The car of the future is no longer just a mode of transport that takes us from A to B — it’s a connected, automated and modular experience. Over the next decade, cars will be increasingly defined by innovative technologies, from driverless capabilities and software-led design to on-demand services and ridesharing.
Indeed, according to research by McKinsey, by 2030 on-demand mobility and data-driven services will have increased the automotive revenue pool by about 30% (adding up to $1.5 trillion). These new mobility “services” include car-sharing and e-hailing, while data-based offerings refer to the inclusion of apps, remote services and software upgrades to the vehicle itself.
As automotive manufacturers grapple with new design challenges, we’re seeing several trends emerge and grow in importance in 2021.
At the forefront of automotive production is sustainability. As governments implement and refine environmental regulations (carbon emissions) and set specific quotas, automotive manufacturers are having to re-evaluate the sustainability of their products and value chains.
The greatest challenge here is to comply with legislative requirements whilst delivering cost-effective manufacturing and meeting the demands of consumers. Consequently, automotive manufacturers are moving towards more sustainable practices: electromobility, shared mobility solutions, autonomous driving and connected vehicles.
In addition to the above, creating transparency across the supply chain is another key concern — and is the only way to trace the origin of parts and ensure they meet regulatory requirements. As such, car manufacturers are turning to battery recycling, biodegradable components and more sustainable research, development and manufacturing processes.
However, while sustainability is a strategic objective for most, the approach seems to be fragmented; research from Capgemini suggests that while 74% of OEMs have an EV plan, only 56% have made EVs part of their sustainability strategy. Further, of the automotive organisations surveyed, only 9% have a mature sustainability programme.
What this indicates is that whilst sustainability is on everyone’s mind, few automotive companies have developed robust plans or can demonstrate tangible progress.
For many, the answer lies in technology and company-wide buy-in. With the tools to monitor progress towards set goals, and a shared understanding and vision of the company’s eco-friendly future, we’ll start to see more and more manufacturers achieving their objectives.
As driverless technology continues to advance, future vehicles will incorporate more sophisticated elements of automation. Right now, new transportation use cases are emerging, primarily driven by what’s being transported, the type of vehicle and where the vehicle operates.
For example, the transport of passengers and goods are two very different markets, each requiring specific technologies and regulation to operate effectively. There’s then the case of where the vehicle operates — does it traverse through dense urban areas or straight, relatively simple highways?
Consider a fleet of trucks delivering goods on a highway. Using driverless technology and connected solutions, those trucks can operate independently. An operator can “connect” to the trucks remotely to oversee progress and submit reports, while traffic response systems and satellite navigation can guide the fleet to its destination. This method of delivery is far more efficient as systems regulate energy consumption and speed to ensure optimal timing.
There’s also the possibility of driverless cabs for on-demand ride-sharing for short distances; with the solutions mentioned above, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), a vehicle can navigate through a city at a slow speed. Of course, a driver will still need to be at the wheel (for now) to ensure passenger safety as the technology evolves.
Another key trend in the automotive industry involves greater focus on the quality and type of adhesive solutions used in the manufacturing process. Over the lifetime of a vehicle, which typically spans hundreds of thousands of kilometres, the body is placed under immense strain from external and internal forces.
To address this issue, leading manufacturers are employing next-level adhesive technology to secure external parts to the body of their vehicles. For example, tesa ACXplus is a revolutionary line of adhesive tape that creates a powerful bond even between automotive materials – no matter the surface characteristics.
To learn more about our Attachment Part Mounting solutions, and to see how our adhesive technology can unlock innovation in your vehicle designs, click here.
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