Mercedes follows Chrysler, chooses Garmin for next-gen infotainment system
Tue, 02 Apr 2013
Garmin says the systems will also include a small secondary display for upcoming turn information, and users will also be able to control the navigation system via either the vehicle's rotary control or voice commands. The system will also work with the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Driver Assistance System to provide location services for "challenging situations."
Mercedes-Benz is the second major automaker to adopt Garmin for navigation. Chrysler has successfully employed the tech as part of its UConnect system (seen in the photo above), offering up intuitive navigation with good graphics. In our experience, the Chrysler units are accurate and fairly quick, though we have noted some lag in city environments. You can check out the full press release about the upcoming Mercedes-Benz system below.
Garmin to Provide In-Dash Navigation for Future Mercedes-Benz Models
OLATHE, Kan./April 2, 2013/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.
About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin's products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. A component of the S&P 500 index, Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
By Zach Bowman