Have you ever wondered what the future of automobiles holds?  Do imagine yourself in a car that can fly, like in Back to the Future; or maybe a car that can drive itself, like in Minority Report?

Edmund's Inside Line recently talked to Hans Multhaupt, Mercedes' program manager in charge of large cars, and Professor Raymond Freymann, managing director of BMW's Research and Technology division.  Although the article initially pits the two companies against one another, in the end the article actually provides an interesting look at the direction each of the companies is headed in the next 30 years.

I don't want to tell you too much and spoil the surprise, but I do have to warn you - if you're one of the "flying car" advocates, it doesn't appear either company is planning on releasing one any time soon.  As for the cars that drive themselves, Mercedes has admitted they would like to see the technology be made available to consumers, but they don't believe it will happen for at least 30 years.

If you're a fan of Mercedes or BMW, swing by and take a look at the story.  I think you'll find it pretty interesting.