ACE Issue 22 2019 | Page 16

What are the next development steps towards autonomous driving at the BMW Group? With the Campus, the switch to the LeSS working method and our organisational structure, we have created a solid basis for mastering the complexity of the task. This enables us to establish new key technologies such as artificial intelligence and simulation as the focus of development. We are also gradually expanding our fleet of vehicles. Currently we have 80 vehicles operating in Europe, the USA and China. The aim with these measures is to validate our highly and fully automated driving technology and to carry out the transition from demonstrator development to production development. How will customers benefit? In 2021, we will be offering customers a perfected system in the BMW iNEXT that adds noticeable value to the vehicle experience. Highly and fully automated driving will give our customers back one of the most precious commodities of all: time. The optional “Highway Pilot” will allow customers to drive on the motorway from Munich to Hamburg, for example, at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph) and spend the time doing other things, such as reading a newspaper or just enjoying the landscape. We will also be operating pilot fleets with Level 4 technology 16 based on the BMW iNEXT in selected regions. Our motto is always “safety first”. With the right technology, the right technology partners and an agile working model, automated driving will make our roads safer for everyone. Our Campus creates the basis for customer-centric development. Thanks to the unique spirit instilled by the Campus, we are changing the face of personal mobility for our customers and giving them back valuable time. Finally, if you had to describe the Campus with three hashtags, what would they be? #EmbracingChange #Transformation #GermanSiliconValley www.bmwgroup.com