Mercedes-Benz accelerates digitalization of traffic infrastructure with vehicle data for safer, more efficient mobility

Mercedes-Benz is leveraging anonymized vehicle data to modernize road infrastructure management across Europe, addressing long-standing issues like potholes, damaged road surfaces, and confusing signage. By aggregating sensor data from modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles—collected voluntarily from customers—the automaker helps authorities detect road damage, identify unclear traffic signs, and gain a clearer picture of real-world road conditions. The result is faster identification of infrastructure faults, more targeted maintenance, and improved traffic safety. All data is processed anonymously and aggregated to prevent any link to individual drivers or vehicles, ensuring privacy is baked into the process from the start. Two flagship projects demonstrate the practical impact of this approach. In Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the state’s Ministry of Transport is using anonymized Mercedes-Benz vehicle data to build a digital traffic sign cadastre (Verkehrszeichenkataster, VZK). This initiative creates a unified system for systematic recording, maintenance, and evaluation of official traffic signs across all road categories. The expanded data foundation reduces the need for labor-intensive site inspections, manual mapping, and initial surveys. The VZK is available as an open-source solution with standardized interfaces, providing a central dashboard for mobility services, research, and intelligent traffic control. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the Road Monitor (ROMO) program—now in its second phase (2026–2029)—continues to prove the value of vehicle data in infrastructure management. Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH has been selected as an innovation partner, working closely with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the National Road Traffic Data Portal (NDW). Together, they identify road damage, accident hotspots, and critical road surfaces across a network of approximately 130,000 kilometers. These insights support authorities in planning maintenance and winter services more effectively. “The projects clearly show how anonymized vehicle signals make a tangible contribution to traffic safety,” said Michael Drzymala, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH. “Through collaboration with public institutions and participation in international programs like Road Monitor, we’re helping build a critical foundation for smarter, safer, and more efficient road infrastructure planning and operation.” Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH, a multi-brand provider of connectivity and data services, is driving digital transformation in the automotive industry. It delivers innovative, data-driven solutions to business customers, enabling fleet optimization and other vehicle-specific services. Its clients include operators of passenger car and van fleets, service providers, rental companies, leasing firms, insurers, neutral servers, app developers, and software providers. The company is part of Mercedes-Benz AG. This initiative is part of Mercedes-Benz’s 140th anniversary celebration, “140 Years of Innovation,” marking 140 years since Carl Benz patented the first automobile in 1886 and Gottlieb Daimler built the motor carriage shortly after. The brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, from the world’s first automobile to the largest model offensive in its history. With a passion for performance, pioneering spirit, excellence, and customer focus, Mercedes-Benz has shaped the future of mobility. To celebrate, the brand is sending three new S-Class sedans on a transcontinental journey to 140 destinations worldwide, showcasing technology, heritage, innovation, and global presence. The “140 Years. 140 Places” tour runs until October and invites customers, fans, and colleagues to participate in events along the way. Updates can be followed via the “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and the Mercedes-Benz Community.