Digital connection to the vehicle, telediagnostics, planning routes so as to avoid traffic jams in real time? It's already possible and, moreover, easy, thanks to the connectivity services provided by Mercedes PRO - making driving safer, more economical and more enjoyable.
The adVANce strategy and Mercedes PRO - comprehensive mobility solutions
Modern business requires that every important piece of information can be obtained as quickly as possible, possibly in real time - this is especially important where the "employees" are cars, which are constantly on the move. The productivity of the entire company often depends on this. Therefore, in today's world , a vehicle, no matter how best, cannot be just a vehicle - rather, it is a matter of creating an all-around tool that responds to all the needs of customers who use commercial vehicles in their work. Such a goal became the basis of the adVANce strategy, which Mercedes-Benz Vans initiated back in 2016. In this way, the Mercedes-Benz brand has gradually transformed from a car manufacturer into a provider of comprehensive mobile solutions, based primarily on the ever-evolving capabilities of digital services.
As a result, when the new generation of the Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz's flagship large van, was launched in 2018, Mercedes PRO digital services also made their debut at the same time, and so a new era in vehicle management also began. How does it work? Simply put: by digitally connecting the car to its owner's computer and the driver's smartphone.
The factory-installed LTE communication module in the Sprinter, and now also in the Vito, in combination with the Mercedes PRO Portal and the Mercedes PRO connect smartphone app, makes the three key elements of efficient logistics: car - company - driver, networked in real time. In addition, these tools are just as functional and effective for a business owner of one or two cars, as well as a larger number of them.
Mercedes PRO services - or what kind of services?
TheMercedes PRO services, arranged thematically in packages, cover key areas of the daily operation of a Sprinter or Vito.
"Effective Vehicle Management" package.
The Effective Vehicle Management package includes: Vehicle Status, Vehicle Logistics and Theft Warning.
Vehicle status information (fuel level, odometer, tire pressure, etc.) allows the owner or driver to more easily and almost in real time assess whether the vehicle is ready for its next run. The owner, through the Vehicle Management Tool on the Mercedes PRO Portal, has a full view of the status of all his cars online, thus avoiding unpleasant surprises.
The Vehicle Logistics function, on the other hand, ensures that the owner always knows where all his cars are. Thus, he can plan their routes better and more efficiently and react faster to unexpected orders or cancellations, for example.
Finally - Theft Alert - this is where time is of the essence, and with instant information and location services, a stolen vehicle can be found faster. Naturally, less theft in the fleet also means lower insurance rates and less hassle in daily operations.
"Assistance Services" package
In another package - Assistance Services - the customer receives a Maintenance Management service, where he is always kept informed about the current condition of the vehicles, and necessary maintenance or repairs are signaled in the Vehicle Management Tool. At the same time, the preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz service provider can draw up a quote for necessary maintenance, which goes directly to the owner. This tool not only makes the risk of unplanned downtime of any of the vehicles much lower, but also makes all matters related to the operation of the car take much less time and attention, because all information is easily accessible in one place.
In addition, the package includes Instant Assistance in the event of an accident or breakdown, Mercedes-Benz Emergency Phone System and Software Update. Remote Vehicle Diagnosis and Telediagnostics are also excellent additions to these features. With the former, an authorized service technician can remotely watch over the vehicle's condition and get in touch with the owner when service or repair work is needed. In this way, when, for example, an inspection is imminent, the service center can check online what work needs to be done on the vehicle, prepare a quote in advance, order parts and schedule a visit. As a result, the stay at the service center is shorter, and costs can be planned in advance. The support of Telediagnostics additionally reduces the risk of unexpected failure, as the system can, for example, signal early enough that the brake linings need to be replaced.
"Navigation" package
The Navigation package means, first and foremost, greater comfort and pleasure in your daily work behind the wheel of a Sprinter. It is closely linked to the revolutionary MBUX infotainment system and includes both the intelligent navigation itself, along with the ability to update maps online (which avoids the situation where the navigation suddenly gets lost because it "doesn't know" the newly commissioned road or the current detours on the route), and many other useful functions.
One of them is Live Traffic Information, thanks to which the system selects the route so as to avoid traffic jams, congestion or other unfavorable phenomena on the way to the destination. This allows you to reach your destination more efficiently even during rush hour, despite the traffic, and besides, it can predict precisely when it will happen. It's easy to imagine how much nerves this can save drivers and customers who are, for example, waiting for deliveries. On the central display of the MBUX system, the driver will see not only the route itself, but also information about the possibility of parking the vehicle, as well as weather conditions. At the same time, the package includes access to all multimedia offered by MBUX, including an advanced voice control system that recognizes everyday speech, as well as an Internet search engine and Internet radio. The Live Traffic service is also available for the New Vito, equipped with Audio 40 navigation radio.
Mercedes PRO Digital Services also offers Remote Vehicle Access, which, as the name suggests, allows the Sprinter or Vito to be opened and closed without a key, online. Assigned to the car, the driver can also start the heating remotely, check the status of the vehicle (such as whether all windows are closed). This function also comes in handy when there is a need to remove or load something into the car, and the driver has already finished work - this way, for example, the service technician can be equipped for the next day's work with the necessary parts and tools. This solution also allows you to better protect the car and its contents from theft.
Finally - with the eSprinter and eVito in mind - Digital Electric Vehicle Management was developed, which includes such functions as charging management and temperature control.
What do Mercedes PRO services provide?
All of the aforementioned packages can be configured according to users' needs and are available on the latest versions of the Sprinter and Vito. Both of these vehicles have already been placed in the hands of customers, and according to the manufacturer's feedback surveys, they have already felt the many benefits of using Mercedes PRO services. First and foremost, they relate to the time it takes to take care of the company's car operation. Keeping an eye on maintenance appointments, the status of the vehicle, and planning routes all consume a huge amount of time. According to respondents, the gain is as much as 5-8 hours per week, according to nearly 70 percent of users surveyed. In turn, as many as 90 percent of them say that Mercedes PRO also allows them to minimize costs and thus increase efficiency, according to an online survey of 160 Mercedes PRO users conducted in December 2018.
For a company whose profit is based on vehicle efficiency and performance, such tools also mean the ability to serve more customers at a lower cost. Better planned routes, the ability to get to customers faster by avoiding traffic jams, avoiding unexpected downtime, scheduled maintenance in advance - all of this makes the business run smoother, customers are more satisfied with the quality of service, and the vehicle owner can concentrate on growing the business. Because, as every entrepreneur knows, cars are employees too, and in order for them to work well and efficiently, they need to be carefully managed, and this requires comprehensive and well-designed tools: such as Mercedes PRO.
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