Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz is facing a series of technical and trust crises in the Chinese market, highlighted by widespread failures of in-car navigation and CarPlay functions, followed by a recall of 16,100 vehicles due to safety concerns, indicating a significant delay in the company's smart transformation efforts [1][2][3] Group 1: Technical Failures - On June 12, numerous Mercedes-Benz owners reported a sudden failure of in-car navigation and CarPlay functions, with the central screen going black and displaying error messages [2] - Mercedes-Benz acknowledged the issue was due to a backend failure and attempted to rectify it, but many users continued to experience problems, leading to dissatisfaction with the company's response [2][3] - Following the technical failures, the State Administration for Market Regulation issued three recall notices affecting 16,100 vehicles, further damaging the brand's reputation in China [2][3] Group 2: Recall Details - The recalls included 252 domestic C-Class and GLC SUVs due to incorrect fuse boxes that could lead to loss of power and airbag failure, posing a fire risk [3] - Additionally, 13,447 domestic EQC vehicles were recalled due to software defects in the battery management system that could cause thermal runaway in extreme conditions [3] - 2,151 imported A-Class, CLA-Class, and GLA-Class vehicles were recalled for non-compliant turbocharger nozzles, which posed emission risks [3] Group 3: Strategic Challenges - The series of technical incidents reflects a systemic lag in Mercedes-Benz's smart transformation, with the company struggling to implement its self-developed MB.OS operating system and collaborate effectively with local tech firms [1][3] - Despite plans to invest over 14 billion yuan in R&D in China, the company's progress in smart technology has been minimal compared to competitors like Volkswagen and Audi, who have made significant advancements [3][4] - Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicle sales in China dropped 23% in 2024, with overall sales declining by 7% to 683,600 units, indicating challenges in adapting to the "software-defined vehicle" era [1][4] Group 4: Financial Performance - In 2024, Mercedes-Benz's global sales fell by 3% to 1.983 million units, with revenue decreasing by 8.5% [4] - The company announced a shift in strategy, abandoning its 2030 full electrification plan and restarting the development of fuel vehicles to recover profits [4] - To address ongoing challenges, Mercedes-Benz initiated the "Next Level Performance" cost-saving plan, aiming to reduce costs by 5 billion euros by 2027 [4][5] Group 5: Industry Perspective - Industry experts suggest that Mercedes-Benz urgently needs to restructure its technology R&D system and improve user response mechanisms to remain competitive in the smart vehicle market [5] - The company's failure to address basic issues, such as OTA upgrades and battery management, has resulted in significant customer dissatisfaction, particularly during widespread technical failures [5]

Core Insights - Mercedes-Benz is facing significant backlash from customers due to widespread vehicle system failures, particularly affecting navigation and CarPlay functionalities, with no official response from the company [1][3][12] - The failure is attributed to a potential error during an OTA update that may have deleted essential system files, leading to a lack of communication from Mercedes-Benz regarding the issue [3][4] - The incident highlights Mercedes-Benz's struggles in digital transformation and smart technology integration compared to competitors like Volkswagen and BMW, who are actively collaborating with local tech firms [4][8] Group 1: System Failures and Customer Reactions - Numerous Mercedes-Benz owners reported issues with their vehicle systems, including navigation and voice control, with some expressing frustration over the lack of timely resolution [1][4] - Initial communications from the company suggested a temporary backend issue, but no concrete timeline for resolution was provided, leading to further dissatisfaction among customers [3][4] - The incident marks a significant failure for a traditional automaker like Mercedes-Benz, which is expected to have more reliable systems compared to newer entrants in the market [4][5] Group 2: Challenges in Digital Transformation - Despite significant investments in R&D in China, totaling over 14 billion RMB, Mercedes-Benz's progress in smart technology and electric vehicle development appears stagnant compared to its German counterparts [1][5] - The company has ambitious plans to launch 36 new models between 2025 and 2027, but delays in the development of its proprietary MB.OS operating system have hindered these efforts [7][9] - Competitors like Audi and BMW are actively engaging with local technology firms to enhance their product offerings, while Mercedes-Benz's collaborations have not yielded substantial results [8][9] Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Position - Mercedes-Benz's shift from an "electric-first" strategy to a more balanced approach, including the development of fuel vehicles, reflects challenges in maintaining profitability amid declining sales [9][11] - The company's financial outlook for 2024 indicates a decline in key metrics, with revenue and profit margins expected to drop significantly, particularly in the Chinese market [11][12] - The struggles faced by Mercedes-Benz in the electric vehicle segment are evident, with sales of pure electric models in China falling dramatically, highlighting the need for a more effective strategy [9][11]