Mercedes-Benz opens second R&D facility

Bengaluru - Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) on Tuesday inaugurated its second dedicated facility at Whitefield here.

Spread across an area of 266,000 sq ft with a capacity of over 2,400 people, it is located close to the head office of MBRDI, the company said in a statement.

"MBRDI plays an important role within our global research and development organisation and this new facility is another milestone in the growth story of Mercedes-Benz R&D in India," said Thomas Merker, Vice-President (Body, Safety, Telematics) Mercedes-Benz Cars Development and acting Chairman, MBRDI.

He said with over 2,000 talented engineers and close to 200 patents currently filed for innovation in automotive development, MBRDI is a success story.

He added that India is a high potential market for our company and MBRDI will continue to ensure that development initiatives are in accordance with customer needs.

MBRDI was founded in 1996 as a captive unit to support Daimler's research, IT and product development activities.

It focuses on topics ranging from computer-aided design and simulations (CAD, CAE) for powertrain, chassis and exteriors to embedded systems, telematics and developing various IT applications and tools.

The satellite office in Pune specialises in interior component designs and IT engineering.

"Our growth strategy focuses on harnessing local capabilities and Bangalore with its large talent pool is the right location for MBRDI.

"With the new facility we will be able to accommodate the robust growth phase that we are now in.

We are already over 2,000 people strong," said Manu Saale, MD & CEO, MBRDI. (PTI)