USA - Mercedes-Benz Vans exhibits for the 1st time at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

• Presence at CES underpins adVANce strategy and the transformation into a supplier of holistic system solutions for the transport sector
• Van study "Vision Van" boosts efficiency, enables new delivery services and enhances convenience for the end customer
• Close cooperation with start-ups from the high-tech scene
• New corporate culture incorporating an iterative approach, design thinking and other new ways of working

Mercedes-Benz Vans exhibits for the first time at this year's CES in Las Vegas. The presence at the Consumer Electronics Show underpins Mercedes-Benz Vans' transformation into a supplier of holistic system solutions for the transport sector – a process initiated by the van manufacturer's strategic future initiative adVANce. 

Mercedes-Benz Vans' exhibits at CES include the van study "Vision Van", which was presented to the public for the first time in September 2016.

"The transportation of goods and people has always been vital to global economic development. With digitisation and the Internet of Things we are currently once again experiencing an industrial and economic revolution", underlines Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. "In an era of booming online commerce, the interplay of transport and digitisation plays a vital role. 

Intelligent connectivity makes new services possible, enhances convenience and flexibility for the end customer and boosts efficiency in delivery operations."

Vision Van: unprecedented connectivity of information and technologies

The Vision Van from Mercedes-Benz Vans impressively combines the fields of transport and digitisation, integrating information and technologies on an unprecedented level. It is the first van worldwide to serve as an integrated concept for a completely digitally connected process chain from the goods distribution depot to the consignee. It features a fully automated load compartment, integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries and a state-of-the-art joystick control. Powered by a 75 kW electric drive system with a range of up to 270 km, deliveries with the Vision Van are emission-free and virtually silent. Combining cloud-based control software with optimised hardware, the Vision Van sets new standards in efficiency, quality and flexibility for last-mile delivery services.

A prime example for intelligent communication

The Vision Van's design fuses intelligence and emotion in a unique manner. User experience and user interface are of particular importance in the Vision Van. The van study is an example of intelligent communication between the vehicle, the driver and their surroundings. The vehicle communicates with other road users via the Black Panel radiator grille with LED matrix and an LED display integrated in the rear end, which warns them when the vehicle is stopping, turning or releasing drones, for example. It also indicates road users when the vehicle is parked for a prolonged period and can thus be overtaken.

This form of intelligent communication continues inside the vehicle. The Vision Van provides its driver with all relevant information, such as speed, route planning information or drone flight details, via the dashboard, which takes the form of a broadly sweeping arc covered with a premium textile. The Vision Van also provides information to the parcel deliverer via the floor. LED indicators in the stainless steel floor signal by means of a special effect whether any pedestrians or cyclists are approaching. At the rear wall of the driver's cab, next to the package dispenser, is an info terminal that serves as a means of communication for the Vision Van's autonomously functioning integrated systems. It also performs the role of a central control unit to connect the intelligent vehicle, the automated systems and information relating to the individual delivery orders to be carried out.

The driver is also continuously provided with information relating to manual delivery operations by means of a smartwatch. The watch shows him various data, such as the delivery address, input codes for electronic locking systems and, if necessary, secure places in which the consignment concerned can be deposited. New possibilities also arise for end customers. They benefit from reliable new delivery options, such as same-day delivery and time-definite delivery. End customers are additionally able to adapt deliveries to their needs, rescheduling the delivery time when their plans for the day change, for example.

On the fringe of CES: the van as a mothership for autonomous robots

Under the banner "Vans and Robots" Mercedes-Benz Vans presents a further pioneering project for the delivery of goods on the fringe of CES. In cooperation with Starship Technologies, an innovative delivery robot start-up, Mercedes-Benz Vans is transforming the van into a mobile goods depot and a distribution centre for automated last-mile delivery systems. The van becomes the basis of a new type of delivery system combining a high range with low infrastructure costs.

This solution is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, incorporating a racking system which operates according to the first-in first-out principle. The rack is loaded with a total of 54 load carriers for eight Starship robots. An algorithm calculates a route for the van with optimised stops for unloading individual robots and for collecting empty robots. The robots are loaded at predefined stops. They then proceed autonomously to the delivery destination and return to the Mercedes-Benz van – their mobile hub – at one of the subsequent stops.

The long-term vision of this concept, which also goes by the name of "Mothership", is an autonomous robot fleet which coordinates and optimises its routes autonomously with vans from Mercedes-Benz and which is loaded automatically. Cooperation with Starship Technologies is to be stepped up in pursuit of this vision and the project is continued.

adVANce: new culture, new ways of working

The cooperation with Starship is also indicative of new ways of working and a new corporate culture which Mercedes-Benz Vans has established under the adVANce initiative. While the strategy continues to focus on the product, the latter becomes a platform for connected solutions and an integrated system for innovative transport concepts. The aim is to generate added value for customers and to develop holistic solutions for transport purposes.

The new modus operandi adopted by Mercedes-Benz Vans also includes collaborating closely with start-ups – such as Starship Technologies. Another prominent example is the cooperation with the innovative delivery drone start-up Matternet, which is based in Menlo Park, California. In addition to their collaboration on the Vision Van, other joint undertakings by the two companies include a pilot project testing the use of vans as landing platforms for drones in locations which are difficult to access. At CES Volker Mornhinweg and Andreas Raptopoulous, founder of Matternet, explain the benefits of automated delivery systems, amongst other ideas.

Mercedes-Benz Vans in Silicon Valley

Apart from collaborating with start-ups, Mercedes-Benz Vans has also positioned itself within the creative environment of the start-up scene with a newly created business unit that has a presence in Stuttgart, Berlin and Silicon Valley. On the basis of the motto "Back to the garage", Mercedes-Benz Vans has established a unit which works on innovations in a start-up garage in Menlo Park. The employees there work on pilot projects to develop solutions tailored to specific areas of application using an iterative approach. They combine the classic strengths of Mercedes-Benz Vans with new ways of working, such as design thinking, agile project management methods (Scrum), customer co-creation or rapid prototyping.

The BMW Group will showcase new interior technologies at the upcoming CES Show in Las Vegas.

The BMW Group will provide another glimpse into the interior of the future at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017 in Las Vegas with a selection of trailblazing concepts and revolutionary technology. 

The BMW HoloActive Touch system, for example, will be making its debut at the show. This innovative interface between the driver and vehicle acts like a virtual touchscreen; its free-floating display is operated using finger gestures and confirms the commands with what the driver perceives as tactile feedback. 

BMW HoloActive Touch is part of the BMW i Inside Future study, which gives visitors to the CES, taking place on 5 – 8 January 2017, an impression of the mobility experience set to be offered by seamlessly connected and autonomously-driving cars in the future.

BMW HoloActive Touch brings together the advantages of the BMW Head-Up Display, BMW gesture control and direct touchscreen operation, and adds extra features to create a unique form of user interface. 

For the first time, the functions can be controlled without any physical contact with materials, but the technology still enables the visible and tangible driver-vehicle interaction familiar from conventional touchscreens. 

BMW HoloActive Touch also allows the user to access the wide variety of services provided by BMW Connected. The seamless integration of the personal digital mobility companion is highlighted even more vividly by the extremely intuitive interaction.

BMW has developed a track record for presenting pioneering advances in the field of display and operating concepts at previous editions of the CES. 

The BMW gesture control technology unveiled at the show in 2015 is now available in both the new BMW 7 Series and new BMW 5 Series models. 

And the AirTouch system showcased at CES 2016 took things a step further; here, the user employs simple gestures made with an open hand to activate control pads on a large panoramic display in the dashboard without having to touch the control interface.

BMW HoloActive Touch takes operating these functions and interacting with the vehicle to another level. Similarly to the Head-Up Display, the image of a full-colour display is generated by clever use of reflections – but now in free-floating form within the interior rather than through projection onto the windscreen. 

It displays flexibly configurable control pads and is visible to the driver next to the steering wheel at the height of the centre console. A camera detects the driver’s hand movements within this ergonomically user-friendly area, and registers the position of their fingertips, in particular. 

As soon as a fingertip makes contact with one of these virtual control surfaces, a pulse is emitted and the relevant function is activated.

Geneva Motor Show 2016: Curtains up for the European premiere of the Rinspeed “Ʃtos”

• Geneva Motor Show 2016: Curtains up for the European premiere of the Rinspeed “Ʃtos”
• Disruptive technologies, sustainability and desirability: Automated driving with a great fun and whoa factor.

Disruptive innovations and new digital technologies are changing the world of mobility at an unprecedented speed. The “old world” of the traditional automaker meets the “new world” of software, algorithms, bits and bytes – “East meets West,” Palo Alto salutes Stuttgart – and vice versa.

Heavens only knows who will come out the “winner” in the still novel battle for data and user experience. Or is it peaceful coexistence that is called for? One thing is certain: It is precisely these changes and tomorrow’s possibilities that Swiss powerhouse of ideas Rinspeed now makes tangible and real with the self-driving “Ʃtos” concept car.

As always, the Swiss mastermind approaches the mega topic of “self-driving cars” primarily from the perspective of the driver and the occupants, the human component. And as always, he garnishes his concept with a host of inspiring and emotionally appealing highlights. In so doing, the automotive thinker together with consulting firm EY expressly puts one question on the agenda that is bound to occupy us for quite some time: How much human component should, must or may there be in a machine? 

Everyone involved realizes that answering this question requires merging expectations, tolerances and acceptance. There are countless unsettled issues, for example the morals and ethics of a machine, that need to be resolved. In addition, the means for the technical realization also must be developed. Rinderknecht ventures a prediction: “This process will likely lead to an adaptive, learning and intuitive control software. But it will be a long rocky road.”

The technical highlight in the interior of the “Ʃtos” is no doubt the folding and retracting steering wheel from ZF TRW. As if by magic, it disappears in the dashboard in a few seconds. This creates lots of space in front the driver who can grab and read a book in comfort the old-fashioned way or can work in a relaxed atmosphere. The position of the two curved 21.5-inch Ultra HD widescreen monitors is individually adjustable to provide an even better view of the displayed contents.

A matching fit is provided by the unrivalled infotainment experience that the innovative Harman Connected Car technologies conjure up in the vehicle. Just like a personal assistant, the system thinks along, is courteous, anticipates needs and on top of that provides perfect entertainment, connectivity and maximum safety. Destinations, route selection, tourist attractions, refueling, parking, making phone calls, music, videos or personal preferences - with every mile the “Ʃtos” gets to know the appointments, wishes and needs of the occupants better and in a flash proactively offers up the particular fitting selection options. 

This drastically reduces the number of distracting manual entries - despite significantly expanded functions. Should it nonetheless be necessary to enter a command, the “Ʃtos” responds promptly to voice commands, gestures, touch input, controller or the push of a button.

A total of eight HD exterior cameras visually monitor the vehicle surroundings completely. This makes impressive 180-degree panoramic views in front of the vehicle and behind possible and provides virtual “exterior mirrors” with an expanded field of vision that has no blind spots. People and objects in the entire vehicle surroundings are detected and tracked automatically. If they represent an accident hazard, the driver receives an appropriate warning. 

In tricky situations such as in parking garages, the so-called “Curb View” is activated automatically. It offers a “direct” view of the front wheels and thus helps prevent unwanted contact with curbs or other obstacles. The vehicle navigation also offers entirely new detail views. In parking garages, it directs drivers directly to a previously reserved parking space. Along the route, it displays realistic 3D images of buildings, trees, bus stops, subway stations and other distinctive waypoints. 

The roads and lanes have been scanned with pinpoint precision - an essential prerequisite for autonomous driving. Linking information about the route and the cell phone reception results in the passengers in future not only knowing where and how long they can expect to make phone or video calls without interruption, the technology also allows smooth media streaming as well as efficient and targeted vehicle updates. The seamless link to the traffic infrastructure such as traffic lights or traffic management systems and to other cars, especially emergency response vehicles, lets drivers and the vehicle look far beyond their own horizon and even through obstacles. 

The so-called ‘E-Horizon’ provides innovative safety and convenience features such as precise warnings of wrong-way drivers or simply gliding along smoothly in sync with the phased traffic lights. Speaking of seeing: The gaze-tracking system of the “Ʃtos” permanently monitors the driver’s eye movements and as a result, the vehicle not only knows what the driver has seen, but also what he has failed to see. This allows custom tailoring the displayed warnings and notifications. For precisely this reason, the electronic exterior mirrors only display an image when the driver consciously checks them. The HMI was designed and programmed by Luxoft. Georg Fischer Automotive supplied the aluminum lightweight-construction frame for the three displays.

As always, the Helvetian think tank, which following an old tradition once again commissioned the Swiss colleagues of 4erC to design the twenty-second concept car and Esoro to handle the technical realization, explores the existing digital possibilities - and demonstrates new ones. The “Ʃtos” is fitted with an on-board DJI drone complete with landing platform in the rear. An armada of 12,000 individually controlled LEDs can transform this platform into an electronic message board or a visual dancefloor. 

This technical marvel was designed by Swiss specialist Weidplas, which is also behind the rear window that has been converted into a third brake light and the brilliant seat inlays. The drone itself is capable of providing some very useful services. For example, it can quickly pick up a bouquet of flowers for the significant other ordered on the way home. And the little flyer is a lot of fun when it acts like a UFO, shooting a selfie of the ride in the “Ʃtos” on your local favorite route and streaming it live to friends. Heads up: that little thing has an extremely high addiction and envy factor!

The elegantly and futuristically styled “Ʃtos” - on the technical basis of the BMW i8 - is a sustainable but also a fast racer. The deep black and shiny 20-inch Borbet GTX aluminum rims leave no doubt about that. They give the body an imposing visual width and provide perfect handling on the track. To make the athlete as light as possible, Corning manufactures the glass roof and the “drone pad” in the rear from especially strong, lightweight and thin Gorilla glass, the same kind used in smartphones. The aluminum front structure and the carbon fiber passenger cell are joined together with ultra-high-modulus adhesive from Sika.

No question, Rinderknecht not only plays the role of the visionary, but also that of the magician in Las Vegas. And since a great show also goes hand in hand with unusual eye-catching packaging, the Swiss national uses ceramics and metal alloys in the “Ʃtos.” They are applied at temperatures above 20,000 degrees Celsius and at supersonic speed. The result is a unique appearance, a new touch and feel and a novel functionality that are all unprecedented in automotive construction. Apart from delicately designed trim strips, the vehicle sports rims with a titanium protective edge and non-slip titanium pedals. These magic moments come courtesy of the specialists from the German company Putzier Oberflächentechnik. Touch it, feel it - it really is magic!

The inviting interior, designed jointly by innovative textiles supplier Strähle+Hess and Stahl Company, the surface specialist for leather and synthetic substrates, forms an unusual and striking compound of natural leather with a variety of characteristics, patterns, functions and surfaces with the equally versatile textiles and piping. This creates a sporty and yet relaxed feel-good atmosphere, adorned with the embroidered skyline of San Francisco. As in past years, Schoeller Spinning Group supplied the high-tech threads for the interior.

The 3D effect finish of the paintwork on the front panel from Barlog plastics creates an exciting and striking visual bridge between the headlamps.

And then tradition merges with innovation: Above it all rises the mechanical Patravi Traveltec clock from Swiss Manufacture Carl F. Bucherer. It sits in a highly prominent position on the dashboard inside a rotating housing that moves automatically to wind the mechanical movement. The delicate housing resembles an airy arch. The camera integrated into the clock support pans directly to the driver or front passenger during video calls. Communication could hardly be more beautiful!

Polymer specialist Rehau developed the innovative lightweight-construction dashboard support and the clever bracket for the luggage shelf with detachable umbrella holder. A particularly efficient electrical heating system from Eberspächer provides cozy warmth in the interior. It also preheats the battery and offers a convenient auxiliary heating function. In keeping with the times, operation is by smartwatch or smartphone. The batteries of the “Ʃtos” are equally state of the art. Thanks to sophisticated technology from EVA Fahrzeugtechnik, they can also have a secondary purpose as a stationary energy storage unit when needed and consequently account for the requirements of the environment.

Connected cars are de rigueur nowadays. In the “Ʃtos,” Rinspeed partners demonstrate what is possible in the area of connectivity today and tomorrow: When it comes to data, perfect transmission and reception quality is essential not only for autonomous driving. The highly advanced octagonal flat antennas from Vites integrated into the glass roof play a crucial role to this end.

Inrix Company shows how a parking space in the city center can be located quickly by analyzing real-time data. The intelligent “Mica” industrial minicomputer from industrial connectivity specialist Harting illustrates how powertrain and engine data can be recorded continuously and transferred to an independent and neutral body such as Dekra, where they can be analyzed and presented depending on the contract previously negotiated between customer and contractual partner. This also makes it possible to lend credibility to odometer readings.

NXP ensures the secure connection of the car and its passengers to the outside world with its intelligent connectivity technologies – an important aspect for the connected self-driving car of tomorrow that must reliably capture its surroundings. This includes radar and car-to-x solutions as well as automatic payment for parking via NFC, wireless cell phone charging, smart access solutions and keyless remotes for unlocking, starting and customizing the vehicle.

SIX, the Swiss stock exchange and backbone of the Swiss financial market, shows an “on the go” payment system for secure transactions in the “Ʃtos.” Even smaller amounts such as tips can be paid by a small swiping gesture on the exterior mirror.

The tireless Swiss national and his international partners show a first step towards tomorrow’s individual mobility with the “Ʃtos,” staged by Saarbrücken-based Vollmond advertising agency.

The Rinspeed “Ʃtos” celebrates its European premiere at Rinspeed booth 6240 at the Geneva Motor Show, March 3 to 13, 2016.

USA - Mercedes will have a technical tour d'Force at the CES, as well as the first view of the All-New E-Class.

• "It’s all about me": Next Level User Experience

Mercedes-Benz is the pioneer when it comes to digitalization in the automotive industry. Under the motto "It's all about me", visitors heading to the Mercedes exhibition stand are able to immerse themselves in the individual world of Mercedes me and discover just how Mercedes-Benz combines the requirements of modern mobility with digital life – from connected vehicles with digital lifestyle offerings, to the intelligent car of the future.

Exclusively, in advance of the world premiere in Detroit, CES visitors can also experience the innovative cockpit of the upcoming new E-Class which is set to herald an all new era in digitalization – with high-resolution visualisations and animations, touch-sensitive control and also smartphone integration with capacitive aerial coupling and wireless charging. 

An insight into the future of the User Interface and User Experience Design, meanwhile, comes courtesy of the "Concept Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile" show car.

"The future belongs to the digital car in which people are the point of focus," according to Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the board of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. 

"Unlike any other automotive manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz is making successful inroads into the intelligent networking of the car and the individual living environment of the driver. As part of this, Mercedes me is the interactive interface between people, vehicle and the Mercedes-Benz brand. At the CES we are enabling visitors to experience all of this under the motto 'It's all about me'."

Mercedes me: new benchmark for individual customer contact

For this reason, Mercedes-Benz has designed this year's CES exhibition stand as a temporary Mercedes me pop-up store. As a result, visitors can discover and experience the diverse world of Mercedes me.

With this CES premier of Mercedes me, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the digital access to the personalized world of Mercedes-Benz for the US market. During the course of the year, in Europe and soon in Asia, the brand with the star is set to be accessible and active on the net at any time for customers and other interested parties. 

Visitors will also be able to get an impression at the CES: the range of services offered via the internet portal (http://mercedes.me) extends from electronic appointment arrangement for the classic service, via individual networking with the customer's own vehicle and right through to the provision of tailor-made financial services. 

In addition, customers and interested parties will find a host of products and services which go far beyond being relevant for just their own vehicle. 

The entire offering is not just digital, however, but can also be experienced in the real world – in the actual Mercedes me stores. Five stores have already been opened since 2014, which have developed into hotspots for lifestyle and culture. Another Mercedes me store is also opening its doors temporarily in Las Vegas during the CES to present its comprehensive range of products and services.

Mercedes me connect – networking with my vehicle

One focal point is the networked vehicle. In the new Mercedes-AMG GT S und Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé, show visitors can learn all about the wide range of Mercedes me connect services, from Standard Services such as the automatic emergency call system through to the Remote Online Services. 

Via an app, information on the vehicle status can be accessed, the auxiliary heater programmed or the doors remotely opened and locked. One highlight of the Mercedes me App is convenient Door-to-Door Navigation.

Sneak preview of the infotainment system of the new E-Class

Another key point of interest is the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which will be celebrating its world premiere in just a few days time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 

With this intelligent business sedan, Mercedes-Benz is heralding a new era in networking and digitalisation. Visitors to the CES can learn all there is to know about the innovative infotainment system exclusively in advance. It marks a milestone in the transformation of the classic control and display concept into the Digital User Experience.

Alongside the familiar controls such as the user interaction elements such as the controller, touchpad, switches and LINGUATRONIC voice control, the new E-Class is the world's first vehicle to feature touch control on a multifunction steering wheel. 

The two panels are touch sensitive like the surface of a smartphone and by using horizontal and vertical swiping movements it is possible to scroll through the menus of the instrument cluster and the central display. The selected function is activated by pressing down. 

In this way the entire infotainment system can be controlled in a logical, intuitive and ergonomically ideal way within the smallest amount of space – without the driver taking their hands off the steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to offer such a system within a car.

"Given the growing degree of networking of vehicles, the control and visualisation of all functions are becoming increasingly important. 

Whether we are talking multimedia, assistance systems or autonomous driving – it is becoming more and more about how drivers and other vehicle occupants experience networking both in and outside of the vehicle. This includes not only the functionality but also the display design," explains Daimler board member Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber.

In the upcoming new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is introducing the first fully digital instrument cluster with a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. It opens up previously unknown possibilities for presenting information to the driver. For the first time high-resolution visualizations and animations are possible which provide a completely new experience. 

Thanks to the animated presentation of information, the functionality of the assistance systems and the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, for example, can be understood more intuitively by the driver and therefore experienced even better. 

The screen design of the instrument cluster can be selected individually from among three different styles: "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive".

Technology at its finest: smartphone integration in the new E-Class

Everyone wants to be able to charge their smartphone wirelessly, as this eliminates the burden of looking for a plug and also the irritating cables. Mercedes-Benz will make this technology already available today for its customers of the new E-Class, in which it additionally enables capacitive aerial coupling. 

By simply placing the device on the charging area on the front part of the centre console, the smartphone connects to the multimedia system via Near Field Communication (NFC). The inductive charging area (153x90 mm) is suitable for all mobile devices, which support the Qi standard. 

There is another advantage: while using Near Field Communication, the customer's smartphone becomes the digital vehicle key with which the car can be locked and unlocked as well as started. The new E-Class also supports Apple's in-car infotainment system CarPlay®, as well Google's smartphone-based infotainment system Android Auto™.

Digital transformer featuring the Hollywood experience

A further highlight on the Mercedes-Benz CES stand is the show car - the "Concept Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile" - which is celebrating its US market premiere here in Las Vegas. 

Presented to the public for the first time at the IAA International Motor Show 2015 in Frankfurt, it provides a glimpse of the further development of the User Interface and User Experience Design. 

For the first time in the industry, this vehicle study brings graphics and animations on a par with the quality of Hollywood films into the car. Together with The Foundry, one of the leading creative software developers for film and video production and the latest NVIDIA DRIVE™ automotive visual computing platform, Mercedes-Benz is showing 3D renderings in real time in the car. 

The result is a visual experience like in the cinema, which visitors to the Mercedes-Benz CES exhibition stand are able to experience live.

The "Concept Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile" is a digital transformer, which by way of example demonstrates the fundamental technological changes occurring in the automotive industry. 

The vehicle automatically changes its shape from a four-door coupé in city traffic to an aerodynamic world record breaker with a Cd value of 0.19 from 80 km/h (50 mph). The concept also provides an insight into the digital car of the future: digitally developed and produced, and comprehensively networked with the outside world. 

With the upcoming new E-Class, parts of this visionary concept are already becoming reality – for example the touch control on the steering wheel and the digital cockpit.

Machine Learning at Mercedes-Benz

A new generation of Mercedes-Benz Companion App for iPhone® and Apple Watch® is launched at CES for the US Market. 

In addition to its Door-to-Door Navigation, this new App uses Machine Learning to provide a personalized User Experience by learning from customers' actions and their environment. At any time, the App presents to customers the most likely destination they might want to go to then pushes such destination to the COMAND system. 

Mercedes-Benz Companion App ushers a new era of Contextual Intelligence in which infotainment systems automatically adapt to customers habits, adjust to their environment and evolve with their digital lifestyle.

Inspiration talks

Interested visitors to the Mercedes-Benz stand also have the opportunity to enter into dialogue with the specialists. Mercedes experts in the areas of Mercedes me, the digital vehicle, contextual intelligence and also autonomous driving plus augmented and/or virtual reality will be on hand to provide a look behind the scenes in a series of presentations. 

For those who are interested but unable to attend in person, the presentations and subsequent discussion sessions will be streamed live on the internet.

CES 2016 - Bentley Motor's and Monster collaborate to produce a bespoke sound system on wheels.

BENTLEY AND MONSTER DEBUT “MONSTER BY MULLINER” CONTINENTAL GT V8 S FEATURING PURE MONSTER SOUND AT CES 2016 IN LAS VEGAS

• Handcrafted by Bentley’s Mulliner Division and inspired by Monster
• Spectacular limited production vehicle designed to appeal to young professional athletes and musicians

Monster, high-performance audio manufacturer, has teamed up with Bentley Motors’ bespoke coach-building division, Mulliner, to create a stunning and uniquely Monster-inspired “Monster by Mulliner,” which made its debut at CES 2016. 

The show-stopping Bentley Continental GT V8 S, which reflects Monster’s attitude of “Always Lead, Never Follow,” is designed to appeal to the target market of young professionals and movers and shakers in sports and music. 

The “Monster by Mulliner” Continental GT V8 S is a bespoke vehicle that will inspire those who want a ride with a bold look and incredible audio performance designed by Monster.

Monster’s latest innovations in audio technology bring the power of today’s music into this Bentley’s luxurious cabin.  All genres of music, including Hip Hop, rap, EDM and Rock, will be heard with new ears via this custom sound system not available in any production car in the world. 

A total of 16 hand selected Monster speakers, personally tuned by Head Monster Noel Lee, deliver 3,400-watt of awe-inspiring Pure Monster Sound—the company’s signature audio profile.

Embodying the distinctive Monster colour scheme of red and black within the cabin, Mulliner’s capabilities and skills are showcased by the Hotspur Continental GT V8 S Beluga hide and steering rim colour selections.  

Based on the Monster logo, Mulliner created a unique 3D laser-etched fascia panel designed exclusively for this vehicle, perfectly complementing the Piano Black finish. The Continental GT V8 S also features the Monster motto: “Always Lead, Never Follow™” and “Monster by Mulliner” headrest embroidery.

While the interior boasts high quality sound and extraordinary details, the exterior exudes a stunning colour scheme and intricate flourishes. Its Onyx exterior coloured paint is highlighted with Hotspur accents including a unique body kit and radiator shell bezel.

Along with red brake calipers and a gloss black polished wheel, the black bonnet vents are also stylized. This vehicle also includes the GT Design Seat by Mulliner. There’s even a special compartment that houses Monster’s Newest 24K gold wireless headphone—keeping it ready for mobile use anytime one is away from the car.

Head Monster Noel Lee noted: “Monster is proud to collaborate with Bentley on bringing the sound and look of a Monster ride to those who want something bold and different.  With our Pure Monster Sound system, the drive will be truly incredible and brings a new level of excitement to the driving experience. 

That’s why this collaboration for theContinental GT V8 S is such a perfect fit. Our Monster motto ‘Always Lead Never Follow’ has never been more appropriately applied than in association with this impeccably designed automobile.”

Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner, said: “The inspiration for this Mulliner commission came from a meeting with Monster’s CEO Noel Lee at Pebble Beach in 2015, where we exchanged business cards. The card contained several brand details, such as the Monster-pattern design and the red, black and silver colour scheme. It was the ideal starting point from which to create this incredible vehicle.”

Mulliner – Rare by Design

Mulliner exists to respond to the requirements of Bentley’s most discerning customers. The specialist division’s Limited Editions reflect carefully chosen and inspirational themes. Individually these might have special significance for customers in specific markets, but what they all share is the highest standards of Mulliner craftsmanship – taking the concept of Bentley luxury and pushing it even further.

Mulliner Limited Editions are rare by design and, as a result, they all have the potential to become instant classics, desired by many but driven only by a fortunate few.