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The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is "always on": Mercedes-Benz puts the iPhone® on wheels

By | Published Thursday, 23 February 2012

Mercedes-Benz is making smartphones mobile and ensuring that such electronic assistants will in future be fully linked into the car's infotainment system. First off the blocks is the Apple® iPhone®, which Mercedes-Benz has now integrated comprehensively into the user experience concept of the new A-Class, as the first automotive manufacturer in the world to take this step. Thanks to a new "Digital DriveStyle App", developed in-house, together with the „Drive Kit Plus for the Apple® iPhone®“, drivers can now access all the key content of their Apple® iPhone® through the in-vehicle display and enjoy safe and convenient operation of the device via the Controller on the center armrest. The attractive 'look' is ensured by the revolutionary user interface design. In a further world premiere, Mercedes-Benz will enable access to the voice-based intelligent companion Siri™ in the vehicle. This allows natural speech input, without the need for specific commands, to send messages, select music tracks and check the weather forecast or stock prices, as well as to make appointments. All the iPhone® integration functions can be used even with the entry-level Audio 20 system.


This seamless integration of the Apple® iPhone® into the vehicle, in conjunction with the new revolutionary user interface design, means that Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer the Facebook generation its natural home on four wheels, in the form of the new A-Class. Along with Facebook, Twitter and so on, the "Digital DriveStyle App" developed by Daimler offers further services and content to suit the digital lifestyle and will be available to download free of charge from the Apple® iTunes® store. Its highlights include:

- Personalised internet radio by AUPEO! Personal Radio, which offers radio stations that compile an individual program for listeners and recommend similar music by genre or artists based on personal taste.

- The advanced navigation software from Garmin, with internet-based real-time traffic information, online POI searches and 3D map display, all of which work even in combination with the entry-level multimedia system Audio 20

- A socially interactive experience involving "sharing", "posting" and the integration of music and other content from social networks including text-to-speech.

- An intuitive 'Car Finder' which automatically stores the vehicle's location. Pedestrian navigation makes it completely easy to find your way back to the car.

- Access to the voice-based intelligent companion Siri™.

New here is also the contextual and location-based display of menu content under the headings "Social", "Media" and "Places". The basic logic behind this was presented by Daimler for the first time in January of this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Appearing under the heading "Social", for example, are the various friends and latest news from the social networks.

The user interface design is unique and revolutionary. Transparent symbols are illuminated in red to create three-dimensionally arranged navigation levels. Within the three-dimensional illustration provided by this menu structure, the user can move intuitively between the various functions in fluid, animated transitions. The user interface concept was designed and implemented by designers and engineers in the Mercedes-Benz research and development center in Palo Alto, California/USA. Enlarging the display of content on the screen to an appropriate format for use in a vehicle and allowing it to be controlled through the ergonomically positioned Controller on the center armrest makes operating the system both safe and easy.

The iPhone® is connected through an interface developed by Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. This allows content to be fed directly from the graphics output of the device to the display of the vehicle. At the same time, the iPhone® is both powered and charged automatically while it is being used.

Full iPhone® integration is not only possible in conjunction with the COMAND Online multimedia system. All functions, including navigation, can also be used even with the entry-level Audio 20 system. Mercedes-Benz is thus making it possible for the A-Class's younger target group in particular to continue their digital lifestyle seamlessly inside the vehicle. Both the "Digital DriveStyle App" and the "Drive Kit Plus for the Apple® iPhone®" will be making their debut in the new A-Class, which will be celebrating its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and are also planned to be available from autumn 2012 for the B-, C- and E-Class.

Always at your service: the voice-based intelligent companion Siri™

As the first automotive manufacturer to do so, Mercedes-Benz will be introducing Siri™ in a vehicle with easy access to it from the “Digital DriveStyle App”. While conventional voice recognition software demands the use of specific spoken commands, Siri™ understands natural speech patterns and will even ask questions in return should more information be needed in order to complete a given task.

Siri™ is a function of the latest iPhone® generation, 4S, and acts as a personal assistant. Given verbal instructions, for example, it will access the personal calendar to make or decline requests for appointments or meetings. SMS text messages can be dictated or read out, and emails sent. Siri™ can also be used as a convenient way of accessing the complete range of music stored on an iPhone® or to request the latest weather forecast.

Always up-to-date: COMAND Online with Cloud technology and Mercedes-Benz App Shop
Safe and convenient access to the internet on the move is already available in a whole series of Mercedes-Benz models: the fully integrated multimedia system COMAND Online was introduced in 2011. As well as innovative applications such as Google Local Search including Google Street View and Panoramio, Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer to offer the option of sending individually preconfigured routes from Google Maps on a PC to the vehicle. The internet connection that is required for the functions in COMAND Online is established via a mobile telephone Bluetooth link and a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Mercedes-Benz is firmly convinced that the future lies with cloud computing. The software used in the COMAND Online applications is not stored in the vehicle, but runs off the Daimler Vehicle Backend. The advantage of this is that applications can be continually updated in the cloud, and new applications released to Mercedes-Benz customers, without the need to visit a workshop.

In this sense on March 31st, 2012 a new Mercedes-Benz App to access News will be available to COMAND Online customers.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Apps for COMAND Online will be offered soon in the new Mercedes-Benz App Shop. The first two Mercedes-Benz Apps to become available in the App Shop will be the Parking Finder and Morningstar Finance, that offers access to stock prices.

It is planned to introduce a dozen or so new applications each year. To this end, Daimler has set up App Development Groups in both Palo Alto, California/USA, and Bangalore, India.
Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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The showroom experience becomes fully interactive with the new iPad Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé Brochure app

By | Published Friday, 17 February 2012

Mercedes-Benz UK has unveiled its first iPad Brochure App – an innovative, interactive experience that compliments traditional paper brochures with a more engaging way to experience the C-Class Coupé. This new approach to customer engagement enables customers and prospects to experience more of the C-Class Coupé design, performance and technology. With all the information of the brochure and the price list combined, the app carries a wealth of content. But that is not all: the interactive section makes use of the iPad’s capabilities and informs as much as it entertains.


David George, Marketing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars said: “We live in a culture that’s almost always on-line, and is used to rich media experiences, and our new iPad Brochure app really brings the C-Class Coupé to life.

“Rather than having to wait for a brochure to be delivered, or read a pdf of a paper product, the new app is instant, and it shows the vehicles’ features and functions in attention-grabbing ways.”

The model lines section shows off the new car in all its glory and, at the same time, allows the reader to compare all engine and trim combinations; from the Sport to the C 63 AMG. Using the slider function the reader can compare every detail of two selected cars at three different angles. The app also contains a gallery of images and a driving video for each variant, allowing the customer to be completely satisfied with their choice of styling options before committing to buy.

The configurator is a great way to display the exterior and interior choices that are available. Configuring the C-Class Coupé together with a customer offers showroom staff a great opportunity to stay in touch with a prospective customer. Optional data capture enables the sales teams to send an email to their customers with their personally configured C-Class Coupé, as well as new car offers for 2012.

Explaining features such as the Intelligent Light System is extremely simple, thanks to this app. Even the different lighting modes are easily explained with a real life video and illustrations pointing out the difference between Intelligent Light System (ILS) and regular lights.

The interactive part of the app is split into three sections: Design, Performance and Technology.

Each section has three or four topics to explore:

- Design features the information on the Panoramic sunroof, the ability to compare Model lines, and the interactive Configurator.

- The Performance section allows customers and prospects to explore the engine options available on the C-Class Coupé, as well as information on systems such as Dynamic Handling Package. This section also features an in depth look at BlueEFFICIENCY – efficiency technology that’s standard on every car.

- Technology looks at in-car Multimedia, and state of the art safety features, including Driving Assistance Package, and a demonstration of the Intelligent Light System.

The Read more section in the app holds all the information of the brochure. From anywhere in the app the user can go to ‘Read more’, offering in-depth information on any of the related section topics. There is also a search function which allows the customer to search for any topic.

The section ‘Contact and pricing’ holds all the pricing information and technical tables, as well as standard and optional specification tables.

To make it easy for customers to find the nearest Retailer, there is a built in Retailer locator. The customer can either use GPS to determine closest retailer to current location or use a typed in address.

The app launched today and is available from the iTunes APP store as well as the download page on the Mercedes-Benz UK public website: mb.co.uk/ccoupeapp .
Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Free app for FleetBoard telematics system now available for buses

By | Published Friday, 20 January 2012

Daimler FleetBoard is the first supplier of telematics solutions to offer a fleet management and driving analysis app for the Apple iPhone and iPad. Operators can use it to control their fleet of buses or coaches at any time and from any location. The trip recorder also makes it possible to display the most recent journey made. The app enables operators to monitor how their vehicles are being used, their drivers' working hours, the fuel consumption of their buses and coaches and the drivers' driving style. It is even possible to show the status of doors and loading ramps. To use the FleetBoard app it is necessary to have a vehicle equipped with FleetBoard, with a FleetBoard service contract. The new FleetBoard app is available for a limited period free of charge from the App Store. The app has already been available for some time now for trucks and vans.


Until now, the telematics system for buses has been known as Omniplus BusFleet. The bus-specific telematics system for rural-service buses, touring coaches and urban buses from telematics provider Daimler FleetBoard GmbH has been available and undergoing further development for some weeks now. Trust is important but, as fleet operators know, transparency is even better - and an indispensable factor if a company is to operate economically and efficiently. The bus-specific FleetBoard fleet management system provides effective support here. Fleet operators are able to take advantage of the FleetBoard app for buses, even if they are out and about themselves.

The FleetBoard system can be fitted ex factory in any fully equipped Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus or coach, or – as also in the case of buses and coaches made by other manufacturers – retrofitted. Several bus and coach companies are already working successfully with FleetBoard and making extensive use of the bus telematics system in their daily operations. "We have more than ten years' experience of working with commercial vehicle fleets. Especially when diesel fuel prices are high, our customers also appreciate the way in which FleetBoard can help make significant reductions in fuel consumption" commented Markus Lipinsky, Managing Director of Daimler FleetBoard GmbH.

Mapping: keeping tabs on buses around the world at all times

The fleet manager can locate the current whereabouts of a vehicle on a digital map that can be called up on any computer with internet access, or track its route at 30-second intervals. It is possible to switch between map and satellite views or to select a combination of both. Mapping can also be used to show important occurrences during the course of the trip, or to display warning and status messages. A geofencing function makes it possible to define specific areas where entry and exit are monitored: as well as providing resource planning information on both the bus and the driver, this is also a significant security feature in the event that the vehicle should be stolen.

Driver analysis: evaluation of driving style and realisation of potential savings
FleetBoard can help a company to optimise its economic efficiency, as the right driving style can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear by up to 10%. FleetBoard interprets driver and vehicle-related data, taking the assessment of driving style and the complexity of the route into consideration in the process. The underlying data relating to vehicle speeds, engine speeds, hard braking and other such information provide an objective basis for conclusions about the way the bus or coach is being handled. Such monitoring also provides feedback for the driver as to what measures he can take to improve his driving style and, ultimately and most importantly, to become a safer driver. Internal investigations by Daimler have shown that improving driving style to a score of 9.0 or more can reduce accident rates by up to 90%.

Trip recording: transparency in everyday operations

The data thus accumulated makes it possible to ascertain precisely the times and places at which the bus has been stationary or on the move. The company can get reliable information about whether the doors were open or closed at any particular point. This information can then be used, for example, to deal with customer issues by establishing whether a specific bus was on time and available for boarding at a given stop. Similarly, bus operators are able to produce data showing the use of the access ramp by passengers with restricted mobility.

The driver is able to use preset message buttons to send standardised messages back to the bus depot. In return, the company can also send messages to the display in the bus's instrument cluster.

Time Management: automatic capture and archiving of tachograph data

The time management function facilitates optimum planning of working hours on the basis of drivers' rest periods and remaining driving time. All relevant data can then be transferred automatically into a payroll system. With FleetBoard, the download of driver card data from the bus that is a required by law can be undertaken regardless of the time of day or the location of the vehicle. FleetBoard also allows the remote transfer of mass storage data from the digital tachograph on board the bus. Particularly in cases where a bus is away from its base for longer periods, this can bring significant savings in terms of both time and costs.

Service: evaluation of operating data and optimised maintenance scheduling

All key bus operating data, such as mileage or tank fill level, are displayed via FleetBoard. The system will also send selected warning messages from the vehicle, so allowing any necessary repairs to be made in a prompt and targeted fashion. Further messages transmitted by the vehicle allow evaluation of factors such as retarder use, or how long auxiliary heating systems or air conditioning are being kept on for. This in turn allows conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the vehicle and thus of its economic efficiency and the level of comfort provided. FleetBoard allows fleet operators to plan efficiently for any services that are due, or any time-consuming vehicle checks that need to be made.

The vehicle data are recorded via a standardised FMS interface in the bus and stored in the FleetBoard on-board computer before being transmitted. The transfer of data takes place via GPRS to a central FleetBoard server. Registered FleetBoard users have secure access via the internet to the bus client containing all the data and evaluation results.

About FleetBoard

Daimler FleetBoard GmbH is one of Europe's leading companies in the field of vehicle telematics systems. Systems and services are designed for use by fleet managers, logistics managers and drivers of truck, bus and van fleets of all makes and spanning all sectors of industry. FleetBoard has a proven reputation of many years' standing as a fleet management system that offers improved economic efficiency and transparency. It provides user-friendly technology that assists drivers in their daily work. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, based in Stuttgart, Germany, the company has been tested and certified by DEKRA in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9000:2008.
Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Now available - Daimler Media Site App for iPhone and iPad

By | Published Wednesday, 7 December 2011

With the Daimler Media Site app, you can access current press material of Daimler AG at any time. Press texts and press photos relating to all Daimler AG brands and business units are available. You can find corporate news and information from Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services, and keep up to date on topics such as technology, heritage and motorsport.


News items are accompanied by galleries of the related press photos.

Further functions:

- Customised newsroom: Here, you can put together all information from any of your selected areas in line with your own requirements.
- Favourites collection: News items can be transferred here for later use.
- E-mail sending function: You can pass on the news to others. It is also possible to forward items to the Twitter community.
- Push notifications: You will be notified as soon as new content is available on the Daimler Media Site.

The Daimler Media Site app is optimized for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch and can be downloaded from the App Store.






Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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