Mercedes-Benz Türk sets itself apart with its R&D centers

The Istanbul R&D Center, established in 2009 within the Hoşdere Bus Factory, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. For 15 years, the Istanbul R&D Center has contributed to the national economy by exporting engineering services from Turkey to the world. With its Bus R&D team, it operates as a center of excellence for interior equipment, body design, exterior coatings, electrical infrastructure, diagnostic systems and durability testing of all Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses worldwide.

The Aksaray R&D Center, which became operational in 2018 with an investment of EUR 8.4 million within the Aksaray Truck Factory, serves as the "Single Center" within Daimler Truck AG's global network, providing road test approval for trucks worldwide and engineering services.

Melikşah Yüksel, Mercedes-Benz Türk Truck R&D Director, pointing out that the R&D centers are working on many projects to represent Mercedes-Benz Türk's innovation and sustainability-focused vision at the highest level, stated: "Our R&D activities in the truck segment are shaping the transformation and progress in the industry. We are successfully participating in projects under the Horizon Europe program, which supports European Union research, development and innovation projects.

This year, we have earned support for the Forest and Base projects as well, rapidly increasing our experience in this area. We are particularly focused on solutions that will contribute to the circular economy, reduce carbon footprint and shape the future. In line with these goals, we will continue to lead the heavy commercial vehicle sector."

Selma Koç, Mercedes-Benz Türk Bus Connectivity, Diagnostics and Electrical Superstructure Systems Director, discussing R&D activities in the bus field, stated: "We are proud to have signed many innovative, first and only projects in our field to date. Our electric city bus eCitaro's interior equipment, body design, exterior coatings, digital engineering, electrical infrastructure, diagnostic systems, road testing and durability testing are conducted under the responsibility of our Istanbul R&D Center located within our Hoşdere Bus Factory.

In addition, we conduct 'Connectivity' tests for all Mercedes-Benz and Setra brand buses produced in Europe and Turkey in our Istanbul R&D Center. Another topic we have successfully completed is the R&D activities of the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, which holds the distinction of being the first bus produced from stainless steel at our factory.

A large portion of the R&D activities of the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, produced for the North American market, was developed by our Istanbul R&D Center. Our R&D center, which has pioneered many firsts over 15 years and consolidated its success with new projects in every period, will continue its work with determination in the coming periods."

The Mercedes-Benz Türk Bus R&D team has implemented its new project "Coach MENA Euro 6," which enables Euro 6 engines to be used in hot countries. Thanks to the new updates made to the Mercedes-Benz Travego SHD and Tourismo RHD bus models, Mercedes-Benz Türk is providing automatic transmission vehicles to the MENA region, comprised of the Middle East and North Africa, for the first time.

Euro 6-powered automatic transmission vehicles, providing a minimum savings of 10 percent compared to manual transmissions, operate flawlessly and deliver high performance even at engine compartment temperatures reaching 120 degrees Celsius inside the vehicle. Additionally, the "Stop and Go" movements caused by heavy traffic do not damage the bus's internal systems through the Stop and Go system. This minimizes external factors that negatively affect driving experience, such as heavy traffic and high temperatures. The automatic transmission, which also reduces warranty and insurance costs, promises to meet the transportation needs of regions with hot climates with the highest quality and comfort.

As an end user in the FOREST Project, Mercedes-Benz Türk aims to develop new and multifunctional biocomposites as an alternative to traditional composites. These biocomposites are based on bio-based materials together with fully recycled carbon fiber and EMI particles. Within the project scope, prototypes with multifunctional properties specifically designed for transportation applications will be created and tested.

These prototypes will be examined in terms of factors such as mechanical resistance, thermal stability, fire retardant properties and EMI protection. FOREST will focus on sustainability in the circular economy through analysis of effective recycling methods applied to biocomposite components containing more than 50 percent sustainable material in lightweight products.

Mercedes-Benz Türk's another European Union-supported R&D project, the BASE Project, aims to develop and implement a Digital Battery Passport (DBP) service operating in accordance with "EU Battery Regulation" requirements. The project also aims to provide a transparent, secure and cost-effective service using data collected through continuously evolving vehicles and methods, and to support the growth of circular businesses.