MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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has hired Michael Schumacher to test the safety systems of the new C-ClassMercedes-Benz C-ClassGermany, 1983 > present5 series
583 versions
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head of its imminent reveal. Mercedes has a test site that it calls SimCity where it can put safety systems through their paces.

Mercedes calls its suite of networked safety systems Intelligent Drive. The C-Class will introduce new assistance systems but use the same stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors as Mercedes’ current cars. It is just that the software has been upgraded to support new systems.

The new systems on the C-Class will include the Collision Prevention Assist Plus that monitors the distance between the car and cars ahead of it. If there is a danger of collision there is an acoustic warning, then boosted braking performance and finally automatically brake the car. The braking assist also works with the cross traffic alert and can automatically stop the car if it detects crossing traffic or pedestrians. The system can activate at speed up to 200km/h. The adaptive cruise control system now includes steering assistance that can steer the car through gently bends in the road.

"What I personally find very good is this: it is not necessary to buy an S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class 6Germany, 2014 > present39 versions
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to obtain the latest systems; instead Mercedes-Benz is rapidly making this technology accessible to many car drivers now - in the new C-Class,” said Schumacher.