Against the background of the enormous increase in the vehicle population and in traffic capacity which has occurred in the past and which has been paralleled by only a moderate growth in the roads infrastructure, telematic systems, a synthesis of telecommunication and information technologies, continues to grow in significance. Telematics appears all the more important as an uninterrupted growth in traffic demand is forecast for the future. In addition, the drivers of vehicles are confronted with a flood of information when driving on present-day roads, which increasingly results in stress and thus represents a danger to road safety. Mercedes-Benz will therefore be devoting increasing energies to telematic systems and services which help configurate traffic in a safer, more efficient and more environmentally compatible manner. Mercedes-Benz, in this connection, is increasingly involved with the subjects of destination guidance, up-to-date traffic information, access authorisation systems, travel information and planning / entertainment and emergency aid systems, such as automatic accident emergency call, breakdown assistance, anti-theft protection and mugging assistance systems. Such systems are based on a common system architecture, particular attention being devoted in the case of the strategically important Mercedes-Benz telematic products to the aspects of flexibility, modularity and interoperability. Telematics will be able to render a considerable contribution to solving our existing and future traffic problems, in particular as part of an integrated overall traffic system.