Is automated driving really the way of the future? Too right it is – in fact it’s already making a name for itself courtesy of BMW and Continental.

Since the start of 2013, BMW and Continental have upped the ante in a big way to focus more efforts on new-generation driver assistance systems than ever before. This January saw the beginning of a new project that would eventually see commercial vehicles fitted with the kind of virtual co-pilot technology that essentially bridges the gap between manual and fully-automated driving.

As it stands, the collaboration is scheduled to bear fruit on a global level by 2020 – the year that could see automated driving and incredible news driver assists become standard.

Contrary to popular belief however, automated driving is not in fact a vision that’s geared toward convenience or ever-growing laziness. Far from it in fact, the efforts of those involved are being invested in the name of a future where vehicle automation could potentially lead to a 100% accident-free society where the overwhelming majority of RTAs can be ruled out by computer intervention. And while it all sounds like a distant dream and something that’s unlikely to come about during our lifetime at least, it’s worth remembering that huge steps have already been made.

BMW for example has already clocked up thousands of miles testing vehicles with the most advanced lane positioning and general hazard detection systems created to date. These are the kind of driver-aids that without taking full control away from the vehicle’s pilot are nonetheless able to evaluate the surrounding area and implement a variety of safeguards in order to prevent accidents. Between now and the end of 2014, BMW is to manufacture and deliver a series of prototype vehicles which will one by one take these and other driver aids one step closer to commercial implementation.

Of course, we’re not looking at an imminent future where cars drive themselves while their passengers snooze in the backseat, but what’s closer than ever before is a time when driver aids and human beings are collectively able to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities suffered on the roads each and every year quite monumentally.

For more information on vehicle automation or the various driver aids already making a difference, get in touch with the team at Stephen James today or visit the website at http://www.stephenjames.co.uk/.

During 2012 our Stephen James Enfield branch took part in the BMW Genius pilot scheme.  The idea of this scheme was to test the BMW Genius concept in the real world and it has proven to be quite a success.  Due to the high level of positive feedback that our Genius's and the others in the dealer network received, BMW has started a national roll-out of the programme across its UK dealership network.

Each BMW Genius will be steeped in the increasingly sophisticated technologies and personalisation options available from BMW to help guide customers through every step of the ordering, buying, test drive and handover process, and will be on call to help with any subsequent queries or service updates.

One of our own Genius's, Barry Bloom, says: "One of the best parts of the job, is having the time to really help the customer without pressuring them into buying.  We are able to help them understand the potential benefits of the product in a relaxed way."

New buying challenges prompted Genius concept
BMW pioneered the increasing personalisation of cars in recognition of the fact there is no longer any such thing as “one size fits all”. Some of the sophisticated technologies and options now offered on a BMW have multiple uses and the potentially hidden gems of these systems can really be brought to the fore with the help of BMW Geniuses. They can demonstrate and explain technologies such as EfficientDynamnics, alternative drive systems, ConnectedDrive, xDrive, mobile solutions and Head-up Display, either one-to-one or at workshops and customer events. The focus is always on the individuality of each customer. The BMW Genius programme also removes the “sales pressure” element from initial contact with customers.

The BMW Geniuses have a youthful and flexible attitude, are tech-savvy and able to communicate how things work and how customers can get the best from them. They are keen on cars, but not necessarily from a motor industry background. They can be identified by BMW Genius polo shirts, and will use modern communication tools such as Virtual Product Presentation – enabling customers to build the model they intend to buy in 3-D on a 47-inch screen – linked to an iPad app for configuring cars.

Kevin Davidson, Dealer Development Director, said: “The BMW Genius programme has proved that BMW offers its customers the most up-to-date, forward thinking way of engaging with them on a level they’ll feel comfortable with. Buying a new car is a huge decision for anyone so having highly knowledgeable people alongside our existing professional staff in increasing numbers of dealers across the country is a large positive step forward.”

Some 30 BMW dealers already have BMW Geniuses in place now with more than 100 dealers planning to have the highly trained staff in place by the end of 2013. Priority will go to those who will be involved at the start of the introduction of BMW i, BMW's alternative powertrain sub-brand. New starters are being sought on www.bmwretailjobs.co.uk

No you’re not dreaming – that’s seven stunning MINIs to choose from, guaranteed to tick all the right boxes in all the right places. So…which is best for you?

Hatch

The original and still the best as far as millions are concerned, the new MINI Hatch is the dictionary definition of a modern-day icon. The latest engine advancement in the new series add up to more power, lower emissions and lower overall fuel consumption to stack up the savings every day. In the simplest of terms, for purists, traditionalists and those who like to keep things nice and old-fashioned, the Hatch is the MINI for you.

Convertible

A guaranteed head-turner if ever there was one, the Convertible MINI has been lavished with a range of new technologies to make it safer, more powerful and lighter on the pocket than ever before. It’s an institution in its own right and a frankly awesome choice for anyone.

Paceman

A brand-new addition though still a MINI through and through, the Paceman is presented in stunning coupe style and has been lavished with more than a few refinements to the interior. It’s also got much more space from stretching out and serves up 1,080 litres of boot space with the seats down.

Countryman

The Countryman is a modern MINI marvel. Despite the fact that it’s the biggest of the bunch and serves up way more space than the rest of the range, it’s still every bit a MINI and feels as such both inside and out. If looking for a roomier ride and more space to carry anything and everything, look no further than the Countryman.

Coupe

Heading down a slightly sportier street now, the MINI Coupe ups the ante in a big way and combines the performance of a two-seater sports car with the practicality of a family car with a massive boot. Probably the best thing of all is the option to fully customise your Coupe, meaning you really can create your own MINI unlike anyone else’s on Earth.

Clubman

Great for anyone favouring ease of access and practicality, the MINI Clubman has superb rear passenger space and those trademark doors we really couldn’t be prouder of!

Roadster

The ultimate driving experience every time comes from the MINI Roadster, which is packed with power, teeming with technology and delivers a serious visual punch.

For more information on the above MINI Range of to discuss anything related, get in touch with Stephen James today or take a look at the website at http://www.stephenjames.co.uk.

The Stephen James Group has joined over 5,545 other UK car deales to help reduce the MOT failure rate.  The Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders (SMMT) have research that indicates that there are around 1.5 millions MOT failures each year that could be avoided.  Simple checks by motorists can help customers let dealers know of simple problems that so often cause cars to fail the annual road worthiness test.

These 10 simple checks are listed below and could help you make sure your car is ready for its MOT.

The ‘Minute Or Two’ checklist

1. Headlights and indicators

Check that all of your car’s lights function properly – headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights
and indicators.

2. Brake lights

Press the brake pedal and ask a friend to check that the rear brake lights come on – including any
supplementary brake strip light. Alternatively, carefully reverse up to a reflective surface (window, wall
or garage door) and look behind to see for yourself.

3. Number plate

Make sure that the number plate is clean and legible – even a quick wipe with a cloth can make a
difference. The font and spacing of letters must also comply with legal requirements to be passed by
the MOT station.

4. Wheels and tyres

Check that wheels and tyres are undamaged. The minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm and any
tyres with less than this will be marked as an MOT ‘fail’ (though it’s recommended that tyres are
changed when tread reaches 3mm). If you’re in doubt about how much tread is left on a tyre, your
local manufacturer main dealer can check for you. The dealer can also advise on the type of tyre that
is right for your car if a replacement is required.

5. Seats and seatbelts

The driver's seat should adjust forwards and backwards and all seatbelts should be in good, working
order. Test movement of the seat and inspect the seatbelt's full length for damage. Tug sharply on all
seatbelts to check that they react as they’re supposed to if you have to brake severely.

6. Windscreen

Check the view out of the front of the car for damage – any damage larger than 40mm will cause a
‘fail’, as will any damage wider than 10mm in the ‘swept’ area of the windscreen in front of the driver.

7. Windscreen wipers

Make sure your wipers are able to keep your windscreen clean – any tears or holes in the wiper
rubber can be an MOT fail.

8. Screenwash

Top up the washer bottle before taking the car in for a test – something as simple as an empty
container can cause an MOT fail.
 
9. Horn

Give a short blast of the horn – if it doesn’t work, your dealer will need to repair or replace it.

10. Fuel and engine oil

Make sure your car is filled with enough fuel and engine oil – you can be turned away from the MOT
without suitable levels of either, both of which are required by the dealership when running the car to
test its emissions levels. If you are unsure about the type of oil that should be used, ask your
manufacturer main dealer.

 
Note: When checking fluid levels and handling parts that could be become hot to the touch (eg bulbs),
it is safest to ensure that the vehicle has had an opportunity to cool down fully.

If you would like help carrying out these checks or to book an MOT, please visit our Online Booking Page to book your car in.

Maybe we will not need those winter tyres fitting to our beloved car? But who knows; we could be caught out suddenly by the bad weather. After-all, we are meant to having the worst winter in 100 years although we have not seen much of it yet: so that must mean one thing; it’s on its way!

When the winter’s worst weather hits us, many of us are not prepared and get stuck at home for weeks on end which can become very frustrating once the initial excitement has rubbed off and you start to realise that unless you get to work, you are not going to get much of a wage packet.

If you own a BMW, you will know that they are not great at handling the icy and snowy conditions that England throws out a least once a year which is why we advise you to purchase a pair of winter tyres and get prepared while you still can. The BMW winter tyres will provide optimum grip on adverse ground conditions which will keep you and your vehicle safely on the road when temperatures plummet to below 7 degrees.

These “must have” tyres will only cost you £700 for a full set and if you consider how handy they will be for the freezing temperatures, its worth investing in them; especially since we; here at Stephen James BMW, will store your summer wheels and tyres for you free of charge and when the time comes, we will even fit them back on to your car.

With winter tyres, you can expect to see a difference in the way the car handles corners and the obvious difference in braking distances when comparing the standard BMW tyres to the winter ones. To see this for yourself, take a look on our website and watch the video which shows the comparison between winter and summer tyres against snowy and icy ground. It’s a sad fact that many accidents happen in the winter months because of inadequate tyres: so do you and your family a favour by trying to do everything you can to prevent something bad happening