Pre-Safe technology minimizes road accidents

Anto Nurdiyanto, Contributor, Jakarta

For DaimlerChrysler, the latest innovations in technology have always been the key in the entire manufacturing process of its products. True to its slogan -- "Nothing but the best" -- DaimlerChrysler always strives to meet its customers' demands for the highest level of comfort and safety.

Where safety is concerned, this company has been setting trends for decades and one of its latest breakthroughs is the Pre-Safe technology used in the new Mercedes-Benz S-class series for maximum safety in driving.

The Pre-Safe technology -- a highly preventive system with visual capability pioneered by DaimlerChrysler -- can detect the threat of a collision well in advance and activates special protection systems, such as the new multi-use belt tensioners, before the impact. The belt tensioners prevent the car's occupants from being thrown too far forward upon emergency braking and stops the upper part of the body from slamming too hard into the side of the car if the vehicle skids. Similarly, airbags are also activated for further safety.

Consistent with its vision of accident-free driving, DaimlerChrysler always does its utmost to manufacture cars that are equipped with sophisticated technology to keep risks down to a minimum. The company's intensively conducted research indicates that almost two-thirds of accidents could actually have been prevented as there was sufficient time to alert the driver.

In the S-class series equipped with Pre-Safe, there are 200 systems and 150 control units that automatically operate in fine- tuned integration. In seconds, not only are the belt tensioners activated, but the sunroof is automatically closed and the positions of the front seats are adjusted.

Currently, only the S-class series uses the Pre-Safe technology, but in the near future it will also be applied to other Mercedes models. In Indonesia, this technology can be found in the S280L model, which has undergone a "facelift".

Next to using Pre-Safe, the bumpers, lighting system -- the front and rear lights -- and engine hood of the Mercy S280L have also been enhanced. Its interior facelift also includes improvements to the instruments and door panels. This 2,800 cc sedan has been imported into Indonesia in the completely-knocked- down (CKD) form, while local content is 10 percent.

For customers purchasing any Mercedes-Benz model from the authorized dealer, three-year service is provided. This reduces the number of purchases from general importers or unauthorized dealers who do not provide this free warranty. The specifications of Mercedes-Benz cars imported by them are also different, because they have not been adjusted to local conditions, while those at the authorized dealers are suitable to Indonesia's conditions, such as the temperature, weather, road conditions and the specific taste of Indonesian customers.

Based on a deep understanding of its customer profile, most of whom are busy top executives that prefer personalized communication, DaimlerChrysler uses direct marketing to reach them effectively. Another communication tool -- telemarketing -- is also utilized.

The company's proactive marketing representatives always keep their current and potential customers informed about every new development, technology, product launches and services for their benefit.

Another effective strategy of communications is inviting not only the dealers but also customers to special events and new product launches.

To maintain brand awareness, conventional media, such as print and electronic media, is also frequently used. To disseminate all the latest information, the Mercedes Magazine is widely available to dealers and customers.

The writer is the deputy director for marketing and corporate communications at PT DaimlerChrysler Distribution Indonesia.