Garmin to power future Mercedes-Benz infotainment systems
It looks like Garmin has managed to lock down a very solid deal following its automotive group's compelling demo at CES. The company's in-dash GPS software is now set to roll out with future Mercedes-Benz models -- Garmin's navigation system is scheduled to be fully integrated within the next four years, and will begin appearing with select 2014 models. The solution sounds similar to the version we saw on display during CES, and includes a primary panel in the center console, along with a secondary display located behind the steering wheel, tasked with providing key driver stats, along with next turn info, for example.
Mercedes will share more details once specific launch vehicles are announced, but Garmin said to expect features like Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS), to help out with vehicle positioning, while the car manufacturer will bring tools like a rotary controller and voice commands to the table. What remains to be seen is how TomTom will fit into the mix -- last month, the company announced plans of its own to provide HD Traffic service to certain Mercedes vehicles, though it's unclear if the two GPS giants will be working together on this latest venture.
Update: Garmin reached out to clarify that the company will be providing the GPS software for Mercedes-Benz's own infotainment solution. So it's not all Garmin under the hood.
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Garmin to Provide In-Dash Navigation for Future Mercedes-Benz Models
OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that Daimler AG has selected Garmin as global navigation provider for future Mercedes-Benz models. Garmin's award-winning navigation will be fully integrated into Mercedes-Benz infotainment systems over the next four years.
"Being selected by Daimler as their global tier-one navigation solution partner is a testament to Garmin's growing capability and exceptional product quality in the auto OEM space," said Matt Munn, Garmin managing director automotive OEM. "We are honored by Daimler's confidence in Garmin and we look forward to working with them to deliver an exceptional navigation experience for the world's most discerning drivers."
Building upon Garmin's easy-to-use interface, advanced navigation functionality will be seamlessly integrated into the Mercedes-Benz infotainment systems to provide an efficient and intuitive experience. In addition to displaying navigation and maps on the in-dash display, users will have access to important driver information, such as next turn, at a glance on a second display, positioned behind the steering wheel. The Mercedes-Benz infotainment systems also allow users to control navigation functions through the system's rotary controller or via voice command functionality. Furthermore, Garmin's next-generation navigation software will provide critical positioning information for Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) functionalities of the vehicle to assist drivers in challenging situations.
Garmin's automotive OEM group utilizes the company's long-standing experience in user interface and hardware design from its automotive, avionics and marine segments to develop innovative in-car navigation, telematics and infotainment systems. Garmin's broad range of in-vehicle electronics for the automotive industry includes full infotainment and telematics systems, navigation software, location-based services, and integrated portable navigation systems. Garmin has dedicated automotive OEM offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.
