BMW Seeks Critical Mass for Autonomous Alliance

BMW is seeking one more automaker to join its autonomous driving partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles by the end of 2017. That year-end timing is necessary to keep the project on track to produce BMW's self-driving iNEXT electric vehicle by 2021. Having a maximum of three automakers on the project also will keep the development pace from slowing.

BMW formed the partnership in 2016 with technology companies Intel and Mobileye. Tier 1 suppliers Continental and Delphi Automotive joined this year. FCA came on board in August. The idea is to pool resources and expertise to create a scalable platform that multiple companies can use to produce self-driving vehicles.