Mercedes and Google have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to bring forth the next-generation digital luxury car experience. As part of this collaboration, Mercedes-Benz will integrate the Google Maps Platform to create its own branded navigation experience. This will give Mercedes-Benz customers access to Google’s industry-leading geospatial offering, which includes predictive and real-time traffic information, automatic rerouting, and detailed information on places.
Mercedes-Benz aims to enhance the user experience by embedding Google’s features in the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This move will enable easy usability and excellent graphics for a superior navigation experience. In addition, the companies will also integrate the YouTube app into the Mercedes-Benz infotainment system.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius commented on the partnership, “We invite only the very best partners to enhance our operating system and to add to the Mercedes-Benz customer experience. Google has been a leader in maps and navigation for many years. 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.”
The companies have agreed to explore additional collaboration using Google Cloud’s open infrastructure, AI, and data solutions. As part of the partnership, Mercedes-Benz will utilize Google Maps data to provide assisted driving features like automatic speed adjustments before curves, roundabouts, or intersections. Mercedes-Benz intends to use Google Cloud’s AI and machine learning capabilities to train and deploy new models and provide a superior customer experience. It will also use Google Cloud’s data processing platform to analyze fleet data and Google’s open infrastructure for secure innovation and scaling across its current technology landscape.
Mercedes-Benz has stated that its collaboration with Google will elevate the level of convenience for its customers. This will be deeply integrated with its signature Mercedes-Benz user interface and be fully connected to relevant vehicle functions, such as the state-of-the-charge. As a first step, Mercedes-Benz will give customers access to Place Details provided by Google, allowing them to find information about over 200 million businesses and places worldwide, including ratings, reviews, photos, and business hours. Place Details will be available now in all Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the latest generation of MBUX in applicable markets.
“Our partnership with Mercedes-Benz brings advanced technologies from Google Maps Platform, Cloud, and YouTube to help create new experiences for drivers,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. “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.”