Georges Massing, VP MB.OS Automated Driving & E/E Integration, Mercedes-Benz
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Georges Massing’s official title has clearly escaped the attention of his company’s marketing team: “Vice President MBOS Automated Driving, Powernet & Integration E/E”. We like to say that he is the global leader of autonomy and cabin technologies (amongst a few other things) for Mercedes-Benz AG, a brand known for safety, reliability, and luxury. Georges is part of the generation of Mercedes managers who will translate those values into a future where vehicle electronics increasingly define the driver experience and sense of value.
“We have two visions that are driving us. One: vision zero, so safety, zero accidents. The second vision that is driving us is how can we give back time to customer?" – Georges Massing
Giving time back to the customer means automated driving, and in this regard, Georges’ team leads the world: S-class sedans are the only passenger vehicle in the world certified for Level 3 driving with a system the company calls “Drive Pilot.” This means the driver, while needing to remain available to take control, is free to engage in non-driving tasks while Drive Pilot is active. This ability to leave drivers out of the loop is a critical differentiator with all other systems.
“No matter how good an assisted system is, you as a driver are still responsible and have to control the whole vehicle. As soon as we move to an automated system, now you as a driver, you give control back to the car and you can do way much more.” – Georges Massing
To maintain the brand’s focus on safety, Georges emphasizes the need for redundancy in sensing and equipment packages on the vehicle. While pushing new technologies such as end-to-end neural networks, the company is highly sensitive to being able to formally verify the safety and adaptability of advances.
Currently, Drive Pilot limits itself to favorable conditions: clear lane markings on approved freeways, moderate to heavy traffic with speeds under 40 MPH, daytime lighting and clear weather, with the driver visible to a camera located above the driver's display, and no construction zone present. Clearly, the future is about relaxing these conditions, with a relaxation of the speed limit a likely event in the near future.
“Drive Pilot is just the beginning of what can be done." – Georges Massing
