As automakers and suppliers search for new ways to reduce vehicle weight, some engineers are experimenting with natural fibers. Bamboo, cotton, hemp, jute, kenaf, rice and other crops can be used to produce high-strength composite structures for automotive applications.

Traditionally, automobile dashboards and center consoles have been the domain of buttons, dials and knobs. But, those mechanical devices are about to go the way of running boards, hood ornaments and rumble seats.

MUNICH, Germany—BMW is launching an incubator program, dubbed BMW Startup Garage, which is designed to tap into the potentials of innovative startups.