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
Luxury Off-Road SUV Models
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Has a Longer, Wider Body
Plushly Appointed Passenger SUVs
The 2024 Toyota Century SUV Offers an Ultra-Luxurious Experience
Family-Sized Camping Vans
The Volkswagen 2025 Grand California Has a Spacious Interior
Multifunctional Micro-Camper Vans
The Toyoya Kayoibako Prioritizes Flexibility
Customized Soccer Team Cars
Audi Unveils 2024 MLS Cup Championship Celebratory Wrapped Vehicles
Adventurous Off-Road EV Concepts
The Kia EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR Concepts are Rugged
Beautiful Automotive Design Books
Auto Photo Manual drives the car design coffee table book trend
Car Culture-Inspired Fashion Capsules
The Forever 21 x Ford Line Emphasizes American Heritage
Autonomous Vehicle Coffee Makers
The 'DOTS' Vehicle Coffee Machine by Junseo Oh is Compact
Streamlined Digital EV Concepts
The INFINITI Vision Qe Concept Has a Sleek, Futuristic Form
Racer-Honoring SUV Models
The 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe Special Edition SUV Arrives in the New Year
Two-Wheeled EV Concepts
The 'SHANE' Two-Wheeled Electric Car Concept Has Space for Five
Vehicle-Forward Watch Apps
Tesla's Apple Watch App Turns Your Watch into a Car Key
Lifestyle-Conscious Transportation Pods
The KIA Pod Concept by Junseok Park Has Level 5 Autonomy
Cutting-Edge Auto Simulation Technologies
Ansys Aims to Transform the Automotive Industry
Family-Friendly Concept Campers
The 'Habiton 2' Offers Comfort In Both Cities & the Great Outdoors
Retro-Futuristic Sports Cars
The DeLorean Cyberpunk Concept by Loïc Chauvin is 80s-Inspired
AI Concept Vehicles
LG Debuted Its Lifestyle Solution for Mobility at CES 2025
Gen Z-Targeted Scooter Models
The Conceptual 'Omni' Electric Scooter is Customizable
Rugged Entry-Level Electric SUVs
The Rivian R3 Boasts a Dynamic and Practical Design
Camping-Friendly Crossover SUVs
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Maximizes Comfort and Capability
Auto-Focused AI Marketing Tools
Dealer Creative AI Boosts Social Media Content for Dealerships
Interplanetary Exploration Vehicle Concepts
The Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser Features In-Wheel Motors
Accessible All-Electric Cars
The Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 Concept is Estimated at €20,000
Electric Five-Door Cars
This Vehicle is a Reimagined Version Of the 'Renault 5' Sports Car
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Compact Electric Urbanite CUVs
Th eToyota C-HR+ Electric Will Arrive in Europe in Late 2025
Luxury Off-Road Electric SUVs
The Range Rover Electric Prototype Has a New Traction Control System
Efficient Micro Mobility EVs
The Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric Prototype is Set to Launch in 2026
Revived All-Electric SUV Models
The Scout Traveler SUV is Back After a 44 Year Hiatus
Young Travellers-Targeting Campaigns
Progressive Insurance Has Introduced a New Campaign
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Toyota Becomes a Founder Partner of Ionna Charging Stations
Bold High-Tech Roadsters
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept is Electric and Fully Autonomous
Future-Facing EV Designs
The Jaguar Type 00 Showcases the Brand's Future
Retro-Inspired Two Seater EVs
The Pininfarina DYNO by Kanishq Palav Has Hubless Wheels
Muscular Pickup Truck Concepts
The Nissan Yuga Pickup Truck Concept by Jobin Sunil is Stylish
Auto-Centric Digital Retail Spaces
Hyundai Becomes First Automaker to Sell on Amazon Autos
Accessible Entry-Level SUVs
The Acura ADX Offers Millennials and Gen Z an Affordable Option
Sci-Fi-Inspired SUV Models
The Toyota RAV4 Dark Side Performance Concept is Futuristic
Escapism Electric Vehicle Concepts
The 'Trekker' Concept Vehicle is Imagined for Urbanites in 2030
Robotic Baby Car Puppets
The Iruyo Intelligent Puppet Keeps Babies Calm in the Car
Nostalgic Explorer SUVs
These Nissan X-Trail Concepts Include the Unwind and the Remastered
Multisensory Car Seats
Evenflo's SensorySoothe Calms Crying Babies and Reduces Parental Stress
Hands-Free Driving Campaigns
Ford UK's Social Campaign Shares Merch for the "Passenger Princess"
Autonomous Vehicle Kits
This Kit Teaches Kids How AI is Changing Transportation Dynamics
Luxe Electric Family Vehicles
Cadillac's VISTIQ SUV Pairs Three-Row Comfort with EV Performance
Electric Urbanite SUVs
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is Built on the Brand's Dedicated BEV Platform
Convenience-Focused Vehicle Designs
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Emphasizes Customization and Convenience
Sporty High-End SUVs
The 2026 Kia Sportage SUV is Debuting at the Auto Show in Montreal
Racer-Inspired City Car Concepts
The Nissan Concept 20-23 is Imagined as the Perfect City Car
Shapeshifting Communal EVs
The Kia Concept PV5 and PV7 Have a Projected 2025 Release
In-Car Blockbuster Services
Mercedes-Benz Unites with Sony Pictures to Enhance the RIDEVU Service
Active-Minded Refreshing Streetwear
YoungLA Drops the First Instalment of its October Collection
Video Game-Inspired Vehicles
Hyundai Introduces the New INTEROID EV Influenced by Gaming
Tech Brand Vehicle Features
Sony and Honda's Collaborative 'Afeela' Car Boasts Entertainment Tech
AI-Powered Toy Cars
Rocar is an Interactive Ride-On Robot Car for Kids Ages Two to Six
Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles
The 'Ada' Autonomous Vehicle Concept is Passively Charged
AI-Powered Review Insights
Yelp Adds New AI Features for Restaurant-Goers and Owners
Tech-Rich Compact Cars
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Comes in Three Models
EV Headlight Flashlights
The Hyundai IONIQ Pixel Toy Flashlight Has a Vehicular Form
Convertible Commercial RV Vans
Nissan and PlugVan Partnered to Showcase the Plug Module
Artfully DIY-Wrapped Minibuses
Volkswagen Presents the All-Electric ID.Buzz Microbus
Special Edition Off-Road SUVs
These Jeep Concepts Were Unveiled for the 2024 Easter Jeep Safari
Ride-Hailing App Expansions
Uber and Turo Partner to Offer Vehicle Rentals to Uber Rent
Android-Powered Infotainment Systems
The 2025 Ford Explorer Boasts Advanced Tech in the Cabin
70s-Style Four-Door EVs
The New Ford Capri is Built on the Volkswagen MEB Platform
Conceptual Electric Sportscars
Nissan Introduces the R32ev Concept Model at Tokyo Auto Salon
Iconic Car-Inspired Electronic Bikes
Ford and N Plus Join Forces on Bronco-Inspired Off-Road Bikes
Self-Driving Electric Cars
Rimac Introduces its First Autonomous Electric Car Brand, Verne
Child-Forward Travel Planning Kits
Trip Jones Offers Kid-Friendly Travel Planning
Pop Culture-Inspired Rentals
Airbnb Unveils the New 'Icons' Experiences for Short-Term Guests
Gaming-Inspired Vehicle Concepts
Hyundai Draws Inspiration from Its Electric Subcompact SUV
Style-Conscious Off-Road SUVs
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is Built on the TNGA-F Global Truck Platform
Smartphone-Brand Electric Sedans
Xiaomi is Shaking Up the Electric Auto Industry With the 'SU7' EV
Popstar VIP Fan Experiences
Jonas Brothers Join Turo for Ultimate Concert Experience
Athletically Sleek SUV Models
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Comes in Several Power Options
Retro-Futuristic Headlight Automobiles
BMW Vision's Neue Klasse Gears Towards an Electric Angle
Vehicle Performance Data Integrations
Autocar Integrates Geotab's Telematics Devices into Fleet
Social-First Car Campaigns
Škoda's Reddit Car Share Amplified the Voices of Passionate Fans
Efficient Tech-Packed Pickup Trucks
The 2024 Ford F-150 Comes in Several Hybrid Options and More
Car Rental Partnerships
Turo & Hopper Join Forces to Revolutionize Car Booking in Travel Industry
Inaugural Midsized Electric SUVs
The smart #5 Electric SUV Balances Function and Form
AI Vehicle App Features
Volkswagen Integrates Generative AI into Its myVW Mobile App
Cheeky Refund Campaigns
Renault Introduces Relationship Breakdown Cover for Its Scenic SUV
Real-Time Trending Spot Features
Roadtrippers Introduces the Trending Spots Feature to Its App
Student-Focused Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle Rides
HopSkipDrive Expands Its Service in 10 Areas
Color-Changing Outdoor SUV Concepts
The Lexus LX 600 Premium AAP Build Has a Striking Wrap
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Retailer-Enabled Car Sales
Amazon Autos Allows Consumers to Shop for Their Next Vehicle at Home
Sporty All-Electric Concept Cars
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Maximizes Electric Capabilities
Customized Convenience Retailer Apps
Family Express is Introducing a Personalized App Experience
Self-Driving Cab App Expansions
The Robotaxi Cruise Service Will Launch on Uber Platforms
Solution-Oriented Holiday Ads
Orange’s Holiday Ad Brings Families Together Over Smartphones
Petite Solar-Powered EVs
The 'Buggy' is a Micro Vehicle That Offers Comfortably Compact Motoring
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
Sleek Exclusive Collaborative Cars
Hyundai Presents the IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition
Car-Identifying Apps
Scout Helps Enthusiasts Identify a Vehicle
Car Transfer Service Apps
Andersen Collaborated with a Ride-Sharing Provider on This New Product
Celebrative BIPOC Campaigns
Toyota Launches its 'You Can't Stop My Drive' Campaign
Vehicle Accessibility Initiatives
General Motors Enhances Vehicle Accessibility with GM Envolve
Generative Art-Wrapped Cars
Kaoru Tanaka Wraps the INFINITI QX80 in Digital Artwork
Next-Gen Safety SUV Models
The Renault Symbioz Hybrid SUV is Modern and Fuel-Efficient
Influencer-Starring Car Commercials
Toyota's New Short Film Seeks to Resonate with Gen Z Customers
Car-Connected Retail Services
Target Drive Up and Order Pickup Has a New Apple CarPlay Function
Car Education Clinics
She Auto Know's Winter Car Clinic Returns to Empower Women
Self-Driving Food Delivery Services
Uber Eats is Launching Waymo Delivery Services in Phoenix
High-Efficiency Tech-Packed EVs
The Tesla Model Y is Arriving in China in Several Options
Travel Stroller Rentals
Joolz & 1 Hotels Launched a Relax & Stroll Rental Package
Dynamic Auto Marketing Campaigns
Hyundai Promotes Its Electrical Vehicle Line-up
Efficient Charging Solutions
TESSAN Showcased a Slew of Its Performance-Focused Products at CES
Classic Modernized Sleek Automobiles
Renault and Ora ïto Create the R17 Restomod Automobile
In-Car Conversation Cards
Kelley Blue Book's "Car-fessional" Cards Inspire Family Connection
Inaugural EV-Prototype Race Cars
The ABB NASCAR EV Prototype Was Unveiled at Chicago Street Race
Heritage-Honoring Electric SUVs
The 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V Marks 20 Years of the V-Series
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Personalized Child Education Apps
Sandbox Group Launches the PlayKids+ Application for Ages 2-12
Car Dealer-Targeted Software-As-A-Service Platforms
Curbee Helps Car Dealers and Manufacturers
Pet-Themed Branding Initatives
Lyft and Animal Planet Promoted Puppy Bowl in February
Puzzle-Inspired Electric Minivans
HW Electric Designs a Modular Sustainable Electric Minivan
Festive Film Vehicles
Turo Helps Drivers Spread Seasonal Cheer with Limited-Edition Elfmobiles
Data-Driven Connected Cars
JLR and Tata Communications Aim to Enhance Smart Vehicle Design
AI-Assisted Car Shopping Apps
The CoPilot App Eliminates Barriers in Digital Car Shopping
AI-Empowered Vehicle Designs
Toyota Research Institute Plays Around with Generative AI
Elf-Inspired Cars
Turo Debuts Elfmobiles in NYC to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Elf Movie
Shareable Autonomous Vehicle Designs
The Tesla Cybercab Has No Steering Wheel or Pedals
Online Vehicle Owners Communities
OMMT is an online community for like-minded car lovers
Dystopian Electric Vehicles
UP.FIT Refits Tesla Models Into Cyberpunk Tactile Vehicles
Mapping Car Battery Support
Google Maps Rolls Out Battery and Charging Support for Electric Cars
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Car Safety-Promoting PSAs
The Ad Council and NHTSA Have Launched a New Never Happens Campaign
Dynamic Australian Automobile Platforms
Toyota's 'Toyota Go' Program Enhances Customer Engagement
Child Passenger Safety Initiatives
Hyundai Motor America Enhances the Car Seat Safety Program
In-Vehicle Entertainment Deals
BMW Teams Up with Paramount+ to Enhance In-Car Streaming Options
Pampering Rideshade Cars
Bliss x Alto Teamed Up to Create a Custom Passenger Princess Car
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Aggregated EV Charging Apps
Stellantis Turns its EV Charging Technology into a Unified Business
Mobile Dorm-Designing Features
Pottery Barn Teen Unveils a New Dorm Shop and Expanded Features
Simplified Car Rental Services
Car4YouSpain Helps Travelers in Spain Secure Their Vehicle
UAE-Based EV Apps
EVLAB Launches the New Electric Vehicle App for UAE Customers
Accessible Ride App Safety-Tools
Uber is Altering its App for The Safety Tools in One Place