Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Hughes Telematics, Inc. (HTI) have announced the next generation of groundbreaking in-vehicle services from Mercedes-Benz, named as mbrace, providing Mercedes-Benz drivers an unprecedented level of connectivity to further enhanche their in-vehicle experiences for their daily needs.

mercedes-embrace

In addition, users can access select in-vehicle (Mercedes) services remotely using compatible Apple iPhone or Blackberry smartphones, thanks to the innovative mbrace mobile application.

“When we first launched our Telematics platform it contained features many vehicles still lack today, and now we want to take our offering to the next level,” commented Sascha Simon, director of advanced product planning at MBUSA. “With mbrace, we begin the introduction of a whole new generation of innovative and personalized services that fit our drivers’ mobile lifestyles, keeping them connected to the people, places and services that are important to them and offering them enhanced safety, security and navigation options. Most importantly, the flexibility of Hughes Telematics’ architecture will also allow us to continually add new features and innovations that will keep Mercedes-Benz on the forefront of in-vehicle services.”

The mbrace system that powered by HTI is offering 18 features aggregated in the categories of safety & security, navigation & destination planning and convenience.

    mbrace Safety & Security services:
  • Automatic Collision Notification
  • SOS/Emergency Calling
  • Safe Ride
  • Roadside Assistance Connection (in-vehicle and mobile application)
  • Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
  • Automatic Alarm Notification
  • Vehicle Information and Crisis Assist
    mbrace navigation service:
  • Search & Send
    mbrace standard convenience features:
  • Remote Door Unlock and Lock (remote application)
  • Vehicle Finder (via mobile application)
  • Dealer Connect (mobile application)
      • mbrace PLUS additional Navigation & Destination Planning services:
    • Location-Based Weather
    • Location-Based Traffic
    • Agent-assisted Route Assistance
    • Point-of-Interest Destination Download (through agent)
    • “Mercedes-Benz Concierge”

    “Hughes Telematics is excited to be working with Mercedes-Benz as we introduce the next generation of connected services to customers,” said Erik Goldman, president of HTI. “This platform upon which mbrace is built is designed with the most flexibility in the industry allowing Mercedes-Benz to continuously innovate with new services and features.”

    Currently, Mercedes-Benz mbrace mobile app is compatible with Apple iPhone running OS 2.2.1 or later, Blackberry Curve 8300 Series with GPS, as well as Blackberry 8820 and 8830 models running OS 4.5 or later.

    This entry was posted on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 5:42 pm and is filed under Interesting Stuff. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.