Data responsibility

Materiality and goals

The covid-19 pandemic has revealed the extent to which digital solutions can ease people’s lives. Connectivity, digitalisation and the ability to process large amounts of data will provide huge benefits for the mobility of the future as well. Many of the Mercedes-Benz Group’s customers already use real-time traffic data — also known as live traffic information — and other data-based services. More powerful networking ensures more efficient processes in our production operations. Digital product planning conserves valuable resources. Data-based products from our sales and service teams also benefit our customers.

However, while data opens up new business opportunities, its use also requires great care. Data is a sensitive commodity that is worthy of the protection offered by a strict legislative framework. The responsible handling of data is thus becoming increasingly important for the success of the Mercedes-Benz Group.

The regulatory requirements relating to data protection in particular have become much more stringent in recent years. For example, the implementation of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has resulted in additional requirements that companies are obliged to meet when they handle personal data. The general public is also now more aware of this issue, so the responsible handling of data has become crucial in terms of a company’s ability to compete on the market.

However, the GDPR is not the only challenge facing companies that operate on an international scale. After all, concerns about data protection are not limited to Europe, and throughout the world many countries in which the Mercedes-Benz Group operates have tightened their national data protection laws. Moreover, different societies also have different expectations with regard to data protection.