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MAN Leads the Way: First Autonomous Truck Hits German Highway

MAN has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to deploy an autonomous truck on a German highway. The test drive, spanning approximately 10km between the Allershausen and Fürholzen junctions on the A9, featured Federal Transport Minister Dr. Volker Wissing and MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp on board.

MAN has been at the forefront of autonomous truck development, focusing on applications in logistics hubs and hub-to-hub traffic on highways. Recently, it secured a Level 4 test permit under German law for autonomous driving on highways, marking a pivotal advancement in the industry.

The growth in freight volumes, particularly between logistics hubs like large online department store warehouses, underscores the relevance of autonomous trucks in hub-to-hub transport. These vehicles, always on the move and highly efficient, promise increased safety and integration into synchronized logistics processes without mandated driving time breaks.

In addition to efficiency gains, autonomous trucks can help alleviate the shortage of truck drivers, which stands at up to 100,000 in Germany alone.

The collaboration between MAN and infrastructure operators like Autobahn GmbH is crucial for the successful deployment of autonomous driving. Autobahn GmbH plays a pivotal role in approving autonomous driving on designated highway sections and promoting communication between highway infrastructure and vehicles through cooperative intelligent transport systems.

The test drive of the first autonomous truck underwent rigorous evaluation by Autobahn GmbH before receiving approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority. Going forward, Autobahn GmbH will be responsible for approving operating areas on highways for the series approval of autonomous vehicles, ensuring safety and suitability for autonomous driving functions.

MAN’s journey in autonomous driving spans several years of research and development projects, including electronically coupled trucks, complete digital integration into logistics processes, and collaborations with industry and scientific partners. The company’s commitment to innovation is underscored by numerous patent applications and participation in various projects aimed at advancing automated driving technology.

Mercedes-Benz And Mastercard Introduce In-Car Payments

MBUX

Mercedes-Benz is revolutionising the way their customers fuel up in Germany by introducing a seamless and secure payment system directly from their cars using their fingerprints. This innovation is facilitated through the native in-car payment service, Mercedes pay+. The biometric two-factor authentication is made possible by a fingerprint sensor integrated into the MBUX infotainment system.

When a driver arrives at a connected service station and turns off the engine, the Mercedes me Fuel & Pay service automatically initiates on the MBUX infotainment system. The driver can then select the desired gas pump. Even before refueling, the system calculates the maximum total amount based on the current fuel price and the estimated fuel required to fill the tank.

In this advanced system, drivers no longer need to authorize payments via their mobile devices. Instead, they complete transactions seamlessly through fingerprint authentication. After refueling, the MBUX display shows the amount of fuel added and the invoice amount. Payment is processed automatically, allowing the driver to leave the gas station without visiting the checkout area. The invoice is later sent to the customer via email.

(more…)

Mercedes-Benz launch A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition

It’s an A-Class that looks and feels a little more special than its siblings

Not content with the diversity of the current A-Class line up, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has has introduced a variant that is aimed at those wanting an A-200 with added visual to complement their urban lifestyle.

 

Limited to just 30 units, the A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition is equipped with a number of extras which includes 18-inch 10-spoke lightweight alloy rims which are black in colour. Matt black decals adorn the vehicles sides and to ensure that you don’t mistake the car for its siblings, a wing badge with the words Activity Edition slapped on and another such badge on the centre console.

 

The Night Package offers a few more special bits such as selected black accents to the wheels, exterior mirrors and the belt line trim strip. On the inside, the dasboard, door centre panels and sports seats are covered with Artico man-made leather which add to the premium look and feel that’s synonymous with the brand.

 

Other features like the contrasting top stitching and chrome accents are a little more subtle than the others. The instrument cluster with its tubed-shaped round dials feature a checkered flag look contrasting with the red needles.

Available in five different colours which are Cirrus White, Jupiter Red, Polar Silver, Elbaite Green and Cavansite Blue, the A-200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition is priced at RM205,888 on the road without insurance.

 

Those who find the pricing a bit steep, can rest a little easy because Merc’s Financing plans help reduce the montly payments. Opting fot the 3-year Agility Financing agreement, buyers should only expect to pay RM3,441 per month. Not only that, with this agreement, owners have the option of either returing the car, paying off the residual value amount or refinacing the residual value amount.

If this intrigues you, head on over to your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership to know more.

BMW Group Malaysia donates engines to engineering campuses

BMW Group Malaysia donates several engines to five Malaysian automotive learning institutions. (more…)

BMW readying autonomous car for 100th anniversary

BMW ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016 with a production-ready autonomous concept car. (more…)

MAN Leads the Way: First Autonomous Truck Hits German Highway

  • 22/04/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash
MBUX

Mercedes-Benz And Mastercard Introduce In-Car Payments

  • 25/09/2023
  • Archive, English
  • Timothy Prakash

Mercedes-Benz launch A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition

  • 13/03/2017
  • Archive, English
  • Naveen Victor

BMW Group Malaysia donates engines to engineering campuses

  • 07/01/2016
  • Archive, English
  • Keshy Dhillon

BMW readying autonomous car for 100th anniversary

  • 01/01/2016
  • Archive, English
  • Keshy Dhillon
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