Driving into the Future: Top Automotive Industry Trends Coming in 2024

The automotive industry is one of the fastest-developing industries in the world. Top vehicle manufacturing brands are in constant competition to provide driving experiences that push the boundaries.

New trends and movements surrounding the technology used in modern cars, forms of car ownership, and sustainability are always popping up. The industry is certainly never stagnant.

Below we’ll go through 6 trends that are predicted to shift the automotive industry in 2024. We’ll also introduce you to We Rent Cars, a company looking to revolutionise car ownership in South Africa.

Let’s jump into it! 

6 Automotive Industry Developments to Look Out for in 2024

1. Autonomous Driving 

Driverless technology has been floating around in the car industry for a few years now. In 2023 we saw more development in self-driving vehicles than ever before, and that trend looks set to continue in 2024. 

Self-driving cars use radar sensors and complex artificial intelligence algorithms in order to function effectively. The continued growth in AI promises to help push autonomous driving to new heights in the coming years. 

2. Connection and Smart Cars

It’s difficult to find any form of technology that isn’t somehow connected to the internet and cars are no different. Connected vehicles are the cars of the future. Real-time traffic updates, parking app integration, and even in-car entertainment options are all becoming increasingly popular. 

Smart cars now allow communication with outside systems, allowing them to connect to the internet. Cars are no longer just about hitting the roads, they’re about hitting the internet highway too! 

3. Augmented Reality 

Augmented reality is a technology that is developing at an extremely rapid rate. Almost all facets of life can now be enhanced through augmented reality. 

But how exactly does augmented reality work in the realm of driving?

Augmented reality in cars essentially uses a computer in the dashboard to provide drivers with supplementary information like directions and updates about their surroundings in real time. 

In essence, augmented reality is currently being installed as an advanced safety feature in modern cars. 

4. The Rise of Electric Vehicles

Over the past decade, electric vehicles have become an increasingly popular choice for drivers worldwide. The popularity of EVs is expected to grow more than ever in 2024, as more car manufacturers continue to make strides in their EV technology.

Environmental factors have contributed to a positive mindset shift that many drivers are increasingly having towards driving electric vehicles. 

Additionally, increased battery power and longer charges mean driving electric vehicles is becoming more realistic for everyday use. Electric vehicle adoption may take longer in South Africa, due to loadshedding issues. 

5. Increased Sustainability  

Apart from the rise of electric vehicles, car manufacturers around the world are also starting to implement eco-friendly systems to increase sustainability in the industry. 

Sustainability is becoming a large trend in most industries worldwide and automotive titans are working hard to reduce their carbon footprint. 

2024 promises to be a big year for the adoption of more sustainable car manufacturing processes like using recycled materials in car parts and investing in renewable energy sources for production. 

6. Alternative Forms of Car Ownership

One of the biggest challenges facing the automotive industry is the ever rising cost of car ownership. Many drivers have been looking at alternative forms of car ownership to get on the roads.

Some of the most popular alternative forms of car ownership over the past few years include finding innovative forms of financing, car sharing, short-term access, and rent-to-own subscriptions. 

All of these options give drivers different opportunities to own their own set of wheels. A rent-to-buy subscription, for instance, involves paying a monthly rental fee to drive the vehicle over a fixed period, resulting in eventual ownership. 

Visit We Rent Cars for an Alternative Car Ownership Option 

We Rent Cars is a leading provider of rent-to-buy car subscriptions in South Africa, aiming to revolutionise car ownership in the country.  Our subscription comes with several handy benefits, including:

• A tracking device

• Yearly licence renewal

• 24h roadside assistance

• Comprehensive insurance

• Minor services every 10 000 km for 54 months.

Contact one of our agents today to apply for the car of your dreams!