The BMW Group and Daimler AG are to join forces on automated driving. Initially, the focus will be on advancing the development of next-generation technologies for driver assistance systems, automated driving on highways and parking features (up to SAE Level 4).

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop this technology. They view their partnership as “a long-term co-operation” and aim to make next-level technologies widely available by the middle of the coming decade.

BMW board member Klaus Fröhlich said (www.bmwgroup.com): “As we continue to pursue our strategy, we are combining the expertise of two technology leaders.

"At the BMW Group, long-term partnerships within a flexible, scalable and non-exclusive platform are fundamental to advancing the industrialisation of autonomous driving. Combining the key expertise of our two companies will boost our innovative strength and speed up the spread of this technology.”

Daimler’s Ola Källenius (www.daimler.com), who is responsible for group research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development, said: “Autonomous driving is one of the most revolutionary trends for us at the moment, and the entire Daimler Group is working very hard on it.

"As always at Daimler, our top priority is safety. Instead of individual stand-alone solutions, we want to develop a
reliable overall system that offers noticeable added value for customers.

"Working with the right partners, we want to make significant advances in enhancing the performance of this technology and bring it safely on the road.”

Joint development work will be carried out via a scalable architecture covering several stages of automation, with Levels 3 and 4 enabling automated driving on highways.

In addition, the two partners plan to discuss the possibility of extending their collaboration to cover higher levels of automation, both on highways and in urban areas.

The BMW Group and Daimler AG will also explore partnerships with other technology companies and automotive manufacturers that could contribute to the success of the platform.