Together, China, US and Europe comprised over 75% of the total connected car sales globally in Q3.
Global sales of connected cars saw a major increase of 28% year-over-year (YoY) in Q3 2023. Two-thirds of the cars sold were equipped with embedded connectivity features.
The surge in electric and autonomous vehicle adoption is driving an increase in car connectivity. Currently, 4G technology dominates the market, representing more than 95% of connected car sales, while 5G adoption is progressing more slowly than initially anticipated. Challenges such as insufficient 5G infrastructure, the absence of unique 5G applications for vehicles, and supply chain constraints are some of the factors hindering 5G integration in passenger cars.
Leading the charge, China accounted for approximately 33% of the global connected car sales, with the US and Europe trailing closely behind. Together, these three regions comprised over 75% of the total connected car sales globally in Q3.
Germany, which has the highest proportion of connected cars in its passenger vehicle sales, largely due to governmental initiatives such as the e-Call mandate. Following Germany, the US, France, and the UK also demonstrated significant penetration of connected cars in their markets.
The declining sales of non-connected cars reflect a growing consumer demand for connectivity, with the top five automotive groups accounting for nearly 45% of connected car sales in Q3 2023. Toyota Group led these sales, capturing a 12% market share, closely followed by the Volkswagen Group, with GM Group, Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, and Stellantis also ranking in the top five.
Vice President Research at counterpoint, Neil Shah, sharing insights on the future of car connectivity said, “The connectivity in cars is slowly gaining preference in developing economies too and becoming the main differentiator in the market.”
It is projected that by 2030, nearly all new passenger cars will feature embedded connectivity, with 4G remaining prevalent and 5G adoption expected to increase as more Level 3 and higher autonomous vehicles enter the market. The year 2026 is anticipated to be a turning point for 5G adoption in automotive applications, with over 90% of connected cars sold by 2030 expected to have embedded 5G connectivity.
