Daimler gets early access to Google APIs for in-car apps
updated 07:45 pm EST, Wed January 11, 2012
US customers to see new apps in first half of 2012
Daimler and Google announced the strengthening of their strategic partnership, giving Daimler programmers full access to the suite of Google application programming interfaces (API) known collectively as Google Maps API for Business. The collaboration will enable Daimler to use Google Maps for their in-car map displays and speed development of other automotive apps.
Daimler has been working with Google since 2007, when it became the first automotive manufacturer in the United States to introduce Google Maps "Send-to-Car" functionality. General Motors' OnStar and Ford's Sync system didn't add support for Google Maps until 2010.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz introduced COMAND Online, a telematics system with cloud-based Mercedes-Benz apps that incorporates Google Street View. The new deal builds on that partnership and will allow Daimler engineers early access to new Google APIs for for faster implementation of cloud-based, map-related applications in Daimler vehicles. All these services will be available through mbrace2 on model year 2013 vehicles to Mercedes-Benz customers in the US.
Daimler was also named 2012's "International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree" for its Android-based in-car telemetry system for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, dubbed AMG Performance Media.
