BMW sees radical transition in auto industry

The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 concept motorcycle is unveiled in Santa Monica, Calif., on the last of four international stops of BMW's tour into its next 100 years. The motorcycle is self balancing. But looking deeper, saying that it wants to imagine the company a century from now, BMW's leaders are focused on robotic cars, electric power, new and recycled materials replacing steel and radically new manufacturing techniques, including those that would enhance its manufacturing footprint in the U.S., where the factory in Spartanburg, S.C., is on its way to becoming the company's largest. The German automaker brought its Vision Next 100 presentation to an airport hangar here this week after several stops around the world to talk about what it sees in the future and to and show off four prototype vehicles, including a new self-balancing motorcycle in which riders never need to put their feet down. No matter how people choose to transport themselves, BMW says it wants to be a leader at the high end of the market.