Mercedes-Benz Hybrid sets up R&D center in Redford

Mercedes-Benz Hybrid is one step closer to setting up a research-and-development center at the Redford Township facilities of its parent company, Daimler AG, now that local officials have approved a tax exemption for the expansion.Mercedes-Benz Hybrid plans to create the R&D center at the Detroit Diesel campus, where it will develop and maintain a line of conventional and alternative propulsion powertrain systems. Think hybrid and electric-vehicle systems. Daimler is planning to consolidate a lot of its resources, talent, and expertise at its Detroit Diesel campus.”We looked at several locations inside and outside of Michigan,” says Judy Brunson, operations officer for Mercedes-Benz Hybrid.The new $2.3 million R&D center is expected to have a staff about 100 people strong, mostly in the engineering and other highly technical fields. Those workers will be responsible for developing conventional and alternative propulsion powertrains and components including EMotors, power electronics, and supporting software technology. “We’re looking to bring a highly skilled technical workforces to southeast Michigan,” Brunson says.Source: Judy Brunson, operations officer for Mercedes-Benz HybridWriter: Jon Zemke