10 Predictions for 2020
The auto industry has significantly changed since the start of the new millennium. There are no bad cars now. Heck, there are almost no cars at all. SUVs completely rule the road.
As we keep dreaming of self-driving vehicles and other futuristic technologies, let's look into the crystal ball and make 10 predictions for 2020 and beyond.
More and more SUVs
There is no stopping the SUV craze. With the arrival of the Mazda CX-30, Buick Encore GX and more, consumers will have fewer car options than ever.
Clichés about millennials
Millennials are getting older and richer. They're also less interested in cars and driving in general. Yet automakers will keep targeting them with ads that show a ton of clichés.
Cities vs. Cars
In an effort to fight climate change, cities will keep forcing cars out of their streets. Traffic congestion is such a waste of fuel and a major source of CO2 emissions.
The number of EVs explodes
Automakers are promising dozens of new electric vehicles in the near future and 2020 will be very interesting with planned debuts at Infiniti, Mazda, Genesis, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford and more.
No love for hydrogen
Other than Toyota and Hyundai, automakers are focusing on battery-powered EVs rather than fuel-cell vehicles. In 2020, it will be the same story.
Where's the self-driving car?
Progress in the field of autonomous cars is slow. A number of companies have developed Level-2 and Level-3 technologies for highway use, but we are still far from riding in fully self-driving cars. Governments are also taking a careful approach as far as legislation goes.
Mazda and Infiniti experience hardship
In 2019, sales of Mazda and Infiniti vehicles failed to meet expectations. Unfortunately for them, the negative trend will continue in 2020. Infiniti, in particular, has no exciting product on the way. Both will have to rely on their partners within the industry to turn things around.
Car sales will keep dropping
Overall, car sales were down in 2019 and there is no sign of an upswing in 2020. Consumer debt remains a big problem and most will keep their cars for a longer period of time instead of buying a new one.
Genesis will break out
Hyundai's luxury brand will introduce its first SUV in 2020, a move that will pay off big time and give Genesis a more enviable position in the market.
Tesla won't go bankrupt
Rumours of Tesla's demise have long been exaggerated. In fact, every product launch has been met with widespread skepticism among industry analysts.
Tesla stock is now at $420 a share, Chinese production has started and the new Roadster will hit the market in 2020. Also, more details about the Cybertruck will be announced, which will prompt even more customers to make a deposit.