As a first step in the expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center (MTC) here, the board of management of DaimlerChrysler’s Mercedes Car Group (MCG) has authorized the construction of two large test rigs. These test rigs — climate tunnels and a driving simulator, are part of an expansion project plan for the “Mittelpfad South” area directly adjacent to the MTC and the Sindelfingen plant.

DaimlerChrysler will invest about $100 million (U.S.) in the project during the next five years.

“The expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center signals DaimlerChrysler’s clear commitment to safeguarding the long-term success of Germany as a global leader in research and the automotive industry,” said Thomas Weber, member of the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management responsible for Corporate Research & Mercedes Car Group Development. “In addition, this planned investment and the proximity of the facilities, we are intensifying the close integration between research, development, planning and production in Sindelfingen and enhance our competitiveness along this value chain.”

At the Mercedes Technology Center, which was opened in 2000, developers, designers and engineers work on the product and technology portfolio of the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands, as well as for DaimlerChrysler.

After the expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center on the Mittelpfad South site is completed and the centralization of previously scattered vehicle-related research functions has been carried out, positions for highly skilled employees will be clustered at the Sindelfingen facility in the coming years.

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