August 13, 2024 - ByteDance's cloud service platform, Volcano Engine, and Mercedes-Benz China Investment Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Mercedes-Benz China") have officially signed a strategic cooperation memorandum today. The two parties will collaborate deeply in the fields of large models, generative artificial intelligence, and big data, aiming to drive technological innovation and application, and deliver an exceptional digital luxury experience to Chinese customers at "Chinese speed."
Oliver Löcher, Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz China, Head of R&D for Autonomous Driving and Connected Vehicles, and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Shanghai) Digital Technology Co., Ltd., stated, "China has become a core driver of global automotive innovation. We are increasing our R&D investment in China and deepening collaboration with local tech companies like Volcano Engine to deliver an extraordinary digital luxury experience to customers at 'Chinese speed.'"
Tan Dai, President of Volcano Engine, remarked, "In our rapid development, Volcano Engine has accumulated significant technological capabilities. Since the release of the Doubao large model in May 2024, its daily tokens usage has exceeded 500 billion, with external enterprise usage increasing 22 times since launch. The AI assistant Doubao, based on this model, is ranked first in downloads among AI products in major app stores. We look forward to exploring innovative possibilities in smart cockpit and other areas with Mercedes-Benz, leading a new trend in automotive intelligence."
This cooperation signifies a further deepening of collaboration between the two parties in the smart cockpit sector. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz introduced Volcano Engine's in-car audio and video app, Volcano Car Entertainment, into its smart cockpit system, launching it first in the new long-wheelbase E-Class. This app integrates popular content from platforms such as Douyin, Xigua Video, and Toutiao, providing users with a rich in-car entertainment experience. The newly signed strategic cooperation memorandum will further advance their collaboration in smart cockpit technology, connected vehicles, and driving experience, aiming for a win-win outcome in technological innovation and market needs.
Through this partnership, Mercedes-Benz China and Volcano Engine will continue to expand their cooperation. They will leverage the large model's intent understanding and logical reasoning capabilities to more efficiently call on various services in the smart cockpit, enhance online information retrieval capabilities, and explore additional use scenarios in voice, navigation, entertainment, and information. Additionally, Volcano Engine will support Mercedes-Benz China's R&D team in developing vehicle-specific plugins and toolchains, facilitating the efficient generation of intelligent applications and delivering a smarter, more convenient, and personalized smart cockpit experience.
