In today’s fast-paced media landscape, staying ahead means understanding not just the headlines but the underlying trends that drive them. CARMA seeks to spotlight the dominant narratives shaping key industries.
Across finance, automotive, FMCG, and energy, we analyse news headlines to uncover what’s resonating in the world, from the rise of green finance and the impact of AI in consumer markets, to shifting priorities in sustainability and innovation.
A review of car news from around the world revealed four major automotive trends, according to our analysts. From the BYD-Tesla rivalry to the US Elections, 2024 saw automotive headlines dominated by transformative themes.
- Progression for autonomous vehicles
- Investments in EV adoption
- Hybrid models field dominated by Asia
- EVs as a status of green innovation
A year of progression for autonomous vehicles.
In 2024, the media was optimistic, yet sceptical towards autonomous driving. Apple’s withdrawal of its self-driving electric car project grabbed the most media interest globally, particularly in Europe and the United States.
Volume of Coverage – Autonomous Driving
The U.S. remained in the spotlight of autonomous vehicle news, with favourable coverage. Elon Musk and Tesla contributed to 35% of the media coverage with two stories causing dramatic spikes in volume.
The first occurred when Musk visited China in April to discuss the rollout of a Full Self-Driving Software. The second spike in October can be attributed to the unveiling of Tesla’s autonomous ‘robotaxis’ known as ‘Cybercabs’.
Country Breakdown – Autonomous Driving
The media reported on UAE’s significant progress in adoption of autonomous vehicles.
In June, the country introduced new traffic legislation, establishing guidelines and licensing of autonomous vehicles. These vehicles may hit the road sooner than anticipated.
Governments around the globe push for EV adoption through investments.
There was a huge spike in volume of EV news in Indian media, as outlets focused on EV infrastructure occurred following India’s 2024 Budget.
The outlets covered India’s plans to grow an ecosystem for electric mobility, and the expansion of its charging infrastructure. The initiative was covered favourably for its impact on the economy, generating 250,000 new jobs.
A small portion of Indian EV coverage mentioned the government’s decision to substantially reduce the ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles’ (FAME) subsidies, initially introduced to promote EV adoption in the region, by reportedly more than 50%.
Volume of Coverage – EV Infrastructure
Over in the US as well, EV adoption made up a large portion of automotive news. There was significant coverage on this topic during the lead-up to the presidential election, as Former President Joe Biden pushed for EV adoption.
Earlier in the year, Biden announced a major investment in EV charging infrastructure. However, he faced criticism for allocating US$7.5 billion to the infrastructure, but delivering only seven operational stations across four states.
Reports revealed that Tesla was a major beneficiary of these initiatives, fuelling further debate.
Country Breakdown – EV Infrastructure
China vs The West.
The media was heavily invested in the competitive back-and-forth between BYD and Tesla throughout the year.
BYD was positioned as a threat to Western automakers. This was heightened when the EU introduced tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Adding fuel to the fire, Donald Trump also proposed tariffs on Chinese imports, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk playing a prominent role in Trump’s campaign.
Despite the seeming pushback on Chinese EVs, BYD’s growth was widely covered – the volume of BYD coverage was four times the average volume of other car brands.
At its peak, the rivalry earned immense media attention when it was reported that BYD surpassed Tesla in hybrid vehicle sales globally, despite Musk dismissing BYD a threat.
Volume of Coverage – Hybrid Model
Vietnam accounted for 15% of all hybrid-vehicle coverage globally. This was driven by Toyota’s announcement of a potential switch to hybrid vehicle production, despite being one of the slowest adopters of EV.
This news, alongside Toyota’s positive sales performance of its hybrid models, made up more than half of Vietnam’s hybrid-related coverage.
Country Breakdown – Hybrid Model
Governments heralded EVs as a symbol of sustainability.
The adoption of EVs by the mass market turned into a political statement during the US elections.
Former President Biden and President Trump held contrasting views on climate change, with Trump rejecting Biden’s EV initiatives.
Volume of Coverage – Climate & Sustainability
The biggest proportion of sustainability coverage was led by the UAE (18%), with a focus on environmental benefits of EVs. In January, the nation announced it would install multiple EV charging stations. In September, the Sharjah Airport launched an 11-passenger electric taxi.
Additionally, high-profile events such as WETEX and Expand North Star reinforced the UAE’s positioning in local media as a leader in sustainability and green innovation.
Country Breakdown – Climate & Sustainability
