Driving Mercedes Benz is made more comfortable with the introduction of mbrace, which is jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz USA and Hughes Telematics.
With mbrace, drivers can now connect with their vehicles via an iPhone or BlackBerry. A map representation on their smartphones will now help drivers to remotely lock or unlock their vehicles, locate their vehicles in crowded parking lots or on city streets. The mbrace system offers 18 features combined in the categories of safety and security, navigation and destination, planning and convenience.
“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. 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,” mentioned Sascha Simon, director of advanced product planning, MBUSA.
Navigation services include a search and send feature. Remote door unlock and lock (remote application), vehicle finder (via mobile application), and dealer connect (mobile application) are included in navigation services.
“Hughes Telematics is excited to be working with Mercedes-Benz as we introduce the next generation of connected services to customers. 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,” stated Erik Goldman, president, HTI.
The standard mbrace safety and security features include automatic collision notification, SOS/Emergency calling, safe ride, roadside assistance connection (in-vehicle and mobile application) and more. mbrace PLUS, a premium service features location-based weather, location-based traffic, agent-assisted route assistance, ‘Mercedes-Benz Concierge’ which acts as a hotel concierge making restaurant reservations, locating stores and services, cash wire assistance and more.
mbrace is now offered on all new Mercedes-Benz vehicles retailed via authorized dealers in the United States. Further current Mercedes-Benz owners with the Tele Aid system are also allowed to upgrade to the new mbrace system.