BMW 2001 Annual Report Download - page 134

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Seeking out new opportunities  developing the future. The BMW Group is currently pursuing the most com-
prehensive product offensive in the history of the company. By the year 2006, the BMW Group will be spend-
ing some euro 10 billion on research and development, since the key to the success of all these activities is
innovation. Only a manufacturer consistently looking for new achievements, subsequently implemented to
the benefit of the customer, is in a position to actively shape the process of dynamic, technological change
within the automotive industry.
At the same time, external resources provided by suppliers and partners are being used increasingly in
development and production, creating networks with other companies. This process within the BMW Group
dates back to the 80s when the company started outsourcing an increasing number of tasks to partner
companies, for example in logistics or project management. As a result, the average depth of in-house pro-
duction has decreased in the last 15 years from approximately 40 to roughly 30 per cent. And in develop-
ment the share of partner companies is currently about 50 per cent.
This integration of partners into the production and development process, with the targeted exchange
of know-how, will be consistently pursued by the BMW Group in the years to come. The objectives are to
further enhance our efficiency, reach our ambitious growth targets and expand our model range. The BMW
Group is focusing on the process not just on cooperation with the classic large suppliers, but also and in
particular on cooperation with small, agile, high-tech companies, start-ups, universities and research insti-
tutes. Because innovation is the result of teamwork in well-functioning networks.
From hardware to software  mechatronics. The trend is clear: mechanical systems are controlled increas-
ingly by electronic means. Mechatronics is revolutionising the world of automotive technology. Accordingly
therefore, in development there is a trend from hardware to software. How can mechanical systems be
perfected by the use of electronic components? Or will the combination of electronics and mechanics even
open up entirely new areas and applications?
The BMW Group is working strongly on innovative mechatronic applications. At this very moment, for
example, the first-ever mechatronic steering for regular production models is becoming reality. Forming a
synthesis of an active hydraulic power steering and steer-by-wire, this mechatronic system will set new
standards in safety, agility and comfort. Referred to in the development process as Active Front Steering,
this system offers advantages, for example, when applying the brakes on surfaces with a varying frictional
coefficient, providing a balance of yaw forces and stabilising the car without the driver even noticing. In
practice this means more brake power and about 10 per cent shorter stopping distances. Should the driver
prefer a more sporting style of motoring, a car equipped with this innovative steering will be far more agile
and precise in its response. In city traffic and when parking, however, the process of steering is reduced to
simple, effortless commands provided by the driver. Science fiction? No  soon this will be reality, with a
system of this kind becoming available in the BMW brands next model generation.
From the data highway to the country road. Since September 2001 all BMW cars equipped with the BMW
Assist telematics service have been able not just to receive, but also to transmit data. Called Floating Car
Data, this new procedure is able to monitor all aspects of road traffic without requiring additional infrastruc-
ture. The ideal is simple: each car equipped with BMW Assist automatically conveys information on traffic
Experiencing Innovations