BMW 2009 Annual Report Download - page 39

37 Group Management Report
The advantage of the AVZ is that car models can be ana-
lysed in numerous realistic situations at a very early stage
in their development. One of the first innovations that can
be further developed using the new methods of analysis
available at the AVZ is the so-called “air curtain”, a measure
designed to reduce air resistance around the wheel hous-
ings
and wheels. In future, any knowledge gained can be
integrated in the development process far more quickly,
thus contributing effectively towards improving the aero-
dynamics
of new models.
BMW Group invests in research for the future
of road safety
Research staff from the BMW Group – working in
coopera-
tion with Continental Safety Engineering International
GmbH, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, the
Technical University of Munich’s ultra-high-frequency
technology department and ZENTEC GmbH – have been
investigating the potential of so-called Car2X communi-
cation as part of the three-year AMULETT research
project promoted by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic
Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology. The re-
search project, which was concluded in 2009, was aimed
at raising safety standards for pedestrians. Vehicles ex-
change data by radio with an active RFID-like element
(Radio Frequency Identification). In future, this element
could, for example, be integrated in a schoolbag or hand-
bag. This technology allows individuals to be localised
and identified as endangered road users, something the
motorist would not normally be aware of in a dangerous
situation. The driver is only actually warned (for instance via
the head-up display) in the event of real danger. If an acci-
dent cannot be avoided in the normal reaction time of the
driver, the system automatically actuates the car’s brakes
in order to at least minimise the consequences of the
accident.
AMULETT has proved that the concepts devised are tech-
nically feasible. Since September 2009, the project has
been continued in the form of the Ko-FAS (Cooperative
Vehicle Safety) project, which is being promoted by the
Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The aim of
the project continues to be a significant increase in road
safety and hence a reduction in traffic accidents and road
casualties. The idea is to achieve this by enabling the
vehicle to reliably identify the driving environment, analyse
situations comprehensively on the basis of accurate
measurements that help to assess the risk of collision and
subsequently trigger appropriate preventive measures.
BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH is heading two of the
three Ko-FAS sub-projects.
Numerous other projects carried out by the BMW Group’s
research and technology experts have meanwhile found
their way into series production cars. The parking assistant
or the innovative iDrive operating concept are just two such
examples.
Numerous awards underpin innovative strength
of the BMW Group
Again in 2009, we received numerous awards in
recogni-
tion of our ability to innovate. In January the Federal Minister
of Transport, Construction and Urban Development
awarded the BMW Group its special prize for innovation for
the MINI E at the “Auto der Vernunft” ceremony . The prize
was awarded in recognition of the BMW Group’s particular
consideration of ecological and economic aspects. The
“ÖkoGlobe 2009” also went to the MINI E. This award is
presented by various organisations, including the University
of Duisburg-Essen, for outstanding innovations in the field
of sustainable mobility.
The BMW Group again underlined its position as leading
engine manufacturer with victories in three different catego-
ries
at the International Engine of the Year Award. In the
most prestigious engine competition worldwide, the V8 en-
gine (in the BMW M3), the straight six-cylinder engine fea-
turing twin turbo technology (in the BMW 3 Series, 1 Series
and the BMW X6) and the four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo
engine (in the MINI Cooper S) all achieved top places in
their relevant cubic capacity categories. The BMW Group
has already won more than 40 trophies in the eleven com-
petitions held since 1999. The continuing success in in-
ternationally prestigious engine competitions is impressive
proof of the BMW Group’s unique expertise in the field of
drive train development.
Coinciding with its successful launch, the BMW X1 won the
“TOPAuto 2010” award of the MID (Motor-Informations-
Dienst) engine information service. Over 150 motoring
journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland took
part in the voting. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics was
also voted concept car of the year.