Mercedes Readies Q&A “Chatbox”

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit has developed an audio digital assistant that can answer a range of vehicle-related questions.

Dubbed “Ask Mercedes,” the so-called chatbox can be accessed via a smartphone or in-vehicle app. The voice-activated system also can be integrated into a Google Assistant home-based device.

Following recent pilot tests on Google and social media platforms, Mercedes plans to launch the feature in certain undisclosed markets (with several language capabilities) over the next few months. The carmaker expects to eventually offer the system globally.

Chief digital officer Sabine Scheunert announced the plans during this week’s Web Summit conference in Lisbon, Portugal.