The automotive industry has experienced a fair amount of disruption in recent years, like almost every other sector. As needs and markets shift, auto sales businesses should also adjust to stay afloat. Paying attention to trends will help steer auto professionals down the right course.
With that in mind, here are five auto trends in 2022.
1. Electrification
The most significant trend of 2022 for the auto industry is electrification. Electric cars aren’t necessarily new, but their popularity and accessibility are rising. The median range of these vehicles now exceeds 250 miles, and more people are switching to them. With this, there will be an increase in demand for professionals who are trained within this area of automotive, so more automotive jobs should arise.
Auto businesses should lean heavily into electric vehicle sales. Promoting their growing affordability and utility can help convert buyers concerned about the environment but unsure of EVs. Those who don’t sell these cars may fall behind.
2. Digital Auto Sales
Another trend auto sales companies should note is the rise of e-commerce. Online and app-based platforms are starting to disrupt car sales. Digital sales place more power in consumers’ hands and offer more convenience and comfort, so dealerships should capitalise.
Features like virtual tours of vehicles and at-home test drives make online car sales platforms even more appealing. Buyers expect more convenience and transparency, and dealerships should move past traditional models and embrace e-commerce.
3. Auto Dealerships Expanding Services
Many dealerships will also expand their in-person services, meaning more job opportunities for a lot of different professionals in the industry. Offering more than just ways to test and drive cars will help attract customers to physical locations, competing with online-only options. Customers growing increasingly accustomed to the convenience of online shopping will appreciate only having to make one stop for multiple services.
On top of selling vehicles, dealerships can rent them out, offer maintenance services even for competitors’ vehicles and run car washes. Consequently, they must make room in their budgets for these services. Equipment like sump pumps for car washes typically have variable costs as low as £229 or as high as £2,290, so budgeting should begin now.
4. Mobility-as-a-Service
Another leading auto trend in 2022 is mobility-as-a-service. When the pandemic struck, 7.5 million U.K. drivers reported being less likely to buy a new or used car. As fewer people buy vehicles outright, mobility-as-a-service through rentals, ride-sharing apps and micro-mobility will become increasingly popular.
This trend could harm sales, but it also represents an opportunity. Auto sales businesses can partner with ride-sharing services or rent out cars or electric scooters to capitalise on the mobility-as-a-service market. These offerings provide a lower-cost alternative to outright sales, which is increasingly important to consumers.
5. Autonomous Vehicles
It’s impossible to talk about automotive trends in 2022 without mentioning autonomous vehicles. Fully self-driving cars won’t likely appear this year, but manufacturers will include additional functions, like self-parking or lane correction. These features make driving more convenient and appeal to tech enthusiasts, so salespeople should market them heavily.
Some experts suggest that autonomous vehicles could cover 40% of European mileage by 2030. That may come sooner than it seems, so auto sales businesses should start leaning into this technology. Selling cars with more self-driving features will help them jump on this market opportunity early.
Auto Trends Are Shifting in 2022
These aren’t the only trends the auto industry will experience in 2022 but are the most significant. Some old ones are rising to new heights, while others fade to have others take their place. Regardless of how they come about, auto professionals must pay attention.
Failing to account for these trends could mean losing business. By contrast, adjusting operations and strategies in response could help sales businesses outperform their competitors.
Author Bio:
Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates from the Modded team.
