7:06 am, June 23, 2020
A partnership between BMW and Mercedes to develop the next generation of autonomous driving systems has been put on hold.
The two German giants had previously agreed to develop self-driving systems, but after an ‘extensive review’, the two firms have ‘mutually and amicably’ decided to concentrate on their own plans.
Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board of management of BMW AG, responsible for development, said: ‘We have systematically further developed our technology and scalable platform with partners like Intel, Mobileye, FCA and Ansys.
‘Our current technology generation offers very strong, sustainable potential: With extremely powerful sensors and computing power, our robust modular system puts us in an excellent position to offer our customers what they need for many years.’
Both firms have been keen to point out that the partnership could be resumed at a later date, however, the ‘expense involved in creating a shared technology platform, as well as current business and economic conditions’ meant that it wasn’t the right time to continue with the collaboration.
Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO, said: ‘Our expertise complements that of the BMW Group very well, as our successful collaborations have proved.
‘Next to decarbonisation, digitalisation is a major strategic pillar for Mercedes-Benz. To prepare for the future challenges of a rapidly changing environment, we are currently also sounding out other possibilities with partners outside the automotive sector.’
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