The future of the auto industry is being shaped by innovative new trends in both design and technology. The top 10 car trends address every concern facing both consumers and auto manufacturers. You may want to consider these trends when purchasing a used vehicle. 
Hands-Free Communication
People spend enormous chunks of their time in their cars, and they all need to safely stay in touch with the world outside their vehicles while driving. Hands-free communication may not be a new trend in auto electronics, but the ease of use and prevalence of this technology has gained serious momentum.
Luxury Meets Economy
Leading luxury car makers are branching out into the economy car mass market in a big way. Fuel and cost efficient models from the likes of BMW have the potential to give drivers access to brand names they otherwise couldn't afford, while providing the revenue necessary to continue innovations.
Assisted Driving
Some drivers dread the quickly accelerating auto trend of assisted and autonomous driving technology. What started as traction control sensors decades ago has evolved into cars that can nearly drive themselves. Braking assist, fully automated active cruise control, and stability control are the standard in the latest car designs.
Autonomous Driving
One step beyond the standardization of assisted driving sensors lies the incredibly hot auto trend of autonomous driving. The future of the auto industry will undoubtedly include two-seater urban mobility vehicles with the capacity to park itself, or drive on its own to meet its owner.
Innovative Safety First
Car makers know that most drivers think about safety before most other car buying criteria. Much to the delight of the safety-minded consumer, the future of the auto industry includes innovative safety technology incorporated into designs spanning the range of models and price points.
Smart Power and Performance
The quest for more powerful, higher performing engines will need to include sophisticated redesigns and revamps as the auto industry moves forward. Car makers continue to focus on finding new and better ways to make more powerful engines that won't blow out but are also efficient.
Design Shake-Ups
Simply put, the auto industry hit a design slump over the previous several years. New concept cars and production models from the leading car brands have begun to shake-up that slump with refreshing new ideas on trendy design.
Cooperation
A behind-the-scenes trend making waves in the auto industry is cooperation among major car companies. Exchanges of technology, manufacturing resources, and engine design are making profitable links between auto-industry leaders.
Consolidation
The Japanese car market has struggled off and on for the past decade and trends indicate that is likely to continue. In all likelihood, several smaller Japanese manufacturers will consolidate as a way of staying alive in the reportedly shrinking market.
The Middle Gets Big
Middle of the road brands like Kia and Hyundai have gained momentum. Trends among consumers looking for cost-effective but stylish vehicles have propelled economic car brands into the forefront of manufacturers.
Innovative trends in design, technology, and the business of car making are shaping the evolution of safe and cost-efficient vehicles that still have plenty of engine power.
*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
