As car fans know quite well, the automotive industry is constantly coming up with innovative changes and improvements for their vehicles. In addition to eye-catching new colors, clever storage features and ergonomic seats, there are plenty of other amazing improvements that take place in the industry. In addition, the way consumers prefer to buy cars is always in flux; rather than head to a new car lot, drivers are looking for more affordable ways to purchase their next vehicle.
With this in mind, let’s get out our crystal balls for a moment and predict some of the hottest auto trends that we will probably see in 2020:
1. Electric Cars Will Become More Prevalent
Auto manufacturers will likely continue to ramp up both their mild hybrid programs as well as plug-in hybrid and completely electric vehicle choices. A number of fully electric vehicles, or EVs, will become available next year; this includes the Volkswagen’s new ID series that includes an electric Microbus, the Tesla Model Y and the Mini Electric. If you are in the market for this type of vehicle, it might be worth waiting until 2020 as your available options should definitely increase.
2. Buying Pre-Owned Luxury Vehicles
For people who have always dreamed of owning a luxury vehicle, but their wallet does not necessarily have the means to support this goal, 2020 will see a rise in the sale of lightly used luxury vehicles. The value of luxury cars tends to depreciate quickly, so many appear on the used car market once their original owner is ready for something new and shiny. This option will allow more drivers than ever to get behind the wheel of their dream car, but in a more fiscally responsible way. The availability and affordability of car warranty plans will then likely increase, as consumers will want options for protecting their used vehicles beyond the typical factory or dealership warranty.
3. Vehicles Will Assist Us with Driving Skills
While some cars are already equipped with automatic emergency braking, CBTNews.com predicts that 2020 will bring even more vehicles with this important safety feature. This will cause a car to immediately brake if the sensors determine that a crash is going to happen. Another safety feature that will become more common next year and beyond is Lane Keeping Assist. Unfortunately, despite drivers’ best efforts, they do become distracted while on the road at times—for instance, glancing over at the GPS system or looking over at a fussy child. Lane Keeping Assist will gently move the car back into its lane if the vehicle goes over the line. Like the automatic emergency braking, this feature is available already in some cars, but looking ahead to next year, expect to see these important safety capabilities in more vehicles than ever.
4. Cars Will Become More Lightweight
Unlike the heavy steel vehicles from the past, there is a trend toward creating cars from more lightweight materials. In addition to using more aluminum, car manufacturers will utilize carbon fiber more than ever when producing new vehicles. For example, the Polestar 1 from Volvo will be made from mostly carbon fiber to make the vehicle more lightweight while still helping it to be rigid and safe. According to energy.gov, using advanced, lightweight materials also boosts the fuel efficiency of modern vehicles as it takes less energy to accelerate a lighter object than a heavier one—making these vehicles greener and better for the environment.
5. Easier Upgrades for Computer Upgrades
Cars are much more than a mass of steel, glass and rubber; most of the new models also come with pretty elaborate digital platforms that help the vehicles operate a number of systems. In order to keep this innovative technology up to date in these cars, automakers are expected to make some key changes to the way the software is updated. Thanks to these changes, owners will be able to make the tech upgrades to their cars remotely, much like you perform an upgrade to your smartphone or computer. This trend will help keep the most current version of the technology running in the vehicle, without having to schedule a trip to the dealership.
The Only Constant is Change
Car makers are rarely content to rest on their laurels; they will continually look for innovative ways to improve their vehicles. In addition, consumers are always interested in learning how they can purchase amazing cars for less money. From electric cars and features that will keep it safe to new materials and plans that help drivers buy pre-owned luxury vehicles, 2020 promises to be an exciting year for car fans and manufacturers.
