With the optional “Intelligent Emergency Call”, BMW Motorrad is offering a motorcycle eCall system for the first time. Fast help in the case of an accident or an emergency situation.


Munich.

Getting help to the scene of an accident or emergency as fast as
possible can save lives. This applies especially to motorcyclists.
For this reason BMW Motorrad has developed the optional “Intelligent
Emergency Call” system which is intended to get help to the accident
or emergency scene as fast as possible.

In the case of an accident, a vehicle-integrated eCall system
can make the difference between life and death. As already shown in
2011 as part of a pan-European eCall trial involving BMW vehicles,
emergency services were able to respond more quickly and get to the
scene of the accident 40 to 50 percent faster. The European
Commission in charge of the trial at the time, estimated that using
an eCall system would save up to 2,500 lives every year also saving
€ 26 billion in the process.

eCall was used for the first time in BMW automobiles in 1999 in
Europe. In 2007, the BMW Group extended this safety system by
establishing an intelligent and cross-border call center
infrastructure. From 2018, eCall will become mandatory for all new
cars. Thanks to the synergy effects with BMW Automobiles the system
is expected to be available for the first time in a BMW motorcycle
ex works as an option from beginning of 2017. 


Satellite-supported localisation of the emergency site

In the case of an emergency or an accident, the intelligent
eCall system, which is either automatically or manually triggered,
sends out the position data, i.e. the coordinates of the motorcycle
accident site, to the qualified BMW Call Center to initiate the
rescue chain. The current position as well as information for
determining the direction of travel are transmitted to simplify
locating the motorcyclist in hard-to-find locations such as motorway junctions.

eCall requires a connection to the mobile phone network in order to
trigger the rescue chain. In the “intelligent emergency call” option,
the connection is established via the permanently installed mobile
communication unit. For the connection no specific mobile operator is
required. All that is necessary is at least one operational mobile
provider. The service will be made available in all European countries.

 

The intelligent emergency call takes three scenarios into account:

Scenario 1: Automatic triggering in the case of a bad fall / collision.

The emergency call is automatically triggered without time
delay, sending a message to a qualified BMW Call Center. The
accident victim/rider is taken care of by the BMW Call Center via
audio connection until the emergency service arrives. Help is sent
out in any case even if there is no response. A display in the
instrument cluster shows that the eCall has been initiated. An
acoustic signal is also set off. In this case the rider cannot
cancel the emergency call any more.

Scenario 2: Automatic triggering in the case of a minor fall / collision.

In this case the emergency call is only triggered after 25
seconds before sending a message to the BMW Call Center. If no help
is necessary after only a non-serious accident, the accident
victim/rider has the opportunity of cancelling the emergency call at
the press of a button. If he does not cancel, the rescue chain is
initiated as in scenario 1. A display in the instrument cluster
shows that the eCall has been initiated. An acoustic signal is also
set off.

Scenario 3: Manual triggering by pressing a button

In this case the eCall is triggered manually by pressing the SOS
button on the right handlebar end, e.g. for calling help for other
road users in need. A message is sent to the BMW Call Center and a
voice connection is established. A voice connection is mandatory if
the eCall was triggered manually before further measures are
initiated. Here too, the accident victim/rider is also given the
opportunity to cancel the emergency call at the press of a button or
by turning off the ignition. The intelligent emergency call can only
be triggered manually when the motorcycle is stationary with the
ignition on.


 The “intelligent emergency call” system recognises
non-emergency situations

The emergency call is not triggered automatically in
non-emergency situations (e.g. if the bike falls over in a
stationary position or in accidents at low speeds with no other
traffic user involved, a shock to the bike when riding over a
pothole or while off-road riding (e.g. small jumps or riding over
obstructions).

Ergonomically designed control unit featuring loudspeaker and microphone

The “intelligent emergency call” option is located on the right
side of the handlebar and is both ergonomic and compact. In addition
to the cover-protected SOS button used for triggering or cancelling
an emergency call, a microphone and loudspeaker have also been integrated.

Sophisticated situational detection sensors

Sensors on the motorcycle detect which event occurred. A crash
sensor detects events such as collisions with another vehicle or
crashing into an obstruction. A banking angle sensor detects high
and low-siders, i.e. which position the motorcycle is in.

Native speaker voice connection to the BMW call center

The intelligent emergency call system, available in a BMW
motorcycle for the first time, constitutes a premium service with
international coverage. When a voice connection is made, the rider
can communicate with the BMW Call Center in his native language.
This is a stand-alone feature which is highly effective in an
emergency situation. The optional “intelligent emergency call” will
be rolled out in Germany first and then also introduced quickly to
further European markets and models.

 

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad
rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

 

Internet: www.press.bmw.de

E-mail: Press contact

 

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the
world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles
and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global
company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities
in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

 

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and
137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial
year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to €
80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 116,324 employees.

 

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

 


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