BMW Group has inaugurated its innovative Future Mobility Development Center (FMDC) in Sokolov, Czechia. As the premier facility of its kind in Central Europe, the FMDC marks a substantial investment of €300 million in the arena of automated driving and parking technology. The opening ceremony was graced by Petr Očko, the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade in Czechia, Petr Kulhánek, the Governor of the Karlovy Vary region, Ilka Hortsmeier, BMW Group’s Board Member for People and Real Estate, and Frank Weber, BMW Group’s Board Member for Development.
Why It Matters
The launch of this cutting-edge facility is pivotal in the transformation of the former mining region into a hub of innovation, employing over a hundred skilled workers. The FMDC is part of BMW’s strategy to advance automated driving and parking technology, representing a significant leap forward in shaping the future of mobility. The center further solidifies BMW’s commitment to pioneering advancements in automotive technology, positioning the company as a key player in this rapidly evolving sector.
Key Points
- The FMDC in Sokolov complements BMW’s existing test sites in Aschheim near Munich, Miramas in France, and Arjeplog in Sweden.
- The facility offers real-world conditions for testing highly and fully automated driving and parking systems, enhancing BMW’s virtual simulation capabilities.
- Frank Weber, BMW Board Member for Development, emphasized the facility’s role in testing a broad range of driving conditions for level 4 automation on a 600-hectare site.
- The FMDC stands as a testament to BMW’s commitment to environmental sustainability, boasting 100% green electricity supply and an innovative water management system.
Bottom Line
BMW’s new Future Mobility Development Center embodies the carmaker’s stride toward electric, digital, and sustainable mobility. It sets the standard for integrating top-notch environmental protection measures with technological advancement, leveraging green electricity, innovative water management, and biodiversity protection. The launch of the FMDC in Sokolov paves the way for more realistic, reliable, and customer-oriented automated driving and parking systems, further fortifying BMW’s place at the forefront of the future mobility landscape.
