Mercedes-Benz revs up its smart, connected car efforts (photos)
The high-end automaker delivers its first CES keynote, led by Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche. He focuses on car-sharing, electric vehicles, new driver interfaces, and a future focused on "auto-mobility."
Mercedes-Benz delivered its first CES keynote today, led by Dieter Zetsche, chairman of parent company Daimler. He focused on car-sharing, electric vehicles, new driver interfaces, and a future focused on "auto-mobility."
Here's one of the vehicles to grace the keynote stage, the Mercedes-Benz F125 concept.
Click on for more photos from the event. Or see our summary post on how the event unfolded.
Here's one of the vehicles to grace the keynote stage, the Mercedes-Benz F125 concept.
Click on for more photos from the event. Or see our summary post on how the event unfolded.
Also onstage is the Car2Go ride-share vehicle, which has been tested pretty extensively in Europe and select U.S. cities.
Geoff Day, director of communications at Mercedes Benz USA, kicks off the event, asking audience members to tweet questions for a question-and-answer period.
Zetsche then takes the stage and out rolls the brand new SL coupe.
"A car is a personal declaration of independence," Zetsche says. He carries the themes of connectivity, freedom, and independence throughout his speech.
He touts Mercedes services and apps stay up to date with the Internet. "Mercedes is currently the only OEM who offers [a safe Internet connection in the car]."
Zetsche then moves onto ride-sharing efforts. "Some colleagues still think that car-sharing borders on communism," he says, with this picture of Che Guevara towering over him. "But if that's the case, viva la revolucion!"
He also says future Mercedes cars will have a telematics app called CarTogether that can help drivers find people with whom to share rides.
Of course "emissions are one thing; congestion is another," he adds, leading to an update on Mercedes efforts to better manage traffic data.
Using GPS data from smartphones can help identify pain points ahead of time. "The connected car is a proactive car," Zetsche says.
His final message and "personal favorite" is that cars are fun, and will be even more so.
"To be truly successful, a car has first to deliver its function and then [deliver] excitement."
He closes with a new "declaration of automotive independence: the best days...are yet to come," he said, touting "life, liberty and the pursuit of mobility."
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?