Technology is Mercedes-Benz’s main focus at this year’s CES. Earlier today, the automaker announced it would invest $1 billion into North America’s charging network, but that wasn’t the only news. Starting this year, Mercedes will be able to offer Level 3 conditional automatic driving in Nevada.
The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles approved Mercedes’ application to roll out the technology, with the state expected to issue a license within the next two weeks. This will make Mercedes the first automaker to offer the Level 3 system in the US. The company is also applying for certification in California, and is optimistic it will get approval. The automaker launched the Level 3 system in Germany earlier this year.
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The event also saw Mercedes preview what will happen next with self-driving cars. The automaker said it will bring Zync’s partnership to North America, which puts in-car content streaming onto a single platform. The technology will allow passengers to stream content to their screens on the move, and all passengers will be able to enjoy entertainment options while the car is parked.
Automakers have been pushing for more in-car entertainment options as they fill their cabins with more screens. BMW announced earlier this year that it would be bringing gaming to its curved screen and iDrive 8 infotainment software. Yesterday, Nvidia announced it would be bringing its cloud gaming capabilities to Hyundai, Kia, Polestar, Volvo, and BYD models. Tesla has been offering in-car play for a while, recently added access to the Steam platform.
The iconic bobbling dachshund that has been a staple of car dashboards and rear windows for decades is getting a makeover from Mercedes. The automaker partnered with Superplastic, an entertainment brand, to digitize the Wackeldackel, turning the nodding dog into a Superdackel.
The company’s partnership with Superplastic will be the most visible announcement, as Superdackel will be featured on social media starting today. Mercedes is also bringing its 8.2-foot-tall Superdackel statue to CES. The character appears alongside other Superplastic characters in the short animated film embedded below.
The German automaker also reaffirmed its multi-pronged partnership with Apple Music, Universal Music Group and Dolby Laboratories to bring Apple Spatial Audio to its cars. The company first announced it back in October. Mercedes vehicles will be the first non-Apple devices to support the technology natively. Mercedes will achieve this by integrating Dolby Atmos into its optional Burmester 4D and 3D sound systems.
“This is how we at Mercedes-Benz create desire: seamlessly combining technologies to amaze users,” said Magnus Ostberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
