Understanding Changes in the Automotive Industry

Like most industries, the automotive industry is constantly changing. Fueled by changing consumer behaviors, technological advances and global disruption, these changes are shaping the future of road transport. This article will explore some of the changes in the automotive industry to provide some clarity on their impact.

1. Use of Robots and Automation in Production

Most industries in today’s business environment must contend with pressures to cut costs and increase product customization. The complexity and variability of products in the automotive sector are increasing, limiting the number of items that can be mass-produced. At auto assembly facilities, labor costs account for up to 20% of total costs. However, the cumulative labor costs of the entire automotive value chain may exceed 60.

Wages per hour for auto employees range from $35 to $55 in Germany, $12 to $15 in Eastern Europe, and $10 in China. On the other hand, a robot hour only costs $3 to $6. This disparity has a significant impact on how competitive an automaker is. The increasing need to reduce labor costs while ensuring quality is the main reason for the increasing use of automation and robots in the manufacturing chain for cars.

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2. Car Audio Market

According to GlobeNewswire, the car audio market is expected to reach $13.52 billion by 2028. The increase in disposable income, the betterment of living standards, and the increasing expenditure on car accessories have all contributed to the rapid growth of the global car audio market. There’s also a growing need for in-car entertainment to provide drivers and passengers with a more interactive driving experience. Originally designed for listening to music, automotive audio is now integral to telecommunication, telematics, navigation, hands-free calling, isolated diagnostics systems, and in-vehicle protection. The same loudspeakers can also amplify engine noises, making a smaller engine sound bigger or reducing engine and road noise using active noise control.

3. Car Safety Technology

Over the years, developing car safety technology has been one of the top priorities for the automotive industry. According to Pathways by Amica, the front bumper makes up almost a third of accident damage. With safety technology such as Automatics Emergency Braking (AEB), a reduction in front bumper damage should be expected as AEB systems use sensors to detect when a collision with an object or vehicle in front is imminent, and then automatically apply the brakes.

There are other car safety technologies that are helping to reduce accidents. These include lane departure warning (LDW) systems which alert drivers when they unknowingly drift out of their lane, blind spot warning systems which use sensors to detect cars in a driver’s blind spots and alert the drivers, as well as rearview cameras, which give drivers a clear view of what’s behind them. Car safety technologies give drivers greater situational awareness, which can help save countless lives.

4. DWI Offenses

According to Mr. Criminal Law, the Second Chance Law, which took effect in September 2018, allows one-time, low-level convictions, like DWIs, to be sealed from the public. Most states have introduced stricter penalties for repeat DUI/DWI offenders, such as increased jail time and fines. In some states, the use of ignition interlock devices has been adopted. These devices require drivers with multiple DWI convictions to take and pass a breathalyzer test before their car starts.

Another development is the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, which has resulted in changes in DWI laws. It’s considered illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana in many states, and there’s a growing focus on developing ways to gauge a driver’s level of impairment. By choosing a local, dependable criminal defense lawyer, you can ensure that your case is being handled by someone who is well-versed in your state’s specific laws. The experience and familiarity your criminal defense lawyer has with this type of cases in the past as well as the laws that revolve around them can be crucial to a successful defense.

For more information on securing the right representation, visit this page to learn about the services offered by a highly-regarded New Jersey DUI lawyer. On the other hand, if you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, seek the services of one of the best accident attorneys to help you with legal matters. Several jurisdictions have implemented initiatives to educate drivers on the risks associated with drunk driving and motivate them to be responsible on the road. These programs may include driver education courses, public service announcements, or community events. These laws and programs are aimed at making roads safer and reducing accidents.

The automotive industry is a major contributor to the global economy as it’s key to the success of several other industries. Understanding the changes it’s experiencing will give you a clear picture of what the future holds. Be sure to stay up to date with the changes to keep yourself ready. As a business owner, you should enhance your website’s discoverability with reliable seo tools free.