The Keyword for BMW's Future is "AECS"

Ian Robertson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Sales Network for BMW AG, predicted that the automotive industry will undergo more change in the next decade than it has in the past century. He stated that BMW will transform from an engineering company into a global technology company.

Currently, urbanization is progressing in developed countries like Japan, and in recent years, this trend is also seen in Asian countries. "In these areas, traffic congestion is worsening and becoming unacceptable. Furthermore, with increasing digitalization, changing regulations, and evolving driver mindsets, we announced a new strategy, 'Strategy Number One Next,' in June of this year." This strategy looks ahead to the next 100 years, envisioning BMW's transformation from its current engineering company status to a global technology company.

The foundation for this transformation is "AECS." He explained, "A for Autonomous, E for Electrify, C for Connected, and S for Sharing – these elements form the basis of our strategy."

Regarding autonomous driving, BMW is collaborating with Intel and Mobileye to create an open platform for autonomous driving within five years, aiming for market introduction in 2021. On electrification, Robertson stated, "With the introduction of the 'i3' and 'i8,' we are leaders." He mentioned upcoming events, including the imminent introduction of a model with extended range by equipping the i3 with a next-generation battery, and the unveiling of the i8 Roadster version in 2018. He also noted that they are exploring a joint platform creation with Toyota for hydrogen technology.

Concerning connectivity, Robertson remarked, "We are connected everywhere, and increasingly, there are things we cannot manage without information." Finally, he addressed sharing. BMW has introduced "DriveNow" and "ReachNow" in Europe and North America, implementing programs for vehicle sharing via smartphone apps. He concluded, "We propose entirely new and intelligent ways of using cars, and we intend to continue entering this space in the future in collaboration with Intel and Mobileye."

The Concept Car "NEXT100" Commemorating BMW's 100th Anniversary

Also present from Germany was Joji Nagashima, Exterior Creative Director of the BMW Design department at BMW AG.Joji NagashimaHe discussed the future of BMW design and presented the concept car "NEXT100," created to commemorate BMW's 100th anniversary.

According to Nagashima, this concept car embodies "our ideals and dreams for the future of BMW design." Its size is "about the same as the5 Series", yet the interior space is comparable to the7 Series". Given BMW's image as a maker of sporty sedans, a four-door sedan was chosen for this concept car.

Joji Nagashima

This concept car incorporates autonomous driving technology, a first for a BMW concept car. A key design feature, which Nagashima highlighted first, is a small, seesaw-like component at the front of the dashboard. Called the "Companion," it functions as the "brain of the car." It collects various information from sensors and navigation systems, and then selects and instantly provides the driver with only the necessary information.

Specifically, if a bicycle is present, a warning light is projected onto the screen to alert the driver. Even if the bicycle is hidden behind a truck and not visible to the driver, the sensor detects it and a warning is projected onto the screen.

Below the projected information, the speedometer and tachometer are also projected, allowing the driver to see only the necessary information while looking forward, without significantly moving their gaze. Nagashima explained that BMW's approach to autonomous driving is "primarily a driver assistance system designed to make any driver the best driver."

It is also possible to activate full autonomous driving by flipping a switch. In this mode, the driver can simply relax in their seat, and the steering wheel folds away, integrating into the dashboard. "The interior is designed to be a comfortable space, like a lounge, relaxed and uncluttered, with simple, large surfaces layered upon each other."

BMW Design: Always a Trendsetter

Now, regarding exterior design, Nagashima stated, "We believe the front end represents BMW's heritage." The kidney grille is, of course, retained, and while the headlamps are not the traditional four round lights, the tradition is carried on by repeating the same shape four times. Nagashima explained, "In this car, the kidney grille is not considered an air intake in the traditional sense. This area is convenient for placing various sensors, so there are many sensors located behind it."

On the side view, Nagashima commented, "The number of lines is limited, and it is composed of clean, simple, flowing surfaces. It is dynamic yet has a simple and calm design." It incorporates the traditional "Hofmeister kink" and L-shaped taillights, sharing motifs common to all BMWs.

The most striking feature of the exterior is the wheels, which are completely covered. This fender is imagined as a flexible, fabric-like woven material that moves in sync with the steering. Nagashima explained the reason for covering the wheels is to reduce air resistance. "By narrowing the gap between the wheel cover and the fender, the drag coefficient is 0.18, the best figure in BMW's history."

Finally, Nagashima reflected on BMW's past designs, stating, "BMW's design has always led trends; it has been a trendsetter. Others have followed. This innovative and creative spirit is what has built BMW up to this point." He concluded, "It will be the same in the future; by maintaining this creative and constantly evolving attitude, we can express BMW's value as a premium brand and the 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' that is our company's policy."