Mercedes-Benz taps Chinese tech firm Momenta for CLA's smart driving system

Mercedes-Benz has announced it will partner with a Chinese technology startup for the brains behind its next generation of driver-assistance systems. The German luxury icon is turning to Momenta to develop a smart driving system dedicated to the Chinese market.

The new system, powered by Momenta's "Flywheel" artificial intelligence model, will make its debut this fall. The first vehicle to feature this advanced technology will be the all-new, all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, which will be produced locally in China.

According to the announcement, the system is designed to provide comprehensive driving assistance, helping drivers navigate everything from busy highways and complex city streets to tight parking lots. Mercedes-Benz apparently plans to integrate the co-developed system into all of its future models as well.

Momenta was founded in 2016 and very quickly managed to establish itself as a major player in the world of autonomous driving technology. The company's list of strategic investors reads like a who's who of the auto industry, including General Motors, Toyota, SAIC Motor Corp, and Bosch.

Mercedes-Benz itself, through its former parent company Daimler AG, invested in Momenta as early as 2017, less than a year after the startup was founded. Momenta has a global reputation for its advanced software solutions with operations in China, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have fought tooth and nail, competing for every customer by claiming superior German engineering. Now, they are all lining up at the same technology counter in China. The announcement from Mercedes means that Momenta now supplies its advanced driving systems to the complete trio.

In July, BMW revealed its own partnership with Momenta to develop solutions for the new generation of vehicles built in China. Just weeks ago, the new Audi brand from its joint venture with SAIC launched its first model, the E5 Sportback, which also uses a driving-assistance solution from Momenta.

To stay competitive, foreign automakers can no longer rely on a one-size-fits-all global system. They need solutions that understand the unique traffic conditions and Chinese driver expectations. Partnering with a local expert like Momenta, with a deep understanding of the market, should help Mercedes-Benz deliver an experience that feels safe, and intuitive to Chinese customers.

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