From child-focused vehicle upgrades to personalized car rental apps, the October 2016 auto trends reveal a specific focus on the changing vehicle needs of young consumers.
As a growing number of millennials become parents and begin starting families of their own, there is a shift in kinds of vehicles they are buying. Nissan is one company that is anticipating this shift by combining the versatile convenience of a family-sized SUV with the styling of more unique concept vehicles in its updated Rogue. Similarly, Tesla is focusing on eco-conscious families with new features that make its OS more comfortable for children.
Beyond millennial parents, the October 2016 auto trends also reveal an emphasis on young consumers who aren't necessarily purchasing vehicles of their own. Indeed, there is a growing demand for tools such as personalized car rental apps and streamlined car-leasing apps, which make it easier to procure a vehicle for a short period of time.
Top 80 Auto Ideas in October
From Child-Focused Vehicle Upgrades to Personalized Car Rental Apps:
Katherine Pendrill — Oct 30, 2016 — Autos
80
Aggressively Futuristic Roadsters
This Magnificent Roadster Car Was Designed By Ken Okuyama
79
Recycled Metal Car Replicas
This Artistic Display Was Created by 50 Different Artists
78
Rugged Rescue Vehicles
Nissan's Navara EnGuard Concept Packs a Portable Battery Pack
77
Bug-Shaped Electric Cars
This Three-Wheeled Electric Car is Powered By Lithium-Polymer Batteries
76
Minimalist Luxury Sedans
The Varsovia Concept Car Features Elegantly Understated Design
75
SUV-Rivaling Wagon Vehicles
The Volvo V90 Cross Country Vehicle is Ready for Off-Roading
74
Crowdfunded Solar Cars
Sono Motors' 'Sion' Introduces an Affordable "Solar Car for Everyone"
73
Sophisticated Family SUVs
The Peugeot 5008 Blends Sportiness, Performance and Family Functionality
72
Rugged All-Terrain Wagons
This Mercedes Vehicle Offers Versatile Driving In All Conditions
71
Luxury Vehicle Tire Accessories
The Solloshi Coeus Titanium Valve Caps are the Finishing Touch
70
Authentic Retro Cars
The Caterham Seven Sprint Offers 1960s Aesthetics and Performance
69
Energy-Efficient SUVs
This Compact Luxury SUV Offers Plug-In Hybrid Performance
68
Flat-Pack Trucks
The Ox All-Terrain Vehicles Feature An Easy to Assemble Design
67
Superlative Sub-Compact Cars
This Kia Rio Five-Door Car Offers Premium Interior Amenities
66
Opulent Diesel SUVs
The Bentley Bentayga Diesel Offers Power and Luxury In a Single Package
65
Hybrid Optimized SUVs
This Next-Generation SUV Offers Expansive Range and Dynamic Steering
64
Rambunctious Rally Trucks
The Peugeot 3008 Truck Hopes to Achieve Dakar Rally Glory
63
Proactively Powerful Trucks
This New Chevrolet Truck Features a Powerfully Boosted Engine
62
Fragrant Floral Taxis
L'Oreal's Promotional Pink Taxi Advertises a Viktor & Rolf Fragrance
61
Trailblazing Electric Buses
The Proterra Catalyst E2 Will Revolutionize Public Mass Transit
60
Futuristic Gasoline Engines
The New Jaguar Ingenium Engine Offers Next-Generation Power
59
Visual Communication Vehicles
'The Smiling Car' Lets Pedestrians Know When it's Safe to Cross
58
Powerhouse Fuel Cell Trucks
The Nikola Semi Offers 2,000 Horsepower From An Eco-Friendly Setup
57
Turbocharged Diesel Cars
Alfa Romeo's Latest Turbocharged Sports Car Offers Variable Transmission
56
Holographic Display Prototypes
This Futuristic Technology Will Soon Be Available in Cars
55
Off-Grid Military Trucks
This Chevrolet Colorado-Based Vehicle Uses Fuel Cell Technology
54
Peppy Urban Sport Sedans
The New Alfa Romeo Mito Features a Number of Upgrades
53
Surroundings-Sensing Trucks
The Bosch VisionX Sets a Precedent for Trucks of the Future
52
Turbocharged Miniature Cars
The JCW Clubman Car Offers Impressive Speed and Supreme Control
51
Gigantic Car-Charging Stations
Norway's Electric Vehicle Charging Station is the World's Biggest
50
Holographic Vehicle Displays
The Lexus UX Concept Previews the Future of Vehicle Interiors
49
Turbocharged German SUVs
Porsche's New SUV Offers a Spectacular Combination of Speed and Power
48
3D-Printed Automotive Skins
'Effect Skins' Offer a Way to Customize the Classic Daihatsu Copen
47
Self-Driven Ridesharing Services
The Spiri Carpool Service Lets You Be the Driver
46
Vehicular Range-Expanding Turbines
The MiTRE Micro-Turbine System Expands Electric Vehicles' Range
45
Miniature Electric City Cars
The Smart Electric Drive Vehicles Pack Up to 160km of Driving Range
44
Accessibility-Ensuring Bike Racks
The RockyMounts MonoRail Platform Rack Swings Away from the Rear
43
Self-Driving Car Sensors
This LiDAR Sensor Uses Laser Detectors to Identify Obstacles
42
Immersive In-Car Displays
The Sony XAV-AX100 Car Dash Display Supports CarPlay and Android Auto
41
Transformative Car-Dealing Apps
The Blinker App Helps People Easily Buy and Sell Used Vehicles
40
Modern School Bus Homes
This Converted School Bus Home is Styled Like a Contemporary Loft
39
Spill-Proof Vehicular Waste Bins
The 'Carbage Can' Car Garbage Ensures No Mess While Driving
38
Autonomous Automotive Kits
The Comma One Incorporates Self-Driving Technology Into Your Car
37
Extreme Energy-Saving Cars
The Alfa Romeo Advanced Efficiency Car Uses High-Tech Engine Cooling
36
Streamlined Car-Leasing Apps
The Honcker App Eases the Process Of Leasing a Vehicle
35
Wireless Vehicular Device Chargers
The 'Put2Go' Car Dock Wirelessly Charges and Mounts Devices
34
Vehicular Princess Seats
The Disney KidsEmbrace Booster Car Seat Gets Kids Excited About Safety
33
Supercharged Family Sedans
The Mercedes AMG E43 4Matic Saloon and Estate Vehicles are Powerful
32
Refreshed Family SUVs
The New Nissan Rogue Makes Picking Up the Kids From School a Stylish Affair
31
Accessible Transit Signals
The Bus Bell Alerts Drivers When Special Needs Passengers Are Exiting
30
Spidery Car Seats
Lexus' Kinetic Seat Concept Keeps Drivers and Passengers Comfortable
29
Cloud-Connected Car Dashboards
The Mercedes-Benz 'In Car Office' Makes Drivers More Efficient
28
Online Car-Ordering Services
Vroom Makes Purchasing a Car as Easy as Shopping for Shoes Online
27
Self-Driving Shuttle Buses
The Yandex Bus is Expected to Hit the Road in 2017
26
Compact Clutch-Containing Gearboxes
This Eight-Speed Gearbox Offers Boosted Vehicular Control
25
Hands-Free Driving Apps
The Edmonton Smart Travel App Offers Verbal Assistance to Drivers
24
Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Projects
The Volvo 'Drive Me' Self-Driving Project is Family-Focused
23
Extended Range Electric Cars
The New Chevrolet Bolt EV Range is an Estimated 238 Miles Per Charge
22
Personalized Car Rental Apps
The 'Carla' Car Rental Service Makes Unique Recommendations
21
Personalized Driving Playlists
This MINI Connected Ad Suggests Car Music Playlists at Gas Stations
20
Responsive Diesel-Powered Cars
The New Jaguar XF Can Adapt to Complicated Road Conditions
19
Ergonomic Vehicle Interior Displays
The Hyundai i30 Dashboard System is Focused on Infotainment
18
Lightweight Racing Trucks
The Powerful Hilux Evo Truck Will Compete At the Dakar Rally
17
Tunnel-Friendly Navigation Beacons
The Waze Beacon Ensures GPS Reception When Driving In Tunnels
16
Autonomous Mine-Exploring Trucks
This Construction Truck Could Improve Safety In Mines
15
Nauseating Driving Simulators
This Simulator Makes People Sick to Improve Future Vehicle Designs
14
Gesture-Control Car Dashboards
Visteon Gesture-Control Technology Enhances the in-Car Experience
13
Refreshed Mid-Size Sedans
The New Mazda 6 Features a Comprehensively Boosted Chassis
12
Powerful Electric Vans
The Volkswagen e-Crafter is Designed For City Delivery Operations
11
Child-Focused Vehicle Upgrades
The Latest Tesla OS Integrates the Cabin Overheat Protection System
10
Robotic Practice Racers
DevBot Lets Roborace Coders Practice Their Algorithms
9
Smart Race Car Interfaces
The NASCAR Digital Dashboard will Provide Drivers with Enhanced Data
8
Proactive Parking Apps
The EZparkLB Helps You Find Parking In Long Beach
7
Supercharged Celebratory Supercars
This Limited Edition Supercar Offers an Insane 1,000 Horsepower
6
Car-Controlling Digital Assistants
The Amazon Alexa Now Features BMW Connected Capabilities
5
Sleek Hybrid Supercars
The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Four Door is Powerfully Efficient
4
China-Specific Hybrid SUVs
The BMW X1 xDriver25Le iPerformance will Only be Available in China
3
Sound-Centric Detection Systems
This Volvo System Uses Sound to Alert Cyclists and Pedestrian
2
Roadside Assistance Apps
The 'GotU' App Helps You Summon Help If Your Car Breaks Down
1
Comprehensive Coupe Roadsters
The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Offers Superior Speed and Handling
Related Ideas
Opulent Elongated SUV Models
The 2027 Kia Telluride Prioritizes Style and Luxury
Ultra-Luxury Coupe Concepts
The Latest Toyota Century Concept Builds on the Saloon Car's Ethos
Family-Sized Camping Vans
The Volkswagen 2025 Grand California Has a Spacious Interior
Playful Student-Targeted Interactive Pop-Ups
Uber One Hits Campuses with ‘The One Arcade'
Affordable Electric Compact SUVs
The Rivian R2 Launch by Rivian is Set for June 2026
Streamlined Vehicle Subscription Tiers
Stellantis Unveils a New Approach to Its Vehicle Services
AI-Powered Parenting Texts
Avocado Health Launches Avocado Health SMS Coaching
All-Pink Electric Vehicles
Mary Kay Has Reimagined Its Legendary Pink Cadillac
Vintage Car-Inspired Electric Bikes
The Ford Mustang eBike is Inspired by a Retro Car
Next-Generation PHEV SUVs
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off the Model's Sixth-Generation Design
Cutting-Edge Auto Simulation Technologies
Ansys Aims to Transform the Automotive Industry
Anniversary-Honoring SUV Models
The 2026 Ford Bronco 60th Anniversary Package Comes in Two Colors
Family-Minded Electric SUVs
The Toyota bZ4X Touring Has 33% More Load Capacity
AI Concept Vehicles
LG Debuted Its Lifestyle Solution for Mobility at CES 2025
Smart Car Planning
Budget For Cars Helps You Find Vehicles That Fit Your Financial Plan
Family Camping Minivan Concepts
The Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept is Feature-Rich
Auto-Focused AI Marketing Tools
Dealer Creative AI Boosts Social Media Content for Dealerships
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Women-Centric Vehicle Designs
The Buick Envision Celebrates Human-Centred Innovation
Accessible All-Electric Cars
The Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 Concept is Estimated at €20,000
Sneaker Tag-Inspired Car Keys
Nissan's Kicks Key Merges Auto Technology with Streetwear Culture
Automotive Restaurants
Hyundai is Opening Backseat Bites, the UK’s First Restaurant Inside a Car
Autonomous Vehicle Platforms
Tensor Robocar Showcases Level 4 Autonomous Mobility At CES 2026
Compact Electric Urbanite CUVs
Th eToyota C-HR+ Electric Will Arrive in Europe in Late 2025
Efficient Micro Mobility EVs
The Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric Prototype is Set to Launch in 2026
AI-Powered Marketplace Features
AutoTrader Launched DemandAI and Dashboard
Eco-Friendly Vehicle Partnerships
Volkswagen Becomes the Official Automotive Partner of TIFF 2025
Bold Electric Crossover Designs
Nissan Reveals the Next-Generation Juke as a Full EV
Car Transfer Apps
The Daytrip App Provides Customizable Car Transfers
Auto-Centric Digital Retail Spaces
Hyundai Becomes First Automaker to Sell on Amazon Autos
In-Car Gaming Collaborations
AirConsole x Audi Partner for Car Gaming, and Includes Pictionary
Bookable Autonomous Shuttles
Uber and May Mobility Partner to Launch Robotaxi Fleet
Accessible Entry-Level SUVs
The Acura ADX Offers Millennials and Gen Z an Affordable Option
Unconventional Vehicle Control Ads
BMW Launched its 'Heart of Joy' Campaign Featuring an Octopus
Native Car Messaging Interfaces
WhatsApp Launches Its New Apple CarPlay App
Multisensory Car Seats
Evenflo's SensorySoothe Calms Crying Babies and Reduces Parental Stress
Nostalgic Explorer SUVs
These Nissan X-Trail Concepts Include the Unwind and the Remastered
Child-Friendly Habit-Forming Apps
Carrot Helps Kids Build Daily Habits Through Gamified Challenges
AI Kids Coloring Pages
Retro Launches Splat To Turn Family Photos Into Art
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Sporty High-End SUVs
The 2026 Kia Sportage SUV is Debuting at the Auto Show in Montreal
Production-Ready Robotic Taxis
Volkswagen Presents its ID. Buzz AD Robotic Taxi Vehicle
Flexible Monthly Car Shares
Turo Offers a Low-Commitment Alternative to Traditional Car Ownership
Luxury Mobility Platforms
Karma Automotive Launches On-Demand Luxury Driving Experience
Video Game-Inspired Vehicles
Hyundai Introduces the New INTEROID EV Influenced by Gaming
Cartoon-Branded Auto Releases
Chrysler Spotlights the Pacifica Minivan with the Iconic PEANUTS
Future Urban Mobility Cars
Volkswagen Numa Concept Imagines Cars as Part of Shared City Life
Bold Modular Electric Vehicles
The Slate EV is Tailored to Lifestyles with Distinct Body Shapes
Teen Finance Education
SimplyBudget Helps Teens Manage Money With AI and Parental Oversight
EV Adoption Initiatives
Bosch is Spearheading Efforts to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption
In-Car AI Assistants
ChatGPT Voice Expands to Apple CarPlay
Rugged Adventure-Ready Electric SUVs
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV SUV Debuted in New York
Automotive AI Solutions
Impel and RockED Launch the Automotive AI Certification Program
Luxury Chauffeur Apps
Wheely’s NYC Launch Introduces Concierge-Level Chauffeur Services
New Year-Focused Car Campaigns
Kia Boasts the Redesigned 2027 Telluride SUV in a Festive Campaign
Immersive Muscle Car Experiences
Dodge's Virtual Experience Debuts Its Next-Generation Muscle Cars
Soccer-Inspired RV Platform Initiatives
RV Rental Platform Outdoorsy Targets Soccer Fans
Future Car Innovation Solutions
LG Innotek Will Showcase Hardware and Ai‑based Software at CES
Conceptual Electric Sportscars
Nissan Introduces the R32ev Concept Model at Tokyo Auto Salon
Celebrity-Endorsed Compact SUV Campaigns
Audi of America Debuts 'A Life of Yes' Campaign
Child-Forward Travel Planning Kits
Trip Jones Offers Kid-Friendly Travel Planning
Collaborative Vehicle Concepts
Kia Corporation and LG Electronics Debut Mobility Solutions
80s-Inspired Experimental Electric Vehicles
Škoda Presents the Favorit EV Reviving the 80s
Modern Connectivity-Focused Auto Packages
The Ford Connectivity Package is an Optional Feature
Teen-Safety Rideshare Accounts
Lyft Teen Accounts With Built-In Safety Tools
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
Deeply Integrated Automotive UIs
Apple CarPlay Ultra is Arriving in New Aston Martin Models
AI-Powered Marketplaces
Ever Raises $31M From Eclipse To Automate EV Retail
Auto-Specific Digital Information Portals
Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville Debuts Toyota 4Runner Portal
AI-Powered Driving Apps
Driver Technologies Expands to the Android Automotive Operating System
Expanded Automotive Dealer Listings
Amazon Introduced New Brands on its Automotive Storefront
Smart Mobility Vehicles
The Strutt ev¹ Features Tech Pioneered for Autonomous Cars
Hybrid Electric SUV Models
Toyota Launches a New 6th-Generation RAV4 Vehicle Model in Japan
Performance-Driven Slick Auto Models
Kia Spotlighted Three Models at an International Auto Show
Autonomous Electric Microbuses
MOIA And Uber Began Testing Its ID. Buzz Microbuses In Los Angeles
GenAI Car Marketplace Ads
Carro's New Campaign Highlights Its AI-Enabled Car-Selling Process
Auto-Inspired Online Marketplaces
Goodyear's The Vault is Sure to Excite Auto Enthusiasts
Certified eCommerce Vehicle Shops
Ford and Amazon Autos Announced a New Collaboration
Motorsport-Inspired SUV Models
The 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO Has GT-R Engine Technology
Safety-Focused Automotive Technologies
Geely Auto Debuts Innovations at Auto Shanghai 2025
Gaming-Inspired Vehicle Concepts
Hyundai Draws Inspiration from Its Electric Subcompact SUV
Student-Focused Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle Rides
HopSkipDrive Expands Its Service in 10 Areas
Chinese EV Expansion Strategies
Li Auto Joins EU-China Chamber and Accelerates European Push
Retro Electric Concepts
The Stellar Reboot Imagines Hyundai’s 1980s Sedan for a Digital Future
Affordable Barebones Electric Pickups
The Slate Pickup is Compact, Boxy and Cost-Effective
Micro Camper Concept Vans
Toyota Kayoibako-K Envisions Self-Driving Mobile Storefront & Adventure
Expansive AI-Powered Travel Tools
KAYAK.ai Expands to Offer Car Rentals for Localized Road Trips
Customizable Baby Food Apps
Bébé Foodie Launched to Assist Parents in Making Informed Decisions
Computer Vision Car Tools
Audi Reader Provides an Alternative to Consulting a Vehicle Manual
Retro-Inspired Hatchbacks
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX Edition is Limited to 1,600 Units
Home-Connected Vehicle Concepts
The Sharp LDK+ Concept Has a Projector and Table Inside
AI-Powered Autonomous Public Transportation
Karsan Automotive is Participating in CES 2026
Artistically Rendered One-Of-A-Kind Autos
FIAT Collaborated with Romero Britto on an Auto Design
AI-Powered Superapps
Grab Introduces AI Features That Simplify Decisions and Automate Daily Tasks
AI-Powered Vehicle Appraisal Tools
Turn Automotive's TurnVision Detects Damage with High Precision
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Senior Ridesharing Service Accounts
Uber Senior Accounts Helps Older Users Navigate the Interface
AI Vehicle Operating Systems
Mercedes Develops AI-Driven Systems That Manage and Evolve Vehicles
Celebrative BIPOC Campaigns
Toyota Launches its 'You Can't Stop My Drive' Campaign
Comprehensive Automotive Technology Suites
ECARX Will Outfit the Geely Galaxy Xingyao 8 PHEV Sedan
Data-Driven Automotive Retailer Tools
Cars.com Debuts AI Video Tools, Hub Reporting & More
Modernize Auto Rental Replacements
Good Driver Mutuality & Vecto Revolutionize the Auto Industry
High-Efficiency Tech-Packed EVs
The Tesla Model Y is Arriving in China in Several Options
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Efficient Charging Solutions
TESSAN Showcased a Slew of Its Performance-Focused Products at CES
Vehicle Performance Data Integrations
Autocar Integrates Geotab's Telematics Devices into Fleet
Expanded Membership Benefits
Uber One Introduces Family Sharing and Complimentary Ride Upgrades
Mobile App Studios
Developer On Wheels Builds Family And Travel Apps From A Campervan Office
Car Camping Accessories
Nokhu Unveils New Brand Identity & Product Line
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Seasonal Reservation Street Installations
Uber UK Launches 'Reserve' by Mother
Electric Sports Car Concepts
Chevrolet's California Corvette Concept Revives West Coast Nostalgia
Senior-Friendly Rideshare Services
Lyft Siver Makes Transportation Easier and Less Intimidating
Pet-Themed Branding Initatives
Lyft and Animal Planet Promoted Puppy Bowl in February
Cheeky Auto Campaigns
Hyndai Presents the Entertaining and Practical He Got Money Campaign
Automotive Insurance Ventures
ALKEME Automotive Will Focus on the Automotive Insurance Sector
Premium Vehicle-Related Pet Accessories
Mopar Debuts the Cleverly Named Mopaw Product Line
Data-Driven Connected Cars
JLR and Tata Communications Aim to Enhance Smart Vehicle Design
Specialized Auto Security Services
AUTOCRYPT is Planning a Strategic Expansion
RV Travel Organizers
Road Rover Keeps Your RV Trips Organized, Maintained, and Tracked
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Auto Dealer Program Standards
TrueCar Makes Updates to Increase Sales & Protect Dealer Margins
90s Grunge-Inspired Fall Apparel
& Other Stories Launches 'The October Collection'
Futuristic Grand Tourers
Kia Vision Meta Turismo Concept Previews a Bold Direction for Mobility
Nursery Brand Parenting Apps
The Mamas & Papas App Offers Support and Inspiration for Parents
Car Recognition Tools
CarSnap Identifies Cars in Photos and Get Detailed Info Instantly
Three-Row Electric SUVs
Subaru Unveils the Getaway SUV Model at the Official NY Auto Show
Discounted Rideshare Partnerships
Lyft and NerdWallet Collaborated on a Limited-Time Promotion
Transforming Camp Vehicles
Citroën ELO Concept Car Alters into a Mobile Camp with Inflatable Beds
Child Passenger Safety Initiatives
Hyundai Motor America Enhances the Car Seat Safety Program
Private Car Pickup Options
Airbnb Launches a Private Car Service with Welcome Pickups
Educational Vehicle Retail Campaigns
Flagship Honda Spotlights the 2026 Honda Pilot
Off-Road SUV Expansions
The JETOUR T1 Model Combines Ruggedness with Sleek Aesthetics
Simplified Car Rental Services
Car4YouSpain Helps Travelers in Spain Secure Their Vehicle
Auto-Focused Research Platforms
Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville Debuts 2026 Toyota Hybrid Command Center
Urban-Focused Vehicle Lines
SOUEAST Showcases Its Broader Travel+ Ecosystem Strategy
Affordable EV Evolutions
Ford’s Universal EV Platform Pushes Compact Affordable Electric Pickups
Dynamic Auto Designs
Kia is Promoting Its Forthcoming 2026 K4 Hatchback Model
Upgraded Armored Defender Cars
The INKAS OCTA Edition One Strengthens Land Rover’s classic SUV
Gender-Targeted Ride Preferences
Uber Launches the New Women Preferences Feature