Driver can let BMW i3 search for parking space himself via smartwatch

At the beginning of January, BMW will show an i3 that can find a parking space at the CES fair in Las Vegas. Via a smartwatch, the driver can instruct the car to find a parking space itself or to drive autonomously to the exit.

The electrically powered BMW i3 is equipped with four laser scanners to recognize obstacles. Together with information from the relevant location, for example a parking garage, the car is able to search for a parking space independently, according to the German car manufacturer. A GPS signal is not required for the remote valet parking assistant.

The parking mode of the i3 can be activated via a voice command on a smartwatch. This allows the driver to switch on the parking system after entering a parking garage and walk away, after which the car would find a free spot on its own. Once parked, the vehicle will activate the door locks and wait for a new command. If the i3 owner wants to leave, he can again instruct the vehicle via his smartwatch to drive in front of the exit. In addition, the remote valet parking assistant can estimate when the driver is expected to arrive, in order to start his ride to the exit on time.

It is still unclear when the automatic parking system will be available in new i3 models. In 2013, Audi still demonstrated self-parking cars.