The popularity of the Apple iPhone in Germany – over 100,000 people have bought iPhones there since its launch in November 2007 – has prompted Mercedes-Benz to offer what it claims is an industry first.
The luxury car-maker has unveiled a new cradle specifically for the device which boosts reception and moves controls and display onto the steering wheel and dashboard.
A company report said the move was an acknowledgement by Mercedes of Apple’s current dominance in the mobile arena.
It said the cradle offered owners the means to seamlessly integrate the device’s music and telephone functions into their vehicles’ architecture.
The cradle is available now for the Mercedes-Benz C-, E-, CLK-, CLS-, S-, CL-, SL-, M- and R-Class – as well as the in the future for the forthcoming GLK-Class).
Available for € 249 – including VAT – the cradle is installed in the centre console, making it easy for both the driver and the passenger to reach out for the device.
The iPhone’s media player and phone functions can be controlled with the help of the multifunction steering wheel controls, so you never really have to take your hands off the steering wheel to control the device.
The vehicle’s display indicates the phone status, music functions and more.
Because the device automatically connects to the vehicle aerial when inserted into the cradle it actually boosts the iPhone’s signal.
What’s more, the iPhone is also constantly recharged when placed in its cradle.
For non-iPhone owners, the company says future cradles for other mobile phones are on their way.
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