Mercedes-Benz plans to build its own branded navigation using new in-car geospatial data and navigation capabilities from Google Maps Platform.
It’s part of a new strategic tie-up between Mercedes-Benz and Google/Alphabet.
The two companies say the partnership enables Mercedes-Benz to create a driving experience that pairs the ‘trusted, reliable information from Google Maps with its own unique luxury brand and feel’.
The companies have also agreed to explore further collaboration using Google Cloud’s leading artificial intelligence (AI), data and open infrastructure solutions.
Starting immediately, Mercedes-Benz will give customers access to initial new features like Place Details, provided by Google.
Mercedes says it will be the first automaker to build its own branded navigation experience based on new in-car data and navigation capabilities from Google Maps Platform.
This will give Mercedes access to Google’s geospatial offering, including detailed information about places, real-time and predictive traffic information, automatic rerouting, and more. By embedding these features into the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), Mercedes says customers will be able to enjoy a superior navigation experience, thanks to ‘easy usability and outstanding graphics on the car’s high-resolution screen’.
To help enrich the user experience further, the companies will bring the YouTube app into the Mercedes-Benz infotainment system. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will use Google Maps data to enable assisted driving features such as automatic speed adjustments before intersections, roundabouts or curves.
Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz, said: “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.”
As a first step, Mercedes-Benz will give customers access to Place Details provided by Google, helping them find detailed information about more than 200 million businesses and places around the world, including business hours, photos, ratings, and reviews. Place Details will be available immediately in all vehicles with the latest generation of MBUX in applicable markets.
The companies agreed to explore further collaboration using Google Cloud’s leading artificial intelligence (AI), data and open infrastructure solutions. For example:
- AI: Mercedes-Benz intends to use Google Cloud’s AI and Machine Learning capabilities to create, train, and deploy new models at speed and enhance customer experiences.
- Data: Mercedes-Benz intends to use Google Cloud’s fast and efficient data processing platform to analyze fleet data.
- Open Infrastructure: Mercedes-Benz plans to use Google’s open infrastructure to securely innovate and scale from on-premises, to edge, to cloud, across Mercedes-Benz’s current technology landscape.
Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer, Google and Alphabet, said: “Our partnership with Mercedes-Benz brings advanced technologies from Google Maps Platform, Cloud, and YouTube to help create new experiences for drivers. 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.”
