Rod Chapman•16 Feb 2018

NEWS

'Benz rolls out next-level tech for new Sprinter

Telematics, infotainment and driver assistance systems break new ground for LCV market

Mercedes-Benz Vans says its new Sprinter light commercial vehicle (LCV) sets a new benchmark for technology and connectivity; its innovative MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) integrated infotainment and telematics unit promises a new era in mobile communications and fleet efficiency, and safety and driver comfort are enhanced by a raft of driver assistance systems.

Unveiled at a gala ceremony in Duisberg, Germany, last week, the technological showpiece of the new third-generation Sprinter is the MBUX infotainment system, which debuted in the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class passenger car unveiled in Amsterdam on February 2.

From behind the wheel, the MBUX's 10.25-inch high-definition colour touchscreen dominates the centre of the dash, bringing the full gamut of modern entertainment and communications features together with the one high-tech, interactive display.

However, the true 'intelligence' of MBUX lies beneath the surface, in the constant flow of data it facilitates between the vehicle, its driver, and its operator.

Smarter running

The MBUX system offers a range of telematics services usually found in commercial truck fleets, bringing them to the LCV world for the first time. Used in large trucking operations for several years now, telematics maintains wireless communication between the vehicle and its base of operations, allowing fleet managers to monitor numerous aspects of the vehicle's status from geographic location and speed, to engine output, fuel efficiency, service status, diagnostics and more.

In the new Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz has packaged together an initial offering of eight telematics services under the banner of MercedesPRO, with the smartphone-based app MercedesPRO Connect allowing drivers and operators to monitor their vehicle and perform a range of functions remotely.

While it remains unclear what exact form the services may take here in Australia, in Europe the new Sprinter will launch with eight service offerings to suit various industries and users, as follows:

• Optimised Assistance

Allows servicing and maintenance work to be planned more effectively and efficiently to maximize vehicle uptime, while also providing comprehensive roadside assistance.

• Efficient Fleet Management

Allows fleet operators to monitor their fleets and keep track of each vehicle's location and status, for the sake of planning each vehicle's journey to enhance overall efficiency.

• Improved Navigation

Map information is automatically updated and real-time traffic alerts are provided by the satellite navigation system.

• Efficient Driving Style Analysis

Monitors an individual driver's driving style, keeping track of fuel efficiency and wear (e.g. through harsh braking and acceleration, over-revving etc).

• Simplified Fleet Communication

A direct messaging service between the operator and driver, allowing rapid communication and the allocation of new driving tasks, among others.

• Digital Records

An electronic work diary that tracks a driver's work hours and rest breaks. In Germany this system is already a legally approved alternative to time-consuming paper diaries and log books.

• Mobile Vehicle Access

Via the MercedesPRO Connect app, the vehicle's doors can be remotely locked or unlocked and its windows opened or closed. This can be advantageous, for example, on a construction site where the vehicle needs to be accessed to obtain parts but the driver has moved offsite.

• Mercedes-Benz Vans Data Interface

Allows Mercedes-Benz vans to be integrated into an existing fleet management platform, even when it comprises vehicles of different brands.

Ideal application

According to Norbert Kunz, Head of Sprinter Product Management for Mercedes-Benz Vans, even though the MBUX platform appeared first in the A-Class passenger car, it makes perfect sense for LCVs.

"We can use all the functionality from the connectivity side, so MBUX is the best platform to share all the information and it helps the driver or different drivers of one vehicle to have one application because it learns how the driver behaves," Mr Kunz told motoring.com.au.

"It's good for multi-users in the vehicle so it makes sense, and it's a platform within our company and we always share the platforms."

Mr Kunz said that due to the timing of the introduction of the new Sprinter, which until now hadn't seen a generational update since 2006, the LCV platform is at the cutting edge with this technology.

"This time we are not the 'fast followers', which is normally our philosophy – we are directly in the first stage because the life cycle of vans is normally eight to 12 years and on the passenger car side it's only about four to six years," he said.

"Therefore we have to stay on the new platform or otherwise we may get some trouble in the life cycle."

However, the Sprinters' project manager, Ulf Zillig, said it was important to draw a distinction between the LCV take on the MBUX system, and the passenger car version.

"It's very important to play the MBUX topic with our brand, MercedesPRO," he said.

"Under MercedesPRO we have MercedesPRO Connect, and we've had those services developed especially for our commercial customers. On the passenger car side they have 'Mercedes me', so that's why we said we have to have a clear understanding of what the customer needs in our services launch."

Both engineers confirmed the MBUX system would find a home in other Mercedes-Benz LCVs in due course.

"Yes, for sure," they said.

Purchasers of the new Sprinter will be able to choose between a basic entertainment unit or the full MBUX system, although the price premium added by the latter is yet to be announced. Similarly, buyers will be able to choose between the different telematics services on offer, tailoring a package that best suits their business and application.

Driver assistance features

The new Sprinter can also be optioned with any from a long list of driver assistance features previously only seen in passenger cars, such as autonomous emergency braking, active lane keeping and radar cruise control.

Traffic Sign Assist actively reads speed limits, 'no entry' signs and 'no overtaking' signs, while a basic reversing camera display in the rear view mirror can be upgraded to a 360-degree-view parking system shown on the large MBUX display.

A Wet Wiper system sprays a small amount of washer fluid from the wiper arm ahead of cleaning the windscreen, vision at night is aided by new LED headlights, and the driver's level of attention is monitored by Attention Assist, which automatically keeps track of over 70 parameters of driver behavior over the course of a longer journey.

The arrival of the Mercedes-Benz DISTRONIC radar cruise control and active lane keeping hints at an autonomous future for LCVs. While parent company Daimler is already highly active in the field of autonomous driving, having already trialed its Highway Pilot system in both heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner trucks, the global head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volker Morhinweg, says the introduction of such measures in lighter vehicles will ultimately depend on economics.

"On one hand our customers are really looking for each cent; they have to calculate sharply therefore it has to be a real advantage for them to go for autonomous technology," Mr Morhinweg said.

"In trucks on the highway it's a bit easier because there is not the same level of interference on the road that you get in the inner city. So I do not think we'll be the first [to introduce autonomous driving to LCVs], but on the other hand I think it's an opportunity too, because in some regions our customers struggle to get enough drivers.

"I was in Singapore the other day and the Singapore Government said it needed autonomous LCVs because it didn't have enough drivers, and then suddenly that approach makes more sense. This sort of technology opens up opportunities but it has to finally make sense for our customers."

Mr Morhinweg said Mercedes-Benz Vans would continue to work with the brand's other divisions as it seeks to develop new automotive technologies.

'Benz rolls out next-level tech for new Sprinter

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