BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz said they were putting their cooperation on development of next-generation technology for automated driving temporarily on hold.
Following extensive review, the two companies have arrived at a mutual and amicable agreement to concentrate on their existing development paths – which may also include working with current or new partners, they said in a statement.
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Cooperation might be resumed at a later date whiled "the pair's approach to matters such as safety and customer benefits in the field of automated driving remains highly compatible".
Both are working separately on current generations for highly automated driving but were unable to hold detailed discussions and talk to suppliers about technology roadmaps until the contract was signed last year.
In these talks – and after extensive review – both sides concluded that, in view of the expense involved in creating a shared technology platform, as well as current business and economic conditions, the timing was not right for successful implementation of the cooperation.
The automakers would continue working in close cooperation in the remaining fields as planned.
In 2015, the two companies joined with Audi to acquire the location and technology platform HERE.
In early 2019, BMW and Daimler also pooled their mobility services in a joint venture under the NOW family.
