Reflections on the Past, Electrification for the Future

"Our industry, both domestically and internationally, has made serious mistakes. The first was an unforgivable error. The second was a mistake that contradicted the image our industry aims to project, and a mistake in recognition and thorough pursuit."

The 67th Frankfurt Motor Show, held from September 12 to 24, 2017, began with these words from Matthias Wissmann, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry.

MINI Electric Concept

Volkswagen I.D. Crozz II

He was, of course, referring to the diesel emissions scandal that surfaced during the previous show in September 2015.

Wissmann also emphasized that Germany's major automakers had agreed with the federal government and other authorities to provide free software updates for over five million diesel vehicles in the country.

All the concept cars unveiled by Germany's leading automotive brands this year featured some form of electrification. Even the "Project ONE", a 1000-horsepower supercar from Mercedes-AMG based on an F1 V6 engine, was a hybrid equipped with four motors.

Skoda VisionE

Honda Urban EV Concept

Porsche, which announced the third-generation "Cayenne", also revealed its accelerated electrification strategy. According to CEO Oliver Blume, speaking to CAR magazine, the pure electric vehicle "Mission E", unveiled at the 2015 show, will launch in 2019 with a price point similar to the current Panamera.

Porsche already offers plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants for the Cayenne and "Panamera", but with significant advancements in battery technology—especially for high-end vehicles capable of housing cutting-edge cells—leading to increased range, I suspect PHEVs might be a transitional technology that ends sooner than expected.

Interview with BMW Representative on Electrification

Under the slogan "Number One Next," BMW announced plans to introduce 25 electrified models by 2025, 12 of which will be pure electric vehicles.

The symbol of this strategy is the "i Vision Dynamics," a four-door coupe that will be the third model in the BMW i brand lineup, following the existing "i3" and "i8". Upon its release, it is expected to be a strong competitor to Tesla's "Model S".

We had the opportunity to interview Dirk Arnold, Head of Product Management and E-Mobility for the BMW i brand.

BMW i Vision Dynamics

BMW Concept X7 i Performance

Electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity, car sharing: Which does the BMW Group prioritize?


"All are progressing at the same level. All will be major trends for the next 10 to 20 years. Within that, 'electrification + autonomous driving' is the initial combination. On top of that, we will offer new ideas and services represented by car sharing."

A key question is how the 'i' series and existing BMW electrified vehicles will be differentiated in marketing.


"The M models are a good analogy. People immediately recognize them as dynamic and sporty M cars. Customers already perceive 'i' models as distinct. We will further differentiate them with upcoming models. We are moving forward with conviction."

How do you view the entry of new manufacturers like Tesla and Faraday Future?


"New players are welcome as they increase the overall volume and dynamism of the industry. In this context, established automakers like us know how to build cars. It is a very serious business."

BMW Concept Z4

"A car is a significant purchase, and we must achieve the high and consistent quality that customers have expected for many years."

"At the same time, we must achieve the same quality in all our factories worldwide, not just in Germany. We are capable of doing that."

"However, the more players there are in the market, the more customer trust in electrified vehicles will grow. They will come up with new ideas, and we will offer our own."

The Automotive World Has Been Captivating in Recent Years

Audi, in particular, made significant proposals regarding autonomous driving, achieving the world's first Level 3 autonomous driving—where the driver is not required to monitor—in the new "A8", albeit under specific conditions.

The company also showcased the "Elaine", a Level 4 concept car (where the driver only intervenes in emergencies), and the "Aicon", envisioning a Level 5 era where the driver is not involved in driving.

Audi Elaine

Audi Aicon

Speaking of which, concept cars displayed in recent years, reflecting advancements in autonomous driving technology, often feature driver and passenger seats that can face backward. This seating arrangement, reminiscent of the "transportation of the future" I saw in children's picture books, sparks excitement.

Is this feasible? I asked numerous people involved with manufacturers and suppliers.

Renault Symbioz

A development manager at an airbag manufacturer explained the need for additional airbags, including those integrated into the seats. An interior supplier staff member also noted, "We might need airbags that deploy from the roof."

In conclusion, it appears that facing backward while driving will not be feasible until all vehicles on the road are autonomous and collision-free technology is perfected. Therefore, separate from the achievement of fully autonomous driving, experts estimate that it will take at least another 15 to 20 years before we can sit facing backward and play card games with family, as depicted in visions of future transportation.

Borgward Isabella Concept

Volocopter Electric Flying Taxi

Meanwhile, several venture companies exhibited "flying cars" as reference models. Daimler also displayed an electric sky taxi being developed by Volocopter, a company in which Daimler is a consortium investor. It seems plausible that these flying taxis might become a reality before fully autonomous driving.

Returning to our conversation with Mr. Arnold of BMW, he stated, "This is an unprecedented period of change and a great opportunity for the automotive industry." With a smile, he concluded, "Stay tuned!"

"Stay tuned" means "Please look forward to it." The phrase originated in the US when radio personalities urged listeners to "keep their radios tuned" before a commercial break. As he suggests, we are on the verge of being drawn into an exciting era where the automotive world demands our constant attention for the next few years.