Imagine arriving at the luxurious InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown in your all-electric Mercedes-Benz, and simply letting your vehicle park itself. This isn’t a scene from a movie anymore; it’s the reality demonstrated by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch with the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT technology, showcased right in the heart of Mercedes Benz Downtown La.
This groundbreaking demonstration at the iconic InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown features the all-electric EQS sedan from Mercedes-EQ, highlighting the seamless integration of Bosch’s automated valet parking technology with Mercedes-Benz’s innovative vehicle systems. The event offered a glimpse into the future of urban mobility, where parking becomes effortless, thanks to the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT and a user-friendly smartphone app.
The InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles Hotel, a landmark 889-room establishment and the tallest building west of Chicago, served as the perfect stage to exhibit this cutting-edge technology in a real-world environment. This setting allowed for the demonstration of how automated valet parking can function smoothly alongside conventional vehicles and pedestrian traffic, showcasing its practicality and readiness for implementation in bustling urban centers like Mercedes Benz Downtown LA.
“The demonstration at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown perfectly illustrates how automated valet parking is poised to revolutionize parking in dynamic hotel environments, where both automated and traditional vehicles share the space with pedestrians,” stated Dr. Kay Stepper, Senior Vice President of Automated Driving and Driver Assistance for Bosch in North America. “Utilizing the highly connected EQS from Mercedes-EQ, we are able to delve deep into the intricacies of real-world deployments and demonstrate the continuous advancements in automated technology.”
Dr. Philipp Skogstad, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, emphasized the luxury aspect of this technology: “Our vision centers on giving our customers back their valuable time, enhancing the luxury experience they expect. The EQS already offers time-saving features like automated driving in highway traffic jams. With INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, we’re taking it a step further, enabling the vehicle to park itself. This feature, coupled with the necessary infrastructure, provides an automated valet service that brings unparalleled comfort and convenience to our customers’ daily lives, especially in a busy city like Mercedes Benz Downtown LA.”
Mercedes-Benz INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT Takes Center Stage in Los Angeles
The demonstration vividly showcased the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, utilizing the existing hardware already available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles like the S-Class and EQS in Germany and Europe, when equipped with the required optional features. The EQS seamlessly communicated with the Bosch intelligent infrastructure installed within the parking garage of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. This interaction enabled the vehicle to autonomously navigate and park itself inside the facility, highlighting the power of collaboration between vehicle and infrastructure technology.
Alt text: Silver Mercedes EQS sedan autonomously parking in the valet drop-off area of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, showcasing the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT technology.
Sensors strategically placed within the building played a crucial role, communicating with the vehicle to guide its maneuvers through the parking structure. Beyond just parking, the demonstration also hinted at future possibilities, such as automated EV charging, car washes, and vehicle servicing or maintenance. In these scenarios, vehicles would autonomously move in and out of designated service areas, all orchestrated by the intelligent infrastructure.
With the appropriate optional equipment and the corresponding Mercedes me Connect service (availability depending on country), the EQS possesses the onboard technology to autonomously enter and exit multi-story parking facilities equipped with Bosch Automated Valet infrastructure. This driverless operation is contingent upon the availability of the Connect service for the specific EQS variant and adherence to national legal regulations.
Smartphone App Integration: A Holistic Vehicle Experience for Mercedes-Benz Owners in Downtown LA
The envisioned user experience is remarkably straightforward: Upon arrival at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, the driver conveniently parks the Mercedes-Benz EQS in a designated drop-off area at the parking facility. After all passengers have exited the vehicle, the driver initiates the automated parking procedure via a user-friendly smartphone app.
The intelligent sensor system within the car park then verifies the availability of a suitable parking space, or checks if a space has been pre-reserved for the vehicle. Once confirmed, the Automated Valet Parking infrastructure sends a confirmation via the app, signaling the handover of the vehicle. The driver can then confidently leave the EQS, free from the hassle of parking. The vehicle autonomously starts and proceeds driverless to its assigned parking spot, guided by the infrastructure within the parking facility.
Alt text: Close-up view of a smartphone screen displaying the Mercedes me app interface, used to activate and manage the automated valet parking feature at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.
Upon their return, summoning the EQS is just as simple. The driver uses the smartphone app to command the EQS to drive to a designated pick-up area. This seamless process eliminates the time-consuming search for parking spots and the often-long walk from the parking garage to the final destination, a significant convenience for anyone visiting Mercedes Benz Downtown LA.
Automated Parking: A Step Towards Full Autonomy in Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
Automated valet parking technology vividly demonstrates the tangible benefits of automation for drivers, directly addressing the often-stressful parking experience. By taking over the task of parking, this technology provides real value and convenience, especially in busy urban environments like Mercedes Benz Downtown LA.
“Low-speed autonomous maneuvers, like parking, are integral to the broader spectrum of automated technology,” Stepper explained. “Automated valet parking serves as a compelling use case that familiarizes consumers with the capabilities and advantages of automated technology, building trust and understanding of its potential benefits in everyday scenarios.”
Bosch’s engineering teams have dedicated years to the advancement of automated valet parking, actively supporting testing and deployments across the globe. This demonstration at Mercedes Benz Downtown LA is a significant milestone in showcasing the maturity and real-world applicability of this technology.
Benefits for Drivers and Parking Operators in Downtown LA
Automated valet parking offers a dual advantage, benefiting both drivers and parking garage operators. For Mercedes-Benz drivers in Downtown LA, the most immediate benefit is the elimination of the parking search, saving valuable time and reducing stress upon arrival at their destination.
Parking garage operators in areas like Mercedes Benz Downtown LA can also significantly benefit from increased parking capacity. Since automated vehicles do not require extra space for door opening, parking facilities can accommodate more vehicles within the same footprint. Furthermore, operators can expand their service offerings to include automated EV charging, car washing, and routine vehicle maintenance, creating new revenue streams and enhancing customer satisfaction.
This demonstration of automated valet parking at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown marks a significant step forward in realizing the future of urban mobility, offering a glimpse into a world where parking is no longer a chore, but a seamless and automated part of the journey, especially within the vibrant landscape of Mercedes Benz Downtown LA.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com.
About Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America
At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBUSI), we develop and certify cars for the U.S. and the world in six locations. Our work ranges from EV battery research to hybrid powertrain calibration and certification, from telematics to autonomous driving software, and from advanced exterior design to UX. It’s not just about cars, it’s also about creating the latest and greatest software, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking innovation.
About Bosch
Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs 35,300 associates in more than 100 locations, as of December 31, 2021. According to preliminary figures, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $13.6 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.bosch.us, www.bosch.ca and www.bosch.mx.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 401,300 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2021). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 78.8 billion euros in 2021. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. With its more than 400 locations worldwide, the Bosch Group has been carbon neutral since the first
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