Latest news with #Mercedes‑Benz
Arabian Post
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Bold Move: BYD Takes Car-Crash Liability for Level‑4 Parking
China's BYD has pledged to assume full legal and financial responsibility for any accidents involving its new Level‑4 autonomous parking system, marking a decisive shift in automaker liability practices. The commitment, limited to parking scenarios using its 'God's Eye' system, allows drivers to bypass insurance claims entirely: damages will be handled directly through BYD after-sales services. BYD's announcement follows confirmation that its God's Eye system has reached Level‑4 autonomy in smart parking settings, enabling vehicles to handle parking tasks fully independently under defined conditions. Drivers can remove their hands, eyes and minds from the process during use. By assuming liability—a first for Level‑4 parking technology—the company reflects strong confidence in its product, citing its extensive smart‑vehicle cloud infrastructure, the largest R&D team in the sector, and over one million vehicles now equipped. Unlike traditional insurance frameworks where drivers often face premium hikes after an accident, BYD's approach aims to protect users from financial penalty: repairs, third‑party property damage and personal injury compensation incurred through algorithm malfunctions or sensor errors will be covered by the automaker. Legal liability will be determined by whether the system was at fault, not by the vehicle owner. This hands‑off model emphasises convenience, trust and reduced risk for customers. ADVERTISEMENT BYD is not alone in developing Level‑4 parking capabilities: Mercedes‑Benz has demonstrated similar technology within a designated automated garage at Stuttgart Airport. However, Mercedes only offers placement in limited areas; BYD seeks broader deployment across its domestic fleet. While Tesla and others pioneer driver‑assist innovations—Tesla's Autopark remains at Level‑2—BYD's insurance guarantee sets it apart as an industry trailblazer. The liability pledge comes alongside the launch of BYD's most significant over‑the‑air software update to date. The enhancement extends to all God's Eye B and C variants, promising improved parking scenarios, a 'three‑speed parking' feature, as well as safety and driving performance upgrades. The system now supports complex manoeuvres like offset and front‑in parking, automatic mirror folding, and better detection of overhead obstacles. Analysts say this strategic move addresses ongoing regulatory scrutiny and consumer concerns about who is liable when an autonomous system errs. China's evolving rules now require clarity on technical capabilities, driver monitoring and safety, particularly after high‑profile incidents involving other emerging autonomous systems. BYD's guarantee may fortify consumer trust while differentiating it from Tesla, whose Full Self‑Driving feature remains under investigation in multiple jurisdictions. Consumers will benefit directly: if a parked BYD vehicle is at fault in an incident using God's Eye, users simply contact BYD after‑sales support. The repair is handled with zero involvement of insurers and without impact on insurance premiums. By shifting risk back to the manufacturer, BYD may spur competitors to rethink liability models—especially as automated systems become more commonplace. BYD's God's Eye suite varies across three tiers: C on budget models like the Seagull; B adds LiDAR to mid‑range vehicles; A integrates three LiDAR sensors for premium brands such as Yangwang. Importantly, the Level‑4 parking functionality is not limited to high‑end models—it is being rolled out across all tiers via the OTA update. This accelerated democratisation of autonomous parking is part of BYD's broader ambition to embed intelligent driving across its lineup at accessible price points. Regulators, insurers and rival manufacturers will watch closely as BYD's system is tested at scale. The company's coverage promise may shift industry norms, particularly in countries where liability regimes for autonomous systems remain unsettled. If successful, this strategy could evolve into a competitive masterstroke—offering state‑of‑the‑art tech while guarding consumer interests.
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Mercedes-Benz Offers Fans the Ultimate Off-Road G-Wagen Experience
The Mercedes G-Wagon has a loyal following, and since 2020, Mercedes-Benz has been offering the most dedicated and passionate G-Class enthusiasts a unique, action-packed program featuring their favorite boxy 4x4s. At the G‑Class Experience Center near its factory in Graz, Austria, fans can experience what it's like to drive a G-Wagon in situations other than traversing city streets, daily commutes, mall parking lots, and the valet areas behind velvet ropes at high-end restaurants. Mercedes is more than eager to show its loyal fans what the G-Wagon is capable of at the absolute limit, whether it be on extreme slopes of up to 35 degrees, experiencing one-wheel traction, deep mud, or on the infamous Iron Schöckl's 100% gradient. Since Mercedes introduced the experience in 2020, eager fans worldwide were quick to fill every slot when it offered the experience every year. However, this year, Mercedes‑Benz is expanding its fan-favorite G‑Class customer programs with new challenges and more unique experiences. This year, Mercedes is offering loyal fans of the G-Class SUV the chance to have some new experiences related to their favorite boxy off-roader, including the opportunity to embark on a curated adventure that shows the luxury 4x4's capabilities in a challenging new environment. These new G-Class-related experiences are the first to take place away from the G‑Class Experience Center in Graz. Dubbed the G‑Class Expedition Desert Edition, 20 enthusiasts in various G-Class vehicles will trek across the mountains and deserts of Morocco over the course of five days. In essence, Mercedes is offering an off-roading luxury summer camp centered around the G-Wagon, which kicks off with a welcome dinner and a night at a 5-star hotel in Marrakech before setting off on a 504-mile (811 km) off-road journey across Morocco the next morning. Here, drivers will rock across the stunning Atlas Mountains, where they'll climb up to 9,186 feet (2,800 meters), traversing scenic passes, rocky trails, water crossings, and the kind of rugged terrain that G-Classes are made for. After a night at a hotel near Dades, drivers continue the trip on the Anti-Atlas range toward the Merzouga Desert. Enthusiasts will get to eat lunch at Gara Medouar, a crater made famous by the James Bond film Spectre, before heading off to a private desert camp in time for a spectacular sunset over the dunes. On day four, it's full desert mode. Guests will drive as part of convoys while they play in the sand and eat each other's dust. The journey wraps up in Errachidia with a charter flight back to Marrakech and a final farewell dinner to cap off this wild off-road escape. In addition to the Morocco experience, this year, Mercedes is offering G-Class fans an extended and more challenging version of the G‑Class Experience. Dubbed the 'Private Coaching' package, G-Wagon fans get an extended look at what makes the legendary off-roader over the course of two days. After spending a night at a hotel in Graz following the usual G-Class experience program, drivers will get to experience the legendary Schöckl test track. For the first time, drivers will tackle the nearly 3.5-mile (5.6 km), 4,470-feet-high (1,445 meters) course that's been putting every G-Class through its paces for over 40 years alongside dedicated instructors. Mercedes calls it the Nurburgring Nordschleife for off-readers, where full-on thrills can be found when the asphalt gives way to gravel, then nothing but raw terrain. Drivers will navigate their G-Wagons on 60% gradients, 40% inclines, knee-high ledges on one or two wheels, deep ruts, hollow paths, and will even have to squeeze past massive trees and sheer drops. According to Mercedes-Benz, these events will only be around for a limited time and won't be cheap. The two-day 'Private Coaching' G-Class Experience is only available until November and will cost 9,950 euros (~$11,465) for two people. It includes two nights with breakfast at a partner hotel in Graz, "culinary highlights" at the G‑Class Experience Center, and a welcome dinner in Graz's city centre. For the Mercedes-Benz Morocco Trip, just six events are planned from October to November. The cost is 14,990 euros (~$17,283) per spot, which includes five nights of accommodation, meals, and a charter flight from Errachidia to Marrakech. Mercedes is going all-out when it comes to giving its fans a taste of what the brand is about. It goes beyond a booth at an auto show, a brand activation, or a pop-up; granted, you do have to pay a hefty penny to experience these things. Perhaps this could open up opportunities for Mercedes to conduct a "world tour" and allow fans to experience the G-Wagon in different environments around the globe. For instance, I'd like to see a G-Wagon drive near the Arctic Circle, but I guess it all depends on the proximity to a decent hotel. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Trade Arabia
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
Qiddiya unveils plans for 'World of Performance' experience centre
Qiddiya Investment Company, Mercedes‑AMG and the Mercedes‑AMG Petronas F1 Team have announced a game-changing partnership to open a world-class experience centre dedicated to the iconic automotive brand in Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City. Spanning approximately 45,000 sqm, the Mercedes‑AMG World of Performance will be among the largest attractions of its kind in the region. Featuring numerous highly immersive attractions and exhibits focused on Mercedes‑AMG and its eight‑time World Constructors' Champion F1 Team, it is set to welcome visitors within this decade. Visitors will be able to dive into the excitement and thrill of the performance car brand across nine floors of adrenaline-fuelled experiences. The ambitious project is supported by Juffali Automotive Company (JACO), distributor for Mercedes‑Benz passenger cars in Saudi Arabia, which will also contribute to bringing the project to life. 'To partner with one of the world's most iconic brands, including one of the most successful Formula 1 teams in history, on a project that will bring joy to racing fans across the world is hugely exciting. This unique performance and motorsports centre will offer immersive experiences like nowhere else in the world, positioning Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and a bucket list sporting destination where play comes to life,' said Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company. Expected to attract millions of visitors a year, the World of Performance will sit alongside Qiddiya City's Speed Park Track, a fast-flowing racetrack that is set to host an impressive roster of the world's most prestigious racing events while incorporating some of racing's most distinctive track design features. Marking the debut of the first-ever Mercedes‑AMG World of Performance, the experience centre will immerse visitors in the brand's rich heritage, celebrate its racing pedigree, and showcase its engineering excellence alongside the performance car brand's latest innovations. Among the centre's marquee attractions will be a cutting-edge dark ride, taking guests on a high-speed journey through the evolution of performance, featuring some of the most legendary Mercedes‑Benz race cars of all times. Adrenaline seekers will be able to step into the shoes of a professional racing driver in pole position on the grid, experiencing intense G-force as they are catapulted towards the first corner of a Grand Prix. Race enthusiasts can also dive into the drama of a Formula One® race, witnessing what happens behind the scenes with an up-close view of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Visitors will also enjoy the unique advantage of the experience centre's prime location – right on the start-finish straight of Speed Park Track, with direct access to the future F1 venue. Real-world track experiences will allow visitors to hone their driving skills under the guidance of expert instructors on this exciting new circuit. They will get to push the latest Mercedes‑AMG models to their limits, including tackling the iconic 'Blade' at Turn One – a heart-stopping elevated section of circuit that dramatically rises more than 20 stories above the ground. 'We are incredibly excited to announce this major new collaboration with Qiddiya Investment Company, formalising a relationship that has been years in the making, and supported by our trusted partners in KSA, Juffali Automotive," commented Toto Wolff, Co‑Owner, CEO and Team Principal of Mercedes‑AMG Petronas F1 Team. "Formula One is a unique sport, and we have been working with world leading experts for several years to ensure that this venue gets fans closer to our team, and the sport as a whole, than ever before. Qiddiya City is a cornerstone of the ambitious Vision 2030 plans, and it's set to become a motorsport destination like no other. We are proud to play our part in this and look forward to welcoming our local and international fans in the years ahead," he added. 'The Mercedes‑AMG World of Performance marks a bold new chapter for AMG, elevating our passion for performance, innovation, and racing to new heights. This destination will celebrate our AMG's rich racing heritage as well as the thrill and adrenaline that defines our brand. Guests will get to experience this up close, whether through immersive attractions in the experience center or exclusive driving experiences on Speed Park Track,' stated Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH. Khaled Juffali, Chairman of Juffali Group, remarked: 'We are thrilled to be part of Qiddiya's legacy in a setting that reflects our shared values of history, luxury and pioneering innovative experiences. Bringing the first world-leading motorsport experience center with Mercedes‑AMG, not only showcases our commitment to serving our customers and advancing motorsport in the Kingdom but also aims to provide unparalleled experiences for motorsport enthusiasts. "This aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, as we strive to enhance the nation's entertainment offerings through the growth of the automotive and the motorsport industry,'' he added. The centre will feature more than 60 state-of-the art simulators alongside a Motion 4D Simulator Theatre, while younger fans will be able to enjoy interactive learning experiences including designing their dream race car and practicing teamwork in a pit garage. The experience centre will also boast a roof-top VIP lounge overlooking the Speed Park Track, offering fine dining and some of the best panoramic views across Qiddiya City and the iconic Tuwaiq Mountains. This strategic partnership between Qiddiya Investment Company and Mercedes‑AMG is a significant step in Qiddiya City's progress, positioning it at the forefront of motorsports experiences globally. The city's motorsports offering, including the Speed Park Track and a range of other attractions that are set to be unveiled over the next 12 months, will be a central driving force behind its development into a global destination for entertainment, sports and culture based on the power of play.- TradeArabia News Service
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Qiddiya Investment Company, Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team join forces to launch world-leading experience centre
Set to excite performance car and motorsports fans across the globe, the state-of-the-art venue will deliver an unrivalled selection of immersive, exhilarating, and authentic experiences Following the announcement of the highly anticipated Speed Park Track, this exclusive partnership will strengthen Qiddiya City's status as one of the world's leading destinations for motorsport and sports car enthusiasts, leveraging the legacy of one of the most iconic brands in the industry Affalterbach/Qiddiya City. Qiddiya Investment Company, Mercedes‑AMG and the Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 Team have announced a game-changing partnership to open a world-class experience centre dedicated to the iconic automotive brand in Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City. Spanning approximately 45,000 sqm, the Mercedes‑AMG World of Performance will be among the largest attractions of its kind in the region. Featuring numerous highly immersive attractions and exhibits focused on Mercedes‑AMG and its eight‑time World Constructors' Champion F1 Team, it is set to welcome visitors within this decade. Across nine floors of adrenaline-fuelled experiences, visitors will be able to dive into the excitement and thrill of the performance car brand like never before. The news, unveiled by the involved parties today, is set to excite racing enthusiasts and Mercedes‑AMG fans across the world, elevating Qiddiya City's position as one of the world's leading motorsports destinations. The ambitious project is supported by Juffali Automotive Company (JACO), distributor for Mercedes‑Benz passenger cars in Saudi Arabia, which will also contribute to bringing the project to life. 'To partner with one of the world's most iconic brands, including one of the most successful Formula 1 teams in history, on a project that will bring joy to racing fans across the world is hugely exciting. This unique performance and motorsports centre will offer immersive experiences like nowhere else in the world, positioning Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and a bucket list sporting destination where play comes to life.' : Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company. Expected to attract millions of visitors a year, the World of Performance will sit alongside Qiddiya City's highly anticipated Speed Park Track - a fast-flowing racetrack that is set to host an impressive roster of the world's most prestigious racing events while incorporating some of racing's most distinctive track design features. Marking the debut of the first-ever Mercedes‑AMG World of Performance, the experience centre will immerse visitors in the brand's rich heritage, celebrate its racing pedigree, and showcase its engineering excellence alongside the performance car brand's latest innovations. Among the centre's marquee attractions will be a cutting-edge dark ride, taking guests on a high-speed journey through the evolution of performance, featuring some of the most legendary Mercedes‑Benz race cars of all times. Adrenaline seekers will be able to step into the shoes of a professional racing driver in pole position on the grid, experiencing intense G-force as they are catapulted towards the first corner of a Grand Prix. Race enthusiasts can also dive into the drama of a Formula One® race, witnessing what happens behind the scenes with an up-close view of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Visitors will also enjoy the unique advantage of the experience centre's prime location – right on the start-finish straight of Speed Park Track, with direct access to the future F1 venue. Real-world track experiences will allow visitors to hone their driving skills under the guidance of expert instructors on this exciting new circuit. They will get to push the latest Mercedes‑AMG models to their limits, including tackling the iconic 'Blade' at Turn One – a heart-stopping elevated section of circuit that dramatically rises more than 20 stories above the ground. 'We are incredibly excited to announce this major new collaboration with Qiddiya Investment Company, formalising a relationship that has been years in the making, and supported by our trusted partners in KSA, Juffali Automotive. Formula One is a unique sport, and we have been working with world leading experts for several years to ensure that this venue gets fans closer to our team, and the sport as a whole, than ever before. Qiddiya City is a cornerstone of the ambitious Vision 2030 plans, and it's set to become a motorsport destination like no other. We are proud to play our part in this and look forward to welcoming our local and international fans in the years ahead.' Toto Wolff, Co‑Owner, CEO & Team Principal of Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 Team 'The Mercedes‑AMG World of Performance marks a bold new chapter for AMG, elevating our passion for performance, innovation, and racing to new heights. This destination will celebrate our AMG's rich racing heritage as well as the thrill and adrenaline that defines our brand. Guests will get to experience this up close, whether through immersive attractions in the experience center or exclusive driving experiences on Speed Park Track.' : Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH. 'We are thrilled to be part of Qiddiya's legacy in a setting that reflects our shared values of history, luxury and pioneering innovative experiences. Bringing the first world-leading motorsport experience center with Mercedes‑AMG, not only showcases our commitment to serving our customers and advancing motorsport in the Kingdom but also aims to provide unparalleled experiences for motorsport enthusiasts. This aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, as we strive to enhance the nation's entertainment offerings through the growth of the automotive and the motorsport industry.'' : Khaled Juffali, Chairman of Juffali Group. The centre will feature more than 60 state-of-the art simulators alongside a Motion 4D Simulator Theatre, while younger fans will be able to enjoy interactive learning experiences including designing their dream race car and practicing teamwork in a pit garage. The experience centre will also boast a roof-top VIP lounge overlooking the Speed Park Track, offering fine dining and some of the best panoramic views across Qiddiya City and the iconic Tuwaiq Mountains. This strategic partnership between Qiddiya Investment Company and Mercedes‑AMG is a significant step in Qiddiya City's progress, positioning it at the forefront of motorsports experiences globally. The city's unparalleled motorsports offering, including the Speed Park Track and a range of other attractions that are set to be unveiled over the next 12 months, will be a central driving force behind its development into a global destination for entertainment, sports and culture based on the power of play. About Qiddiya City Qiddiya City is Qiddiya's first project. It is a global destination city dedicated entirely to play and built on the pillars of entertainment, sports, and culture. Located about 40 minutes from Riyadh amidst the Tuwaiq Mountains, Qiddiya City will be a vibrant and livable environment and offer a wide range of experiences to Saudi nationals, residents, and visitors. Upon its completion, Qiddiya City will feature a global centre for gaming and esports, a multi-use stadium, and a dedicated area for motorsports, including a racetrack, golf courses, a water theme park, and a Six Flags theme park, among many other cultural and entertainment attractions. Qiddiya City will also be designed to host some of the world's most significant sports competitions, festivals, concerts, and cultural events. Qiddiya City will offer premium residential, retail, and office spaces, with extensive green zones, cultural centres and top-tier healthcare and education facilities, emphasizing sustainability and wellbeing so residents can thrive on the power of play. About Speed Park Track Located in the heart of Qiddiya City, the fast-flowing Speed Park Track is set to stage the biggest international motorsport championships and excite racing fans around the world with some of motorsport's most recognizable features. Designed by Austrian former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and German circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the track has been designed by race drivers, for race drivers, and pushes boundaries to the extreme, featuring 21 corners and utilising Qiddiya City's dramatic landscape to create over 108m of elevation gain per lap. The configurable track, which will sit at the centre of an area dedicated to motorsports will be seamlessly integrated into the neighbouring Six Flags Qiddiya City theme park and Aquarabia water theme park, with the 'Blade' turn rising above a music venue below and drivers racing alongside Falcon's flight, the world's tallest, fast rollercoaster. About Mercedes-AMG GmbH Mercedes-AMG, located in Affalterbach, Germany, is the performance brand of Mercedes‑Benz. Founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher as an "engineering, design and testing office for the development of racing engines", the company soon established itself in motor racing: in 1971, the AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 won its class at the 24‑hour race in Spa and took second place overall. In the following years the company grew and equipped other Mercedes models with performance technology. The cooperation with Mercedes‑Benz became even closer in 1990 when a cooperation agreement opened up the global sales network of the brand with the three-pointed star to AMG. Mercedes‑AMG has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes‑Benz AG since 2005 and has developed from a passion for motorsport and innovative engineering into a driving force in the Group's performance engineering. About Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team The Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is the works team of Mercedes‑AMG, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport – the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. Based across Technology Centres at Brackley and Brixworth in the UK, the team brings together over 2,000 dedicated and determined people that design, develop, manufacture and race the cars that aim to fight for world championships each year. Winning eight consecutive Constructors' Championships from 2014 to 2021, the team is one of the most successful in the sport's history. About Juffali Automotive Company Our automotive businesses provide consumers and commercial businesses with the latest automotive models, innovative technologies, infrastructure and world-class service to keep people, commercial fleets and mobility operators moving across the Kingdom. Juffali became the general distributor for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1959. This longstanding relationship, based on trust and commitment, continues today. Juffali Automotive Company (JACO) offers an extensive range of models in our showrooms, from the entry-level A-Class to top-of-the-line AMG and Maybach models, along with world-class aftersales care and highly advanced services and parts centres situated throughout the Kingdom. For more information, please visit Contacts Contact Mercedes-AMG Felix Siggemann, Contact Qiddiya City Tim Fallon, Contact Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Bradley Lord, blord@ Further information about Mercedes-AMG is available at and on our LinkedIn channel under Mercedes-Benz AG | LinkedIn. Press information and digital services for journalists and multipliers can also be found on our Mercedes-Benz Media online platform at Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance Mercedes-Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 166,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and G-Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world's largest manufacturers of luxury passenger cars. In 2023 it sold around two million passenger cars and 447,800 vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes-Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
