Imagine being able to watch YouTube videos or check the latest restaurant reviews right from your car’s dashboard. And without having to connect or take out your smartphone. That’s what Mercedes-Benz is dreaming of! And to achieve this, the German group has decided to get closer to Google. Zoom in on this world first, making Mercedes “the first car manufacturer to create its own digital experience”…
Beyond the integration of Android Auto
First deployed in 2015 on a Hyundai model, Android Auto is now an integral part of the automotive landscape. The principle: Simply connect your phone to your vehicle’s screen to find all your favorite applications. An operation that has seduced many manufacturers, such as Peugeot, Renault, Audi, SEAT, Porsche, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Chrysler,… Unlike the new Renault or Volvo models, Mercedes has decided to rely on some of Google’s expertise.
Indeed, in its latest press release published on February 22, the German group announced that it wants to “further accelerate automotive innovation”. And for this, it aims to create its own in-car interface. A branded interface based on Place Details and Google Maps Platform navigation capabilities. An offer including real-time and predictive traffic monitoring, automatic rerouting, detailed information on more than 200 million businesses or locations around the world, opening hours, reviews, ratings, etc. But not only that… Their customers will also have direct access to the video platform, YouTube.
With our strategic partnership, we are excited to create unique services and to elevate the level of convenience for our customers. It will be deeply integrated within our signature Mercedes-Benz user interface and fully connected to relevant vehicle functions like the state-of-charge.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
A step forward for autonomous driving
Alongside Google, the German luxury carmaker is planning to develop its Drive Pilot autonomous driving system. This includes the deployment of automatic speed adjustment before intersections, curves and traffic circles. A collaboration that seems to come at the right time. As a reminder, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer, ahead of Tesla, to have obtained its level 3 certification.
In addition to enabling Mercedes-Benz to design a customized navigation interface, we’ll provide our AI and data capabilities to accelerate their sustainability efforts, advance autonomous driving, and create an enhanced customer experience.”
Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer, Google and Alphabet
But it doesn’t stop there… Indeed, the two giants have committed to leverage their expertise in AI. Through Google Cloud, Mercedes-Benz wants to deepen the analysis of its fleet data. Or, “create, train and deploy new models quickly”. What considerably without creating new experiences for drivers!
