Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA), the Silicon Valley-based research subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, marks 30 years of driving technological innovation in the automotive industry. Over the past three decades, MBRDNA has been behind a series of industry firsts, including:
The first automaker to deliver full iPod music navigation.
The first German premium automotive manufacturer to integrate Apple’s “CarPlay” infotainment system.
The first in the U.S. to launch Google’s “Send-to-Car” functionality.
Most recently, the integration of ChatGPT into selected Mercedes-Benz models via MBUX.
Founded in 1994, MBRDNA began with a mission to collaborate with U.S. research institutions and monitor technological developments. Initially focusing on IT and microelectronics, the subsidiary has grown into a hub where German engineering meets Silicon Valley’s innovation culture.
MBRDNA is pivotal in reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in key areas like autonomous driving, AI-powered experiences, e-drive technology, and advanced exterior design. Operating from six strategic locations across North America—including Sunnyvale, Long Beach, and Carlsbad in California; Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills in Michigan; and Seattle, Washington—its team of over 600 innovators continues to shape the future of mobility.
Celebrating this 30-year milestone is more than a reflection on the past; it underscores MBRDNA’s unwavering commitment to engineering cutting-edge solutions and creating the most desirable vehicles for Mercedes-Benz customers in North America.
