Mercedes-Benz and Google have announced a strategic partnership that will see the German automaker build its own branded navigation based on the latest in-car data and navigation capabilities from Google Maps. As described in a press release, the partnership enables Mercedes-Benz to enhance the driving experience of its future vehicles using the latest information from Google Maps. Starting in February 2023, Mercedes-Benz will give customers access to initial new features like Google Place Details, which provides information about more than 200 million businesses and locations globally.
“With our strategic partnership, we are excited to create unique services and to elevate the level of convenience for our customers,” said Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz. “It will be deeply integrated within our signature Mercedes-Benz user interface and fully connected to relevant vehicle functions like the state-of-charge.”
Mercedes-Benz Operating System
Through the partnership, Mercedes-Benz can access Google’s geospatial offering, including detailed information about locations and places, real-time and predictive traffic information, and automatic rerouting. Likewise, Google Maps data is expected to optimize assisted driving features, such as automatic speed adjustments before intersections, roundabouts, or curves. Mercedes-Benz intends to provide a “superior navigation experience” by embedding these features into its forthcoming Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which includes a high-resolution screen.
“We invite only the very best partners to enhance our operating system and to add to the Mercedes-Benz customer experience,” Källenius said. “Google has been a leader in maps and navigation for many years.”
Role of Google Cloud
The companies also plan to explore artificial intelligence and open infrastructure solutions. For example, Google Cloud’s AI and machine learning can help Mercedes-Benz create, train, and deploy new models quickly while elevating the customer experience. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz plans to use Google’s open infrastructure to innovate and scale from on-premises to the edge and then to the cloud across the automaker’s current technology landscape.
“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, Chief Executive Officer 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.”
