The CCC, a standards organization with over 300 members including Apple, BMW, Ford, Google, Hyundai, and Samsung, surveyed its global network of automakers, suppliers, and technology providers. The findings paint a clear picture: cars are becoming intelligent, connected ecosystems, demanding secure, simple, and interoperable systems that work across devices and regions.
Regional priorities differ. Automakers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa focus on navigation and real-time traffic tools. In Asia-Pacific, consumers prefer streaming and entertainment features, while in North America, 60 percent of manufacturers offer advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as paid options. Despite the differences, the global direction is the same—drivers expect their vehicles to behave as intuitively as their smartphones.
“Advancing technologies that simplify and secure how vehicles and devices work together is a key part of CCC’s mission,” said CCC President Alysia Johnson. “Our goal is a future where consumers have seamless and private access to their vehicles with any device or manufacturer.”
Three key technologies are shaping this future: Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), and near-field communication (NFC). Together, they form the foundation for the CCC Digital Key, which allows drivers to unlock and start cars via smartphones or wearables. Eighty-four percent of CCC members name Bluetooth as a current priority, while 77 and 75 percent highlight UWB and NFC respectively. Vehicles such as BMW’s iX3 already feature the certified Digital Key, and adoption is growing rapidly worldwide.
But as vehicles grow more connected, data privacy is becoming the defining issue of trust. The report notes that 64 percent of consumers worry about data safety, and 40 percent say their next vehicle purchase will depend on an automaker’s privacy protections. Automakers are adopting zero-trust security frameworks—verifying data access continuously to minimize hacking and data breaches. Still, convenience matters nearly as much: 30 percent of CCC members say “ease of use” is their top priority after security.
Fleet management has become a leading test case for these technologies. Sixty-two percent of CCC members view connected fleet systems—spanning logistics, rentals, and rideshare—as a major growth area. GPS tracking and predictive analytics now deliver positive ROI within a year for more than half of fleet operators. Car rental companies are also embracing connectivity by digitizing booking systems and introducing keyless access through smartphones and wearables.
McKinsey predicts that by 2030, 90 percent of vehicles will be connected. Software-defined cars are expected to grow 22.5 percent between 2024 and 2025 alone, with half of all new models being electric and more than half featuring Level 2 automation, capable of managing steering and speed under specific conditions.
By 2030, more than 10 million vehicles in Europe, North America, and China will include digital key capabilities. The European Union is already proposing legislation that would grant insurers and repair shops access to vehicle data, signaling the growing importance of shared connectivity infrastructure.
As Johnson notes, “The challenge now isn’t identifying where to go—it’s getting there together.” The industry’s focus on collaboration, shared standards, and secure interoperability could define the next era of driving.
The car key may be disappearing, but what’s being unlocked is far greater: a new model of mobility—secure, personalized, and perpetually connected.
Download the full 2025 Future of Vehicle Connectivity Report at carconnectivity.org.