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In 2022, there will be a significant shift in the way Americans purchase and produce automobiles. The cost of owning a car increases every year and the number of time consumers spends traveling by automobile. Not only are consumers spending more money on their vehicles because of rising prices, but they are also driving less due to traffic congestion and increased interest in public transportation options.
The auto repair industry will be mostly affected because of the expected changes in the automotive industry.
Here are the top US automotive trends in the year 2022:
1. MORE ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON THE ROAD
More electric vehicles will be on the road in 2022. With car prices among the fastest-rising costs, more American families are shifting to smaller, more affordable options for their next vehicle purchase. Over one million hybrids were sold in 2017 alone, marking year over year growth of 15%.
Hybrid cars are most popular amongst younger generations who are less interested in purchasing larger vehicles with high gas mileage MPG ratings. EV sales increased last year by 24% and accounted for 1% of all US auto sales that year.
2. Trucks Rule the Road
By 2022, SUVs will have overtaken sedans as the dominant vehicle type on the road. Trucks boast higher profit margins than other car types because they can come in various shapes, sizes, and iterations.
Consumers are choosing larger vehicles because they offer increased fuel efficiency ratings. SUVs are one of the trendiest types of cars on the road right now – so much so that consumers are spending more on these cars than any other type of vehicle.
3. INCREASED TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Americans will spend an estimated 52 hours stuck in traffic during peak commute times in 2022. With more electric vehicles on the road due to lower variable costs, traffic congestion will worsen as more EVs cause heavier burdens on already overpopulated roads.
The shift towards smaller, cheaper car options means that there will be fewer gas-free drivers than ever before on US roads. Additionally, new driving lanes will need to be opened up to accommodate the increased number of electric vehicles, bringing congestion levels even higher.
4. NEW WAYS TO MAKE MONEY OFF CARS
As traffic becomes more congested and gasoline-powered cars become less popular, companies look for new ways to make money off automobiles. The revenue generated by car sales is expected to drop significantly in 2022 due to changes in consumer preferences (i.e., fewer people driving traditional gas-powered cars). PCPs will rise in popularity because consumers can get brand-new cars at lower financial costs than previously possible.
Car rental services such as Turo will become a dominant trend in the US auto market, offering consumers a convenient alternative when they need a vehicle on an irregular basis. Experts predict that by 2022, there will be over $2 billion in car rental sales.
5. BETTER AUTOMATION AND DRIVING TECHNOLOGY
Drone cars and self-driving capabilities will emerge as a dominant feature of the US automotive industry. By 2022, it is expected that both semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles will become standard on many new models. This trend reflects consumers’ growing interest in cars with more safety features.
Some companies are even considering alternative forms of transportation such as boats for convenience purposes because they believe that commuters typically require more time on their journey to work than ever before, leading them to seek out “mobility solutions” outside the realm of traditional automobiles.
6. THE RISE OF ELECTRIC FILLING STATIONS
Electric vehicle charging stations and gas stations will become more integrated as EVs increase their market share. Many of the uncertainty around these new fueling services centers on where they can be manufactured and how much current fueling infrastructure needs to change. The main hurdle with implementing this technology is ensuring drivers have access to charging stations when needed.
7. MORE WOMEN WILL DRIVE IN THE WORKPLACE
Women currently make up 47% of America’s workforce, but only 36% work full-time. As more companies prioritize family life and offer flexible work arrangements, many women take jobs that allow them to work remotely or in the office.
As a result, women opt for electric vehicles over gas-guzzling ones because they have low maintenance needs and take up less space in garages.
8. DATA COLLECTION WILL BE A CORE METRIC TO GAUGE US AUTO TRENDS
As drivers generate increasingly more data every time they get behind the wheel, car companies will be able to determine consumers’ preferences based on where they are driving, at what times of day, how fast cars are traveling, and whether or not passengers are using their seat belts.
This information can help auto brands make smarter marketing decisions about what types of vehicles to develop next. For example, if an autonomous car is being used to shuttle children from school, it may be a good indication of the next car design trend.
9. CAR RENTAL WILL BECOME MORE INCLUSIVE IN NON-TRADITIONAL WAYS
The car rental industry will improve its services by integrating companies such as Enterprise into its business model. Not only does this help optimize the number of vehicles on the road, but it also helps create a more convenient process for consumers because they can rent a vehicle through a single company instead of having to contact multiple providers.
Another way car rentals service will become more inclusive is by increasing electric options to reduce congestion and pollution levels.
10. THE AUTO INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO EVOLVE WITH THE MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES
The auto industry is continuing to grow because it has started producing more family-friendly options. In addition, car companies are working with media outlets to develop apps and music platforms. These developments make vehicles a venue for more distractions, which can lead to a higher risk for accidents.
11. MORE PEOPLE WILL TURN TO MOBILITY SERVICES LIKE UBER AND LYFT INSTEAD OF OWNING CARS
Over the past 15 years, ride-sharing services have grown exponentially as many commuters have taken advantage of its convenience features, such as hailing a car from their phone.
By 2022, experts predict that even those who own cars will turn primarily to mobility services instead of owning one themselves because they offer users lower pricing options and more flexible schedules.
12. THE CAR-SHARING ECONOMY WILL OFFER OTHERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME
As car-sharing becomes more prevalent, it will create new employment opportunities for those who want to capitalize on the trend. There are currently over 300 companies that specialize in mobility services. These businesses can benefit from hiring workers who can build customer loyalty through selling packages or taking care of the cars.
Another way this industry might become an income opportunity is by creating jobs with salaries funded by advertising revenue. As tech companies play a more significant role in the industry, they may introduce formats that require licensing fees paid to mobile platform providers like Google and Apple.
13. AS MORE ELECTRIC VEHICLES COME ON THE MARKET, AUTO SERVICE COMPANIES WILL NEED TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS
Currently, several brands are working on their electric vehicles, including Audi and Chevrolet. For these types of cars to gain momentum in the industry, there need to be several charging stations available across the country.
Auto repair companies will also need to make sure maintenances offered for electric vehicles because they require different services than gas-powered cars.
Manuel’s Auto Body Shop provides free estimates