Automotive industry news for 2022 is all about innovative problem-solving and creativity. The first half of the year will see a return of General Motors to the top of the sales charts, while the second half will see Rivian invest in the South. In addition, China’s auto industry will continue to face challenges from rising chip prices and the cost of raw materials. These issues will have a negative impact on the cost of batteries for electric vehicles.
Auto Manufacturers Will Bring Innovation and Creative Problem Solving to The Table in 2022
Automotive companies have a unique opportunity to drive innovation and creative problem solving by tapping into massive amounts of customer data. Data from in-car sensors, apps, leasing and financing arrangements, and more can be used to engage consumers, develop new products, and upsell to existing customers.
Automakers have begun partnering with silicon companies to develop new ways to integrate new technology into their vehicles. Form factors for vehicles tend to stay the same year after year, but as technology improves and consumer preferences change, automakers are rethinking technology-driven systems. A new aggressive push to make vehicles more connected and entertainment-friendly is underway.
Shared Mobility is an Alternative to Vehicle Ownership
Shared mobility is a growing trend and a possible alternative to vehicle ownership. Shared mobility started out as community car sharing, but as technology has advanced, new kinds of vehicles have emerged and innovative usage scenarios have developed. For example, car subscription services provide a convenient alternative to vehicle ownership, while autonomous driving makes it possible for drivers to switch off their cars when they are not needed.
General Motors Returns to The Top of The Sales List for the First Half of 2022
General Motors has once again regained the top spot in the sales rankings. While the company continues to battle supply chain problems, it managed to outperform the overall market in the second quarter of 2022. The company managed to recapture its sales crown from Toyota, which had outsold GM in CY2021 and CY2022. Despite supply chain problems, the pent-up demand for several models helped the company boost sales. GM’s Colorado SUV posted a 52.3% sales increase, while the GMC Canyon fell 40.7%. The Chevrolet Malibu sedan, meanwhile, saw a 563% increase in sales to 32,487.
Despite the recent sales declines, General Motors reclaimed the sales title from Toyota Motor North America in the second quarter. This was in part due to increased sales to fleets, but the company still reported a decline in first-half sales, down 15.4% from a year ago. The auto industry continues to struggle with production
disruptions and a shortage of semiconductor chips.
Rivian Invests in the South
Rivian has invested in the South to help make electric vehicles and is getting local and state incentives. Despite the opposition from locals, the company is still moving forward with its production plans. The company is expected to create 7,500 jobs in Georgia. This is good news for the local economy and for the automotive industry.
The company plans to invest in high-volume, profitable auto segments. It also hopes to take advantage of the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), as many leading e-commerce companies and logistics companies are transitioning to EV fleets. The company has a good chance of achieving its goal of $150 per share by 2022.
Buick Down by more than 45% Compared to June 2021
Buick’s sales are down nearly half a percent year over year, a drop that may be more than a coincidence. Its competitors, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, all experienced lower sales as well. The company is still battling a shortage of new inventory, which could have a negative impact on future sales.