BMW building smarter cars with its ConnectedDrive applications

More applications of new information technologies and services developed under the ConnectedDrive umbrella have been equipped in many of BMW cars, including its new 3 Series, and will be eventually available throughout the company's full lineup.

Design visionaries say the auto industry is going through a revolution that will change driving and the relationship between man and machine.

As one of the premier carmakers in the world, BMW Group is among the pioneers in the application of new information technologies.

Imagine phoning someone while driving, turning on the radio or searching for a destination - all without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

These dreams have already become a reality in many of BMW's top models.

For Chinese customers, a new voice control system that can recognize Mandarin, Cantonese and English is now available on many BMW models.

All the driver needs to do is press a button on the steering wheel and start speaking. The system currently recognizes only specific commands, but in the future, natural language requests will be understood and fulfilled.

The latest voice control system is just part of BMW's ConnectedDrive program, which the carmaker said offers innovative technologies and services to make the car a personal companion while enabling a more convenient, safe and fun driving experience.

With an integrated 3G SIM and phone module in the car, drivers can now connect to the outside world easily through their BMWs.

Last year, the new ConnectedDrive Call Center began operation in China. Drivers can now call the hotline 24 hours a day without the use of their hands through the car instead of their mobile phone to find a nearby restaurant, hotel or gas station and have the address and phone number sent to their car's navigation system immediately.

The car even automatically sends upcoming service needs to the owner's preferred dealership, who then calls the customer to make a convenient appointment for the next maintenance session.

Pressing a button near the overhead light will initiate a data transmission and phone call for emergency aid. The car will start an emergency call automatically after a major accident and will even indicate the likelihood of occupant injury. The call center will then coordinate the dispatch of appropriate assistance to the transmitted vehicle location.

In the unlikely event of a vehicle breakdown, not only will the car's location be transmitted to the call center but also important information like the fuel tank level, battery voltage and coolant temperature.