Five Trends Redefining the Auto Industry’s Relationship with Consumers
DXC Technology outlines a near-term vision for how the auto sector will reshape the bond between vehicles, drivers, and the broader ecosystem of partners, services, and digital experiences over the next five years. As the automotive landscape evolves, the driver’s engagement with software, connectivity, and flexible ownership will increasingly determine a car’s value and appeal. Five trends stand out as the most impactful shifts shaping this transition.
1. Software becomes as important as the logo on the hood. Vehicles are moving beyond hardware specs and brand prestige. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) will be defined more by their user interfaces, ongoing digital experiences, and the reliability of over-the-air updates than by traditional performance or badge identity alone. In the coming years, the most compelling automotive products will look less like machines and more like software platforms on wheels, with dashboards and control systems that adapt to driver preferences, support new services, and enable deeper personalization.
2. Cars update themselves and provide on-demand updates. As cars become increasingly connected and software-driven, they will gain the ability to self-diagnose and push updates autonomously. This evolution mirrors the way smartphones evolve, delivering improvements without requiring owner intervention. While the journey toward fully interactive, consumer-grade software on every vehicle is ongoing, the trend is clear: mobility devices will continuously improve in the background, enhancing safety, performance, and user satisfaction.
3. For Generation Z, car ownership may shift toward flexible access rather than ownership. The shift to hybrid work arrangements means fewer daily commutes, while younger generations seek the convenience and freedom of a car when needed, without the burden of ownership. Subscription models, car sharing, and one-off rental services will rise in popularity as people prioritize on-demand mobility over long-term asset commitment. This change will influence how automakers design pricing, financing, and service packages to meet evolving expectations.
4. Vehicles will proactively schedule service before a problem is felt by the driver. Built-in connectivity enables a two-way data flow where vehicles report health status and anticipate maintenance needs. Technicians can receive diagnostics and order parts in advance, reducing downtime and improving road safety. For drivers, this means fewer unexpected breakdowns and a higher level of confidence in vehicle reliability, as well as a more seamless ownership experience overall.
5. Hydrogen-ready futures for electric cars gain practicality. The charging wait times at public stations have become a pain point in many cities. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is emerging as a practical alternative in certain contexts, offering quicker refueling and potentially expanding the range and utility of zero-emission mobility. While electric charging remains essential, researchers and manufacturers are exploring complementary energy pathways to keep fleets moving with less disruption to drivers’ schedules.
Driving as a concept continues to evolve, with continued emphasis on connectivity, software, and flexible ownership models that align with modern work and life patterns. The industry’s trajectory points toward a more integrated, data-informed mobility experience where vehicles cooperate with service networks, repair facilities, and energy infrastructure to deliver safer, more convenient, and more sustainable journeys.
Attribution: presseportal.de