Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and ByteDance marks a significant step for international car manufacturers in achieving intelligent transformation in China, focusing on smart cockpit and driving assistance technologies [4][5][7]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - The strategic cooperation will encompass the entire business process of Mercedes-Benz in China, from R&D to marketing and service [5][6]. - ByteDance will support Mercedes-Benz in developing smart cockpit features, intelligent driving assistance, digital marketing, and customer operations using core technologies like the Doubao model and AI cloud-native algorithms [4][5]. Group 2: Smart Cockpit Enhancements - The new models equipped with the Doubao model will feature a significantly improved voice assistant that allows for more natural interactions, enhancing user experience [5][6]. - The system's interaction smoothness has improved by 50%, providing near-instantaneous responses to user commands and recognizing four different emotional states of passengers for tailored interactions [5][6]. Group 3: Driving Assistance and R&D - The collaboration will also focus on localizing driving assistance algorithms, with support from partners like Volcano Engine to ensure compliance with Chinese data security regulations [6][7]. - Mercedes-Benz's R&D team in China will leverage AI and data analytics to enhance overall efficiency and communication within the team [6]. Group 4: Strategic Importance for Both Companies - For Mercedes-Benz, this partnership is a strategic move to strengthen its R&D capabilities in China, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of its local R&D team [6][9]. - For ByteDance, collaborating with a prestigious brand like Mercedes-Benz enhances its credibility in the automotive sector and showcases the capabilities of its technology [9][10]. Group 5: Market Position of Volcano Engine - Volcano Engine has established itself as a leading public cloud service provider for large models in China, collaborating with major automotive brands to provide comprehensive technological support across various business scenarios [10][14]. - The company has successfully penetrated the automotive industry, partnering with around 80% of mainstream car manufacturers in China, demonstrating its strategic importance in the intelligent development of vehicles [10][14].