Advancing Driving Assistance Systems Brings Autonomous Driving Closer
"Level 3 Autonomous Driving to Be Certified Next Year and Introduced Starting in Germany"
Factory56 Opening Ceremony Held at Sindelfingen Plant
Full-Scale Production of New S-Class Begins on the Same Day
"Presenting a Future Car Production Blueprint with Digitalization, Flexibility, and Efficiency"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 7th generation model of its flagship sedan, the 'The New S-Class,' for the first time in the world. In addition to the existing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the company also revealed plans to launch its first pure electric vehicle model, the 'EQS,' by the end of next year.
On the 2nd (local time), Mercedes-Benz held the world premiere event for the new S-Class through its digital platform. Markus Sch?fer, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, said in an audio conference call before the event, “The New S-Class, which begins production today, will introduce not only the PHEV model but also a pure electric vehicle model based on a dedicated platform,” adding, “The EQS targets a more specific customer base, with production starting next year and preparations underway for its release by the end of the year.”
The new S-Class is described as having achieved an upgrade in various areas. Advanced technologies aimed at enhancing driving pleasure while simultaneously improving safety have been extensively applied. The new S-Class, unveiled to the global market today, is scheduled to be launched domestically in the first half of next year.
Mercedes-Benz also held the opening ceremony of 'Factory56,' where the new S-Class sedan and the long-wheelbase version will be produced. Factory56 is a state-of-the-art production facility completed with the ambition to encompass flexibility, efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability in automobile manufacturing. In the future, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and EQS will also be produced on the same line.
◆ Emphasizing Innovation and Luxury... Launch of The New S-Class
The New S-Class achieves perfect proportions with a short front overhang, a long wheelbase, and a balanced rear overhang. The front features a prominent tall radiator grille, while the headlamps, redesigned to be flatter and smaller than the previous model’s three-row daytime running lights, add character. The rear emphasizes luxury with precisely designed rear lamps that include some animation effects.
The interior is designed to maximize elegance, luxury, and freshness, creating a lounge-like atmosphere. Featuring partially applied OLED technology, up to five large screen displays allow easy control of various convenience functions. Two head-up displays (HUDs) have increased in size and also support augmented reality (AR) content.
The voice recognition control system is enhanced when activating the Mercedes me app, improving learning and conversational capabilities. Some functions can be executed without the wake-up keyword “Hello Benz.” Voice control is also possible from the rear seats using the wake-up keyword.
Additionally, the new S-Class applies a new suspension system to improve driving stability. The rear-axle steering, with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees, provides compact car-level maneuverability in urban environments, according to Mercedes-Benz. The 48-volt fully active E-Active Body Control suspension enhances safety during side collisions.
Before the launch of The New S-Class, the driving assistance system attracted the most attention. The vehicle’s parking assistance system is integrated with the second-generation MBUX, which is capable of self-learning, achieving a high level of visualization. Drivers can activate remote parking assist via their smartphones. The operation method has also been simplified compared to before.
As Mercedes-Benz hinted at a driving assistance system that takes a step closer to autonomous driving, interest has grown in the autonomous driving technologies applied to the S-Class. There were even expectations that the new S-Class would be the first mass-produced vehicle equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving technology. However, Mercedes-Benz explained that full-scale Level 3 autonomous driving technology is targeted for vehicles launching in the second half of next year, with certification and related procedures currently underway.
COO Sch?fer said, “We have completed the technical preparations and aim to be the first to mass-produce Level 3 autonomous vehicles by obtaining certification and registration by next year,” adding, “We will proceed through the stringent regulatory procedures of each country and expand the introduction worldwide, starting with Germany.”
◆ “The Most Advanced Production Facility Imaginable” ? Opening of Factory56
Alongside the world premiere of the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz also held the opening ceremony of Factory56, the state-of-the-art production facility where the vehicle will be produced. Located in Sindelfingen, Germany, Factory56 is a factory built over two and a half years with an investment of 730 million euros (approximately 1.035 trillion KRW). Out of the approximately 35,000 employees at the entire Sindelfingen plant, more than 1,500 will work at Factory56.
Ola K?llenius, Chairman of the Daimler Group, stated, “Through Factory56, we have successfully combined flexibility, efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability,” adding, “Factory56 presents the future direction of automobile production for Mercedes-Benz, which aims to transform the automotive industry across the entire value chain, not just products.”
The core of Factory56 is digitalization and flexibility. For the first time, the digital ecosystem 'MO360,' which supports global automobile production for Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars using real-time data, has been applied, along with digital infrastructure equipped with high-performance WLAN and 5G mobile networks. This enables digital tracking of vehicles on each line and real-time transmission of vehicle data. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology also allows rapid monitoring of global material procurement status.
Automobile production flexibility has also been maximized. Assembly operations for vehicles of completely different sizes, designs, and powertrains can all be performed on a single production line. By optimizing the entire value creation process, Mercedes-Benz claims a 25% improvement in efficiency compared to the existing S-Class production line.
COO Sch?fer explained, “Factory56 secures complete flexibility, allowing changes in production vehicles from internal combustion engine cars to electric vehicles, and from compact to large models, even over weekends,” adding, “We have also created an environment where employees, facilities, equipment, and parts in the factory are all connected and communicate.” He expressed confidence, saying, “The facility is designed to produce the most efficient, safest, and highest quality products.”
Factory56 was built as a 'carbon-neutral factory' to realize sustainability. The energy required here is about 25% less than other assembly plants. Forty percent of the roof is greened, and a system is in place to separate polluted water and rainwater and store rainwater. Notably, the exterior of Factory56’s main building is the world’s first to be made using recycled concrete.
Finally, COO Sch?fer reiterated the importance of the Korean market. As of last year, Korea ranks as the fifth-largest market globally for Mercedes-Benz. For the S-Class, Korea ranks third in global sales. He highly valued Korea not only as a sales market but also as a partner. Especially recently, industry attention was drawn when it was revealed that LG Display is the exclusive supplier of P-OLED for the new S-Class. COO Sch?fer emphasized, “Not only LG Display but various Korean companies are already providing parts and technologies for Mercedes-Benz products,” adding, “As the electric vehicle market grows, more cooperation with Korean companies will take place.”
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