BMW enables automated driving for producing new vehicles

BMW has announced that it has enabled automated driving for new vehicles involved in production processes within the BMW iFACTORY framework.

Having begun testing Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) for new vehicles at its largest European plant in Dingolfing since 2022, and following its successful CE certification, the pilot project is now transitioning into series operation.

Another key factor in expanding the technology is the increasing use of on-board technology, which will support the external sensors in the long term

In addition to the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series in Dingolfing, this technology is also used in the MINI Countryman and other BMW models in Leipzig, with other facilities in BMW's network set to follow in stages.

In Dingolfing, the vehicles drive fully autonomously along a route of more than one kilometre between the two assembly halls. This is made possible by sensors installed along the route, creating the largest LIDAR infrastructure in Europe. Regardless of the car's equipment options, this system controls its automated movements using state-of-the-art cloud architecture.

Plant Leipzig plans to introduce automated driving in 90% of the BMW and MINI models built there, with Plants Regensburg and Oxford set to follow suit in 2025. Plant Debrecen will also be implementing this technology from the official launch of series production.