JOIN USMercedes-Benz bets big on research and development
Mercedes-Benz India and Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India (MBRDI) jointly showcased the latest products within the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range available in India at the CeBIT Bangalore recently, and presented examples of their captive research, development and IT-engineering activities in India.
With the growing importance of IT in product development, infotainment- and connectivity applications, CeBIT offers a unique forum to exhibit how much IT has become the backbone of automobile engineering today, and its ever growing importance in the future.
‘IT is everywhere’ has been a philosophy within the company for quite some time, acknowledging that without the support of state-of-the-art IT solutions, important activities such as product development, order processing, production, simulation, testing, aftersales-service, billing and payment cannot be done successfully.
“Our customers expect not only appealing design, outstanding quality and superb performance from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, they also like to stay connected, entertained and informed when using their vehicles,” explained Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Eberhard Kern, adding, “We offer our customers an ideal in-car infotainment system and the new C-Class sets benchmark in terms of integrating next generation telematics and IT systems.
We are constantly implementing the latest technologies available, up to the stage where we are a front-runner in the development of semi-autonomous and autonomous driving.”
Big strength
MBRDI Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Manu Saale emphasised: “We are very proud to be an important contributor within the global R&D and IT network at Mercedes-Benz. MBRDI has grown from strength to strength and with over 2,000 associates, we contribute to our global vehicle development with our vast experience.
This includes working on design, simulations, E&E, testing, IT applications development and IT services and as such, we play an important part to assure top customer satisfaction globally, and as well here in India.”
Digital Life has entered all fields of daily social life. This mega trend has impacted Mercedes-Benz and its business model, products and competitiveness.
Communication with customers and target groups can be done more diversely and effectively than ever before. New business fields with new services can be created in the transportation sector.
There are opportunities in all fields of corporate life – and behind all processes, operates a clever IT system.
“In line with our global IT-strategy, we further develop our IT department into a worldwide organisation with strong international teams, representing a striking variety of skills, know-how and foreign cultures,” explain Daimler Trucks, Buses and Vans Chief Information Officer Helmut Schütt, adding, “For example, here in Bengaluru, we already have a significant footprint in various IT-domains, such as a ‘Shared Service Center‘ for SAP applications, as well as developments for mobility services, computer simulations and augmented reality – and we are further expanding our presence”.
Different entities
Four entities of Daimler are currently operating in India: Mercedes-Benz India in Pune is responsible for production and sales and marketing of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles operates under the brand name Bharat Benz in Chennai, covering all activities for commercial vehicles, Daimler Financial Services operates under the brand, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, for passenger cars and Bharat Benz Financial Services for commercial vehicles.
MBRDI in Bengaluru is the largest Daimler Research and Development Centre of Daimler outside Germany and contributes to various R&D domains and IT engineering.