HARDISON’S TIPS – APRIL 23, 2021 – Driverless cars: a quantum leap to level 5
DRIVERLESS CARS: THE INDUSTRY IS PARTNERING
In addition to Continental and Delphi, BMW has now secured Magna as another Tier 1 supplier for the non-exclusive cooperation: Such a global network is important in given that autonomous driving regulation will be in constant interplay with the progress of technical systems over the next 20 years
Nevertheless, Munich-based companies want to get ahead and shape standards as far as possible. The market opinion, this fleet of very expensive test vehicles is not yet large enough; therefore, the network will be expanded by additional strategic partners.
FIAT CHRYSLER TO COOPERATE WITH BMW
Fiat Chrysler is the first associated car manufacturer, All those that come knocking at the door from 2018 can use the finished system as an industrialization partner
When it comes to imagining driving without human intervention, Fröhlich provides two examples: Of course, this automated chauffeur service doesn’t come without challenges: The car would have to estimate where every pedestrian on the roadside might walk. This is less of an issue on highways without any pedestrians nearby or any oncoming traffic.
Upon request, the BMW technology boss is able to imagine another development partnership for next year: “With someone who takes on a sub-task. Let’s say perhaps a downgraded version of a robot taxi for metropolitan areas.” When it comes to autonomous cars for cities, nobody has more experience than Google/Waymo. Interestingly, it is Fiat Chrysler, of all companies, that has already built 100 autonomous Chrysler Pacifica vans together with Waymo. It could just be coincidence, but Brian Krzanich has also just announced a closer development partnership with Waymo. Intel will provide the technology needed to bring robotic cars to inner cities. This is something that all players in the open cooperation will benefit from – directly or indirectly.
It is imperative that you as sales professionals get to know what is going on globally with the new EV vehicles that your manufacturer is selling or your research and development team is partnering with. The days of just selling with a smile or moving to the rear view mirror.
Customers are expecting you to be knowledgeable about technology or have a technologist as part of your sales team especially on deliveries or contactless deliveries that are within your dealership’s market area. So weather it’s the phone, text or video get ready for the future because it’s here.