Daimler and Google announced a deepening of their strategic partnership today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
The collaboration will offer Daimler early access to Google's application programming interfaces (APIs) known as Google Maps API for Business, for the use of cloud-based, map-related applications in Daimler vehicles, and early access to other new APIs as they are developed.
The collaboration will enable Daimler to use Google Maps for its in-car map displays, and significantly improve its ability to integrate useful Google services into Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles.
Daimler has a history of bringing innovative solutions to market. It was named "International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree" in autumn 2011, at the launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, for its in-car telemetry system AMG Performance Media, powered by Android.
Google and Daimler have been working in close partnership for many years. In 2007 Daimler was the first automotive manufacturer in the United States to launch the Google "Send-to-Car" functionality in a vehicle, which gave Mercedes-Benz customers the opportunity to send destinations from Google Maps to their in-vehicle navigation systems.
