0 Pioneering achievement: Mercedes-Benz S-Class INTELLIGENT DRIVE drives autonomously in the tracks of Bertha Benz

The S-Class INTELLIGENT DRIVE is a complete breakthrough in the automotive world, as it is first fully autonomous car to have made a journey out in the real world traffic conditions on its own, on rural and urban roads and in different road situations. The Mercedes-Benz luxury model equipped with state-of-the-art technology covered the legendary 103 kilometres trip between Mannheim and Pforzheim, which brings memories of the first-ever journey in a motorized vehicle made by Bertha Benz back in 1888.


Read more about this great achievement from Mercedes-Benz in the press release document --> HERE !

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Pioneering achievement: Mercedes-Benz S-Class INTELLIGENT DRIVE drives autonomously in the tracks of Bertha Benz

0 Premiere of the new 9G-TRONIC: New nine-speed automatic transmission debuts in the Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC

The first nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter, the 9G-TRONIC for premium vehicles, is celebrating its world premiere: equipped with the innovative power transmission, the E 350 BlueTEC is set to become one of the most fuel-efficient six-cylinder diesel models in its class. Thanks to the high level of efficiency of the patented transmission design, NEDC fuel consumption in the E-Class is reduced to 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 km. As is typical of the brand, the transmission features outstanding comfort and barely perceptible gear changes. The E 350 BlueTEC featuring the 9G-TRONIC as standard is available to order with immediate effect. Despite the extended scope of functions, the pricing for both the Saloon and Estate models remains unchanged.

In the E 350 BlueTEC, which is available as Saloon and Estate models and comes fitted with the new 9G-TRONIC as standard, the 185 kW (252 hp) V6 diesel engine has an average NEDC fuel consumption of 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (Estate: 5.5 l/100 km), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 138 g/km (Estate: 144 g/km). As a result, the new models with 9G-TRONIC undercut their predecessors in terms of both consumption and CO2 emissions. The higher number of gears and the broader gear ratio spread help to increase drive comfort and enable a significant enhancement to be achieved in terms of converting engine power into traction.

Perfect interaction: E 350 BlueTEC with V6 diesel engine and 9G-TRONIC

On the one hand, the overall reduction in engine speed improves NVH comfort and therefore the pleasant sense of well-being on board the E-Class, and on the other also cuts down external noise by up to 4 dB(A), thus reducing the strain on the environment.

The reduced fuel consumption of the E 350 BlueTEC with 9G-TRONIC has primarily been achieved as a result of the high level of efficiency of the transmission. As part of this, the broad ratio spread of 9.15 for gears one to nine enables a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. Shortened shift and reaction times ensure optimum spontaneity combined with outstanding ease of shifting. In manual mode and the S program in particular, the 9G-TRONIC responds significantly more spontaneously and enhances driving pleasure.

The particular ease of shifting of the new 9G-TRONIC – a focal point during development and a hallmark feature of a Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission - comes courtesy of a comprehensive package of measures. These include the novel direct control system which enables short, barely perceptible gear changes. The combination of double torsional damper and centrifugal pendulum technology in the torque converter ensures outstanding drive comfort. Together with the extended gear ratio spread, higher speeds can now be driven at lower engine speeds for even greater comfort. In reality this translates for example into being able to drive at 120 km/h in 9th gear with an engine speed of around only 1350 rpm.

Advanced technology for superior power transmission

In the case of the 9-speed automatic transmission, the development engineers also focused on the area of "compact lightweight construction". Despite two additional gears and a maximum transferable torque of up to 1000 Newton metres, the new automatic transmission requires as little installation space as its predecessor and, in addition, is lighter. The two-piece housing design has been retained: the torque converter housing is made of lightweight aluminium, while the transmission housing with weight-optimised plastic oil pan is made of an even lighter magnesium alloy.

Another goal was to implement the nine gears with a minimal number of planetary gear sets and shift elements. Intensive, computer-based system analysis and mock-up made it possible to realise this goal with just four simple planetary gear sets and six shift elements. Three speed sensors monitor operation and provide the transmission control system with corresponding data for effective shifting. Here it is possible for several gears to be jumped when accelerating or decelerating, should the driving conditions call for it.

To ensure the reliable and at the same time highly efficient supply of the durable and shear-resistant 2nd-generation synthetic fuel economy engine oil, the new automatic transmission is fitted with two pumps. The considerably smaller mechanical main pump, featuring an off-axis design, is located next to the main shaft and is chain-driven and fed by a separate electric auxiliary pump. This design enables the flow of lubrication and coolant to be controlled actively on demand and also means that the 9G-TRONIC can benefit from a start/stop system. Thanks to the world's first direct control system in a planetary automatic transmission with nine gears, it has also been possible to significantly increase hydraulic efficiency within the transmission.

Around 22 million automatic transmissions from Mercedes-Benz since 1961

Mercedes-Benz has been developing and producing high-quality automatic transmissions featuring outstanding ease of shifting, optimum energy efficiency and dependable durability for more than 50 years. To date, a total of around 22 million automatic passenger car transmissions have left the manufacturing plant at Stuttgart-Hedelfingen, close to the Group's headquarters in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.

The 9G-TRONIC is suitable for rear-wheel and all-wheel drives as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid drive systems and will be used in almost all model series and engines in the coming years.

The E 350 BlueTEC fitted with the 9G-TRONIC as standard is available to order as Saloon or Estate models with immediate effect. As such the benefits of the new automatic transmission are being passed on to customers at no extra cost. The market launch will take place in September 2013.

Prices for Germany (incl. 19% VAT):

- E 350 BlueTEC Saloon: 54,710.25 euros
- E 350 BlueTEC Estate: 57,923.25 euros

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Premiere of the new 9G-TRONIC: New nine-speed automatic transmission debuts in the Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC

0 Mercedes-Benz builds leadership in LED lighting systems: Progress through better light

In 2010, the Mercedes-Benz CLS was the world's first production car to feature the dynamic full LED headlights which offer all the functions of conventional xenon adaptive lighting systems. The new S-Class is the first production car ever to be completely dispensed with conventional bulbs by using only energy efficient LEDs. The next step will be taken next year when Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the premiere of the Active Multi Beam LED.

Active Multi Beam LED extends the control of the vehicle headlights to a new dimension given the situation. To date, some functions, such as curve light or the glare-free high beam, were mechanically controlled. Now the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have opened up new degrees of freedom in light distribution through the selective control of many individual LEDs. Each individual LED can be switched on individually and thus illuminate precisely targeted areas. The different lighting functions are controlled independently. An adaptation of the driving light on the current traffic situation is thus more accurately represented. The headlight can adjust the light image extremely quickly and quietly - and for the left and right headlights individually. The controller derives the ideal light image 100 times per second and the system receives information from the camera.

"The CLS, which we have offered to our customers since 2010, is equipped with the first LED headlights, which have all the adaptive features found on the Intelligent Light System," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management Member responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Research and Development. "The Active Multi Beam LED headlights can now respond even faster and individually to changing traffic situations. There are also advanced, immediately tangible features such as predictive curve detection in the active cornering light mode. Mercedes-Benz will continuously expand its pioneering role in the lighting industry."

LED (light emitting diodes) are characterized today as the state of the art in vehicle lighting technology. Three advantages are decisive:

- LED head light has the colour of daylight the next. This means that LED light is in the normal human perception patterns. Studies show that artificial light exerts the eye less if closer in colour to daylight. With a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6,500 K) than xenon light (4,200 K).

- LEDs are much more energy efficient than conventional bulbs and consume according about 75 percent less power according to studies. At higher light output, compared to conventional lighting systems, for example, the energy-saving LED beam needs only 34 watts, making it much more efficient than halogen light (110 to 120 watts) and xenon light (80 to 84 watts, information per vehicle). Up to 0.05 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, or 2.1 grams of CO2 per kilometer can be saved compared to a vehicle fitted with halogen low beam.

- LEDs last much longer than conventional bulbs. The average life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times higher than that of a xenon lamp.

CLS in 2010: breakthrough in LED technology

The breakthrough in LED technology came in 2010. With the CLS, Mercedes-Benz was the first automotive manufacturer to present the dynamic full LED headlights on a production model, a system offering all the features of xenon adaptive lighting systems. The five lighting functions of the Intelligent Light System - country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lights, active curve lighting and cornering lights - are designed specifically for typical driving and weather conditions. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time combined LED technology with the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assistant, which led to a completely new level of safety at night. Full LED headlights are now an optional equipment for the new E-Class 2013 as well.

New E-Class: LED low beam standard

Since spring 2013, the new E-Class sets new standards when it comes to lights: LED technology as standard in both the passing beam and the driving lights. The highly efficient low beam headlight sums a power consumption of only 34 watts. Upon request, full-LED headlights are offered for the first time in this class.

New S-Class: The end of the conventional light

With the new S-Class, the next step is. Mercedes-Benz is expanding its pioneering role in the lighting industry continues: The new S-Class is the first time exclusively equipped with LED headlights and has no conventional bulbs more: Nearly 500 LEDs perform there the lighting of road, vehicle, interior and trunk. In the headlights carry powerful new single-chip LED and a newly developed projection module is mirrored and reflected back into the deflected light rays significantly to the efficiency increase.

New functions: more comfort, more safety, more consideration

Upon request, new features expand the capabilities of the LED headlamps of the new S-Class.

For the first time, the Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus in the S-Class offers permanent driving in high beam mode with oncoming road users' recognition and light cone hiding technology. The camera-based system detects oncoming traffic or traffic ahead and fits, when high beam is on, the light distribution according to the traffic situation. The driver can leave the high beam switched on permanently and use its entire reach range without harassing or even endangering other road users therewith. Manual activation and deactivation is eliminated, so the total traveling time in high beam mode is markedly increased.

The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus uses the new stereo camera, which is also used by other assistance systems. Thanks to an image recognition algorithm, it recognizes an oncoming or preceding vehicle and thus drives a mechanism in the headlamp module. This displays the range in cone-beam LED headlights, which contains the other vehicles so that their drivers are not dazzled. There are road users that can be situated outside the active mechanism of the LED high-beam range, for example when cornering with a number of relevant vehicles. Then, the system uses the known function of the low beam headlight range control.

Possible self fades through the increased use of the high beam and highly reflective signs on the roadside are detected and avoided by selective dimming of the headlights.

Consideration: tail lights with automatically controlled intensity

In the new S-Class and E-Class, consideration towards road traffic partners is not only visible through the auto-hide of the high beam. As another world premiere, Mercedes-Benz has implemented the so-called multi-level functionality in the rear lights of the S-Class. Brake lights and turn signals are operated (day / night) with varying intensity depending on driving conditions and the brightness of the environment.

For example, at night, should the Mercedes driver press on the brake pedal at a red light, the brake light brightness is automatically adjusted downward, so that the driver behind is not dazzled. A wider light distribution ensures the light is not too dark and, of course, all statutory requirements are met.

Innovative: Milestones in lighting technology from Mercedes-Benz

As the oldest and most popular automotive brand in the world, Mercedes-Benz has always stood for innovation, which is based on customer value. Many innovations come from experimental cars such as the ESF 2009 research vehicle and make their way into the volume series innovation carriers such as the CL and S-Class. Here is a brief chronology of the most important milestones in Mercedes-Benz light technology for the last 20 years:

1991: Premiere of xenon headlamps with gas-discharge lamps in the Mercedes-Benz F 100 research vehicle

1995: Xenon headlights with dynamic range control in E-Class

1999: Premiere of the bi-xenon technology in the CL-Class

2003: World premiere of the active cornering light in the E-Class

2004: World premiere of bi-xenon headlamps with active light function and cornering light function in the CLS-Class

2005: Premiere of the Active Night View Assist in the S-Class

2006: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System in the E-Class

2009: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist in the E-Class

2009: Premiere of the Active Night View Assist Plus in the S-Class and E-Class

2010: World premiere of the LED High Performance headlamps with all lighting functions and the LED Intelligent Light System in the CLS-Class

2010: New Xenon bulb with 20 percent higher color temperature, which is even closer to the normal day light, in the S-Class and E-Class

2011: Start of production for the spotlight function (world premiere)

2013: New E-Class comes standard with energy-efficient LED low beam (34 watt / vehicle)

2013: New S-Class comes standard as the first car fitted with exclusively LED headlights. New lighting functions (optional): Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS, Night View Assist Plus. Dashboard lighting based on LED technology. Multi-level functionality for the rear lights.

2014: World premiere of the Active Multi Beam LED

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz builds leadership in LED lighting systems: Progress through better light

0 Next-generation intelligent networking: Mercedes-Benz brings Car-to-X technology to the roads

As part of its "Intelligent Drive" strategy, Mercedes-Benz is all set to bring Car-to-X technology to our roads by the end of this year which will enable the exchange of information between individual vehicles as well as between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. Through the use of Car-to-X communication, information on potential road traffic dangers can be passed on to drivers at an early stage so that they can take appropriate action and even help to avoid critical situations arising in the first place.

According to Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: "With the introduction of Car-to-X technology, we are once again reaffirming our tradition as a safety pioneer, and demonstrating that we are continuing to bring innovations to the roads with benefit for both our customers, and also other road users."

Car-to-X expands the telematic horizon

Car-to-X technology is able to significantly expand the scope of existing vehicle sensors, such as radar or camera systems for example. It enables motorists to see around corners or beyond obstacles, thereby helping to reduce the blind spots from which existing sensor systems suffer. The technology's greatest potential lies in this expansion of the telematic horizon. "With Car-to-X communication we have made a base technology ready for the market which in the future will enable a new generation of driver assistance systems to be developed", explains Prof. Dr. Weber. "Through the intelligent fusion of sensor data, we are able to obtain an extremely precise picture of the vehicles surrounding including areas further away from the vehicle – which also helps us with the further development of our autonomous driving functions."

In addition to enhancing safety and convenience, Car-to-X technology can also contribute to making mobility more efficient by using the highly precise information on traffic conditions available via Car-to-X communication, for example to improve the flow of traffic by controlling traffic light signals.

Car-to-X technology set to make an appearance this year

Mercedes-Benz to bring Car-to-X technology to the roads by the end of this year. As part of an initial step the Drive Kit Plus will be used, which in combination with a smartphone and the Digital DriveStyle app developed by Mercedes-Benz turns the vehicle into a simultaneous transmitter and receiver of information.

Daimler is using this mobile communication-based approach because it promises to offer the quickest way to deploy the future technology and therefore also the quickest possible shortcut to unlocking the safety potential of Car-to-X technology. However, Daimler is also involved in the further development of Car-to-X communication and, based on a hybrid approach, is also able to extend its systems into the area of so-called ad-hoc communication between vehicles.

How does Car-to-X technology work in vehicles? When warning messages are issued in the vicinity of the vehicle, from example by an emergency services vehicle or a broken down vehicle, the driver receives a warning in advance in good time and the hazardous location is marked on the map. With this information he has the option of adjusting his driving style and speed in such a way that a dangerous situation does not even arise in the first place. Thanks to Car-to-X technology, the driver can also be warned at an early stage about wrong-way drivers or dangerous weather conditions.

In addition to receiving warning messages, each vehicle fitted with Car-to-X communication can also transmit information on dangers to other road users and therefore contribute to enhancing road safety. Mercedes-Benz passenger cars are able to detect many of these dangers automatically and without the driver being required to take any action, thanks to the seamless integration of the Car-to-X system in the vehicle's own systems. For dangers which are not detected automatically, or which cannot yet be detected automatically, an efficient manual notification option has been created. At the press of a button, immobile vehicles or animals on the road, wrong-way drivers or shed loads can be notified via the Mercedes Cloud. This then sends a warning message to all vehicles fitted with Car-to-X technology which are in the vicinity of the hazardous location.

Of course when developing the system, emphasis was placed on ensuring that anything which may distract the driver from the road conditions is avoided. The Car-to-X communication works in the background and provides the driver with highly accurate information on situations which may have an impact on safety. The system ultimately works so reliably because Car-to-X technology exclusively distributes up-to-the-minute information on current dangers. As such, Car-to-X technology fits into the Mercedes-Benz "Intelligent Drive" strategy, making additional information available for merging with sensor data.

Modular approach ensures quick market launch and enables the technology to be retrofitted in many Mercedes-Benz vehicles

Since Car-to-X technology can contribute to making road traffic safer overall, it is particularly important for Mercedes-Benz as a safety pioneer to bring this technology to our roads quickly and make its use as widespread as possible.

Through the integration of Car-to-X technology in the Drive Kit Plus and the Digital DriveStyle app, Mercedes-Benz is creating the ideal conditions to enable as many Mercedes-Benz customers as possible to benefit from Car-to-X technology. This is because the Drive Kit Plus can be ordered for new vehicles and also installed in stock vehicles as a retrofit solution. This means that Car-to-X communication is not dependent on the market launch of a new model, and will be offered to customers across the board from the end of the year.

Naturally Mercedes-Benz is also working on full system integration of Car-to-X technology in future models to enable drivers and other road users to benefit from additional safety and convenience.

Besides equipping its own model range with Car-to-X technology, the company is also maintaining close ties with other stakeholders. Since the use of Car-to-X systems will increase with each new additional participant, the aim is to seek an exchange of data - for example on reported hazardous locations - with other vehicle manufacturers. Ideally Car-to-X technology could be fitted as quickly as possible and in as many motorway maintenance vehicles, police or emergency services vehicles as possible.

Pioneer of Car-to-X communication

Daimler spotted the tremendous potential of Car-to-X communication at an early stage and for decades has been a driving force behind the research and the development of this technology. The company therefore initiated research projects designed to create the necessary technology base and has been, and still is, involved in major projects around the world focusing on Car-to-X communication. As a founding member of the Car 2 Car Communication Consortium, Daimler is actively working on a Europe-wide standardised system for Car-to-X communication. And by acting as the project manager of a German and European field trial for the practical testing of Car-to-X communication, Daimler is also driving force behind the preparations for the market launch of Car-to-X systems.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Next-generation intelligent networking: Mercedes-Benz brings Car-to-X technology to the roads

0 Speedy rescue of accident victims: A new Mercedes-Benz initiative - QR code that can save lives

When every second counts: with a small yet effective innovation, Mercedes-Benz wants to make the rescue of accident victims safer and swifter. In future a QR code, which can be read by smartphones and tablets, placed on Mercedes-Benz cars, will provide a rescue map for every vehicle type, which can be shown on the device's display. This chart contains all the information necessary to rescue any injured occupants speedily.

This Mercedes-Benz innovation makes use of the rescue sheets developed by the ADAC, the German Automobile Association, and which are already provided by all automakers for every one of their vehicle models. The sheets show firefighters, police and paramedics the design details they need to know in order to use the rescue shears effectively, for example. The rescue sheet, specific for each vehicle type, also informs about the location of the airbags, the battery, the tanks, electric cables, high-pressure cylinders and other components – in the case of hybrid models the location of the additional batteries and high-voltage cables, too. This information can save lives, because in an emergency every action counts and every second is precious.

However, in many cases rescue workers have to do their best without a rescue sheet, either because the driver neglected to carry one in the car, or because the rescuers cannot find it in the car. There are different proposals for the best location for the rescue sheet. Most favour the sun visor.
If there is no rescue sheet on board, then the rescue workers have to identify the accident vehicle with absolute certainty – something that does not always lead to the correct result in the presence of severe accident damage and missing model identification. In such cases only a telephone inquiry based on the number plate can help.

This Mercedes-Benz innovation, on the other hand, offers – in almost all cases – a swift and reliable way to a vehicle-specific correct security identity card – and can do this without requiring any action on the part of the driver. As from this year all new vehicles from Mercedes-Benz will be provided with two stickers with a so-called QR code. This square symbol with black and white sectors is often used by magazines, for instance, to direct readers via internet to a specific web page. Thanks to an app, QR codes can be read by every smartphone and every Tablet equipped with a camera.

The Mercedes-Benz QR codes identify the vehicle reliably, make fundamental information about the vehicle visible immediately and automatically direct to the website with the specific rescue sheet – generally a matter of only a few seconds. In order to make it easy to find the label with the potentially lifesaving QR code, Mercedes-Benz places one on the fuel tank flap and the other on the B-pillar on the opposite vehicle side. For it seldom occurs that both these parts are badly damaged at the same time in an accident, and they are furthermore easily accessible from the outside.

Further benefits of the innovative QR code solution from Mercedes-Benz:

- Rescue workers do not need to identify the vehicle themselves and navigate through Internet pages for this.

- Suitable for all vehicle types, both with conventional and with alternative drive systems.

- The stickers with QR code can be easily retrofitted.

All automakers can continue to update their own rescue sheet links themselves and thus use the QR system to advantage, because Mercedes-Benz has waived the right to a patent registration in order to make the system available to everyone.

For all model series from production start in 1979, Mercedes-Benz has rescue sheets in different languages available to download at https://portal.aftersales.i.daimler.com/public/content/asportal/en/communication/informationen_fuer/rettungskarten.html .

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Speedy rescue of accident victims: A new Mercedes-Benz initiative - QR code that can save lives

0 TECHNICITY as a responsive online magazine

Innovation, Technology, Mobility: These are the structural pillars of the Daimler magazine TECHNICITY. On this basis we have relaunched a completely revamped new online presentation of TECHNICITY. The conceptual, graphic and technical realisation gives the website, which has been developed to cater for absolutely every user device, a modern and dynamic character. The flexible content structure has an integrated multifilter which presents the "content stream" on a topic-specific basis. These innovative characteristics make the site equal to future requirements with respect to use-friendliness and interactivity.

This future-oriented format establishes an integrated print-online communication model whose online function provides its international readership with current topics covering urban mobility solutions, technology and innovation processes and developments from Daimler research every two weeks.

At a glance

The intelligently conceived website includes a responsive layout – whatever device is used to access TECHNICITY.DAIMLER.COM, the page layout is automatically adjusted to the relevant screen size and therefore ideally meets both present and future requirements.

Whether articles, news, videos or surveys – all formats are chronologically arranged at a glance in the content stream. Useful feature: In the topic clusters "Clean", "Safe", "Connected", "Urban" and "Visionary", the extensive contents can be filtered individually and by topic using the open and flexible navigation structure. Moreover, a multiple filtering function makes "personalised reading" possible.

About TECHNICITY

TECHNICITY combines important perspectives and trends from the Daimler research and development locations with topics not specific to the company. Urban mobility solutions, corporate technology and innovation processes as well as creativity and innovation trends in science, research and development are placed in a global context.

An international network of acclaimed scientific journalists reports for TECHNICITY on trends and innovations from the major cities and high-growth regions of the world.

TECHNICITY – the magazine for innovation, technology and mobility – supplementing TECHNICITY.DAIMLER.COM as a print version with three annual editions in English and German.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: TECHNICITY as a responsive online magazine

0 Innovation made in Silicon Valley: Mercedes-Benz presents new features of its Digital DriveStyle App at Google I/O

Google I/O is an annual developer conference featuring highly technical, in-depth sessions, and showcasing the latest from Google’s product teams and partners. This year's conference, which has taken place annually since 2008, will showcase Mercedes-Benz and its latest integration of Google services in the car.

In one of its SL models, Mercedes-Benz will be demonstrating the Drive Kit Plus, a system which in combination with a smartphone and a special app enables the seamless integration of the smartphone into the vehicle's infotainment architecture. And with the Digital DriveStyle App developed by Mercedes-Benz, the main functions of the smartphone can be organised under the headings Social, Media and Places and called up on the vehicle display – and also accessed safely and conveniently while driving via the COMAND controller or by using the voice based intelligent personal assistant. The Drive Kit Plus is available as an accessory for virtually all current Mercedes-Benz model series.

Digital DriveStyle App makes use of Google's Places API

In the concept version of Digital DriveStyle on display at Google I/O, Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating the capabilities of Google's Places API with four new features.

"Faster search, everywhere you go": Whether it’s a street address or nearby restaurant, find your destination faster with the Google Places Autocomplete API, which predicts the most likely destinations as you type.

"Preview destinations on-the-go": Explore landmarks, parks, and storefronts from around the world with 360-degree Street View imagery and Google+ Local photos.

"Know the hottest spots in town": Radar View uses the Google Places API Radar Search and Heatmaps to guide you to the center of the action by visualizing areas with high concentrations of night clubs, restaurants and shopping centers.

"Get live traffic conditions": integration of Google’s traffic service, providing a color-coded overlay of real-time traffic conditions on a Google Map.

Digital DriveStyle App due to be updated in the first half of 2013

These features are still expected to be integrated into the Digital DriveStyle App in the first half of 2013. Customers who already own a Drive Kit Plus and are using the app can obtain an updated version via the App Store. This avoids customers having to visit their Mercedes-Benz dealer or workshop to be able to use the new services.

While the majority of the product as demonstrated at Google I/O will be released to the public, Mercedes-Benz is additionally previewing a proof-of-concept feature whose market introduction plans have yet to be determined: a City Guide using Places API Radar Search to visualize the concentration of various features (nightlife, shopping, etc) as a graphical overlay on a Google Map.

Mercedes-Benz at the centre of innovation

Back as early as the beginning of the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz recognised the importance of having a presence in the innovation centre of Silicon Valley – and as a result in 1995 became the world's first automotive manufacturer to open a research site in Palo Alto. Today, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA) has around 140 employees, the largest workforce of all of the automotive manufacturers located in Silicon Valley.

The Digital DriveStyle App has been fully developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz, with all of the functionality and design having been worked on by MBRDNA. The integration of Google content is a result of the close cooperation between the developers from Mountain View. This has been made possible thanks to a partnership between Google and Mercedes-Benz, announced at CES 2012.

The Drive Kit Plus, which enables the smartphone to be connected to the vehicle, was developed by Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. Additional information on the Digital DriveStyle App and the Drive Kit Plus is available online at: http://drive-kit-plus.com.

Glossary

- Smartphone integration: the Drive Kit Plus currently enables Apple's iPhone 4/4S to be integrated into a vehicle. Integration of the iPhone 5 is being worked on and should follow later this year.

- Digital DriveStyle App: an application programmed by Mercedes-Benz which outputs the smartphone's main content (currently the iPhone 4/4S) on the vehicle display so that it can be accessed safely and conveniently while on the road – via the COMAND controller and/or by using the voice based intelligent personal assistant (currently Apple's Siri). The app is available free of charge through iTunes via the following link: https://itunes.apple.com/app/digital-drivestyle-app/id518868239?mt=8.

- Drive Kit Plus: the Drive Kit Plus is a hardware cradle which enables the smartphone to be connected to the vehicle. The Drive Kit Plus can be ordered ex factory for Mercedes-Benz A-Class models. A retrofit solution is also available from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH for virtually all current Mercedes-Benz model series.

- Places API: A Google product providing accurate local search for points of interest, including business and address data, around the world. API stands for "Application Programming Interface".

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Innovation made in Silicon Valley: Mercedes-Benz presents new features of its Digital DriveStyle App at Google I/O