BMW & Mercedes-Benz hiring experts to compete with Google

German premium car makers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are hiring software experts in a bid to compete with tech firms including Google and Uber, in the race to develop the first self-driving car. Big Motoring World reviews the move and what it could mean to future car technology.

Premium Technology

Experts in software are suddenly in high demand in the automotive industry, with the battleground for the world’s self-driving car becoming ever more competitive. The main issue for automakers is that cars need lines of code to connect electric car motors to batteries, talk to smartphones or activate brakes when a radar system detects an obstacle ahead. 

The premium features such as autonomous driving and car-sharing will be able to be matched by BMW and Mercedes with new expertise, which would otherwise have not been possible.

Jobs

Companies are also in the process of buying others’ maps and technologies in a way of monopolising the premium automotive industry, which should increase jobs across the globe. In August, German automakers paid Nokia £2.5billion for their maps.

BMW’s workforce increased by more than 6% at the end of June from the same time last year, with plans to further increase before the end of 2015.

Malcolm Earp, chief executive at Magma People, a specialist automotive recruitment company, explained the changing emphasis in the industry to Economic Times India: "What car companies are doing is hiring people generally from outside automotive. Some companies a few years ago didn't have a connected car department. They all have that now.”

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews hybrid BMW i3

Big Motoring World reviews the sustainable, silent and quirky BMW i3 – the latest hybrid to be released by the German automaker which is taking the market by storm.

The beauty of a hybrid, aside from its flawless efficiency and low carbon emissions, is its silence on the roads. Rather than just a show-off for the latest technology and engineering, it’s a serious proposition which continues to bridge the gap between fashion and efficiency. The i3 is sensible, practical and ideal for city driving. It’s seriously light with its carbon-fibre reinforced plastic frame.

Range

Much has been said about the practicality of a hybrid for longer journeys, as you need to be charged up and in range of power. The battery doesn’t last as long as a petrol engine – however, the changeover to the two-cylinder range-extending petrol engine is seamless. The engine takes nine litres of petrol, so it’s compact but gets you through the rest of your journey and keeps the weight of the car to a minimal. And the dashboard will keep you right up to date with all the information you require in a prompt, efficient manner.

Interior

Of course, this vehicle is all about travelling light so it’s compact inside but there’s plenty of style and substance in the cabin. A slick leather interior is naturally tanned with an olive oil leaf-based agent, with a wooden dashboard complementing the latest technology.

BMW

BMW is going big on electric and this car is right up there with the best they’ve released to date. As well as its efficiency and stylish look, the power is incredible as it goes 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds. It also hits a top speed of 93mph – what more could you need?

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.