AVL List GmbH will be putting a new test and engineering centre into operation in Bietigheim-Bissingen near Stuttgart in early 2016. The new test and engineering centre, which will cover an area of 20,000 square metres will be available to the entire automotive industry and set new standards for innovative technologies and plant availability.

According to CEO Helmut List, “With the AVL Tech Center in Stuttgart, we have set ourselves the aim of erecting a test and engineering center which will meet the most advanced equipment and efficiency standards. Our decision takes account of the fact that Stuttgart is a key centre of the automotive industry. The tech center will incorporate AVL expertise from Graz.”

The new facility will feature two all-wheel drive chassis dynamometers for emission testing, one all-wheel drive chassis dynamometer for NVH testing, one NVH engine test bed, two powertrain test beds and eight engine test beds. In addition to vehicle and engine assembly facilities, workshops, labs and warehouses, there will also be offices available to AVL employees and customers. The building will be designed to allow the fast construction of further modular powertrain test beds, chassis dynamometers and engine test beds. The new Tech Center will provide jobs for around 100 engineers and technicians.

Construction start for the AVL Tech Center in Stuttgart is scheduled for the third quarter of 2014. Following a ramp-up phase, the facility is expected to go into full operation in early 2016.

AVL is the world's largest independent company for development, simulation and testing technology of powertrains (hybrid, combustion engines, transmission, electric drive, batteries and software) for passenger cars, trucks and large engines. It employs more than 6,200 people worldwide.

Photograph: An AVL test bed.