As part of the expansion of production facilities in Hoşdere, the development function has also been provided with more up-to-date accommodation. In the process the various offices and workshops previously spread around different locations in Istanbul were grouped together in a new building. The aim was to achieve a process-oriented concentration which will ensure close collaboration between the design and test departments, and also with the adjoining operative areas of production and sales.

Facilities have been created in an area of 4,200 sq. m. which correspond to the standards of the EvoBus development departments in Ulm and Mannheim. The work of the Turkish design personnel is based on the same systems, processes and methods as that of their colleagues in Germany. The test facilities have been considerably expanded: the development department now has a spacious workshop equipped with two inspection pits with a length of up to 25 m, hydropulse test rigs and extensive measuring equipment etc.

With more than 100 personnel, the development function for the bus and coach sector at Mercedes-Benz Türk A.Ş. is an integral part of the worldwide development activities within DaimlerChrysler Buses and Coaches. Together with the development departments in Ulm and Mannheim, the work of the Turkish branch is focused on the Integral bus product range in Europe. Tasks include responsibility for the development of related components and systems, backup for the relevant local production departments and acting as the point of contact for the sales function and customers. The individual strengths of these locations are consciously utilised and consolidated, the primary activities in Turkey being supplier-oriented design work and load spectrum testing.

In recent years a very capable supply industry for non-metallic external panels, cockpits and interior fittings – to name but a few areas – has developed in Turkey. Mercedes-Benz Türk A.Ş. is responding to this development by accordingly expanding its design expertise in the location.

The test activities make use of the severe topographical and climatic conditions, which are accompanied by correspondingly difficult road surfaces. Extended endurance trials with new vehicles reveal any weaknesses after a very short time. This is a test to which every model in the European Integral bus range is now subjected.