• Of all passenger cars sold globally in 2024, 75% had embedded cellular connectivity, up 8% YoY.
• The rise was driven by the increasing penetration of connectivity features in mass-market cars.
• BYD Group’s connected car sales grew 34% YoY, the highest increase globally, as it offered embedded connectivity in all its models.
• Among major regions, India experienced the fastest YoY growth of 25% in 2024 due to domestic OEMs' increasing integration of connectivity features.
• More than half of the cars sold globally are expected to have embedded 5G connectivity by 2028.

Seoul, Beijing, Bueno Aires, Hong Kong, London, New Delhi, San Francisco, Taipei, Tokyo – March 12, 2025

Global connected car sales rose 8% YoY in 2024, according to Counterpoint’s latest Global Connected Car Tracker. 75% of all passenger cars sold in 2024 featured embedded cellular connectivity, up from 71% in 2023, illustrating the accelerating adoption of in-car connectivity worldwide.

Commenting on the growing connectivity in cars, Associate Director Greg Basich said, “The growing penetration of connectivity features in mass-market cars has been a key driver of this expansion. Automakers are integrating advanced telematics, real-time navigation, and connected in-car entertainment features to enhance the driving experience and improve safety. Embedded cellular connectivity is increasingly becoming a standard rather than an add-on.”

Toyota Group dominated global connected car market sales in 2024, followed by Volkswagen Group and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. However, China-based BYD Group emerged as the fastest-growing player, with a 34% YoY increase in connected car sales.

Commenting on the OEM strategy, Senior Analyst Parv Sharma said, “BYD, a pure EV player, has implemented connectivity features across all its car models and is providing advanced safety and technological features at a competitive price point, which is helping its rapid growth in the connected car market.”

Sharma added, “Automakers worldwide are integrating embedded connectivity to enhance the in-car user experience, safety, and vehicle performance. As connectivity becomes a standard offering, consumer demand continues to shape the automotive industry's evolution.”

China remained the global connected car market leader in 2024, driven by its booming EV sector and strong consumer demand for smart mobility solutions, followed by the US and Germany. However, India stood out as the fastest-growing market, registering a 25% YoY increase in 2024. Counterpoint attributes this to domestic OEMs integrating connectivity features across their lineups.

Commenting on the Indian car market, Research Analyst Abhilash Gupta said, “The Indian automotive industry is embracing smart mobility solutions, aligning with consumer demand for seamless digital integration in vehicles. Leading OEMs are focusing more on their electric vehicle lineups, which are all equipped with advanced connectivity and safety features. India is expected to be the fastest growing connected car market, with a CAGR of 18% between 2025 and 2030.”

Telematics Control Units (TCUs), providing access to 4G networks, remain the primary type of connectivity device in connected cars. Around 94% of connected cars sold in 2024 were 4G connected. However, 5G penetration is increasing gradually, enhancing advanced vehicle connectivity. The integration of 5G in luxury and premium models is gaining momentum, and it will slowly trickle down to mid-level cars in the next two years. It is expected that more than half of the cars sold will have embedded 5G connectivity by 2028. 5G connectivity will enable enhanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, faster data transmission, and improved autonomous driving capabilities.

* Sales here refer to wholesale figures, i.e. deliveries out of factories by respective brands, and consider only passenger cars with embedded connectivity.
The comprehensive and in-depth ‘Global Connected Car Tracker, Q4 2024’ is now available for purchase at report.counterpointresearch.com.
Feel free to reach us at press@counterpointresearch.com for questions regarding our latest research and insights.

Background

Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm specializing in products in the TMT (technology, media and telecom) industry. It services major technology and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects and detailed analyses of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are seasoned experts in the high-tech industry.