The new R&D Center of Daimler AG was put into operation in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) on Oct 20.

The new R&D Center is the result of a 1.1-billion-yuan ($172.03 million) investment.

For the first time in China, Daimler has integrated R&D capabilities in research, engineering development, simulation and road testing, facilitating around 1,000 R&D personnel to collaborate and exchange knowledge.

The center has a total area of 55,000 square meters. It adopts the concept of an integrated park and brings together office buildings and test buildings.

The test building is equipped with seven advanced test laboratories, including an electric drive laboratory, charging laboratory, volatile organic compound (VOC) laboratory, chassis laboratory, noise vibration and harshness (NVH) laboratory, engine testing room and environmental testing room. This building can accommodate more than 300 test vehicles at one time.

If market conditions permit, Mercedes-Benz will be fully prepared for full electric power by 2030.