Mercedes Introduces New Fingerprint Payment System for In-Car Purchases
German luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, has unveiled a groundbreaking payment system that allows drivers to make purchases using a fingerprint sensor. This innovative technology marks the first-ever implementation of a dedicated payment system in a car.
Mercedes has partnered with Mastercard to develop the Mercedes Pay+ system, which enables drivers to securely pay for various commodities with biometric two-factor authentication. Initially, the system will be available in Germany at over 3600 fuel stations, with plans to expand to other European markets in the future.
The payment system is integrated into Mercedes cars equipped with the MBUX infotainment system from 2020 onwards. For older models, drivers have the option to order the fingerprint sensor as an add-on feature. Once connected to a “connected service station,” the system automatically calculates the maximum spend based on current fuel prices and the amount of fuel required for refilling.
After refueling, drivers can conveniently pay for their purchase by using the fingerprint sensor. A receipt is then sent directly to the driver, ensuring a seamless and secure transaction process. This new payment system aligns with the preferences of younger drivers, as market research conducted by German company GfK reveals that approximately 50% of individuals aged 18 to 39 would prefer to order and pay for services and goods directly through the infotainment display.
Mercedes aims to further expand the capabilities of this payment system in the future. The survey conducted by GfK also indicated that 60% of respondents would be interested in paying for their gas bills or electric vehicle charging directly through their car. This suggests that Mercedes may extend the system to support electric car charging in the coming years.
While Mercedes is the first automaker to introduce a native in-car payment system, it is not the first time fingerprint sensors have been integrated into vehicles. Audi offered a fingerprint sensor in the A8 model between 2002 and 2007, allowing drivers to start the car with their fingerprint. In 2008, the Citroën C6 Pallas featured a fingerprint sensor that enabled access to emails. Bentley also introduced secure biometric storage compartments in their Bentayga and Mulliner models in 2018. Additionally, Hyundai has incorporated fingerprint unlocking in the Santa Fe model for the Chinese market.
The introduction of the Mercedes Pay+ system demonstrates the brand’s commitment to innovation and convenience for its customers. By integrating a secure payment system into their vehicles, Mercedes is catering to the evolving needs and preferences of modern drivers. With the increasing popularity of biometric authentication and contactless payments, this new technology is likely to be well-received by Mercedes owners.
As Mercedes expands the availability of this payment system to other European markets, it will undoubtedly revolutionize the way drivers make purchases on the go. The convenience and security offered by the fingerprint sensor will provide peace of mind to drivers, eliminating the need for physical payment methods or carrying cash.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an unprecedented payment system that allows drivers to make purchases using a fingerprint sensor. This innovative technology, developed in partnership with Mastercard, marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry. With plans to expand to other European markets, Mercedes is leading the way in providing seamless and secure in-car payment solutions.