5 of the Biggest Car Trends in 2021
The massive changes brought on by new technology have redefined consumer priorities. As a result, companies have provided products and services that guarantee greater consumer well-being and comfort. They also solve customer problems faster and more simply.
A lot of changes are focused on aesthetics. For example, car tinting has become a lot more popular, as it offers numerous aesthetic and health benefits. If you type in your search engine of choice, “car tint near me” you’ll find plenty of local auto detailers who can answer your questions about the pros and cons of tinting, pricing, and alternative detailing options that align with the latest trends.
But some trends are leading to much bigger changes than merely altering the appearance of cars. The car industry is no stranger to these demands. It focuses more and more on designing strategies and business models that consider the actual value of the product. It also focuses on new solutions in transportation, safety and other issues related to the driving experience.
The future direction of the car industry and the car market for 2021 and the medium term will be, then, in making users’ lives simpler and more pleasant.
Huge Trends in the Car Industry
According to experts from PwC, a multinational consulting firm, these are some of the trends that will continue to transform the car industry in the coming years.
Shift Towards Autonomous Vehicles
Cars will be electric, autonomous, shared and connected. The company will update models every year.
Autonomous vehicles are projected to account for around 40% of the mileage driven in Europe by 2030 and that, by that year, the average mobility per person will increase by 23%. The market will be worth $556 billion by 2026.
The penetration of electric and autonomous cars will have a greater impact in urban areas and China is positioning itself as the leader in transforming the car industry in this regard.
Sales of new cars that will incorporate autonomous and shared mobility features will increase by nearly 30% by 2030, mainly in the US, China and Europe. Furthermore, 55% of all new car sales in Europe will be electric cars.
Changes Will Occur More Rapidly than Ever
Covid-19 has caused a global acceleration of trends already observed in the car industry some time ago. In addition, brands seeking to position themselves for the post-Covid recovery will have to adapt to faster industry cycles and horizons.
On the other hand, the pandemic also brought many behavioral changes on the part of the consumer, which automakers will need to understand to ensure their continued business:
As a consequence of restrictions on the use of public transportation, flights and ridesharing, we saw an increase in the need for people to have their own means of transportation that guarantees the safety and risk-free mobility.
These changes will likely continue well after the pandemic. The car industry has realized it is important to be responsive to new changes, so it will continue to adapt very quickly to new changes.
Greater Financing Requirements
Buyers are looking for better financing offers for the acquisition of new cars. The search volume for terms such as “the best deals on cars and trucks” increased by 70% worldwide in March 2020.
Interested parties are turning to reviews and virtual test drives more than ever before. If brands want buyers to engage with specific models, they need to think about high-value digital content strategies.
Ninety-two percent of car buyers already search online. They now expect digitization of the entire buying process: from the pre-consideration stage to home delivery.
Shift Towards Electric Cars
There is also a greater demand for electric vehicles. Electric cars are better for the environment over the long-term, so eco-friendly consumers are insisting on buying electric vehicles over traditional gas and petrol options. It is projected that there will be around 35 million electric vehicles sold by 2030.
Car colors for 2021
Consumer preferences in the colors of their cars is also changing dramatically in 2021. While the automotive market is still dominated by white, new shades are looming that will set the trend for cars in 2021. Some of the biggest changes in color preferences include the following:
- Wood-inspired brown palette, some light sand-like beiges and saturated reds.
- Copper and gold tones inspired by metal bring sophistication within the range of darks that will be most used in 2021.
- Organic greens, mixed browns and soft tones inspired by stone are other colors that try to connect with lovers of minimalism and the “less is more” concept.
- A more electric color palette that seeks to address a more spiritual audience, related to mysticism. In this sense, earth tones are playing a central role, with combinations in muted blues and purples.
- Two-tone is another trend that is here to stay and will continue in 2021. Brands are proposing a roof color differentiated from the rest of the car, often in the same range and sometimes in a completely disruptive combination.
- Finally, vehicle color customization. Companies are trying to offer that extra to make their cars unique. In the short term, it will also be possible to choose the finish of the car, among options such as matte or satin.
As can be seen, the painting and repainting processes will face great challenges and will require high demands for the body shop professional.
