German carmakers form telecoms group to develop autonomous driving

Three major German car manufacturers are teaming up with a group network equipment firms in order to advance their development of self-driving cars.

Audi, BMW and Daimler announced the alliance on Tuesday, and will include agreements with the likes of Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Nokia and Qualcomm.

The new alliance has been referred to as the 5G Automotive Association, and its founders have said the further development of technology for cars is its main aim.

It will "develop, test and promote communications solutions, support standardisation and accelerate commercial availability and global market penetration," said the statement.

5G is the latest technology currently being developed in order to focus on the connection and operation of all devices through the internet.

In 2015 BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen’s Audi, came together to buy digital map maker HERE for €2.8bn from Nokia and now will introduce a service which permits car owners to see miles ahead using live data contributed by other vehicles.