In an effort to build an exclusive navigation system for Mercedes-Benz, Google and Mercedes-Benz have formed an exclusive partnership. In order to build this customized in-built navigation system, geospatial and Google Maps data will be used. We have decided to build this in-house navigation system so that the company will be able to provide its customers with reliable and accurate navigational information that combines the luxury and feel of the brand Mercedes with the navigational data.
There is no doubt that this partnership between Mercedes and Google is the first step in the company’s long-term strategy to create and develop luxurious digital and artificial intelligence (AI) innovations for vehicles in the future. There are a number of challenges faced by the company, such as competing with the artificial intelligence systems, autonomous driving features, and advanced hardware suites offered by companies like Tesla. Whereas Tesla places a high emphasis on affordability and market reach, Mercedes places a high emphasis on luxury and the provision of top of the line services.
In addition to Google’s partnership with Mercedes, Mercedes now has access to Google’s geospatial database that includes information such as real-time traffic information, prediction algorithms, information about places, automatic route rerouting, etc.
READ MORE: PM Shehbaz Announces New Timings for Government Offices
In the beginning, the company will offer basic features like location details to its customers as part of its basic service offering. It makes use of Google’s database to provide detailed information about over 200 million businesses and locations around the world, which will be gathered from the Google search engine’s database. Details such as business hours, location, images, reviews, and ratings will all be included in the report. The basic features will be available in all Mercedes vehicles with the latest generation of MBUX in applicable markets.
Mercedes- Benz comes with an advanced high-resolution screen with outstanding graphics which will further add to the user experience. It will also add automatic speed adjustment functions wherein the vehicle will slow down right before an intersection, roundabout, and other sensitive and accident-prone areas. The company also plans to bring the Youtube app into its onboard entertainment system.
In the long term, Mercedes plans to integrate the Google Map completely with the Mercedes- Benz operating system and use Google Cloud’s AI and Machine Learning capabilities to create, train, and deploy new models that will provide cutting-edge technology to its users.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said that the company partnered with only the best of the best firms as it wanted to bring great value and services to its customers. He further added that Google was an obvious choice as it is a global leader in maps and navigation systems.
As for the actual usage, CEO Kallenius said that Google Maps will be deeply integrated within the signature Mercedes-Benz user interface and fully connected to relevant vehicle functions like the state of charge.
