Mercedes-Benz launches Murshid in-car navigation system

Murshid (Arabic for Guide) leads drivers giving them step-by-step voice or map directions and a detailed search function provides maps of major GCC cities and towns, with an extensive index of districts, streets and street numbers.

"From Abu Dhabi to the Kuwait City, Muscat to Meccah, our digital road maps make sure drivers get to their destination easily, quickly and safely," said Steffen Baumann, Sales and Marketing Director, Mercedes-Benz Middle East.

Mercedes-Benz digital maps also contain information regarding public facilities, parks hotels, golf courses and selected travel destinations. They also include important filling stations and list Mercedes-Benz distributors in the region.

In CD format, the system can be retrofitted to all S-Class, CL-Class, M-Class, CLK and C-Class vehicles manufactured after October 1999 that contain the renowned Mercedes-Benz Comand system which includes controls for the audio system, in-car telephone and automatic ventilation. A DVD version for E-Class vehicles will be available in May this year.

New car buyers who specify the Command system will receive free yearly system updates up to the end of 2004.

Murshid relies on GPS (Global Satellite Positioning) with the car's navigation computer receiving signals from NavStar GPS satellites. The navigation system and database provides a comprehensive line-up of intelligent features that can be activated by a turn or push knob operating system that makes destination programming foolproof.

Drivers simply enter the name of the city, district, street or destination they wish to drive to through the alphabetic entry system. A number of route options will then be offered, such as fastest or shortest route, before the system calculates and plots the route giving the driver step-by-step visual or voice instructions to the destination of choice.

Audible guidance is provided by a friendly female voice and visually by either a comprehensive moving coloured map or arrows. The map can be viewed in a scale ranging from 500 metres to 100 kilometres.

It also shows street names and landmarks such as petrol stations or Mercedes-Benz distributors and the remaining distance to the destination.

If the driver fails to follow the instructions and takes a wrong turn, the system will automatically recalculate the route and instruct the driver accordingly.

"Trying to reach destinations through the maze of streets in the region's cities and towns has always been guesswork," said Baumann. "Murshid is a state-of-the-art system that means door-to-door driving is now not only possible but simple and safe."

Ends