Press Release | Developing future transport solutions

Developing future transport solutions Press Information With "Startup adVANce" Mercedes-Benz Vans starts global 16 September 2016 search for innovative partners • One million euros starting capital for startups • The future of transport: three categories, one goal • From idea to prototype in three stages • Building long-term partnerships Stuttgart – With "Startup adVANce", a big-scale startup partnership challenge, Mercedes-Benz Vans is starting its search for intelligent solutions relating to the transport of goods and passengers. As part of its recently introduced strategic initiative adVANce the company is to invest a total of one million euros in the best submissions. The goal is to find new, innovative partners with whom Mercedes-Benz Vans can establish long-term partnerships without constricting the startups and, for instance, demanding shares. Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, states: "We aren't simply looking for new solutions. We are looking for partners with whom we can drive forward and implement innovations. Our goal isn't to generate a vast number of creative ideas which, in a worst case scenario, are just going to end up in a drawer. We are looking for people and young companies that are able to work with us to transform innovative ideas quickly and successfully into initial working prototypes." Digitalisation, urbanisation and the Internet of Things are just a few of the megatrends that are rapidly changing our world, placing new demands on virtually every industry. Goods and passenger transport are no exception here. General changes in consumer behaviour and mobility patterns are directly affecting logistics providers and vehicle manufacturers. Online buyers, for example, expect new services such as same-day or time-definite delivery and want to know where their orders are at all times. And the number of deliveries Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand