Mercedes Ready to Introduce Car-to-X Technology in 2014

Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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says that it will have Car-to-X technology available in its production cars by the end of 2013. It will be the first automaker selling cars with the technology. Mercedes says that it will even be possible to retrofit the technology into previous Mercedes models as well.

Car-to-X technology is being touted as the next major innovation in automotive technology that will improve safety and make driving easier. It is really a suite of technologies that allow cars to communicate with each other so that they know their location. It will allow also cars to talk to infrastructure like stop lights so that it can stop automatically. FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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and GMGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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have also been experimenting with Car-to-X technology in the US but have not said when it will be available in production cars.

"With the introduction of Car-to-X technology, we are once again reaffirming our tradition as a safety pioneer, and demonstrating that we are continuing to bring innovations to the roads with benefit for both our customers, and also other road users,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, head of research at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The major hurdle for Car-to-X technology is proliferation of the technology. Because it is based on the concept of car-to-car communication, the more cars using the technology, the better it works.

Mercedes’ Car-to-X technology will be included as part of the Drive Kit Plus package, which is an option on all current Mercedes models. It uses a smartphone connection to receive data and send it to the car. For now, this offers the fastest way to proliferate the technology and makes it possible for previous Mercedes to be retrofitted with the tech. Later, Mercedes will add an integrated system.

The system works by sending out messages about the car while driving. Surrounding cars receive these messages and if there is an emergency, it is marked on the navigation screen. It also displays warnings for wrong-way drivers and dangerous weather conditions. Drivers can also press a button and create their own warning messages to send to other drivers.

The system does not allow for car-to-infrastructure communication yet, but Mercedes says that it is working to create a standardized system of Car-to-X communication in Europe for infrastructure systems.

For now, the Mercedes Car-to-X technology is only available in Europe.