Mercedes-Benz to introduce new connected services for trucks
News
20 Jun 2016
Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a new range of connected services and safety technologies in its range of trucks.
A new digital service, Uptime, is scheduled to be launched at the commercial vehicles show IAA in September. Uptime aims to considerably increase vehicle availability for operators in their day-to-day business by continuously monitoring the status of vehicle systems via a new connectivity hardware.
Mercedes-Benz described this service has ‘like measuring the truck’s pulse’ and it will allow trucks to automatically relay information to the server of Mercedes-Benz Service, such as when it is in need of repair or maintenance work. The data can then be analysed in real time, meaning the customer can be contacted and given support on the best course of action for their vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is also launching the new FleetBoard Store for Apps from early 2017. FleetBoard is designed to act as ‘a kind of iTunes’ for trucks, and will allow software experts for other industry partners such as bodybuilders, logistics specialists and customers to contribute useful apps for everyone involved in transportation.
In addition to the new set of connected services and apps, Mercedes-Benz is also set to launch pedestrian detection in trucks for the first time.
Sideguard Assist and Active Brake Assist 4 will utilise state-of-the-art safety technology to recognise pedestrians and cyclists in urban environments, allowing vehicles to independently initiate partial braking, with the hopes of reducing collisions and increasing road safety.
Stefan Buchner, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: "Reliability and maximum availability are top priority for our customers. With Mercedes-Benz Uptime we can considerably increase these requests thanks to real-time data and connectivity. Our customers have always expected us to provide them with the best vehicle in terms of efficiency, safety and connectivity. And we will continue to deliver that in future, too. On the occasion of the Commercial Vehicles show IAA we bring quite concrete innovations in all three divisions to market."
