Tired of feeling road rage or driver fatigue? Wondering when there will be a car that can drive itself? BMW has the answer. Or, we should say, BMW is working on the answer. The Germany automaker has built a vehicle that can travel inter-city highways without any input from a driver, but it could be a decade or so before the car can be sold to its clientele. This most recent prototype has performed a successful trial, navigating between the cities of Munich and Nuremburg (Germany) on a high-speed roadway without any driver input.

BMW is not the only automaker working on such a product; Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Google are all working on similar technologies. BMW might be the closest to a working product, however. So, why the hesitation in selling the product on the mass market? Ulrich Pfundmeier, the company's driving dynamic expert, explains that authorities are not ready for the vehicle. Pfundmeier states, "That is just dependent on the government. My personal opinion is that in 10 or 15 years we will drive on the highway at a speed of maybe 120 [km/h]. You put in the navigation system where you want to go and on the highway you will go, and maybe read the newspaper."¹ Although the BMW has the ability to navigate winding roads using detailed satellite navigation data and operate in heavy suburban traffic, there are still issues to conquer like: city pedestrians and bikers, temporary road work, and difficulty reading road signs to determine speed limits.

While BMW has found working solutions for most of these problems, the company also acknowledges that the government must do its part by putting the technology in place that allows these vehicles to work properly. Laws must also be created/ adjusted to deal with the new technology. The most important aspect BMW wishes to stress is that the driver must still have control at all times. Currently, this is required by law; the driver must have his/her hands on the wheel. As soon as he takes his hands off of the wheel, the automatic mode will shut off. BMW notes, however, that this technology could be helpful until laws like this change or are modified in situations where a driver falls asleep or loses consciousness.

Weber BMW will be sure to follow these developments as they unfold. In the meantime, we have a fantastic lineup of new BMW vehicles from which to choose. And while it's true, you'll still have to drive, we're sure you'll actually be enjoying it while in the car of your dreams. Located at 7171 N Palm Ave Fresno, CA 9350-6700, we're easy to find. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Source: http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/bmws-new-driverless-car-still-a-decade-away-20111123-1nuci.html