Australia's first self-parking car nearly here

UPDATE 17/08/2016 1:00pm: Tesla rightly points out that its conceptually-similar Summon function has been available to Model S owners in Australia since February.

Meantime, motoring.com.au has learned that BMW's Remote Control Parking system will be fitted as standard across all 7 Series models except the 740e plug-in hybrid -- and except in West Australia, where it is likely to breach the current WA Road Traffic Code.

Tesla's Summon function is available in Model S vehicles sold nationally, including WA.

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Cars that park themselves will soon be a reality on Australian roads.

BMW Australia has received legal approval to introduce the company's ground-breaking new Remote Control Parking system and the first vehicles fitted with the technology commenced production last month.

The German car-maker's Remote Control Parking function is claimed to make the latest 7 Series limousine "the first production car in the world that can be manoeuvred into and out of forward parking or garage spaces without the driver even having to be sitting inside the vehicle".

To become available Down Under in the company's top-shelf 7 Series from October, the semi-autonomous car tech will initially be offered across the local 7 Series line-up, from the entry-level 730d ($217,500) to the $312,700 750Li flagship.

BMW Australia's 7 Series range will be bolstered late this year by the first plug-in version, the 740e iPerformance, and while the 750d super-diesel won't be sold here, the top-shelf M760Li xDrive arrives in limited numbers early next year.

At this stage it's unclear how much the Australian-first technology will cost, but BMW is expected to announce local availability details within weeks.

With the legal hurdles surrounding the semi-autonomous driving function now jumped Down Under, BMW's Remote Control Parking function will allow 7 Series drivers to guide their vehicle forward into a car park via the car's digital BMW Display Key fob.

As BMW points out, it could prove a boon for those that need to park their limousine in a confined or narrow space, including garages or underground car parks.

However, there are several catches with the technology, which works in both forwards and reverse directions, but only for short distances.

"While parking is taking place, the driver must keep a watch for obstructions and if necessary bring the vehicle to a controlled stop," says BMW.

"Remote Control Parking can only be activated when the vehicle is positioned centrally in front of the selected parking space.

"Also, the distance the vehicle is allowed to travel in driverless mode when entering and leaving the parking space is limited to 1.5 times the length of the vehicle."