Mercedes-Benz enhances road safety with Car-to-X technology
Mercedes-Benz is upping standards in automobile technology with the 'Car-to-X' as part of its 'Intelligent Drive' strategy. Mercedes will be the first to incorporate this automated safety technology into a production vehicle. The technology is being traffic-tested by Daimler teams in Germany and is soon expected to be fully functional on road.
The Car-to-X technology allows communication between vehicles and between a vehicle and traffic control infrastructure. The technology will help drivers avoid potential dangers before they encounter them. This in turn will reduce instances of road accidents. The technology will be introduced within this year.
"With the introduction of Car-to-X technology, we are once again reaffirming our tradition as a safety pioneer, and demonstrating that we are continuing to bring innovations to the roads with benefit for both our customers, and also other road users," said Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber of Daimler AG.
The technology improves "telematic horizon", which reduces blind spots through the use of cameras or radars. Drivers will have the ability to see past obstacles and around corners. The Car-to-X technology also delivers information about traffic conditions.
Vehicles start functioning as information transmitters and receivers through Mercedes' Digital DriveStyle application. The vehicles will transmit warnings about incoming hindrances or hazardous situations. The warnings will be received by other drivers, who can take suitable action to avoid them. Drivers will not be distracted by the transmission of the warning messages; all of this works in the background.
Apart from installing the technology in its vehicles, Mercedes will also tie-up with investors in the motoring industry. Since the technology is still at a nascent stage, traffic maintenance services along with police and emergency medical staff may also have access to the technology to further develop its utility in the future.