In their latest strategic partnership agreement, BMW and Daimler announced Thursday that they have joined forces to develop automated driving technology. The German automakers have agreed to a "long-term, strategic cooperation" to more quickly develop advanced driver assistance systems, automated driving on closed spaces and automated parking, they said in a statement. They hope "to make next-level technologies widely available" by 2025. "Combining the strength of our two companies will boost our innovative strength and speed up the spread of this technology," said Klaus Fröhlich, BMW's head of development. BMW and Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz and Smart, have launched multiple collaborative efforts as they try to fend off competition from tech companies like Uber and Waymo.