Munich. BMW is one of the leading automotive
manufacturers involved in the link-up of people, vehicles and
services. For some years now, the development of connected cars has
focused on innovative technologies and technological expertise. Dr
Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President Electronics at BMW, has played
a key RD role in shaping the face of connectivity and is
currently making a decisive impact on its advancement in the sphere of
electronics. The editors at Automotive News Europe have voted Dr Grote
the “Eurostar 2016” in the “Connected Car” category for his
exceptional achievements in this area.
Connectivity provides the basis for future technologies.
The BMW 7 Series sets new standards in contemporary luxury,
comfort and innovations. Alongside groundbreaking technologies in the
fields of lightweight design, powertrains, chassis development, system
operation and interior ambience, intelligent connectivity underscores
BMW’s commitment to blending top-level driving pleasure with
long-distance comfort in a luxury sedan. The BMW 7 Series brings
together digital services, clever apps and assistance systems with new
control and operating technology – such as BMW gesture control, which
makes it possible to operate the car’s information and entertainment
functions by means of hand movements. The range of functions offered
by Driving Assistant Plus is being extended in the BMW 7 Series to
include, for the first time, the Steering and lane control assistant,
Lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, Rear
collision prevention and Crossing traffic warning. The Traffic jam
assistant can be used on all types of road, enabling semi-automated
driving. Speed restrictions detected by Speed Limit Info can be
incorporated by the Active Cruise Control with StopGo function at
the touch of a button. The BMW 7 Series therefore highlights once
again how increased safety, comfort and entertainment all enhance
driving enjoyment.
Years of research and development into future technology.
One of Dr Christoph Grote’s central roles has been to drive
forward highly automated driving at BMW – and thus vehicle
connectivity as a fundamental element of this technology. Remote
Control Parking is another of the outstanding assistance systems
unveiled for the first time in the BMW 7 Series. This option links
together various sensors and assistance systems, enabling the BMW 7
Series to be driven into and out of garages or forward-parking spaces
without a driver. Functions such as Remote Control Parking are
examples of the outstanding connectivity technologies built into the
BMW 7 Series which were decisive in securing Dr Grote the title of
“Eurostar 2016” in the “Connected Cars” section. Added to which, Dr
Grote has contributed significantly to the collaboration with the map
and location service HERE, which BMW Group has held a share in since
2015. Dr Grote views the combination of HERE digital map technology
and the data from vehicle sensors as exceptional and believes it will
provide a major developmental advantage when it comes to mobility in
the future.
Competition with a long tradition.
Automotive News Europe is one of Europe’s major automotive
publications for car manufacturers and dealers. 2016 was the 19th time
the editors have honoured key decision-makers and selected their
“Eurostars”. This year’s voting covered 14 categories.