Automotive manufacturers BMW Group, Daimler and Audi have collaborated with telecom companies Ericsson, Nokia, Intel, Huawei and Qualcomm to form the 5G Automotive Association.

The new association will focus on automated driving applications, integration with smart cities and intelligent transportation, as well as develop, test and promote communications solutions.

AUDI Head of Infotainment Development Alfons Pfaller said: “Connected cars will shape the future of individual mobility, and next-generation mobile networks will take car-to-x connectivity to a new level. The key to success is in cross-industry collaboration.

"Connected cars will shape the future of individual mobility."

“This is why we set up the 5G Automotive Association where experts from all relevant fields are teaming up.”

Next-generation mobile networks are designed to handle more data, connect more devices, increase reliability and  significantly reduce latency.

The new solutions are also expected to offer new opportunities to automotive and IT-related industries.

The 5G Automotive Association will aim to solve technical and regulatory issues using next-generation mobile networks, and integrate vehicle platforms with connectivity, networking and computing solutions.

It also intends to support national and regional initiatives, such as the European Connected & Automated Driving Pre-Deployment Project.

Image: The 5G Automotive Association will develop, test and promote communications solutions. Photo: courtesy of Volkswagen.