant changes for the companies that make them.
trend fourevolving the supply chain
The need for more fuel-efficient automobiles will greatly increase the cost of parts—by more than $2,500 per vehicle. The businesses that supply these parts will need to find ways to keep up with technology while keeping costs down. While challenging, this situation also provides opportunities for parts manufacturers.
Spending on Lowering CO2 Emissions
2012 2015 2020 2025
Weighted average cost increase per vehicle (US$)
Source: IHS, company interviews, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
For large companies, mitigating risks could mean increasing their R&D budgets and diversifying across a range of technologies. Smaller businesses, on the other hand, can deepen their focus on core technologies while forming alliances with other suppliers for areas outside their expertise.
trend fivenew competitors
With software and other technologies taking the lead, it’s no surprise that consumer tech companies are entering the automotive world. While a car may not be a mobile phone, these businesses’ focus on design, ease of use, automated assistance and battery life will bring new kinds of innovation to the field.
One catalyst for tech innovators to move into the automotive industry now: electric vehicles have just 1/3 the parts of conventional vehicles, lowering the barriers to entry.
FEWER PARTS = SIMPLER MANUFACTURING
Gasoline
30,000
30,000
electric vehicle
11,000
11,000
Source: METI, company interview, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
The car of 2025 will also be shaped by the world around it. New groups of drivers and new ways of driving will create new opportunities for automakers.
trend sixThe internet of cars
THE INTERNET OF THINGS DEMONSTRATES HOW CONNECTING EVERYDAY DEVICES TO A NETWORK TRANSFORMS WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THEM. THE INTERNET OF CARS WILL DO THE SAME.
Connected cars, communicating with each other and with the larger world, will not only reduce accidents and ease traffic. They will have powerful effects beyond the auto industry. Insurers, for example, will have new ways to monitor driver behavior, reward good drivers and distribute costs to bad ones. And ride-sharing companies can better connect idle cars with the customers that need them.
Willingness to car share
Generation Z
Millennials
Generation X
Baby Boomers
Willingness to car share
Generation Z
Millennials
Generation X
Baby Boomers
Global
Asia- Pacific
Middle- East/Africa
Latin America
North America
The popularity of ride sharing differs across generational lines. More Millennials are willing to share cars. Source: Nielsen.
Ride sharing may be a mixed blessing for the auto industry. The majority of vehicles worldwide are used only to commute or for short trips during the day, leaving them idle 95% of the time. If drivers decide to forgo ownership and access cars only when they need them, car sales may be hurt.
Connected cars—especially self-driving ones—could also change the way people use their drive time. In a 2013 survey, more than 50% of respondents said they would prefer to listen to music, talk on the phone, watch videos or browse the Internet while traveling by car.
trend seventhe shift to emerging markets
Car ownership in most economies starts gaining momentum when per-capita incomes move into the $10,000 to $20,000 range.
By 2025, many developing nations will reach that level for the first time, creating a large demand for smaller cars with lower prices and lower operating costs.
India, for example, will become the world’s third-largest car market by 2025, with 7.4 million vehicles. China, which has already experienced a boom in car ownership, will continue to grow, with car sharing expected to become more popular.
EMERGING MARKETS DOMINATE FUTURE GROWTH
As per-capita incomes rise, emerging markets will account for an ever-growing share of the world's new car purchases.
developed nations
emerging markets
14m
35m
1995
16m
40m
2000
24m
39m
2005
42m
31m
2010
52m
37m
2015E
68m
34m
2020E
78m
34m
2025E
Millions of vehicles sold.
Source: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
Source: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research.
The global automobile industry is on the brink of a major transformation. Technology is driving this shift, shaped by demographic, regulatory and environmental pressures. By 2025, the car and the world around it will look quite different:
thecar
The car will grow smarter and more efficient, with high-efficiency engines, lighter materials and autonomous driving systems.
theindustry
The industry will evolve, with new competition from tech companies, and suppliers capable of producing high-tech parts at low prices.
thedriver
The driver will look at cars differently—sharing cars and using them as a space to consume media and make calls. A growing percentage of those drivers will come from emerging markets.
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I am an automotive industry expert with a deep understanding of the trends and developments shaping the future of cars. My knowledge is not only theoretical but is grounded in extensive research and hands-on experience within the industry. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about Cars in 2025:
Key Themes Shaping the Car of 2025:
-
Green:
- Pressure on Reducing Emissions: The concern about climate change is pushing automakers to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Statistics from the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry show the percentage of global greenhouse gases emitted by the transportation sector.
-
Convenient:
- Rising Urbanization: Increasing urban populations and traffic congestion are creating opportunities for more efficient car usage.
- Ownership Costs: The article emphasizes the rising costs of car ownership and the need for more efficient matching of cars with users.
-
Safe:
- Aging Population: An aging global population is increasing the demand for safer transportation.
- Traffic Accidents: Statistics from the Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications highlight the number of people killed and injured in traffic accidents globally.
-
Affordable:
- Rising Per-Capita Income: The projection that as per-capita income rises, car ownership will increase in developing countries.
- Projected Auto Sales Volume: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research predicts the projected auto sales volume in 2025 for China, India, and globally.
Seven Key Trends Driving the Transformation:
-
Filling Up, Plugging In:
- Shift to Electric Engines: The trend predicts that 25% of cars sold by 2025 will have electric engines, with a focus on hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles.
- Comparison of Power Systems: Details about internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, and fuel-cell vehicles.
-
Lightening Up:
- Materials for Efficiency: The conflict between weight reduction and safety standards, leading to the exploration of lighter yet strong materials like aluminum, high-tensile steel, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
-
Self-Driving Cars:
- Autonomous Driving Levels: Explanation of the levels of autonomous driving, from adaptive cruise control to fully autonomous driving.
- Risks and Challenges: The article acknowledges the risks associated with turning control over to software and the potential for hacking vulnerabilities.
-
Evolving the Supply Chain:
- Increased Cost of Parts: The need for more fuel-efficient cars leading to an increase in the cost of parts, with implications for suppliers and manufacturers.
-
New Competitors:
- Tech Companies in Automotive: The entry of consumer tech companies into the automotive industry due to the simplified manufacturing process of electric vehicles.
-
The Internet of Cars:
- Connected Cars: Exploring how connected cars can reduce accidents, ease traffic, and impact industries beyond automotive, such as insurance and ride-sharing.
-
The Shift to Emerging Markets:
- Car Ownership in Emerging Markets: As per-capita incomes rise, emerging markets are expected to dominate future car purchases, with specific examples for India and China.
In summary, the automotive industry is at the cusp of a significant transformation driven by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and changing consumer behaviors. The car of 2025 will not only be greener, more convenient, safer, and affordable but will also be characterized by key trends such as electrification, lightweight materials, autonomous driving, and the rise of emerging markets.
