Ready to Shift from a BMW 2002 to a Fully Automated Vehicle?
BMW is one of the top contenders to deliver a fully-automated car by 2021 giving classic BMW 2002 drivers an insight of what’s in store when it comes to driving. Everyone knows that the 2002 is an iconic car that helped saved the Bavarian company from going under back in the 60s. At that time, small cars were good models for post-war Germany helping boost sales and saving the company in the process.
Future of Self-Driving Vehicles
There is no doubt that full automation will be achieved by car companies sooner than we think. As of writing, there are already many players in the game with the likes of Volvo, GM, Toyota, Tesla, BMW and Mercedes Benz among other companies rushing to the finish line to deliver a driverless car. For car enthusiasts, gearheads and technophiles, this is a much-awaited event.
BMW itself has made powerful strides when it comes to an autonomous car. It has partnered with technology giants INT, Tech30 and Mobyl. Its iNext model will be the basis for its future fleet of autonomous cars capable of navigating motorways and urban environments.
What’s in Store for Drivers?
BMW is one of the top five biggest-selling cars in the UK with over half a million registrations between 2014 to 2017 according to Statista. Since BMW is expected to produce a Level 5 car by 2021, the question remains where would this leave lovers of the classic BMW 2002?
Owners of the BMW 2002 know how this car makes them feel because it is light and fun to drive. It is also an affordable classic car. The 2-door saloon with its quirky design is fitted with a 2-litre engine and 4-speed manual gearbox, and is capable of 106 mph – but only on the Autobahn, of course.
Level 5 automated cars are expected to take drivers out of the equation and there will be no steering wheels, pedals or anything of the sort. You get in the car and it will bring you wherever you would like to go.
While many argue that it is still a long way before this could happen, BMW is saying that it will be ready to do that by 2021 although it mentioned that there will still be a steering wheel and pedal in case the driver wants to take control.
Full automation has its benefits as it will improve the mobility of disadvantaged groups such as the elderly or those with disabilities. And on the safety issue, driverless cars are perceived to reduce accidents and collisions since its sensors and cameras are going to detect obstructions and dangers while on the road. But for a driver-owner of a BMW 2002, it takes the fun out of the process by being a mere passenger out to enjoy the view (if any) without a real interaction with the vehicle.
