BMW Is Producing Cars "Like Pretzels" And Claims Even China Can't Keep Up | Carscoops

      BMW aims to unveil 40 models within the next two years, leveraging AI technology. The use of AI significantly reduces coding time, allowing tasks to be completed in minutes instead of days. As a result, development teams are shrunk to around 1,000 individuals per vehicle, enhancing overall efficiency.

      In recent years, Chinese automakers have made strides with innovative in-car technology and advanced powertrains, along with a rapid model rollout. However, BMW’s development director, Joachim Post, suggests that the German automaker has now achieved a faster pace than its Chinese competitors.

      The brand's Neue Klasse transformation is progressing, introducing a new design philosophy along with newly launched electric vehicles equipped with improved platforms, motors, and batteries. BMW is committed to releasing 40 new models and updates over the next two years as part of this transformation.

      “Who can do that?” Post inquired during a conversation with Handelsblatt. “Our colleagues in China can’t do that either. While a single vehicle might be developed quickly, that wasn’t the strategy for the iX3 and the New Class. We invested considerable time and energy to facilitate a major technology boost across our entire model range. Our success depends on fully integrating the newly developed technologies throughout all models.”

      With this foundation, the pace is quickening. “We can bring cars to market as easily as baking pretzels, as they say in Bavaria,” Post remarked. “No one will replicate what we plan to achieve in the next two years so swiftly. That’s why I assert that what we’re doing now goes beyond what is termed 'China Speed.'"

      Recently, Audi announced it would adopt “China speed” for the next-generation TT, aiming for it to be market-ready just 30 months post-approval. Clearly, German manufacturers recognize the necessity of shortening development timelines to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

      According to Post, one key factor enabling BMW to accelerate model launches is AI. He noted that the technology “massively helps us,” particularly in coding and software development, where tasks that previously took a full day can now be accomplished in mere minutes. Future development times could be reduced even more.

      It's not solely about time savings; Post predicted that each new car would require far fewer personnel, estimating that merely 1,000 individuals will work on a new car, in stark contrast to the much larger teams of the past.

      “We previously required significantly more manpower,” he explained. “Now, we can tap into much greater efficiency. AI is playing a crucial role in this, particularly in coding. We’re experiencing remarkable acceleration in software development, which, in turn, speeds up the entire development process.”

      Furthermore, AI is helping BMW preserve valuable knowledge within the company. Post noted that previously, when experienced engineers departed, they took considerable expertise with them. Now, BMW can train AI systems to capture and retain that knowledge, minimizing the risk of competitors gaining an advantage.