BMW Sells Vehicles Without Connectivity Features

While OEMs are investing in customer experience to offer more efficient vehicles, the implementation of this technology hinges on the availability of chips. BMW has recently changed chip suppliers and has been forced to temporarily ship vehicles without the support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Wi-Fi, as the new chips need a software update.   

“The chips built into these cars in the first four months of this year need updated software in order to be fully functional and offer Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Wi-Fi capability. Rather than delay production/handover of these cars until work on the software update was completed, we have been delivering the cars to customers,” said Phil Dilanni, Spokesperson, BMW, to The Verge.

These connectivity services and digital products are part of BMW Connected Drive solutions that aim to “make life easier,” says the OEM. With Apple CarPlay, users can comfortably access numerous iPhone apps while driving their BMW and can enjoy a tactile or voice command control display management. Android Auto offers similar advantages but the driver controls the function of the vehicles via Google Assistant. Meanwhile, BMW’s Wi-Fi connection offers an improved internet coverage and a wireless connection for 10 devices.

The vehicles pending the software update are those with the 6P1 production code. Potential buyers have been informed that the support for Android, Apple and Wi-fi will become available by the end of Jun. 2022.

BMW continuously invests in innovative technology to produce smarter vehicles. Recently, it announced a partnership with Qualcomm that offers ADAS and autonomous vehicle systems with its Snapdragon Ride Platform. Today, Volkswagen announced a partnership with Qualcomm as well to power its next-generation vehicles.

BMW has a global presence that comprises a production network of 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries. It also has a global sales network in over 140 countries. In Mexico, BMW has over 30 years of experience and its strong presence in the country has recently been reinforced by the  announcement of the production of the second generation of the M2 exclusively at its San Luis Potosi plant in late 2022. The plant currently produces the BMW Series 3 and the BMW Series 2 Coupé.  

“San Luis Potosi benefits from the experience and the best practices of the BMW Group Global Production Network. It is sustainable, innovative and highly flexible. Our highly motivated and qualified team is integrating this new model seamlessly into its ongoing production,” said Milan Nedeljkovic, Member of the Board of Directors, BMW AG.