Technology continually serves as the underlying factor in the changes that occur in different industries. For the transportation and automotive industry, technology has continued to push innovations in efficiency, lightweight materials, connectivity, and energy. Companies within the industry notice trends resulting from these improvements for future automotive developments. The North American automotive industry is not only the biggest market, but it is also the technological leader across the globe with some of the biggest names in the industry. With the market recovering since the recession, the next five years are expected prompt major changes that will impact the way cars are manufactured and used.