DRIVING MERCEDES R&D - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1724

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features an insightful discussion with Johann Jungwirth, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, focusing on the brand's technological advancements. The conversation highlights Mercedes-Benz's significant investment in R&D within the US, particularly in Silicon Valley, emphasizing their focus on connected car technology, user experience, and software implementation. Jungwirth details efforts in natural voice input, aiming for more intuitive interaction, and explains the strategy of leveraging cloud-based services to keep vehicle technology current despite the rapid pace of electronics development. The discussion also touches upon the integration of smartphones, the challenges of long-term electronics ownership, and the multi-modal approach to human-machine interfaces, including touchscreens, voice control, and rotary controllers. Furthermore, the segment delves into Mercedes-Benz's commitment to autonomous driving technology, tracing its roots back to the 1990s and outlining a step-by-step approach to introducing advanced driver-assistance systems. The subscription model for connected services is also addressed, with the company defending its value proposition.