# Auto Modification Consumers turn to tech-focused aftermarket mods to update older vehicles. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jul 16, 2014 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/auto-updating ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Auto Modification trend? **Auto Modification:** Consumers are looking for a driving experience that's more technology-focused, but as smart vehicles remain out of financial reach for many, aftermarket mods are on the rise. The hardware and apps signify a preference for cost-effective technology integration and customization to maintain control. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 27, 2013 to Jun 26, 2014 - Published: Jul 16, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Auto Modification trend ### Aftermarket Car Modification Consumers who cannot afford smart vehicles are turning to cost-effective technology integration and customization through aftermarket modifications to maintain control. ### Smartphone Dash Display Receivers Convenient access to music, phone calls, apps and more that result in keeping the driver off of their smartphone while on the road. ### Self-Driving Add-Ons A new frontier in autonomous driving technology that allows for self-driving kit attachment to any car. ## What the Auto Modification trend means for industry ### For Automotive The shift towards aftermarket customization and modifications to maintain control. ### For Technology The synergy between smartphones and receiver displays systems designed to keep drivers off of this technology while on the road. ### For Robotics The emergence of advanced self-driving kit attachments to cars. ## Trend signals for Auto Modification Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Auto Modification trend 6 featured examples from Nov 27, 2013 to Jun 26, 2014. - [Smartphone Driving Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeane-navigation-system): The Jeane Navigation System Makes Driving Much Easier (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive technology industry has the opportunity to develop and integrate more advanced eyes-free assistant systems into vehicles. - [Driver-Analyzing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-app): The Driving Curve App is a Car App That Monitors Your Driving Abilities (Category: Autos) Implication: Opportunity for app developers to create driver-analyzing apps that enhance the driving experience. - [Driving-Controlled Music Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/controlled-music-apps): Volkswagen Has an App that Creates Music From Your Driving (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive technology industry can capitalize on driving-controlled music apps by integrating them into infotainment systems to offer a new level of entertainment for drivers. - [Smartphone Dash Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kwv50bt): The KW-V50BT Display Receiver Integrates Your Smartphone With Your Car (Category: Autos) Implication: Companies that specialize in mobile entertainment can leverage in-car display systems to create products that are tailored for drivers. - [Self-Driving Add-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rp1): The Cruise RP-1 Kit Can Attach to Any Auto (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry can explore the disruptive innovation opportunity of providing autonomous add-on kits for existing vehicles. - [Distraction-Removing Driving Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyes-on-the-road): Samsung's Eyes on the Road App Blocks Incoming Calls & Messages (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build mobile apps specializing in creating safer driving experiences and reducing distracted driving instances. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Autos - [Vintage Motoring Rally Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dolomites-classic-run) - [Flagship Electric SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/BYD-Sealion) - [Integrated Robotaxi Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Integrated-Robotaxi-Networks) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)