BMW South Africa announces new ConnectedDrive features available for local customers from July 2014

BMW is further consolidating its standing as the world’s leading provider of online-based in-car services by introducing some major enhancements while also making its BMW ConnectedDrive services easily accessible. The new mobility products represent a further milestone in the on-going success story of BMW ConnectedDrive and take automotive infotainment into a whole new dimension.

• The refocusing of BMW ConnectedDrive turns complete, intelligent connectivity between passengers, vehicle and the outside world into a reality.
• All BMW models are to be fitted with a built-in SIM card as standard from July and August 2014 production.
• The freedom to pick and choose mobility services ensures maximum flexibility und heralds individual, tailor-made solutions that are of unique benefit to the customer.
• Standard Intelligent Emergency Call system including precise vehicle location and detection of accident severity offers more extensive functionality.
• Standard BMW TeleServices to constantly monitor the entire vehicle’s service data from fluid levels to brake pads. If the need for service is identified, the car’s data is transferred directly to BMW.
• BMW Online and BMW Apps-ready applications mean the infotainment options are virtually boundless and available with iOS and Android.
• Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) giving up-to-date information about where traffic is and how to avoid traffic jams.
• Internet usage via an integrated SIM card in the vehicle. Unlimited data transfer (excluding video streaming).
• Drivers can now establish a connection to their BMW through their phones and activate functions in the car remotely via the Remote Services.
• Around the clock and personal advice from the BMW Call Centre with the Concierge Service which can send a requested point of interest directly into the navigation system.
• New ConnectedDrive services specially tailored to the demands of e‑mobility and future mobility form part of the standard specification on the BMW i models when introduced in South Africa from March 2015.
• The BMW ConnectedDrive internet portal, the fully networked BMW i navigation system, the BMW i Remote app as well as the BMW ConnectedDrive Information Plus service designed to ensure a perfectly interlinked user experience.
• The BMW ConnectedDrive Store can be accessed and used both from the vehicle and from a home PC (only in SA from July 2015).
• The variable running periods available for particular services, ranging from just one month to one year or longer, provide added convenience (will only be available in South Africa from July 2015 in conjunction with BMW ConnectedDrive Store).
• The BMW i ConnectedDrive services are there to assist the driver when at home and can accompany them all the way to their final destination while using further forms of transport. As such, BMW i is setting a marker for the future of mobility (available from March 2015 when the BMW i3 and BMW i8 go on sale in South Africa).

Refocusing of BMW ConnectedDrive:

Complete connectivity, a whole new level of flexibility and a remarkably wide array of mobility services.
BMW ConnectedDrive has been synonymous with forward-looking concepts and technologies in the domain of automotive connectivity for some years now. By refocusing on tailor-made mobility services and new, highly innovative service functions, BMW is further consolidating its leading status in this field, at the same time as ringing in a new era for BMW ConnectedDrive services with a customer portal, a clearly structured layout and a diverse product offering designed for flexible usage. In the process, BMW is once again demonstrating the technological edge that it has held over the competition for many years.

Target: BMW ConnectedDrive in many markets and for all vehicles.
From the outset, BMW ConnectedDrive has been geared towards the mobility requirements of tomorrow and of its users. The carmaker’s pioneering role is exemplified by its early integration of the iPhone using interface technology in BMW cars back in 2007, as well as the multitude of apps for in-car use introduced since 2011. The reorientation of the services now turns comprehensive, intelligent connectivity between passengers, vehicle and the outside world into a reality, while the new and enhanced service features are to be made available for all models by means of a SIM card integrated into the vehicle.

Over the course of 2014, the BMW ConnectedDrive service portfolio will be extended to a further 14 markets in addition to the 11 where it is already available and local customers will begin to enjoy new features, which have only been available to bigger markets in the world. The objective is to have around five million BMW cars linked up worldwide via ConnectedDrive with the help of the built-in SIM card by the year 2017. This shift in strategy makes BMW the first carmaker to firmly commit itself to the goal of achieving blanket connectivity. This will see BMW customers reap the benefits of a steadily increasing number of innovative new functions with extremely high practical value. A current example of this is the Intelligent Emergency Call system with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection: this can significantly cut the time that elapses between the incident occurring and the emergency and rescue services arriving on the scene, making it an invaluable aid following an accident. It will be offered as standard in all BMW model series in South Africa.

Clearly structured, easy to understand and simple to book.
To ensure that customers have a clear picture of what’s on offer, BMW ConnectedDrive will in future be based on just two mainstays: besides the driving assistance systems with their convenience and safety functions, the optimised BMW ConnectedDrive services comprising the entire infotainment and mobility portfolio will now be more clearly structured, more readily understood and also individually bookable via various channels. Meanwhile, there is a dedicated customer section for the ConnectedDrive services offered by the BMW i sub-brand.

Flexible and personalised: everything’s available, nothing’s compulsory.
As part of the concept’s reorientation, BMW has dispensed with the previous package solutions. In future, customers will be able to decide for themselves which of the available mobility services they would like to take advantage of. Individual services can furthermore be activated for a limited period, such as one month, one quarter or one year (only in South Africa from July 2015 in conjunction with BMW ConnectedDrive Store). Such freedom of choice ensures maximum flexibility und heralds individual, tailor-made solutions that are of unprecedented benefit to the customer. Plus, it enables the vehicle’s range of functions to be enhanced considerably over time or updated, meaning that a BMW can still boast the very latest technology even after years of use. For the first time, it is also possible to customise services for the second owner and/or in a used BMW.

Access via customer portal or BMW ConnectedDrive Store.
The new, networked world of BMW can be entered via the online customer portal (“My BMW ConnectedDrive”), which has a far more up-to-date, attractive and clearly presented design following the revamp. After logging in to a password-protected area, the user is able to configure personalised and/or vehicle-related settings. As access is assured throughout the vehicle’s life, subsequent owners are also able to book further networked services or adapt them to their personal requirements, so that used BMW vehicles continue to be fully compatible with BMW ConnectedDrive. Services can be selected and booked with the greatest of ease at the newly created BMW ConnectedDrive Store).

BMW ConnectedDrive Store (only from July 2015): accessible any time, any place.
Supreme user friendliness is further ensured by the multi-channel approach. Apart from Internet access, customers are also able to pay a visit to the new BMW ConnectedDrive Store – where many of the services and vehicle apps can be booked – from the comfort of their BMW, which is why it is open around the clock. Consequently, the desired options can be activated without delay and used within a matter of minutes, even while away on business trips or on holiday.

Customer portal and new BMW ConnectedDrive Store:

Convenient access at any time of the day, even while on the move.
The first point of call for customers wishing to make use of the services offered by BMW ConnectedDrive for themselves and their vehicle is the new-look BMW ConnectedDrive customer portal “My BMW ConnectedDrive” on the Internet. There they will find all information, products and functions in an easy-to-understand and clearly presented menu arrangement.

Once-off registration of driver and vehicle over the Internet.
The journey into the world of BMW starts for new customers and new vehicles alike with the built-in SIM card that is already activated at the factory. The next step is the online registration of the user and vehicle(s). Once registration has been completed, customers are able to access their personal, password-protected BMW ConnectedDrive area, make individual settings and manage vehicle-related data and services.

Personal area: maximum control, perfectly simple to use.
In their personal area, customers will find a graphic of their own vehicle model, including the number plate and selected colour. Below this, the current vehicle status is displayed, together with the active services that have been booked. Next to this is where individual services can be configured or feature add-ons activated. However, this will only be available in South Africa from July 2015. This allows the scope of information and entertainment functions to be adapted to individual requirements at any time.

Thanks to the wealth of BMW ConnectedDrive services, a BMW can be kept right up to date for many years. And whenever customers wish to browse the constantly expanding range of services and vehicle apps, a click of the mouse will take them straight to the brand-new BMW ConnectedDrive Store* with its vast choice of products for both BMW and BMW i drivers and cars.

The new BMW ConnectedDrive Store: open around the clock.
The newly created BMW ConnectedDrive Store*, which offers BMW customers access to the complete spectrum of services and vehicle apps, is the only one of its kind to date in the competitive segment. The store is open around the clock and can be entered via various password-protected channels. Apart from the customer portal that can be conveniently called up from a computer at home, the store can also be accessed while on the move by means of the BMW’s in-car system. As a result, BMW customers are even able to select and book individual services while on business trips or on holiday, and then use them within minutes.

Flexible choice of services available for variable periods.
Another key customer benefit resulting from the refocusing of the BMW ConnectedDrive strategy is the move away from the package solutions that were previously the norm. Instead, BMW ConnectedDrive has split up its portfolio of mobility services into individual options, which can be booked and used separately and combined together as the customer desires. For added convenience, particular services are available for variable periods, ranging from just one month to one year or longer (only in South Africa from July 2015). This places the customer completely in the driving seat, as they can activate the functions and services that suit them best and at just the right time, such as while travelling on holiday. The various running period options furthermore allow the functionality of specific services to be tested out in practice for a limited time. For BMW and BMW i customers, this all adds up to unrivalled product diversity, the utmost individuality and flexibility, as well as considerably lower starting prices.

Making purchases at the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.
Once customers have logged in to the BMW ConnectedDrive Store, they are presented with an overview of the registered vehicles, the booked options and the remaining services that can be booked for their BMW. Alongside this can be seen the costs for the services, as well as the total and remaining running periods. Users furthermore have a facility for activating/deactivating their products, reconfiguring them or extending their running periods (only in South Africa from July 2015). Management of the BMW ConnectedDrive services really couldn’t be easier or more convenient.

Another summary shows a complete list of the services that are available especially for the customer’s model. The product overview is completed by further information such as costs and features. A host of new options can be additionally booked here (only in South Africa from July 2015). What’s more, they are enabled via the vehicle’s air interface, meaning they are fully available for use in a matter of minutes. With the new BMW ConnectedDrive Store, BMW will in future be offering customers an always up-to-date range of services and vehicle apps that can be configured flexibly and individually, is being constantly added to, and is currently quite unique amongst the competition.

On the move: access via the in-car menu in every BMW (this feature will only be offered in South Africa from July 2015).
Customers are able to visit the BMW ConnectedDrive Store at any time of the day, even while they are travelling in their car or away on trips. They can call up a summary of all BMW ConnectedDrive services available for their vehicle in the instrument cluster’s Control Display and scroll through the store menu using the iDrive Controller. Featuring a layout that has been optimised for the on-board system, the product page provides information on the features and costs of the selected services as well as the running period options. Once customers have identified themselves with their BMW password – the username is completed automatically – all that remains to be done to finalise the order is to confirm the selection, the desired period and the payment method stored in the customer portal. Within the space of a few minutes, the booked option will be activated and is then ready to use.

*The BMW ConnectedDrive Store and some of the features associated with it will only be offered in South Africa from July 2015.

BMW ConnectedDrive services:

Now more powerful than ever thanks to new services and apps.
BMW is further consolidating its standing as the world’s leading provider of web-based in-car services by introducing some major enhancements at the same time as making its BMW ConnectedDrive services easily accessible. BMW ConnectedDrive customers are now able to further improve their mobile Internet experience with the help of browser-based applications (vehicle apps) in BMW Online. All that is needed to use the browser-based apps is an Internet connection to the BMW servers, as provided at all times by the vehicle’s built-in SIM card.

For yet greater convenience while travelling, there is the BMW Connected app for smartphones, which includes functions such as web radio, Wiki Local, Facebook, calendar, plus several more besides. All applications, regardless of whether they are vehicle apps used via BMW Online or smartphone apps, are controlled using the intuitive iDrive controller and visualised in a uniform manner in the Control Display with the familiar menu structure. In addition to all future BMW ConnectedDrive customers, the extended range of services is also available to a large number of existing customers at no extra charge.

Third-party apps mean the infotainment possibilities are virtually boundless.
The highly flexible app concept makes it possible to incorporate not just the applications specially developed by the BMW Group, but also BMW Apps-ready applications from other providers. With the advent of these BMW Apps-ready applications, BMW is giving customers the option of continuing to use their favourite or familiar service providers when driving in their car, too. This will allow the wide array of infotainment functions that BMW drivers enjoy when at home or out and about to be smoothly transferred to their vehicle in future.

With these BMW Apps-ready applications, the range of functions can basically be expanded at will. The prerequisite for all apps is that they meet the BMW requirements for distraction-free operation. In order to ensure optimum integration of third-party applications into the vehicle, the BMW Group offers providers a special Software Development Kit (SDK). This contains specific tools that are intended to help the third-party providers develop compatible, vehicle-adapted versions of their apps that are befitting of the cars’ premium status. The current portfolio comprising, Stitcher, Baidu Music, Douban FM and Snippy is being gradually extended by the addition of numerous exciting third-party apps such as Deezer, Rhapsody, TuneIn Radio, Audible and Glympse. Application-based integration is also compatible with smartphones running the Google Android operating system. With a market share of over 50 per cent, Android is now the most widely used operating system for smartphones.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Services will be the prerequisite for the additional services RTTI, Internet, Concierge and Remote Services. The pricing will be R4,500 / 3 years and standard on the BMW 5, 6 & 7 Series as well as the BMW X5 and X6.

Easier voice commands thanks to natural speech recognition.
The new generation of the BMW Navigation system Professional adds various new speech functions to the BMW ConnectedDrive Mobile Office portfolio, most notably a dictation function that employs a full speech recognition system to simply transcribe the driver’s words. The dictated text can then be sent by SMS or email. The multilingual dictation function can recognise six languages at present. Punctuation marks and instructions such as “new line” can also be dictated. The speech recognition service is performed outside the vehicle by BMW cooperation partner Nuance.

The range of office functionalities offered by BMW ConnectedDrive has been expanded by another speech-based feature, too. The voice memo function, in contrast to the dictation function, allows the driver to make direct voice recordings of up to two minutes in length and immediately send them by email if required.

Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic vehicle location.
Should an airbag be deployed, for instance, the system will transmit an automatic emergency call to the BMW call centre including the precise location of the accident site. Apart from the vehicle’s exact position and direction of travel, details of the vehicle model and all the data gathered by the sensors in the car are relayed to the call centre as well. This information provides indications as to the nature and severity of the collision, while the deployment of the car’s restraint systems gives an idea of the number of people injured and allows frontal, rear, side or even multiple collisions to be identified and differentiated. On the basis of all accident-related data, the call centre decides which and how many emergency services are required at the accident site (e.g. doctor, paramedic, fire brigade, helicopter). The data also enables the alerted rescue crews to prepare the appropriate medical care for those involved in the accident before they have even arrived at the scene. The call centre furthermore stays in contact with the vehicle’s occupants until the emergency services arrive. The system also allows the driver or front passenger to trigger the emergency call manually in order to help other road users in distress by alerting the call centre. This will be a standard feature in all BMW vehicles ordered from July & August 2014 production.

Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) warns of traffic jams as they happen.
Available as an option (and standard with the BMW 6 and 7 Series), the RTTI (Real Time Traffic Information) system uses the mobile phone network and the SIM card built into the vehicle for ultra-fast transmission of very detailed data. The real-time information, which is taken into account when calculating routes and possible diversions, is relayed to the vehicle with unrivalled reliability and precision. RTTI covers motorways and major highways, as well as country roads and main roads in urban areas. In order to provide the driver with precise information on traffic density, GPS data from fleets and mobile radio units, road sensors, local authority traffic management systems and many more sources besides are used to obtain as much data as possible. A live traffic jam map with colour-coded road markings in green, yellow, orange and red now visualises the current traffic flow states even more sensitively as well as providing information on roadworks, accidents and other events affecting traffic.

Pricing for the RTTI option is R1, 900 for 3 years and standard with the BMW 6 and 7 Series.

BMW TeleServices – constant monitoring of all the vehicle’s service data and security of being in good hands at all times.
With the standard BMW TeleServices, a BMW knows if and when a service is due. The car passes on this information to a BMW Service Partner at a BMW Dealership in good time via an Automatic BMW Teleservice Call. If the driver wishes to make direct contact with the BMW Dealership, he can initiate a Manual BMW Teleservice Call from the car. And in the unlikely event of a breakdown, help is always at hand through the BMW Teleservices Diagnosis and Help – without having to bring the BMW into a workshop.

Automatic BMW Teleservice Call – a BMW car knows when a specific service is due and contacts the BMW Service Partner.
The Automatic BMW Teleservice Call allows customers to arrange a service quickly and conveniently without any extra effort. With the help of the onboard Condition Based Service (CBS), the car automatically ascertains what type of service is required and when. As soon as its sensors determine the need for a service involving fluids or wear components (such as engine oil or brake pads), the vehicle automatically places a BMW Teleservice call and the relevant data is sent to the BMW Dealership looking after that particular customer. This allows the customer’s chosen Service Partner to identify the car’s service requirements and order any necessary parts in advance, so that they are at hand in time for the pre-arranged appointment. This minimises the time the vehicle needs to spend in the workshop.

The automatic transfer of data to the BMW Service Partner also means the driver does not have to keep an eye on when the next service is due. As soon as the car identifies the need for a service and registers this via the Automatic BMW Teleservice Call, the customer is notified by the BMW Service Partner and the two parties can arrange a convenient time to visit the workshop. The customer is also informed in advance of the amount of work required and how long it is likely to take. The workshop visit can therefore be fitted into the customer’s schedule to ensure maximum convenience.

Advance planning of a service also allows greater scope for individual requirements. A one-to-one conversation enables the service adviser and customer to discuss the merits of replacing brake pads ahead of a lengthy holiday trip, for example. All the necessary information will already have been supplied via BMW TeleServices.

Manual BMW Teleservice Call – precise data for customised services.
The Manual BMW Teleservice Call provides the technical means for the driver to make direct contact with his BMW Service Partner from the car. This enables an individual service appointment to be made, for example for a tyre change. Model-specific accessories can also be quickly and conveniently selected in this way.

With a Manual BMW Teleservice Call, the BMW also transmits all the relevant vehicle information. When returning the customer’s call, the BMW Service Partner has all the necessary details to be able to offer a service precisely tailored to the customer’s car.

Unbeatable convenience – Remote Services.
Looking for your car on a crowded parking lot outside the shopping centre on a Saturday? It’s not necessary. With Remote Services you can save yourself the inconvenience of a long search. Thanks to the services, you can control your BMW from afar. And you can do more than find your vehicle on a large parking lot.

With Remote Services you transform your smartphone into an intelligent and convenient remote control for your vehicle – via the My BMW Remote App or the BMW Call Centre. Now you just have to reach into your jacket pocket to have access to your BMW via your iPhone or Android device. Perhaps you’re no longer sure of whether you locked your BMW? Or you may not have your key to hand? Then you can lock and unlock you car with the Remote Services from BMW ConnectedDrive. And if you’re unable to find your vehicle straight away, you can flash the headlights and sound the horn using your smartphone.

Pricing for the BMW Remote Services will be R650 and will be offered as standard with the BMW 6 and 7 Series.

BMW Internet Services – surf the net in your BMW.
Thanks to the permanently installed SIM card, the Internet Service from BMW ConnectedDrive enables you to access the infinite possibilities of the World Wide Web. With no mouse, no extra monitor, but all very quickly and conveniently by iDrive Controller and the integrated high-resolution Control Display. And surfing in your vehicle functions just as easily as if you were at home.

Pricing for the BMW Internet Service will be R1,300 / 1 year and will also be standard with the BMW 6 and 7 Series.

BMW Concierge Services – answers anytime and anywhere.

The Concierge Service connects the car with a 24-hour BMW Call Centre, allowing restaurant tables to be booked or describing the way to the nearest out-of-hours pharmacy and your nearest cash dispenser.

The pricing for the Concierge Services will be R3,200 / 3 years and standard with the BMW 6 and 7 Series.

Connected Mobility:
Total connectivity with the help of BMW i ConnectedDrive services.

BMW i stands for a whole new conception of premium mobility and calls for a new generation of flexible, simplified mobility services that are designed to enable vehicles to be linked seamlessly into the customers’ individual lifestyles. BMW i will be the world’s first fully networked sub-brand offering tailor-made, state-of-the-art BMW i ConnectedDrive services.

BMW i ConnectedDrive services as standard for BMW i models.
For this purpose, all new BMW i models will come as standard with an integrated SIM card together with BMW ConnectedDrive services that have been specially devised for electric mobility and future mobility demands. Because the card is built in, it ensures an optimum connection to the BMW ConnectedDrive services throughout the vehicle’s life. The BMW i is furthermore equipped with a navigation system that already features BMW i ConnectedDrive services, and has been systematically tailored to the specific requirements of electric mobility and of flexible, individual, convenient mobility in tomorrow’s world. Examples of this include the Driving Range Assistant, efficient route calculation especially for electric vehicles, Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW TeleServices including Battery Guard to protect against deep discharging, as well as further services that are accessible in the BMW i Remote app and the BMW ConnectedDrive internet portal. Should the customer wish to use further products from BMW & BMW i ConnectedDrive services, such as Concierge Services, Internet or RTTI, they can be booked individually from the comfort of their home computer by visiting the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

BMW i ConnectedDrive services always at the focus of attention.
The BMW i3 comes with two top-quality displays for the exchange of information between vehicle and driver and for operating the infotainment and communications functions. There is a large 6.5-inch screen positioned on top of the steering column, where all driving-related data such as speed and range appears, and a second 8.8‑inch screen in the centre of the dashboard for displaying, for example, the information from the navigation system, which is connected to the outside world via BMW i ConnectedDrive. This central display also serves to keep the driver and front passenger fully informed of the vehicle’s status and the drive system’s operating mode. The two displays have been designed to interact in such a way that the information shown is split between them to optimum effect, as the situation requires.

Total networking facilitates mobility planning.
The driving range of electrically powered vehicles is very much dependent on driving style. The BMW eDrive technology aboard the BMW i3 is designed to allow the vehicle to cover a distance of 160 kilometres on a full battery charge. Even before setting off, the BMW i ConnectedDrive services provide the driver with realistic estimates of the vehicle’s current range. One of the key elements of the networked navigation system is a dynamic range map, which delivers precise, reliable readings by factoring in all relevant parameters along the planned route. The battery’s charge status, driving style, activity of electric comfort functions and the selected driving mode are all taken into account for the calculation, along with the route’s topography and current traffic levels. The system is therefore able to make allowance for the extra energy used up for both an upcoming climb and stop-start traffic or traffic jams, and lower its range calculation accordingly. Up-to-the-minute and detailed real-time traffic data is added to the equation, too. High-performance analysis and evaluation of the information is carried out permanently via the BMW ConnectedDrive servers. Every BMW i is constantly in contact with these servers thanks to the built-in SIM card, and this networking provides ultra-precise real-time information at all times.

Dynamic range display for all driving modes.
Taking the vehicle’s current location as a starting point, the dynamic range display from BMW i ConnectedDrive joins up all the points that can be reached with the available energy reserves to form a spidergram in the navigation display. Since the driver is able to actively influence the vehicle’s energy consumption and therefore its range by switching the driving mode, the graphical representation of the range calculation is always made available in two variants, allowing the driver to view the relevant current range in both COMFORT and ECO PRO mode. The driver is furthermore able to see the range that would be available if the ECO PRO+ mode was selected, so that it is always possible to know how much extra range could be obtained by changing the driving mode. The Driving Range Assistant can detect when the remaining driving range might become critical and advise the driver to choose a more efficient driving mode or a more economical route if necessary. BMW i therefore brings BMW ConnectedDrive networked services and BMW EfficientDynamics energy management together to create a perfect symbiosis.

BMW i Remote app: vehicle monitoring, mobility planning and efficiency optimisation.
The BMW i Remote app allows an upcoming journey in a BMW i car to be planned out in advance easily and conveniently by means of a smartphone. Using this application, which has been purpose-developed for the demands of electric mobility and is available for the iOS and Android operating systems, the driver is able to access all vehicle data or route-related information anywhere at any time. For example, a vehicle status checklist can be called up on the smartphone that retrieves the current vehicle data via the BMW server. The driver can additionally view the vehicle’s location and the destinations in the surrounding area that are within range based on the current battery charge level. The vehicle’s interior can also be set to the desired temperature by remote control, either immediately or in time for departure using the timer control. Even the high-voltage battery can be adjusted to the optimum temperature in advance in order to maximise the driving range. If the vehicle is plugged into a public charging station or the BMW i Wallbox, the charging procedure can likewise be controlled remotely and even programmed to run at times when electricity is cheaper (e.g. at night) with the timer function. Using either the BMW i Remote app or the My BMW ConnectedDrive customer portal, it is possible to search for and select both navigation destinations and charging stations with free spaces, and then relay them to the vehicle. No matter whether they are shown in the navigation system or on the smartphone or home computer, all relevant charging stations appear together with an indication of whether they currently have any free spaces or not.

The pedestrian navigation function included in the BMW i Remote app takes the local public transport network into account and conveniently directs drivers to their final destination after leaving the vehicle. Whether the journey was planned in the vehicle or at home, the destination appears directly in the BMW i Remote app as soon as the driver has left their car. BMW i thereby facilitates an individual, sustainable and easy form of mobility with seamless guidance from start to finish.

Away from their car, drivers are additionally able to evaluate their personal driving style and compare it with other BMW i drivers, allowing them to hone the way they drive by recognising where there is room for improvement.

The BMW i3 and BMW i8 will go on sale in South Africa from March 2015.

[ source : BMW ]
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