Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud are expanding their strategic collaboration to integrate advanced conversational features into the MBUX Virtual Assistant, utilizing Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. This integration, powered by Gemini on Vertex AI, aims to elevate the in-car experience by offering more detailed, personalized conversational responses for navigation and points of interest.
The enhanced MBUX Virtual Assistant will leverage the capabilities of Google Maps Platform, which provides real-time data about 250 million places worldwide, with over 100 million updates daily. Drivers can interact naturally with the assistant, asking questions such as, “Could you guide me to the nearest fine dining restaurant?” and receive detailed, accurate information about the location, including reviews and signature dishes. The system will seamlessly display navigation details directly through the vehicle’s interface, enhancing convenience and user experience.
One of the key features of the collaboration is the introduction of complex, multi-turn conversations. The new system enables the MBUX Virtual Assistant to retain memory of ongoing dialogues, allowing users to reference previous information during their drive and ask follow-up questions. This capability enhances the personalization of the assistant, making it a more intuitive tool for drivers and passengers.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, commented, “At Mercedes-Benz, we seek to offer our customers an exceptional digital experience. Our partnership with Google Cloud will further enhance in-car navigation, combining sophisticated location data with generative AI. Launching with the new CLA, our next-gen navigation will allow drivers and passengers to use voice commands to obtain comprehensive and personalized information within seconds.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, added, “Mercedes-Benz is known for providing an amazing driving experience, and our partnership will bring cutting-edge AI breakthroughs to make those experiences even better. Our new Automotive AI Agent will help drivers navigate and search with in-vehicle assistants, so those interactions are more natural and helpful. This is just the beginning of how agentic capabilities can transform the automotive industry and I’m excited to see our partnership drive progress forward.”
