On June 23, German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Robert Habeck visited BMW Group’s Shanghai Research and Development Center on the west bank of Shanghai and was warmly received by BMW Group China management. They had in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as intelligent connected vehicles and sustainable development.
BMW believes economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand, and environmental protection must rely on technological innovation. Meanwhile, BMW believes China will lead the future mobility market. To maintain industry leadership in digitalization, electrification, and sustainable development, excellence in China will shine worldwide. BMW China’s R&D has full-process automotive R&D capabilities and full-stack intelligent connected car software development capabilities, dedicated to creating products and functions that resonate with Chinese drivers.
BMW Group is committed to promoting the industrial upgrade of intelligent connected vehicles in the Chinese automotive industry with its strong local research and innovation capabilities. Safety first is the standard for BMW’s intelligent driving research and development. BMW adheres to strict standards of “safety and responsibility first,” focusing on human-centered design and driving in the environment to create a safe and comfortable driving experience. For example, the automatic lane change function with sight confirmation is a specific manifestation of the “driving in the environment” concept. This system has been updated over 100 times for the Chinese market, with over 2,000 localizations and testing in more than 400 cities, tailored to Chinese road conditions and user driving habits.
Only by taking responsibility can luxury positioning be justified. As a “top student” in practicing BMW’s sustainable development concept, BMW Group Designworks designers draw nourishment from Chinese culture and tradition, combining traditional craftsmanship with forward-looking materials to innovate sustainable luxury. Designworks collaborates with BMW Group design team and local Chinese tech startups to reinterpret materials such as Song brocade, Zhang silk, and lacquer with contemporary aesthetics, exploring possibilities for mass production. Combining innovative sustainable processes with fully recyclable, natural materials, they bring a unique visual and tactile experience, creating a luxurious atmosphere.
BMW has been conducting local research and development in China for 20 years, establishing the largest R&D network outside of Germany. The company covers various fields from design to human-machine interaction to software. BMW Asia-Pacific Technology Center collaborates efficiently and closely with Chinese technology partners, startups, local partners, and academia to explore cutting-edge innovative technologies. BMW will implement its “home in China” corporate strategy through practical actions, believing in China, rooting in China, and empowering global development and innovation.