Mercedes- Benz and Google have formed a partnership to create an exclusive navigation system for the German automaker. The customized in-built navigation system will use geospatial and Google Maps navigation data. The company has decided to build this in-house navigation system to provide its customers with reliable and accurate navigational data combined with the luxury and feel of the brand Mercedes. 

This partnership between Mercedes and Google is a part of the company’s long-term strategy to develop and create luxurious digital and AI innovations for vehicles. The automaker is trying to compete with artificial intelligence systems, autonomous driving functions, and advanced hardware suites offered by companies like Tesla. But where Tesla is focusing on affordability and market reach, Mercedes is focusing on luxury and top-notch services.

With the Google partnership, Mercedes has now access to Google’s geospatial database including features like real-time traffic information, prediction algorithms, information on places, automatic re-routing, etc. 

At first, the company is going to offer basic features like location details to its customers. The feature will include details of more than 200 million businesses and locations around the world, provided from the Google database. The details will include business hours, location, images, reviews, and ratings. The basic features will be available in all Mercedes vehicles with the latest generation of MBUX in applicable markets.

Mercedes- Benz comes with an advanced high-resolution screen with outstanding graphics which will further add to the user experience. It will also add automatic speed adjustment functions wherein the vehicle will slow down right before an intersection, roundabout, and other sensitive and accident-prone areas. The company also plans to bring the Youtube app into its onboard entertainment system. 

In the long term, Mercedes plans to integrate the Google Map completely with the Mercedes- Benz operating system and use Google Cloud’s AI and Machine Learning capabilities to create, train, and deploy new models that will provide cutting-edge technology to its users. 

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said that the company partnered with only the best of the best firms as it wanted to bring great value and services to its customers. He further added that Google was an obvious choice as it is a global leader in maps and navigation systems. 

As for the actual usage, CEO Kallenius said that Google Maps will be deeply integrated within the signature Mercedes-Benz user interface and fully connected to relevant vehicle functions like the state of charge. 

(via)

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