BMW seeks partners for second-generation self-driving system

BMW is planning the next step in its autonomous driving program, with a second-generation system that will likely debut before the middle of the next decade.

The carmaker’s head of research and development, Klaus Froehlich, said the industry is slowly waking up to the challenges of the technology and are reconsidering their options in order to reduce costs. Invitations remain on the table for other manufacturers including Volkswagen to join its consortium.

BMW’s first-generation autonomous driving system is due to premier with the upcoming iNext, and invitations remain on the table for other automakers to join its consortium.

The auto industry is waking up to the challenges of the technology and automakers are considering their options, Froehlich said.

BMW is working with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Magna International, Intel and Mobileye to bring a new self-driving platform to the entire automotive market by 2021.

The aim is for a scalable system that can offer all various stages of autonomy depending on the need all the way up to the highest, Level 5.

Via Automotive News