By Isaac Bunick, CEO & Founder of MOTORMIA
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will inevitably replace most cars in the next 20 years. However, they won’t replace the passion that drivers have for customising, choosing, and experiencing their vehicles. Driving—or even being driven in a car you love—will always be a source of pride and joy.
As a tech executive with over 20 years of experience, I’ve had a front-row seat to witness how innovation in software and hardware has transformed industries. From website creation to delivery logistics, digital measurement to data management, technologies such as machine learning, robotics, the internet, AI, and blockchain are reshaping how we live, shop, communicate, and travel.
The Unchanging Passion of Car Enthusiasts
Just as fashion lovers and watch collectors are deeply passionate about their respective pursuits, car enthusiasts are drawn to the design, performance, and emotional connection of driving a vehicle they love. Cars become personal, even an extension of one’s identity.
This passion is backed by significant investment. In the United States alone, car enthusiasts spend an estimated 50 billion USD annually on after-purchase modifications, accessories, and services. While the average car owner may spend about 30% of their vehicle’s value on insurance, repairs, and maintenance, car enthusiasts often spend up to 100% of their car’s value on parts, accessories, services and upgrades.
How AI Can Bridge the Gap Between Enthusiasts and Manufacturers
Despite advancements in EVs, AVs, and lightweight, high-performance materials, the automotive industry remains fragmented in certain areas. Car shows, dealerships, garages, and part sellers often cater to local clientele, leaving many enthusiasts unaware of the broader range of options available globally. Additionally, manufacturers are disconnected from end buyers, preventing them from gaining clear feedback on market demands.
AI can help bridge these gaps. For instance, BMW uses AI to optimise production and personalise vehicle configurations, while Tesla leverages AI for autonomous driving features. AI-powered platforms also enable predictive maintenance by analyzing data to forecast repairs, improving vehicle performance and reliability.
For example:
- Global Access: Digital marketplaces powered by AI can connect enthusiasts with manufacturers worldwide, expanding access to rare or niche parts.
- Personalisation: AI-driven visualisation tools can help users see potential modifications to their vehicles before making a purchase.
- Recommendation Engines: By leveraging crowd-sourced data and machine learning, AI can suggest parts and modifications tailored to individual preferences and budgets.
When I launched MOTORMIA last year, my ambition was to bridge this gap between car enthusiasts and manufacturers. By leveraging AI, our platform has helped over half a million enthusiasts discover modifications and improve their cars.
What if you could visualise what your dream car could look like? What if you could find the best parts within your budget? AI can make this possible, fuelling a new era of innovation and connection in the automotive world. What if we could build a real-world Gran Turismo?
Automation Won’t Kill the Thrill of Driving
Even if AVs dominate the roads in 20 years, I believe that EVERY American household will still keep at least one traditional moving vehicle for the love of driving. Just as the transition from horse carriages to cars didn’t eliminate equestrian pursuits, and smartwatches didn’t render luxury watches obsolete, the passion for driving will endure.
Driving, tinkering with cars, upgrading wheels, improving suspensions, or adding a better exhaust pipe—these are labours of love. The joy of driving and customizing vehicles isn’t merely about functionality; it’s about identity and personal expression. As technology advances, it will enhance, not replace, this timeless passion.
The Exciting Future of AI for Car Enthusiasts
Looking ahead, the integration of AI into the automotive world holds immense potential for car enthusiasts. Imagine AI tools that not only recommend the perfect upgrades but also simulate the impact of those modifications on performance and aesthetics in real-time.
AI-driven communities could connect enthusiasts worldwide, fostering collaboration and innovation like never before. From personalised driving experiences to virtual reality test drives, the future promises to bring thrilling opportunities for those who cherish the art and joy of driving. With AI continuing to evolve, the bond between technology and human passion will only deepen, creating endless possibilities for car enthusiasts everywhere.
