Under the Hood: Mapping Automotive Innovations to Megatrends

Megatrends like sustainability, urbanization and materials revolution are forcing OEMs to build a web of partnerships that drive innovation – or to risk being left in the dust. Technologies like alternative fuels, electric vehicles, and advanced composites are partial responses to these megatrends, but understanding their impact on the industry requires looking at all of them in complete automotive ecosystems, according to a new Lux Research report.

Lux Research analysts examined the growing web of cross-cutting industry relationships to separate the leading innovators from the lone wolves. Among their findings:

  • General Motors leads the partnership race. GM boasts the highest activity in both materials and sustainability megatrends, while Toyota leads in urbanization. Each resides in an expansive ecosystem, forming a large number of partnerships across diverse technologies.
  • Some automakers keep it local, some span the globe. Volkswagen, Toyota and Daimler look outside their continents for 77% of their partnerships, but BMW – like GM and Ford – keeps over half of its partnerships within Europe.
  • Emerging markets pose challenges. Entrepreneurs from emerging-market countries are challenging established automakers for the mass market. Indian conglomerate Tata bought legendary British brands Range Rover and Jaguar, while Chinese carmaker Geely bought Sweden’s storied Volvo Cars.

The report, titled “Under the Hood: Mapping Automotive Innovations to Megatrends,” is part of the Lux Research Electric Vehicles, Alternative Fuels, and Advanced Materials Intelligence services.

To learn more about this subject, register for the complimentary Lux Research webinar, “Technology Grand Prix: Racing towards Automotive’s Future” on July 17th at 11:00 EDT.

About Lux Research

Lux Research provides strategic advice and on‐going intelligence for emerging technologies. Leaders in business, finance and government rely on us to help them make informed strategic decisions. Through our unique research approach focused on primary research and our extensive global network, we deliver insight, connections and competitive advantage to our clients. Visit www.luxresearchinc.com for more information.

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