The interior of the all-new compact SUV Smart #1 [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
The all-new compact SUV Smart #1 by Mercedes-Benz was recently launched in Europe, using the smart cockpit system provided by Hubei Ecarx Technology Co, a technological innovation enterprise invested in and independently operated by Geely Holdings Group and based in the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone.
The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and ECARX is considered a strategic move and a way for the latter to expand its brand influence overseas.
The Smart #1 will reportedly be delivered to European customers starting at the end of this year.
The central control screen of the all-new compact SUV Smart #1 [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
ECARX's smart cockpit system not only provides users with more efficient, convenient, and highly-customized operating experience, but also is consistent with Benz's brand concepts.
The two companies' collaboration began in 2019, and they have relied on their respective expertise to develop the smart cockpit system.
"Based on Mercedes-Benz's design concept, we have delivered a system compatible with global applications. It combines Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit and the software stack independently developed by ECARX, and is one of the most cutting-edge systems in the market currently," said Shen Ziyu, president of ECARX.
The smart cockpit system creates an AI speech assistant for Smart #1 – Avatar. It looks like a small fox, and can quickly acquire users' speech habits.
