Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi's AID subsidiary leads self-driving car development at VW Group - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi brand logo on München office

Self-driving car development is well underway at numerous automakers and technology companies. At Volkswagen Group, Audi leads the charge.

The brand spun-off a start-up company called Autonomous Intelligent Driving, or AID, about a year and a half ago. The company has been tasked with working on every aspect of future self-driving technology, including software, hardware, maps, calibration, and more.

Leading the team is Karlheinz Wurm, the company's CEO. An interview with Wurm published on the AIM website gives some insight into the CEO and the company's mission.

Wurm comes from Microsoft subsidiary Skype, where he played a major role in making video calls available to everyone with internet access. After 12 years at Skype, he decided to take the helm at AID and hopes to bring self-driving technology to the masses, much like he did with video calls.

Audi Aicon concept

He noted that the technology available in neural networks, sensors, and plain computing power would never have let engineers explore and develop self-driving car technology 10 years ago like they can today. Wurm said self-driving cars will revolutionize how we move people around cities, and AID wants to allow car manufacturers and mobility providers, perhaps like Uber and Lyft, to drive autonomously in urban environments. He said self-driving cars will provide mobility for the elderly and safe transportation for young people. According to Wurm, they'll also reduce traffic congestion and make time spent in traffic more productive.

AID has a goal to bring a totally driverless vehicle to market by 2021, which falls in line with goals from other automakers. Some, such as General Motors, said it will deploy a fleet of self-driving cars for a ride-sharing service in 2019. Google's Waymo rolled out the industry's first paid ride-sharing service in the Phoenix area in early December to screened riders on a limited basis. 

Yet, it will likely be a long time before the technology makes its way into consumer vehicles. Numerous regulations must be overcome and local governments need to construct frameworks to ensure a level deployment. Infrastructure and climate still remain hurdles for the technology, too.

While AID takes the lead within Audi and VW Group as a whole, the German automaker has made its own promises and moves to play catch-up in the industry. VW joined Baidu's self-driving car program earlier this year and claimed it would launch a ride-sharing service in Israel by 2022. The automaker even reportedly tried to purchase Aurora, one of many autonomous vehicle startups. 

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120655_audis-aid-subsidiary-leads-self-driving-car-development-at-vw-group

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2020 BMW 7-Series leaked: Distinctive styling on the menu for flagship sedanAn updated version of BMW's 7-Series has been revealed via an early leak. The leaked photos were posted to the BMW Blog and the Twitter account @StanRudman and reveal the heavily updated car from all angles. It's clear the BMW flagship sedan takes on a much more distinctive look than the current model, often criticized for its overly conservative design. The updates represent a mid-cycle refresh for the 7-Series, which was launched in its current guise for 2016. The updated model is expected in showrooms in the fall as a 2020 model. The 7-Series is one of the most dynamic and technologically advanced offerings in its class, but its predictable styling and drab interior leave a lot to be desired. This is a six-figure car once you add a few options, yet to the average onlooker it’s hard to distinguish from the lesser 5-Series. - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

An updated version of BMW's 7-Series has been revealed via an early leak.

The leaked photos were posted to the BMW Blog and the Twitter account @StanRudman and reveal the heavily updated car from all angles. It's clear the BMW flagship sedan takes on a much more distinctive look than the current model, often criticized for its overly conservative design.

The updates represent a mid-cycle refresh for the 7-Series, which was launched in its current guise for 2016. The updated model is expected in showrooms in the fall as a 2020 model.

The 7-Series is one of the most dynamic and technologically advanced offerings in its class, but its predictable styling and drab interior leave a lot to be desired. This is a six-figure car once you add a few options, yet to the average onlooker it’s hard to distinguish from the lesser 5-Series.

2020 BMW 7-Series leaked - Image via @StanRudman

This certainly won't be the case with the updated model, which sports new headlights, a new fascia design, and a bigger, more imposing grille. The leaked shots also reveal new taillights and a new strip of chrome that spans the width of the trunk lid.

The interior should also be made more plush as part of BMW’s plan to make the 7-Series feel more special. Tech will be added too. For the driver, there will be a 12.3-inch screen serving as the instrument cluster. A second screen of similar size and with touch capability will sit at the top of the center stack, just like in the recently revealed 2019 X7.

There likely won’t be any major powertrain changes, although we could see a 745e iPerformance plug-in hybrid replace the current 740e iPerformance, the name change reflecting an increase in power from the current 322-hp rating. An updated version of the high-performance Alpina B7 is also coming.

We'll have all the details soon as the updated BMW 7-Series is expected to be revealed online, officially, in the coming week.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120781_2020-bmw-7-series-leaked-distinctive-styling-on-the-menu-for-flagship-sedan

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2021 Land Rover Defender 3-door spy shots - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Land Rover is working on a redesign for its iconic Defender, the original version of which bowed out of production in 2016 after a run lasting more than three decades.

The redesigned Defender starts sales in 2020, meaning we'll likely see it arrive as a 2021 model, and once again the nameplate will offer buyers multiple body styles to choose from.

A prototype for a five-door model was spotted earlier in the week and now we have fresh spy shots of a prototype for a three-door model.

Land Rover Defender Works V8

The three-door version of the previous generation was known as a Defender 90, the number representing its wheelbase length in inches, though in reality the wheelbase was closer to 93 inches. The previous five-door was known as the Defender 110 and featured a 110-inch wheelbase.

It isn't clear if Land Rover will stick with this naming convention for the redesigned Defender. Instead, we could see the automaker call the short-wheelbase model a Defender Sport and the long-wheelbase model simply a Defender. Open-top and pickup versions of both models are also expected.

The redesigned Defender was originally due in 2015 but frequent design changes led to delays. The changes included a decision to base the SUV on a new platform known as the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA), which will be shared with next-generation versions of the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery. This means fully independent suspension front and rear, with the new rear design in clear view in the spy shots. A low-range transfer case and multiple differential locks should still be present for superior performance when going off-road.

2021 Land Rover Defender 3-door spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Powertrains should include a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 as the base option and the same engine working with an electric motor in plug-in hybrid guise. Such a setup features in plug-in hybrid versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport where it delivers 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 6-cylinder is also likely, as is an electric option.

Though it's yet to be confirmed, there are rumors Land Rover will handle production at its new plant in Slovakia instead of in the United Kingdom to reduce costs. The plant already builds the Discovery. That way Land Rover can free up capacity at its main plant in the U.K. for the premium Range Rover models.

It's possible the redesigned Defender will be previewed this year to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the original Land Rover's arrival.

Source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120350_2021-land-rover-defender-3-door-spy-shots

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City- Next Mercedes-Benz SL to take inspiration from 1950s 300SL Gullwing - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

2019 Mercedes-Benz SL Class

Mercedes-Benz has a next-generation SL-Class in the works, but the brand has been quiet on details surrounding the convertible sports car until now.

According to a Wednesday report from the Australian website Car Advice, the seventh-generation SL will take a lot of inspiration from the iconic 300SL Gullwing. Gorden Wagener, chief Mercedes-Benz designer, said the next car will come closer to the "nicest SL," which is the 300SL, in his opinion. Outgoing Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said the next SL needs to pack the "wow" factor. Wagener's design direction would provide that.

A Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing coupe at Amelia Island

However, don't expect gullwing doors to make a comeback with the model. Wagner ruled out the design trait and added the next SL won't be retro, but it will house the spirit of the original model. How he plans to capture that is yet to be seen, but it could be in the overall shape. He finally added the future of the model is very bright.

Previous reports peg Mercedes-AMG as the development force behind the next SL, which will ride on a new platform called MSA (Modular Sports car Architecture). One source said the proportions will be vastly different from the current model. 

We also heard a future AMG SL73 could return (it was last offered as a V-12 model around the turn of the century) and involve into an 805-horsepower hybrid sports car. Last January, a report claimed the SL could also evolve into a more luxurious 2+2 model to potentially replace the S-Class coupe. That report said it would pack AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 paired with an electric motor.

It's likely the new SL won't debut until next decade since the current car was updated in 2017.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120871_next-mercedes-benz-sl-to-take-inspiration-from-1950s-300sl-gullwing

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar sedans safe despite SUV boom - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Despite a market that continues to crave crossover SUVs, Jaguar's underperforming sedans are safe.

Automotive News (subscription required) reported on January 11 that the XE and XF sedans will continue after Jaguar CEO Ralf Speth safeguarded their future.

He said sedans will play an integral part in Jaguar's electrification strategy and are important to long-term strategies in Europe and China.

Specifically, Speth said as Europe and China implement stricter emissions regulations, sedans are inherently easier to work with due to their superior aerodynamic properties. Taller SUVs are more difficult to squeeze efficiency out of, simply by the nature of their shape.

However, with EV technology, the shape of sedans could also evolve over time away from how we view it today. Rumors have indicated the next XJ sedan could transform into a stately electric car to challenge the Tesla Model S and upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS.

At present, Jaguar sedans aren't in good shape. Sales of the small XE dropped 21 percent to 28,402 units in the first 11 months of 2018. Sales of the mid-size XF showed a slightly steeper drop; Jaguar sold only 29,563 of the larger sedan, a decrease of 23 percent compared to the previous year.

2019 Jaguar XF

Speth added that although SUVs continue to grow, the brand believes demand is starting to level out. Numerous other auto executives and companies also foresee sedan sales bottoming out around their current levels without much more room to decrease.

Jaguar's sedans are also key to achieving economies of scale at the automaker and both the XE and XF's segments remain huge markets. The XE rivals the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class; the XF tackles the 5-Series, A6, and E-Class.

News of the sedan's staying power comes as Jaguar works to boost sales and profitsamid weak results; Jaguar Land Rover as a whole announced it would lay off 4,500 employees worldwide last week.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1121031_jaguar-sedans-safe-despite-suv-boom

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Porsche - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - New Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 revealed in race car guise - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Porsche is preparing a successor to the awesome Cayman GT4, based on its updated 718 Cayman, but prior to the car's arrival in the coming months the German firm has shown the racing variant: the 2019 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

The race car provides plenty of clues for the upcoming road car, namely the choice of powertrain, in this case a 3.8-liter flat-6 generating 425 horsepower, or 40 hp more than before. Torque measures at 313 pound-feet, up 3 lb-ft.

The mid-mounted engine is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and sends drive to the rear axle, which features a mechanical differential lock.

It isn't clear what transmission will feature in the 718 Cayman GT4 road car, but the predecessor model came with a 6-speed manual only.

Other features in the Clubsport racer include a lightweight spring-strut front suspension taken from the 911 GT3 Cup race car, plus a racing brake system with steel discs measuring 15 inches all around. There's also a welded-in safety cage, a single racing bucket seat, and a six-point harness. All creature comforts have been removed, helping the weight to be capped at 2,910 pounds.

This time around, Porsche will offer two versions of the Clubsport racer. There will be a non-homologated version for track enthusiasts appropriately labeled the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trackday. The homologated version will be known as the Competition. Its main upgrades over the Trackday are adjustable shock absorbers, adjustable brake balance, an integrated air jack system, and quick-release steering wheel.

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport race car

One additional key change in the new car is the use of an organic fiber mix, which are sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres and feature similar properties to carbon fiber in terms of weight and stiffness. The new material is used on the doors and rear wing.

Both versions can be ordered immediately and will be delivered to teams and drivers starting in February. The Trackday is priced at $152,895 and the Competition at $179,140.

As for the 718 Cayman GT4 road car, we'll likely see it debut in March at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. The car's mechanical package will also be shared with a 718 Boxster Spyder.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120735_new-porsche-718-cayman-gt4-revealed-in-race-car-guise

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Go behind the scenes in the development of the Audi e-tron - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The battle for electric car supremacy is starting to really heat up now that established automakers are joining the fray. The most recent salvo was launched by Audi in the form of the 2019 e-tron, a mid-size crossover SUV with a big 95-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a reasonable $75,795 starting price.

As Audi details in this behind-the-scenes video looking at the crossover's gestation, the e-tron had one of the most expensive development programs in Audi's history. Not surprising considering the vehicle represents the start of the transition away from internal-combustion engines to electric motors, not only for Audi but also its Volkswagen Group parent.

The e-tron is the German auto giant's first electric car designed from the ground up to run on electricity, so the development team were under tremendous pressure. Thousands have been involved, working over a period of about four years and in four different continents.

The video above provides a vast number of insights into the development program, including a look at the production process of the battery and electric motors. Interestingly, the e-tron's plant in Brussels, Belgium, is the first electric car plant where the batteries are assembled alongside the cars they will power.

The e-tron made its debut last fall and is due in showrooms in the second quarter of 2019. There's already an online reservation system set up if you'd like to be one of the first to take delivery. The first 999 examples will be a pricey First Edition starting at $87,695.

Audi says specs for the e-tron will be announced closer to the market launch, though the automaker estimates the vehicle will come with roughly 400 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque from a pair of electric motors, one at each axle. However, this will be a peak rating lasting for a limited period. Think of it as something like an overboost function.

Normally, the e-tron will operate in rear-wheel-drive mode, with the front motor only adding power when needed. Audi says the e-tron will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 124 mph. And when properly equipped, the vehicle will also be able to tow 4,000 pounds. The range is estimated at somewhere between 200 and 250 miles on a single charge.

Those seeking more performance will have to wait about another year as this is when the Audi Sport division is expected to introduce a three-motor e-tron with more power and rear-wheel bias.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120702_go-behind-the-scenes-in-the-development-of-the-audi-e-tron#image=100682289

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -B11 new E34 BMW 5-Series discovered in Bulgarian warehouse - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

There are barn finds, and then there are treasure chests. While 11 brand-new BMW 5-Series isn't exactly a gold mine, it's an incredible discovery nonetheless.

This group of 11 E34-generation (1988-1996) 5-Series models was discovered in a warehouse in Bulgaria, according to a Facebook post by a local company called The Rust Center. The Bulgarian site Auto Club reported last Friday that the cars were found stored in the city of Blagoevgrad in the southwest region of the country.

Sadly, we don't spot any M5s among the bunch. Instead, it looks like most of the cars are 520is with a few 525is thrown in for good measure. We do spy one 5-Series wagon hiding among the sedans, however.

BMW 5-Series found abandoned in Bulgaria

Why were they purchased and stored away? It's not entirely clear. Some Facebook commenters on the company's website claimed the BMWs were purchased as part of a rental car fleet, but never made it into service. If that's the case, someone has to be mighty forgetful to misplace 11 new cars.

In an even stranger twist, the BMW dealer the cars were purchased from has reportedly changed the fluids regularly to ensure the cars remain running. The current owner and registration data for the flock of E34 5-Series is ultimately unknown.

BMW 5-Series found abandoned in Bulgaria

A second story from locals claimed the cars were purchased as a fleet for the former Minister of Agriculture. However, the deal ultimately went south due to his preference for Mercedes-Benz. A man by the name of Dr. Alexander Germanov supposedly takes care of the cars after the ex-minister purchased the warehouse, sold the insides for scrap, and parked the cars for good.

Truly, these are mysterious cars, to say the least.

BMW 5-Series found abandoned in Bulgaria

The cars will reportedly head to auction for about 15,000 Euros each, or roughly $17,000. The exteriors of the cars aren't the best as they're covered in dirt, scratched, and even banged up in places, but the interiors remain flawless. However, local buyers will need to get creative to register the basically new BMWs. The local report said local laws won't allow vehicles with older European emissions standards to be registered as new cars. Instead, they'll need to be exported to a neighboring country where the cars are eligible for a "classic car" registration of sorts.

Want a "new" old BMW? This might be your chance.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120727_11-new-e34-bmw-5-series-discovered-in-bulgarian-warehouse
by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2021 Land Rover Defender spy shots - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Land Rover’s Defender is the stuff of legend. With a design that’s barely budged from the boxy shape of the utilitarian and mechanically bulletproof “Land Rover” unveiled in 1948, the Defender, just like its Germanic rival, the G-Glass, has a reputation for being one of the most capable vehicles off the road.

Unfortunately, the off-roading icon was phased out at the start of 2016 due to safety and emissions regulations—after more than three decades of continuous prodcution. The good news is that a successor is coming in 2020, and a prototype has just been spotted.

Redesigning an icon is no easy task, and Land Rover has no intention of taking the easy route of simply updating the original design to meet the latest regulations, like what Mercedes-Benz did with its redesigned G-Class. It appears Land Rover is increasing the size of the Defender as well as maintaining some of the proportions of the original while toughening up the stance.

2021 Land Rover Defender spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Finer details like the contours of the hood and roof as well as the design of the rear canopy are all hidden under thick camouflage gear. We can see that the overhangs are extremely short, especially at the front.

The prototype is for a long-wheelbase Defender but a short-wheelbase model is also planned. Various body styles are also planned including 3- and 5-door versions as well as a pickup. The short-wheelbase model could end up as a Defender Sport. We've also heard that plug-in hybrid and full electric Defenders are planned.

The redesigned Defender was originally due in 2015 but frequent design changes led to delays. The DC100 line of concept vehicles from 2011 was meant to hint at a new, inexpensive Defender designed to target Toyota’s Hilux workhorse. Those plans apparently didn’t sit well with Defender devotees and so it was back to the drawing board for the design team. The vehicle is now confirmed for a market launch in 2020, meaning we'll likely see it arrive as a 2021 model.

2021 Land Rover Defender spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Under the revised plan, the Defender will be positioned as a premium offering not unlike the G-Class. This has meant a switch to the next generation version of the D7U lightweight aluminum unibody structure underpinning the larger Range Rover SUVs, as well as the Discovery. This means fully independent suspension front and rear, with the new rear design in clear view in the spy shots. A low-range transfer case and multiple differential locks should still be present for superior performance when going off-road.

Powertrains should include a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 as the base option and the same engine working with an electric motor in plug-in hybrid guise. Such a setup features in plug-in hybrid versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport where it delivers 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 6-cylinder is also likely, and as mentioned earlier a full-electric option is expected.

It's possible the redesigned Defender will be previewed this year to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the original Land Rover's arrival. It's too early to talk pricing but expect the Defender to be positioned alongside the Range Rover Sport in Land Rover's lineup.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1074237_2021-land-rover-defender-spy-shots

by Viknesh Viyayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City- 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC spy shots- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz's GLC is about to come in for a minor facelift.

The changes represent a mid-cycle update for the small luxury SUV which first arrived in 2015 as a 2016 model. We should see this updated version in the second half of 2019 as a 2020 model.

The GLC is an important model for Mercedes. The automaker sold close to 70,000 of them in the United States last year, which is the best result since the SUV went on sale. This means you shouldn't expect Mercedes to rock the boat with this update.

We can spot minor revisions to the grille and headlights, with the latter benefiting from a new daytime running light design. There's also likely a new front fascia under all of that cladding. More advanced prototypes should exhibit changes at the rear as well.

Inside, there will be an upgrade of the infotainment system. Unfortunately, the updated GLC will miss out on the advanced dual-screen system that debuted in the new A-Class. Instead, the updated GLC will feature the same system found in the updated 2019 C-Class.

There's a larger screen at the top of the center stack and a new touchpad in the center console. There's also a larger screen in the instrument cluster and a new steering wheel with extra controls.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The GLC's base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 will likely see horsepower increased from 241 to 255 horsepower, reflecting a similar change for the updated C-Class.

In the GLC43 model from AMG, output from the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 will likely be bumped to 385 hp, up from 362 hp currently, once again reflecting a similar change in the updated C-Class.

The GLC63 sledgehammer was just added for 2018 so we're not expecting any changes there.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116443_2020-mercedes-benz-glc-spy-shots-and-video

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Gorgeous Jaguar XJ220C race car heads to auction - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar only made 275 examples of the XJ220 supercar back in the early '90s, but a true XJ220C is literally one-of-a-kind.

Thankfully, for someone with a healthy bank account, there's one headed to auction.

Auction house Bonhams will see off this 1993 Jaguar XJ220C at its Bond Street Sale on next month. This is the race car that captured the GT-class title at the 1993 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, it has an even more of an interesting story than just that.

The XJ220C did, in fact, cross the finish line in first place, but it was later stripped of its title and disqualified after regulators discovered the car didn't run catalytic converters. For a month, the XJ220C was the official champion. But, it still sort of is in our eyes.

The car isn't road-legal, obviously, and it still wears its racing number 50 and John Nielsen, David Brabham, and David Coulthard driver stickers. Power came from a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine related to the unit fitted to the road-going XJ220, which was rated at 542 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

Another rare Jaguar racer will cross the Bonhams auction block, too. The XJR6 of 1985 wasn't nearly as successful as the XJ220C, but it did manage a win at Silverstone. All three XJR6 entries retired early at Le Mans mid-race. Yet, the car would go on to heavily influence the highly successful XJR12. The racer will likely fetch somewhere between $2.9 million and $3.7 million.

As for the XJ220C, that's also estimated to sell in the $3 million range. 

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1119824_gorgeous-jaguar-xj220c-race-car-heads-to-auction

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Woman reunited with Land Rover she worked with 70 years ago - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

An 87-year-old woman received the reunion of a lifetime when she got to spend time in an original Land Rover she worked with 70 years ago.

Dorothy Peters told her story to Land Rover, which in turn granted her time with the car she kept pictures of for decades to come. According to the woman, she and her mother went to the Land Rover factory (then called Rover) as she looked for employment opportunities in July of 1946. She was 15 when the automaker hired her as part of the service department at the Lode Lane factory working alongside the first series Land Rovers to be built at the site.

Peters attended a recent festival Land Rover put on at its Solihull plant in the United Kingdom to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, and she brought along old photographs of herself at the plant, which also showed a specific Land Rover. As it turned out, Land Rover production number 16 is currently owned by Mike Bishop, Land Rover Classic’s Reborn Engineering Specialist and heritage expert, and he surprised Peters with the exact car she spent time with decades ago.

 

Dorothy Peters and a Land Rover Series 1 in 1948

Land Rover treated her to a ride at the brand's off-road track, a factory tour, and a special pre-screening of the reunion film before it was published to YouTube on Monday.

The story is utterly heartwarming, and it's tremendous to see the reaction on Peters' face when Bishop showed up in the Land Rover she so fondly remembered. Of her special day and reunion, Peters said, "It all felt like a dream and I won’t ever forget it."

Have a look at the reunion film attached above.

source: https://www2.motorauthority.com/news/1120409_woman-reunited-with-land-rover-she-worked-with-70-years-ago

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -BMW will preview its digital personal assistant at 2019 CES - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW will use next month's 2019 International Consumer Electronics Show to preview a digital personal assistant the automaker plans to roll out starting next March.

First announced in September, the system, known as the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, is a voice-activated system smart enough to allow you to use natural speech, much like the digital assistants offered by tech companies.

You simply go, “Hey BMW,” and then ask the system anything you'd like to know or would like done. Some examples are, “Hey BMW, look for the nearest fuel station on my route,” or, “Hey BMW, I'm tired.” The latter will tell the digital personal assistant to adjust the lighting, music, and cabin temperature to keep you more alert and focused.

The system can be used outside of the vehicle, too. This is because it is compatible with smart speakers and smartphones to integrate into an owner's ecosystem. It can also be integrated with Microsoft Office 365 and Skype For Business to make the car a mobile office.

The system's capabilities are developing all the time courtesy of updates via BMW's cloud network, and the use of artificial intelligence also means that the system can get to know an individual driver's preferences, such as seat position, popular destinations, and radio stations.

In future, the system will also be able to give fuel-saving driving tips or think ahead and warn drivers as necessary. It could alert the driver to problems, such as low tire or oil pressure, for example, remind the driver of service appointments and even arrange an appointment.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will be offered for models featuring the new BMW Operating System 7.0 and as part of the Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system.

BMW will also use the 2019 CES to highlight its Vision iNext concept, which visitors will be able to use for a virtual test drive. The concept previews an electric SUV with partial self-driving features that BMW will launch in 2021.

And the BMW Motorrad motorcycle division will demonstrate a self-riding BMW R 1200 GS. The insights gained with this test bike are being used to develop assistance features that could help with difficult maneuvers in the future.

source: https://www2.motorauthority.com/news/1120593_bmw-will-preview-its-digital-personal-assistant-at-2019-ces

by Vinesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com