In 1972, BMW first introduced radar technology in the BMW Turbo concept for use in distance recognition. In so doing, it raised the curtain on a progress that has seen BMW vehicles become increasingly connected with their surroundings. Whether it is the on-board computer showing the outside temperature, the first-ever use of wirelessly transmitted telemetrics data in motor sport, the development of the world's first ultrasound technology parking system, or the first-ever integrated satellite navigation system in Europe, BMW always has been ahead of the competition.
In 1997, BMW pioneered the first telematics system, while SIM cards integrated into the vehicles opened up a host of new possibilities. Since then, BMW ConnectedDrive has helped countless people in critical situations with its Automatic Collision Notification feature, has provided news, weather, and stock index information via BMW Online, and, most recently, integrated mobile apps to bring smartphone features into BMW vehicles. BMW proves that it is once again paving the way for a networked future.