Mercedes 2003 Annual Report Download - page 72
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Please find page 72 of the 2003 Mercedes annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.Cross-divisional Functions | Sustainability | Research and Technology | Alternative Drive Systems and Fuels | Environment | Global Procurement and Supply | Social Responsibility | Human Resources
DaimlerChrysler’s main research work is done in the following
areas of core technology:
– Drive technology
– Vehicle structure and the man-machine interface
– Materials technology
– Production technology
– Intelligent transportation systems
– Software and process technology
– Electronics and mechatronics.
In 2003, the Corporate Research department focused on the
three themes of “The vision of accident-free driving”, “Energy for
the future”, and “Car of the future”.
Tomorrow’s automotive technology. With over a dozen innova-
tions for ensuring greater safety and environmental compatibility
combined with performance and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz
F 500 Mind gives a preview of the automotive technology of
tomorrow. The research vehicle was first presented to the public at
the 37th Tokyo Motor Show. This car, which is powered by a state-
of-the-art dieselhybrid engine (see pages 70 f), will be used to test
new systems under real-life conditions and prepare them for series
development. Innovations presented for the first time in the F 100
research vehicle in 1991, such as proximity radar, voice control and
the automatic emergency call system, are standard in many
passenger cars today.
Research & Technology
Securing a competitive edge through innovation. In its
research and technology work, DaimlerChrysler aims to ensure
sustainable mobility and secure a competitive edge through
innovation and future-oriented technologies. However, as we
pursue our goals we naturally take great care to conserve
resources. Our overall strategy is implemented by highly qualified
research and development engineers, who create the technological
foundation upon which our Group’s success is built.
In 2003, DaimlerChrysler invested €5.6 billion (2002: €5.9 billion)
in research and development. On December 31, 2003, 2,900 men
and women were employed in Corporate Research (2002: 2,600),
with a further 23,800 (2002: 24,900) working in the development
departments of Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler Group and the
Commercial Vehicles division.
Research and technology expenditure remains high at €5.6 billion |26,700 employees engaged
in research and development |Tomorrow’s technology premiered in the Mercedes-Benz F 500 Mind
research vehicle |New systems increase active and passive safety