Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz is always on the lookout for new ways to elevate their customers’ lives. Their latest move is a long-term strategic partnership with Google that helps car owners navigate seamlessly. The Mercedes-Benz and Google partnership will enhance the driving experience as drivers will be able to access Google Maps, YouTube, and driver navigation during their ride.
An unexpected but delightful deal, the licensing agreement will bring luxury and entertainment into the Mercedes’ driving adventure.
With Google Maps, the car owners will be able to take advantage of the integrated system features like automatic speed adjustments before sharp curves, or roundabouts.
The Mercedes-Benz and Google partnership
Experts are praising the Mercedes-Benz and Google partnership for finding a workaround in providing for the customers’ wishes while not ceding complete control.
The deal is set to benefit future Mercedes-Benz owners as it will give them access to the Google Maps platform, Cloud and YouTube, while working simultaneously with the automaker’s next-generation operating system called MB.OS.
“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,” said Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz.
Meanwhile, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google’s parent company, 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.”
The Mercedes-Benz operating system has been under development for the past few years. The German brand built the Linux-based system to support third-party apps and services, which can enhance the driver’s journey. It is expected to go into production by 2024 and will be available in the automaker’s next-gen vehicles.
On February 22, at an event, Benz CTO Markus Schäfer admitted that the ultimate goal of the MB.OS is to create a seamless customer experience that does not require you to plug in your phone.
AI-Assist and Google Driving Capabilities
Mercedes-Benz is not the first automaker to take advantage of the Google suite of products. General Motors, Nissan, Renault, and Ford have all implemented the Google suite of products into their fleet. Cars by these manufacturers have in-built features like Google Maps and Google Assistant.
Many cars today also offer driver-assist technologies, and carmakers like Tesla are working on AI-powered automated driving capabilities.
AI technologies are in use in the development of self-driving cars. They are also used to enhance safety measures and prevent untoward accidents. For example, Tesla’s interior camera above the rear-view mirror monitors the driver’s eyes to gauge drowsiness and prevent accidents. AI has also been used to set driver preferences while embarking on a journey.
When combined with Google’s offerings and AI-powered tech, it is not unrealistic to assume that we will have safe, self-driving cars in the near future.
As Mercedes-Benz works to modify its product line, Google’s suite of products will accelerate its brand image. In January, Källenius also revealed that the brand will steer towards electric vehicles in the future. The new lineup will come equipped with the trendiest digital gadgets and luxuries.
In 2022, Mercedes-Benz more than doubled its EV sales compared to 2021. Its EV sales grew by 124% in 2022, in comparison to the previous year. Unlike its rivals like Audi and Porsche, Benz has an aggressive plan to push EVs onto the roads and is working towards building a sustainable fleet.
The German automaker is keen on using autonomous driving software and has been investing heavily in relevant technologies, to establish its market dominance.
