BMW Group is accelerating its vehicle development cycles through the implementation of artificial intelligence, positioning itself for intensified competition, particularly from China. According to Development Board Member Joachim Post, the company’s advancements will be difficult for competitors to replicate swiftly. “What we plan to achieve in the next two years will be hard for anyone to match” Post stated in an interview with “Handelsblatt”. He further asserted that the company’s current pace surpasses even “China speed.
This boost in development velocity is underpinned by the introduction of the “Neue Klasse” platform, unveiled by BMW at the IAA Mobility event in Munich earlier this year. The company intends to introduce approximately 40 new models or refresh existing ones leveraging this new electro platform by 2027. This includes advancements in battery technology, user interface design and the construction of new manufacturing facilities. Since 2021, BMW has already committed over ten billion euros to fund these initiatives.
Post characterized the accelerated process with a Bavarian analogy, suggesting a streamlined efficiency akin to baking pretzels. A key component of this streamlining is the increased utilization of artificial intelligence throughout the development process, which is expected to significantly expedite workflows.
The automotive sector overall faces mounting pressure, compounded by factors such as US trade policies, the transition to electric vehicle production and the aggressive expansion of Chinese competitors. German automakers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, are experiencing a substantial loss of market share in China. Reflecting this competitive landscape, Volkswagen and Audi have also announced intentions to significantly increase their development speed. BMW is notably seeking to reduce the average number of developers required for each new vehicle project, aiming for approximately 1,000 per model. Post acknowledged that previous iterations have historically necessitated considerably more resources.
