Mercedes to drive localisation, shorten development cycles with R&D unit in Bangalore

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India (MBRDI) has opened its new facility at Whitefield, Bangalore, on February 22. Spread over 20,000 square metres with capacity to house 1,800 people, this is Daimler's single largest R&D facility outside of Germany.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management, Daimler AG and Head of Group Research, Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, commented: “MBRDI is one of our most important hubs within the global R&D organisation. The new facility will be a cornerstone for leveraging the Indian talent pool for Daimler. As a global development centre, the contribution of MBRDI can be envisaged from the fact that in 2012 alone, the organisation filed over 50 patents for innovations in automotive development.”

He also stated that “India is a high potential market for Mercedes-Benz and MBRDI will continue to ensure that development initiatives are in cognisance with the needs of upcoming markets.”

MBRDI has been involved with some of Daimler’s cutting-edge projects like the ‘Human Body Modeling (HBM) System’. The HBM simulation under development and testing at MBRDI, considers “almost” every possible combination of accident variables from biomechanics and the physical properties of human tissues to accident statistics and the physics of crash situations. HBM is a key pillar supporting Daimler’s vision of accident-free driving.

MBRDI has been involved in many areas of Daimler’s R&D engagements including development of interior and exterior components – seats, complete trunk area and cockpit – for Mercedes' new-generation cars. The integral seats of the newly launched A-class and the seats of the new CLA are examples of end-to-end projects led by the MBRDI team.

Dr Jens Cattarius, MD and CEO of MBRDI, said: “As a global organisation it is essential to harness local capabilities; it is from this perspective that MBRDI and its long association with India plays a pivotal role. We started in 1996 with only 10 employees; we have grown with a CAGR of 34 percent and today have a 1,200-strong employee base. We are looking forward to a period of robust growth in India. The new facility offers best-in-class infrastructure and houses all our scientists and researchers in a centralised location, essential ingredients to further catalyse cross-functional collaborations and shorten development cycles."

Since MBRDI extensively supports Daimler's CV division, expect Daimler India Commercial Vehicles to also benefit in various ways including localisation of parts.