BMW responds to Audi: Announces traffic info via telematics (cellular comms)

14 Feb 2011

From autumn 2011, all new BMW cars can be equipped with an upgraded traffic information service that will be delivered to the car via the built-in SIM card, which is used for ConnectedDrive services.

The new Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) service, for BMW navigation systems, will be offered as a premium alternative to the continually available Traffic Message Channel (TMC).

The key benefits are as follows: faster and more comprehensive data communication via cellular networks and the SIM which is integrated in the vehicle. In addition to motorways and major roads, the new system also covers country roads and numerous inner-city links.

Considerably more data are taken into account for analysing the traffic situation and they are also updated more frequently.

In the future, BMW drivers will receive precise information about the traffic situation on a potential diversion route in addition to warnings about traffic jams on the current route.

Traffic info collection (Cellular Floating Vehicle Data): The dynamic network connections of cellular phones will transmit anonymous movement profiles which will be matched with the entire road network. The number of locations and the speed at which they are changed within the cellular network will provide information about the current status of the respective traffic situation. Data are transmitted in real time via the GSM cellular network. An active smartphone app is not neccesary.

In order to use RTTI, the car must be equipped with the BMW Navigation System Professional including mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth interface. The new generation of traffic information will be offered as a priced option in addition to a BMW ConnectedDrive contract.