BMW

Exynos had been the ugly duckling of chips for years. BMW thinks the opposite.

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When choosing a high-end Samsung, the dilemma between betting on the Exynos version or the Qualcomm version has always been clear. In fact, until just a generation ago Samsung reserved its chips Exynos for the “non-Ultra” models, and provided its flagship with Snapdragon Elite on duty. Its chip division has been in crisis for almost a yearbut the latest leaks point to the comeback being close. Meanwhile, the company has a plan to revitalize the income of this business area: bet on the automotive industry. bmw. According to Korean sourcesBMW has chosen the Samsung Exynos Auto V720 to give life to a very important vehicle for the German brand: the next iX3. It will be the first electric car to use this platform. One of the current wars in the automotive sector is precisely to lead in infotainment systems, and there the processor plays a fundamental role. The Exynos Auto V720. This processor will be manufactured in a five nanometer process, and its announcement will be imminent according to the source. It is not the first time that BMW has opted for the Korean company, since flagship vehicles such as those of the Series 7 of the company have been betting on platforms such as the Exynos Auto V920 since 2023. Why is it important. Samsung’s Samsung LSI (Large Scale Integration) division is responsible for the design and development of chips and solutions for semiconductors. It is not only responsible for manufacturing Exynos processors, but also ISOCELL image sensors or the 5G modems themselves. Without a detailed shock plan, the data on the table tells us of estimated losses of 1 trillion won in 2024, a result that was partly due to the inability to integrate the processor Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25 series. Beyond smartphones, a crucial division for Samsung, fully entering the automotive world is an important step to clean up its accounts. In fact, Samsung’s move goes beyond simply supplying the Exynos Auto. Recently, Harman (Samsung subsidiary) agreed to purchase ZF Friedrichshafen’s ADAS unit to reinforce its presence in advanced assistance systems (cameras, radars, critical computing, etc.). Interior of the BMW 7 Series The software war. The current war in the automotive world is not about the engine, It’s in the software and the screens. It’s getting to that pointthat manufacturers such as Volkswagen have come to declare that “they are not phones, they are cars”, as an argument to reintroduce the haptic buttons that their customers missed so much. The European Union itself has had to take action on the matter, and the new Euro NCAP will be valued very positively the return of physical buttons. Despite this, screens are here to stay. Image | bmw

Accessing our car’s mechanics has become increasingly complicated. BMW has thought of complicating it even more

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Do-it-yourself repairability of a vehicle is something that Over the years it has gotten worse. while the systems have become increasingly complicated. Therefore, it is not surprising that multiple manufacturers have chosen to design specific tools to access sensitive parts of the vehicle. In the case of BMW, a patent recently discovered Meanwhile, CarBuzz could make things even more complicated for those who want to have access to certain parts of your car. And the patent shows some screws with heads designed in the shape of the brand logo that require specific tools for handling. What is this about? The patent from BMW describes four different types of custom screw heads that replicate the brand’s circular emblem, divided into four quadrants. Two of these sections are recessed to accommodate the screwdriver, while the other two remain flat or raised. The design of this type of specific screws means that they cannot be manipulated with conventional tools such as Torx, hexagonal or Phillips, but rather requires parts manufactured specifically for BMW. Why BMW says it does. As the patent itself explains, the objective is “to prevent the screw from being loosened or tightened using common drive structures, for example, by unauthorized persons.” The company proposes its use in structural and semi-structural applications, such as seat anchors or joints between the passenger compartment and the supporting structure of the body. The intention is that these screws can be used in visible areas, since if we judge these screws from an aesthetic point of view, the truth is that molar is cool. The problem for workshops and owners. On the other hand, and addressing the central problem behind this decision, this would turn even the most basic maintenance tasks into mandatory visits to the official dealer or, at best, would force independent workshops to purchase exclusive BMW tools. Something that, on the other hand, is not so strange if we take a look at the history of many of the largest automobile groups. Just like account In the middle, working with a two-point system and the decorative ring taking up much of the surface of the screw would increase the risk of breaking the tools, especially in applications that require very hard fastening. It’s not the first time. German manufacturers have a long tradition of using specialized fasteners. Just like points out In the middle, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW routinely use triple-square, oversized Torx or even E-Torx screws, which force mechanics to have specific tool sets. Against the current. The curious thing about it all is that this patent openly contrasts with the direction that other manufacturers are taking. Mercedes-Benz for example, its main rival, advertisement that would work on redesigning its future vehicles to facilitate repairs. An example of this is their decision to replace the glue with screws in the headlights to simplify their replacement. Just a piece of paper, for now. The patent was filed on June 7, 2024 and was made public on December 11, 2025. However, it is worth remembering that manufacturers register numerous patents that never materialize in series models. There is no confirmation that BMW will actually implement this system in its production vehicles. For now, this is only technical documentation. A general trend. Regardless of whether these specific screws are manufactured or not, the patent is yet another example of the progressive distancing of owners from the mechanics of their vehicles. With electrification and greater technological complexity, drivers they increasingly depend on specialized workshops for any intervention. It should also be noted that very few owners fix or modify their car on their own. Perhaps precisely because the systems have become increasingly more complicated to access. Cover image | Paul Martinez In Xataka | Ferdinand Porsche devised the first car with an electric motor in each wheel. Today a Chinese manufacturer is going to make it possible

Lyft, closer to landing in Europe. The platform has taken a key step to buy Freeow from BMW and Mercedes

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Lyft wants to enter Europe and has begun to move. The company has notified the National Commission of Markets and the Competition the purchase of Freeow, the taxi app that until now shared BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The operation, valued at 175 million euros It represents a key movement: if completed, it will allow Lyft to deploy in more than 150 European cities, including Madrid, Berlin and London. Instead of building a network in Europe, it is committed to acquiring a platform that already operates in some of the most important markets on the continent. Freeow not only has a consolidated presence in key cities: it also has local agreements, active fleets and an approach that fits the European ecosystem, more regulated than the American. The operation would allow Lyft to enter with a base already made. The operation is not closed. On July 9, Lyft officially notified the purchase from the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC). With that step the initial phase of the regulatory process in Spain is activated: the agency now has a month to pronounce. If you consider that the operation needs a more detailed analysis, a second phase will be opened that could be lengthened between three and four months, As Europa Press collects. Only after overcoming this process the transaction could be completed. For users, nothing changes for now. But there are clear promises. Both Lyft and Freeow have confirmed that, for the moment, there will be no changes in the experience of use. The app will continue to function as until now. However, in the medium term, improvements such as more consistent prices, faster vehicles and new functions are expected. They are future objectives, even without a concrete date, but that are already in the road map of both companies. The Integration of Freeow would allow him to significantly expand his scope, both in number of cities and in potential volume of users. According to its internal estimates, the total market to which it aspires would reach more than 300,000 million annual journeys, with an expected increase in gross reserves of 1,000 million euros. Freeow does not disappear: he maintains his team, his brand and his local DNA. The agreement contemplates that Freeow retains its current structure. There will be no mergers or rebranding: the brand will remain active and directed by the same team. That continuity is part of the strategic value of the operation, since it allows Lyft to access a consolidated network without altering its internal operation. An agreement that meets two different, but complementary cultures. Lyft arrives with an experience focused on digital platforms and large volume management. Freeow brings the knowledge of the land: relations with fleets, authorities and operators in each city. Both companies assure that it is not an absorption, but a collaboration that aspires to climb what already works, without losing local identity. Images | Lyft/Freeow In Xataka | Europe has denied 1,100 million euros to Spain with a single goal: that we pay more for diesel

After 15 years with BMW and Japanese motorcycles, I am clear that the next one will be China

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I have been driving motorcycles for more than 15 years and I have seen in the first person how the market has progressed. Being a weekend hobby, I usually change a lot of model, and I have gone through practically all renowned brands: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph … I know how to reliable are the Japanese, how expensive it is to maintain a BWM or a TRIUMPh in the official house and also know that Chinese are eating the market. Look at the Chinese market Years ago is looking at a photograph that has little to do with the one now. The introduction in Europe of the latest models of giants such as Voge and Zontes has completely shaken the sales rankings in Spain. And if I am clear about something, sooner or later, I will end a Chinese motorcycle. I’m not alone. Sales data in Spain say everything about the success of Chinese manufacturers: Two of the five best -selling brands in our country are Chinese. Specifically, Voge and Zontes are having simply brutal growth, while European struggle to grow marginally. It is not for less. Both brands are betting on a network of their own dealers (something that can not even afford minority brands, forced to distribute through multi-brands), guarantee above what their rivals and spectacular quality-quality offer. There are Chinese, and there are Chinese. Talking about “Chinese motorcycles” is a little precise generality. Not all point to the same segment, buyer and market. The cases of Voge, Zontes, Benelli or CF Moto are similar: they want to keep the European market, and their product is designed to conquer its consumer. This has led to Premiumization of some Chinese motorcycles, such as VOGE 900 DSX that shares a good part of technology with the BMW F 900 GS. In fact, the motorcycle is born as an agreement between the two brands. And that 900cc engine manufactured by Lancin is no exception, it is the result of an agreement with more than 20 years of history. The price. Chinese motorcycles are mainly conquering for its price. The price of European, Japanese and Italian motorcycles has shot in recent years. A well equipped trail can go to about 20,000 euros, and for 10,000 euros it is difficult to find (buying new). Even segments such as the half -displacement are quite fired: a Honda NX500 (Antigua CB 500 x) costs more than 7,000 euros new. For 500 euros less, Voge offers the 625x with more displacement, more power (there is version A2 if this worries you) and full set of suitcases and top case for 998 euros. They give the insurance, the motorcycle comes with the shell, grill for Top Case, a five -year guarantee to 75,000km, directional flashing, adjustable windshield, HD front camera … it is not since it comes more equipped than the rest of its rivals, it is that there are accessories to which their rivals cannot even access. The guarantee. The first question that may arise when you get a Chinese motorcycle is what happens to the guarantee. Most manufacturers are offering five years (above the three years that the European guarantee marks), with national distribution for replacement pieces. There may be specific pieces that are asked for factory, as in any motorcycle, and there the distribution deadlines will depend on the manufacturer’s agility. The key is that, with a strong commitment to own concessionaires and distribution in Spain, the friction that the use of the guarantee can be minimized. The Peros. The main peros with Chinese motorcycles, at least today, are intangible. Let’s be clear: the main barrier of entry is the prejudice that the motorcycle is China. The motorcycle world is somewhat different from that of the car: it is reigned by Japanese motorcycles that have been building their image decades and demonstrating their reliability. The Chinese motorcycle needs time to prove that it is reliable and that, in case of breakdown, the brand responds quickly. It is something that the Internet will help. It is not too hard to find for Chinese motorcycle forums With about 100,000km (considerable figure for a motorcycle) and without needing more than basic maintenance and spare parts. The fate of the motorcycle industry passes through China and, sooner or later, will be sales leaders in Spain. Image | VOGE In Xataka | 20 years ago, BMW allied with a Chinese giant to make motorcycles. Now, that giant has eaten the toast completely

Xiaomi has copied in months what BMW announced as a three -year revolution seen. It is the best example of how the industry is

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On March 16, 2023 we wrote in Xataka that BMW prepared the launch of a head-up display (HUD) in its Neue Klasse. Then it was already warned that we would see it, for the first time, in a car on the street in 2025. The chosen one is the new generation of the BMW series 3, which promises to be a revolution for the brand in many ways. What BMW announced two years seen, Xiaomi has put it on the street a few months. 2023. How many screens are too many screens? With these words we titled in Xataka Our article on BMW’s announcement to put on the market a head-up display little less than infinity. One that crossed the entire width of the vehicle and that will serve to offer precise and personalized information for each passenger. The strategy continues to delve on the path that the company has taken. In recent years, BMW has been one of the companies that More has opted to give it personality To its infotainment systems with very good quality and size screens in the center, instruments of instruments at the height and an HUD with graphics of all kinds. He has even put A huge screen for rear passengers of the most expensive Berlina. Two years of the same. But two years later we remain the same. He BMW Panoramic Vision He surprised first but began to lose strength as time has passed. We have seen it in the CES de Las Vegaswe have seen it At the Münich Mobility Fairwe have seen it, again, in the advances of the future Neue Klasse… In short, the launch of a functionality that Xiaomi, which put on the market its first car a year ago has just presented for its future electric SUVs, has been priming two years. Taking into account that the first car we see from that Neue Klasse It will arrive at the end of 2025everything indicates that Xiaomi is going to pass the German firm on the right. Hypervision Hud. This is what this alternative to the BMW HUD is called that will incorporate the Xiaomi Yu7. As we have seen during your presentation, the projection on the windshield will occupy the entire width of the vehicle and inform the passengers of the information that most interest them. For example, in front of the driver we will have the instrument chart and in the central area of ​​navigation. But the car also has specific graphics for when it is stopped carrying the battery or we want to select a specific music album. The image of Lei Jun, CEO of the company, with all the graphics that the driver has available to configure that giant HUD to his liking is shocking. We read, for example, data on consumption, driving assists, browser, a stopwatch … More than a novelty. The incorporation of this panoramic hud into the new Xiaomi electric car is not only an aesthetic novelty, it is a clear example of how the industry is. Each announcement of the European industry has years (yes, years) of planning, development and implementation. In China, however, it is deciding and executing in record time. Kevin Williams, journalist of InsideevsI explained it well in an article entitled I have been in China and led dozens of electric cars. Western manufacturers are lost. In him he explained how the interiors of Chinese cars had overwhelmed him on a trip to the country and how far from Europe. Also our partner Javier Lacort had the opportunity to sit in an ultra xiaomi or check Where is Byd and its luxury brands In the Asian country. In Xataka We have had the opportunity to speak between scenes with workers from Chinese brands such as Byd or the Chery group that have passed through European companies of the Volkswagen or Stellantis group. All of them have confirmed that Chinese companies work at an inconceivable pace for the European industry. An anecdote that is not so much anecdote. In fact, one of these workers told us that when he worked for the Volkswagen Group every small change in the touch of the car or in the equipment, a bureaucratic tangle, the filter of various departments and, in the best case, the approval to be implemented in the update of half commercial life or in the next generation. That is, these changes would come years later. However, in Xataka We have known that one of these Chinese brands was testing preserving units in Spain that did not like in their first test in terms of tires and tact of the direction referred to. Between two and three later, those cars reached the market with all the changes in equipment and touch of the direction already carried out. It is not the only case. Beyond these two specific cases, the rhythm to which China is subjecting the news launches in electric cars is putting the ropes against the way of acting to the industry. In Europe we continue to announce the launch of “Cheap” electric cars two and three years old. Meanwhile, Byd has just brought to the European market the Byd Dolphin Surf that with aid and discounts can remain in less than 12,000 euros. Another good example is Volkswagen. Its software and platform development strategy has been such a disaster that they burned billions in the development of only two cars (Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric) that, In addition, they were delayed. In fact, the group came to send engineers to China to learn from their work methods and has reached an agreement with Xpeng To provide Audi with a new platform. Nor does Renault escape. Luca de Meo, his CEO, He has reiterated On multiple occasions that one of China’s competitive advantages is that they work at a much faster rate than that of Europeans. Photo | BMW and Xiaomi In Xataka | A alluvion of controversies is eclipsing the launch of the Xiaomi Yu7. … Read more

BMW does not want to hear about solid state batteries

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Have an electric car with the Autonomy of a conventional diesel It is one of the objectives of the industry. The technology of the current batteries does not allow that without including huge modules and without harming load times, but there is something on the horizon that promises to fulfill the dream: the solid state batteries that They promise to change the rules of the game. The goal is to achieve the 1,000 kilometers of autonomy and there are already companies like Saic -Dueña de Mg- They claim to have lists. It is not the only one: Mercedes says he has a that already endures those 1,000 kilometers, Byd wants to start implementing Short -term solid state batteries and Honda has just opened a megafactory of 270 million euros to manufacture them. Other greats like Ford and BMW They began to show interest For this technology a few years ago, but it is precisely the current BMW that has launched into the air that, although those of solid state are the future, the current lithium -ion batteries still have much to say. Lithium left kilometers away The interest in solid state batteries is due to multiple factors. They are smaller and light than those of Lithium ionsbut also denser, so they can store more energy. They are also loaded at a much higher speed, it is estimated that it has a useful life of between 8,000 and 10,000 cycles before starting to degrade and are safer because the flammable liquid electrolyte is replaced by a solid one. Toyota the ha qualified as “what can change the future of electric cars” and it is evident that all the main companies have interest in technology. However, in a recent interview To the Middle Autocar, the vice president of next -generation battery technology in BMW, Martin Schuster, has calmed the spirits a bit. Like so many things, money is what the singing voice carries in the passage to new solid state batteries, and Schuster has commented that BMW is eight years after needing to have an option with this battery in the market. “The most important thing is now the lithium -ion battery. It is not finished and improvements are still observed. There is no single definitive battery and will not arrive, but at this time, the lithium -ion battery can constantly improve. ” More than an improvement in performance, the real challenge is to reduce costs. For Schuster, the “main and most important” objective is to reduce costs. The manager commented that they can make solid state battery now, “but the cost makes no sense. There is still a long way to go with lithium -ion batteries. ” BMW is clear that lithium -ion batteries are present and future. A key is to improve on the existing, but above all to lower development and packaging costs Thus, plans such as Byd’s to start riding them in 2027, it seems that they do not fit what BMW has in mind because, in the end, who will pay those first batteries will be the users. “Would you be a customer willing to pay a much higher price for a solid state battery just for a load perhaps a little faster? The price is one of the most important points in the decision -making of electric vehicles, ”he added. Schuster confirmed that his GEN6 battery will be the one they use in the immediate future because they have not observed ways of manufacturing millions of solid state batteries at a low price, with high efficiency, an obvious improvement of quality and a simple integration into current cars. But, of course, Mercedes has that aforementioned battery with 1,000 kilometers of autonomy and from Autocar they asked him about the matter. “They are in a price range that is not competitive,” he replied. “That is the reality today and, when we see that they compete against lithium -ion batteries -in that cost/price relationship -then we will take note,” said the manager. For Schuster’s words, it seems that BMW has a decade ahead To think about the introduction of solid state batteries in their vehicles and Neue Klasse With that battery Gen6 They are the bet of the German house. And these batteries will also be integrated into other models, such as the SUVs, being the X5 of 2026 the first in receiving them. We will see if they maintain that bet at the time when the rest of the brands are launched by those of solid state, since it is not only the traditional marks that are in the fight: The Chinese They are very interested and giant like Huawei either Samsung They are developing their own. Images | BMW, 天然ガス In Xataka | The new great hope to reduce electric cars is sodium (and there are advances to create it)

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