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German car firms to build self-driving alliance: report

Germany's biggest carmakers and auto parts suppliers are weighing plans to work together on autonomous driving, according to press reports Wednesday.

German car firms to build self-driving alliance: report
BMW is considering a partnership with other German auto giants. Photo: DPA

Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, as well as component makers Bosch and Continental, are “examining” a possible alliance, weekly Manager Magazin reported.

On Monday, business daily Handelsblatt reported similar talks between 

Daimler and BMW, while Bloomberg News reported preliminary discussions in the same direction late last year.

BMW told AFP that “other firms are interested in cooperation” with the 

Munich-based firm on its “non-exclusive” self-driving platform, which has 

already roped in Italy's Fiat and chipmaker Intel.

SEE ALSO: BMW opens campus for self-driving cars near Munich

Meanwhile, a Volkswagen spokesman said “strategic partnerships and a 

sizeable research and development network are essential factors in the 

success” of automated driving, not least because of the “significant 

investments” required.

The Wolfsburg-based group is “considering different combined economic 

projects with other firms all over the world,” he added.

For their part, Daimler, Continental and Bosch declined to comment on the press reports.

Volkswagen and Ford last week announced they would cooperate on vans and pickups, aiming to slash production costs, and plan further talks on a partnership in electric and automated vehicles and mobility services.

According to Manager Magazin, the Ford talks failed to reach a more 

ambitious conclusion as VW boss Herbert Diess prefers to cooperate with other German companies.

The latest reports of talks come as Germany's car industry looks to catch 

up the head start enjoyed by foreign firms in the areas expected to define the coming decades for the sector.

With massive investments needed, alliances look increasingly attractive to auto bosses, as in the case of Honda's recent investment in General Motors' autonomous driving division.

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GREENPEACE

Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium

At least two people were hospitalised Tuesday after a Greenpeace activist crash-landed on the pitch before the Germany-France match at Euro 2020 when his powered parachute microlight struck spidercam cables at Munich's Allianz Arena.

Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium
The activist lands on the turf of the Allianz Arena. credit: dpa | Christian Charisius

The pilot flew over the pitch just before kick-off in the Group F clash with “Kick out oil” written on the canopy of his parachute.

However, when the pilot hit television cables above the pitch, it knocked his microlight off balance and he landed on the turf after clipping one of the stands, where the casualties happened.

The activist was arrested soon after landing.

A Munich police spokesman told AFP that at least two people suffered head injuries and “both had to be taken to hospital, we don’t know yet how serious the injuries are”.

The police spokesman said the activist appears to have escaped injury, but “we are considering various criminal charges. Munich police has zero understanding for political actions that put lives at risk”.

UEFA also slammed the botched stunt.

“This inconsiderate act – which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending – caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

The parachutist above the stadium. Photo: dpa | Matthias Balk

“The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless.”

The stunt was a protest against German car manufacturer Volkswagen, one of the sponsors of the European Championship, Greenpeace explained in a Twitter post.

“UEFA and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions,” said UEFA.

Greenpeace said they regretted any harm caused.

“This protest was never intended to disrupt the game or hurt people,” read a Twitter post on Greenpeace’s official German account.

“We hope that everyone is OK and that no one was seriously injured. Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent.”

“Unfortunately, not everything went according to plan.”

READ MORE: Climate activists rage as Germany opts for drawn-out coal exit

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