Mercedes named most innovative automaker, beating VW and Tesla

Electric cars, self-driving functions, and other AI-supported functions have led to a true innovation explosion in recent years. Even if the name Tesla might be the first thing that comes to mind for many, there are two others: VW and Mercedes.

At least that’s what a study by the Center of Automotive Management (CAM) shows, which was carried out together with the consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The group from Stuttgart landed with an “innovation power” value of 134 ahead of Volkswagen (125). Tesla finished third, well behind with 87 points.

Mercedes

One of the reasons Mercedes-Benz took first place was that it achieved the highest ‘world first’ percentage of just under 50 percent. Factors in this regard were, for example, the electric drive of the luxury model EQS, which is particularly economical, plus benefits in terms of connectivity.

Volkswagen

While the Stuttgart-based company scores particularly well in the premium segment, Volkswagen is successful as a volume manufacturer and the Wolfsburg-based company is the leader in this subcategory. VW is particularly innovative when it comes to autonomous driving and its assistance systems. Volkswagen also scored points in Interface & Connectivity and Connected Services.

Tesla

Overall, Tesla can’t keep up with Mercedes and Volkswagen, but that’s probably also because it’s only represented in the premium segment with a fairly small number of vehicles. Tesla is leading the way here, especially when it comes to autonomous driving (level 2+).

Tesla also secured first place in the new category of connected services, including charging services and infotainment. Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Tesla are ‘old acquaintances’ in this study, but what is new is that China is gaining more and more ground. In the overall standings, two Chinese manufacturers, SAIC and Geely, are in the top 5.