I think the emphasis on the auto industry at welding shows is related to robotics. There seems to be little novelty-technology wise-when it comes to the standard fusion welding processes. Pulsing is old now, square waves, inverters, wave form controls, etc. Even the new AC/DC SAW's are just reconfigurations of old technologies with updated electronics to facilitate greater control. The great majority of technology involving fusion welding technology came out of research from the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Add the 70's and a bit of the 80's and you have almost everything.
Robotics is still sexy and evolving. And the auto industry has been heavily robotic for some time. this is also, nmy opinion why the welding shows have slowed downin interest of late. The standard fusion techiquesstill dominate the industry, but developement is in other areas.