MBCA San Francisco Bay Area – Technical Event

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America: Technical Event

SFBA Section has been offered a rare opportunity to see the workings of the worldwide Research and Development team for telematics and infotainment systems in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. If names such as COMAND, Embrace2, and a variety of similar functions are familiar to you, you can see where the original development was done. A fairly small team of engineers and technicians does the conceptualization, research, development, and testing of all kinds of electronic functions that end up in our modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles; functions that are designed to enhance our enjoyment and add to our safety while we drive in the world's finest automobiles.

We will see some of the most significant contributions made by the MBRDNA team in the recent past and will learn about approaches they are taking to create a "Dynamic Intuitive Control Experience" for drivers and passengers. One of their core principles is to design and develop systems that are easy to use and that add value to your Mercedes-Benz experience. The May-June 2012 issue of The Staron page 22 had a short article about the MBRDNA team and the new "Apps" that were scheduled for release. These new "Apps" are intended to integrate several key functions (such as find a product, find a store to buy it, get directions to the store, check product reviews, contact a friend for a personal review or recommendation, call the store on the integrated phone to be sure it will be open, and go there). This is the "App-ification" of the driving experience and it can be done in a way that is both safe and within the law! Now THAT is amazing!

In addition to presentations about technology, we will be given some time in the "Auto Lab" where prototype products are installed, tested, and used to refine and develop the technology before it is released for use in the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

One important note: Because of space constraints, we will be limited to 40members only (no guests). So, if this is one you want to see, be sure to register now!   Motorsportreg.com will also keep track of reservations and notify members when the maximum number has been reached. Yes folks, not only our Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but even our 54-year old SFBA Section has made  a full-bore plunge into electronic technologies.

Morning treats will be at 9:30 a.m. The tour and technical discussion will go from 10:00 a.m. until approximately noon. Hosted Lunch will be served following the discussion.

Click here for more information about The Mercedes Benz Research and Development of North America Inc.