Around Chicago, certified Mercedes-Benz dealers are excited about the newly created smart phone applications that do everything from unlocking/locking your vehicle to locating your car when you forget where you are parked.
The unlocking/locking application software sends commands to the car on the data network and through Hughes’s Telematics servers. A unique feature is you don’t have to be near your car to unlock or lock it, you can be in New York, and unlock or lock your Mercedes in Chicago. Another iPhone and BlackBerry app will locate your car and provide directions and unlike similar functions on portable navigation devices and smart phone apps this one does not require you to remember to pinpoint your car’s location where you park. This app is perfect for those times you forget where you park your car at the mall. If you’re wondering where to get a new Mercedes around Chicago, C-Class Wagon dealers can be found with the app as well.
Stephen Cannon, a Mercedes spokesman says he anticipates a growing number of remote applications over the next few years. Some of the applications that they are working on developing is the ability to check a car’s emissions without having to visit a garage and a online odometer reading that gives drivers the option of buying cheaper insurance based on those readings.
These applications are part of Mercedes new telematics platform, Mbrace, that provides drivers a navigation system with traffic and weather information that has a built-in GPS capability and two-way data communications over Verizon’s network. Mbrace is a step up from the 10-year old, Tele Aid system. Mbrace also has safety features such as, automatic collision notification and emergency calling for those involved in serious accidents. Also, Mbrace has several convenience features, such as planning a route using Google Maps and having it sent directly to the car. In Chicago, certified Mercedes-Benz dealers said the first six months of Mbrace service will be free for Chicago, C-Class Wagon owners and all other new Mercedes model owners. After that, it’s a $280 a year for the basic service, the “Mbrace plus” package adds a human concierge who can make restaurant reservations and tell you about the traffic ahead.
