Great–Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Hughes Telematics, Inc. (HTI) todaylaunched mbrace™, a new telematics offering that brings anunprecedented level of connectivity to Mercedes-Benz drivers and beginsthe process of allowing them to customize their in-vehicle experiencesto fit their daily needs. Powered by HTI, mbrace is now available onall new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold through authorized dealers in theUnited States, and mbrace replaces Tele Aid, which was the previoustelematics system that MBUSA has offered for the past 10 years, forsuch vehicles. In addition, most current Mercedes-Benz owners with theTele Aid system will be eligible to upgrade to the new mbrace system.
“When we first launched our Telematics platform it contained featuresmany vehicles still lack today, and now we want to take our offering tothe next level,” said Sascha Simon, director of advanced productplanning, MBUSA. “With mbrace, we begin the introduction of a whole newgeneration of innovative and personalized services that fit ourdrivers’ mobile lifestyles, keeping them connected to the people,places and services that are important to them and offering themenhanced safety, security and navigation options. Most importantly, theflexibility of Hughes Telematics’ architecture will also allow us tocontinually add new features and innovations that will keepMercedes-Benz on the forefront of in-vehicle services.”
Specifically, mbrace personifies “connected services” by marking thefirst time drivers can connect with their vehicles via an iPhone™ orBlackBerry™, allowing them to do such things as remotely lock or unlocktheir vehicles or locate their vehicles in crowded parking lots or oncity streets through a map representation on their smart phones. Theflexibility of combining HTI’s platform with today’s leading smartphoneofferings allows for a continual stream of in-vehicle innovationthroughout the life of a vehicle’s ownership.
“Hughes Telematics is excited to be working with Mercedes-Benz as weintroduce the next generation of connected services to customers,” saidErik Goldman, president, HTI. “This platform upon which mbrace is builtis designed with the most flexibility in the industry allowingMercedes-Benz to continuously innovate with new services and features.”
The mbrace system offers 18 features (five of which are part of apremium package) aggregated in the categories of safety & security,navigation & destination planning and convenience. The services canbe accessed quickly and easily from within the vehicle or from anycomputer through a personalized web portal.
The standard mbrace safety and security features include: AutomaticCollision Notification; SOS/Emergency Calling; Safe Ride; RoadsideAssistance Connection (in-vehicle and mobile application); StolenVehicle Location Assistance; Automatic Alarm Notification; VehicleInformation and Crisis Assist. Navigation services include a Search& Send feature. Standard convenience features include: Remote DoorUnlock and Lock (remote application), Vehicle Finder (via mobileapplication), and Dealer Connect (mobile application). A premiumservice – mbrace PLUS – adds such features as Location-Based Weather,Location-Based Traffic, agent-assisted Route Assistance,Point-of-Interest Destination Download (through agent), and“Mercedes-Benz Concierge,” which functions much as a hotel conciergemaking restaurant reservations, locating stores and services, cash wireassistance, etc.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, isresponsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for allMercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offersdrivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 modellines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedansand CL coupes. More information on MBUSA and its products can be foundat www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.
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Hughes Telematics, Inc. (“HTI”) (OTCBB: HUTC and HUTCW) is a leaderin implementing the next generation of connected services for theautomobile. Centered on a core platform of safety and securityofferings, the company develops and manages vehicle- and driver-centricsolutions to enhance the driving and ownership experience.Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., HTI offers a portfolio of consumer,manufacturer, fleet and dealer services provided through two-wayconnectivity to the vehicle. Networkfleet, Inc., a wholly ownedsubsidiary of HTI located in San Diego, Ca., offers remote vehiclediagnostics, an integrated GPS tracking and emissions monitoring systemfor wireless fleet vehicle management. Additional information about HTIcan be found at www.hughestelematics.com.