Google Cloud is bringing natural language conversations to Mercedes-Benz drivers through an expanded partnership between the two companies.
Drivers will get access to information such as nearby points of interest from Google Maps through the MBUX Virtual Assistant.
The in-car artificial intelligence agent, which is built using Gemini on Vertex AI and will be available later this year, enables drivers to get “personalized conversational responses” on navigation and points of interest with Google Maps providing information on approximately 250 million places around the world, a release said.
Subscribe to our newsletter below
Maps are updated in near real time and users are able to get responses to queries on nearby restaurants as well as the related reviews and menus and details on how to get there.
The virtual assistant can also keep a record of conversations enabling users to continue conversations at a later stage.
“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, " said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. "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."
"At Mercedes-Benz, we seek to offer our customers an exceptional digital experience," said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group. "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 personalised information within seconds."