BMW Is Looking To Make Parking In Urban Areas Easier

BMW 428i Gran Coupe (Credit: BMW)

Anyone who regularly tries to find parking in different areas of urban centers can appreciate that it can become a ridiculous task. Fortunately, BMW is leveraging some innovative technology to take the chore out of hunting for a parking spot.

Basically, the German automaker invested in ZIRX, which is an on-demand parking service that caters to drivers. It’s not the first mobility service that BMW has purchased lately, showing that it’s serious about taking away some power from Apple and Google as they seek to peddle CarPlay and Android Auto.

Instead of the ZIRX app just helping people locate an available parking spot, the service goes a step further and actually adds a personal touch. Users get on the app and input their exact location. Within just a few minutes an agent arrives at the car and valet parks it in a secure garage. That means no more leaving a precious BMW where strangers can get it. Even better, the app allows owners to order a car wash, gas fill-up or other services be performed while the vehicle is away.

When car owners need to leave, they just hop on the app and put in their location. The vehicle is delivered quickly, making it a convenient solution.

Many automakers have been hesitant to adopt too many cutting-edge technologies, as evidenced by the archaic touchscreens and difficult menus drivers must grapple with. BMW is quickly differentiating itself in the market by being one of the few that push towards the forefront of innovation by forming relationships with various tech firms.

While it might not be intended for your everyday driver, ZIRX is definitely satisfying a real need, and there are people who are willing to pay for the convenience. So far, the service is only available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City and Washington, D.C. ZIRX has only been around since 2014, so the investment from BMW should give it a big shot in the arm.