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In the dynamic automotive industry, the surge in patents signifies a commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for autonomous vehicles. These patents, focusing on vehicle reversing techniques, control of AGVs, and enhanced occupant protection systems, highlight the integration of cutting-edge solutions for safety and efficiency in transportation. Simultaneously, increased strategic deals and evolving talent acquisition strategies emphasize the industry’s pursuit of reshaping transportation standards with a focus on safety, efficiency, and transformative growth. GlobalData’s Automotive ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles Market Trends and Analysis report delivers an extensive analysis encompassing trends, technological advancements, forecasts, competitive landscape, and a comprehensive outlook on the global sector. Buy the report here.

This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the automotive industry regarding autonomous vehicles. It provides an overview of recent developments in autonomous vehicles-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the automotive industry.

Diverse applications of autonomous vehicles in automotive industry

Automotive companies are leveraging the latest patents in the field of autonomous vehicles to innovate and improve their businesses. One such patent, held by Amazon.com Inc, focuses on planning accommodations for reversing vehicles. The patent describes techniques for determining if a vehicle is in reverse and controlling another vehicle based on this information. This technology allows autonomous vehicles to safely and efficiently execute reverse maneuvers. Another patent, held by Servostar Co., Ltd, involves controlling a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) along a designated route. The patent describes a method for setting blocking areas for AGVs based on real-time information about their positions, ensuring smooth and efficient movement. ZF Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd holds a patent for an occupant protection system that uses external environment information to predict obstacle movement and calculate the probability of collision. This system adjusts the sitting posture of the occupant by inflating the seat cushion airbag accordingly. These patents demonstrate how automotive companies are leveraging autonomous vehicle technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience in various aspects of transportation.

The industry experienced a 51% decline in the number of autonomous vehicles-related patent applications in Q3 2023 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of autonomous vehicles-related patent applications in the automotive industry witnessed a drop of 37% compared with Q3 2022.

Strategic deal trends in autonomous vehicles in automotive industry

Automotive companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in autonomous vehicles. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of autonomous vehicles in the automotive industry.

In Q3 2023, the number of autonomous vehicles-related deals in the automotive industry grew by 23% compared with Q3 2022. On a quarterly basis, there was 10% increase in the number of deals in Q3 2023 compared with the previous quarter.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q3 2023, the automotive industry experienced a 9% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 39%. Notably, computer and mathematical occupations, with a share of 23%, emerged as the top autonomous vehicles-related job roles within the automotive industry in Q3 2023, with new job postings drop by 10% quarter-on-quarter. Architecture and engineering occupations came in second with a share of 16% in Q3 2023, with new job postings dropping by 23% over the previous quarter. The other prominent autonomous vehicles roles include management occupations with a 7% share in Q3 2023, and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations with a 3% share of new job postings.

Forvia, Robert Bosch, Continental, AB Volvo, and Valeo are among the top companies leading in autonomous vehicles hiring within the automotive industry.

Countries driving adoption of autonomous vehicles in automotive industry

The US is the leading country in autonomous vehicles adoption within the automotive industry, boasting the highest number of autonomous vehicles-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, China, Japan, South Korea and India also maintain significant positions in autonomous vehicles adoption within the automotive industry.

In summary, the autonomous vehicles sector in the automotive industry is marked by fluctuations in patent applications and job postings. Strategic deals are on the rise, highlighting the significance of autonomous vehicles. Key players like Forvia, Robert Bosch, Magna International, Continental, and ZF Friedrichshafen are actively hiring. China leads in autonomous vehicles adoption, with other countries also contributing significantly to the industry's growth.

To further understand GlobalData's analysis on autonomous vehicles in the automotive industry, buy the report here.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.