BMW Group shares details of new development site in Sokolov

bmw group sokolov 1

The BMW Group — parent entity to brands like BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad — is building its first development site in Sokolov, Czech Republic. Here, the automotive conglomerate plans to advance ground-breaking topics, such as electrification, digitalization, and automated driving.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • When will the BMW Group's Sokolov site be fully operational?

    According to the BMW Group, the Sokolov testing facility is expected to be fully operational by mid-2023.
  • What tests will the BMW Group conduct in the Sokolov site?

    Per the BMW Group, the Sokolov site will serve as testing ground for electrification, digitalization, and automated driving.
  • Two track sections from the Sokolov development site have been deployed early to test autonomous vehicles and assistance systems.

    bmw group sokolov 2 bmw group sokolov

    “With the early deployment of two track sections to prepare for official vehicle testing in Solokov, we are now testing new assistance systems from the point of view of driver safety and advancing the further development of test scenarios. From mid-2023, the new test site in the Czech Republic will operate in addition to the BMW Group's existing testing facilities in Aschheim near Munich, Miramas in France, and Arjeplog in Sweden,” explains Sokolov Testing Ground Project Manager Andreas Heb.

    With the launch of the two test tracks and an exclusive insight into its testing operations, the BMW Group will showcase the first results of its 300-million-euro investment in Sokolov. The testing facility is expected to be fully operational by mid-2023 and will have more than 100 employees working on site.

    Sitting on about 90,000 square meters of land is the New Technology Area. Here the BMW Group sets up three separate run-up tracks that provide optimal conditions for testing assistance systems and behavior in cross traffic as well as emergency braking and evasive situations.

    bmw group sokolov 3bmw group sokolov 5 bmw group sokolov 4 bmw group sokolov 6

    The tests are prepared and controlled from the adjoining control room with temporary workstations.

    In the immediate vicinity of the New Technology Area is the six-kilometer Autonomous Driving Highway, a motorway-style circuit with on- and off-ramp scenarios for testing autonomous vehicles on motorways. The test motorway has been equipped with two functional lanes and an emergency stop lane as well as gantries and a straight stretch measuring over 1,000 meters.

    “The BMW Group’s first development location in Central Europe creates new opportunities. Sokolov offers ideal conditions and suitable grounds for expanding our test locations. The trusting cooperation with property owner Sokolovská uhelná and all political representatives confirms that our choice of new location is the right one,” said BMW Group Head of Real Estate Management Region Europe, Middle East, Proving Ground Robert Thurner.

    Photos from BMW Group

    Also read: 

    BMW Group puts sustainability at core of corporate strategy

    BMW to invest US$200M for press shop in South Carolina facility

    BMW inaugurates new plant in China

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured BMW Cars

    BMW Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • BMW PH launches new 5 Series sedan
      BMW PH launches new 5 Series sedan
      Paulo Papa . Feb 26, 2024
    • BMW showcases the future of in-car infotainment at CES 2024
      BMW showcases the future of in-car infotainment at CES 2024
      Hazel Nicole Carreon . Jan 09, 2024
    • BMW 5 Series showcases capabilities, state-of-the-art tech on Austrian glacier
      BMW 5 Series showcases capabilities, state-of-the-art tech on Austrian glacier
      Hazel Nicole Carreon . Nov 23, 2023
    • BMW PH to showcase EV lineup at SM Aura this weekend
      BMW PH to showcase EV lineup at SM Aura this weekend
      Hazel Nicole Carreon . Nov 21, 2023
    • BMW PH to showcase EV lineup at SM Aura this weekend
      BMW PH to showcase EV lineup at SM Aura this weekend
      Hazel Nicole Carreon . Nov 21, 2023
    • BMW iX: Electrifying luxury and innovation
      BMW iX: Electrifying luxury and innovation
      Hazel Nicole Carreon . Jul 07, 2022
    • Classy crossovers: BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA
      Classy crossovers: BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA
      Dylan Afuang . Dec 03, 2021
    • Top 5 Gift Ideas for Dad Who Love Cars More than their Wives
      Top 5 Gift Ideas for Dad Who Love Cars More than their Wives
      Zigwheels team . Jun 17, 2016