BMW Partners With HERE To Enable Hands-Free Driving In The U.S. And Canada

BMW will use high-definition mapping from HERE to enable hands-free driving in the United States and Canada.

HERE Technologies’ HD Live Map adds rich, accurate, and fresh layers of data to support a vehicle in knowing exactly where it is on the road and what road features lie ahead. It also includes lane-level data that serves as a redundant source of information to the on-board sensors, giving the system additional safety assurances.

“A digital HD map is essential for highly automated driving,” senior vice president of development automated driving at BMW Group, Dr. Nicolai Martin, described. “HERE HD Live Map is rich and reliable: it provides road geometry, route profile and traffic signs – all on a global scale. We have been working with HERE for many years to bring highly automated driving to market, and we are now thrilled to see the result of our collaboration finally come to life. Together, we are going one step further in delivering on our promise to provide a superior driving experience.”

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The new BMW 7-Series is the automaker’s first production vehicle to launch with SAE Level 2+ automated functionalities that work at speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h), enabling hands-free driving on interstates and highways. HERE’s HD Live Map will be integrated into additional BMW models as the German automaker increases the capabilities of its self-driving systems across its range.

“We’re delighted to see our HERE HD Live Map enable automated driving at Level 2+ for BMW series production vehicles,” added executive vice president and chief customer officer at HERE Technologies, Fred Hessabi. “This collaboration demonstrates the value of maps for highly automated driving. We look forward to supporting the expansion of Level 2+ to all types of roads, everywhere in the world.”