Mercedes-Benz advances the digitalisation of transport infrastructure with vehicle data for safer and more efficient mobility

• Mercedes‑Benz provides anonymised vehicle data to improve road safety
• Projects in Europe demonstrate practical applications, from traffic sign management to early detection of hazard hotspots and road damage 
•  A better basis for decision-making enables earlier intervention, more targeted maintenance and efficient use of resources by public authorities

Potholes, damaged road surfaces and confusing traffic signs. These are just some of the problems facing millions of motorists every day. Through infrastructure projects in Europe, Mercedes‑Benz demonstrates how intelligent use of data can modernise infrastructure management. 

Using anonymised vehicle data provided voluntarily by customers, Mercedes‑Benz helps detect road damage, identify unclear signage and provide a much clearer picture of what’s happening across the road network. The result: earlier detection of infrastructure damage, faster and better targeted maintenance as well as improved road safety. Modern Mercedes‑Benz vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors that can detect road conditions and environmental information. All data is processed in an anonymised and aggregated form and cannot be traced back to individual drivers or specific vehicles. Data protection is an integral part of the entire process right from the start. Two current projects demonstrate this digital transformation in practice. 

Digital traffic sign register in Baden‑Württemberg

The Baden‑Württemberg Ministry of Transport is using anonymised vehicle data from Mercedes‑Benz to build a digital database for the traffic-sign register (Verkehrszeichenkataster, VZK). This marks the first time a standardised procedure has been established for the systematic recording, maintenance and analysis of official road signs across all categories. Thanks to the expandable Mercedes‑Benz database, the need for time‑consuming site inspections, mapping and manual data collection is reduced. The VZK is available as an open-source solution with standardised interfaces, providing a central overview of innovative mobility services, research and intelligent traffic management. 

Road Monitor (ROMO) programme in the Netherlands

The successful collaboration continues within the Dutch ROMO programme. Following proof of the effectiveness of vehicle data in phase one, Mercedes‑Benz Connectivity Services GmbH has once again been selected as an innovation partner for the next stage (2026–2029). Mercedes‑Benz is working closely with national partners, including the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Netherlands National Road Traffic Data Portal (NDW), to identify infrastructure damage, accident hotspots and critical road-surface conditions. These insights support authorities in planning and managing maintenance and winter services across a road network of approximately 130,000 kilometres.

“The projects impressively demonstrate how anonymised vehicle signals can make a tangible contribution to traffic safety. Through close cooperation with public institutions and international programmes such as Road Monitor, we are laying an important building block for planning and operating road infrastructure in a smarter, safer and more efficient way.” 
Michael Drzymala, Chief Executive Officer at Mercedes‑Benz Connectivity Services GmbH 

About Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH

As a multi‑brand provider of connectivity and data services, Mercedes‑Benz Connectivity Services GmbH is driving forward digitalisation in the automotive industry and offers innovative, data‑driven product solutions. Business customers can acquire vehicle‑specific and vehicle‑related services to, for example, optimise their fleets. Its customers include passenger car and van fleet operators and their service providers, car rental companies, leasing firms and insurance companies, as well as neutral servers and app and software developers. Mercedes‑Benz Connectivity Services GmbH is part of Mercedes‑Benz AG.

Mercedes‑Benz anniversary year “140 Years of Innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world's first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch programme in the company’s history that is currently underway. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that runs through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home. 

Mercedes‑Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S‑Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations – on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes‑Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes‑Benz Community.