Cutting-edge Crash Test Systems for the New Vehicle Safety Technology Center of Daimler

MUNICH--July 31, 2013: MESSRING's 100th crash test facility/facility construction in Stuttgart-Sindelfingen is in full progress - project scheduled for completion in 2016

DAIMLER AG awarded its large-scale contract for constructing the new, forward-looking vehicle safety technology center to market leader MESSRING. Based in Munich, MESSRING Systembau GmbH can look back on extensive experience with numerous globally planned and implemented crash test facilities and is well known for its innovative solutions and systems. Designed to accommodate the latest developments and regulations in standard vehicle safety, the vehicle safety technology center will be built next to Daimler AG's existing development center in Stuttgart-Sindelfingen. MESSRING will be responsible for a whole host of system solutions during the project, including testing systems for passenger cars, trucks, buses and the option to test at various angles, as well as a sled test system for simulating full-vehicle crashes. The vehicle safety technology center is also designed to carry out testings with alternative drive systems and PRE-SAFE functions.

Following its scheduled completion in mid-2016, the vehicle safety technology center will be one of the most cutting-edge vehicle testing centers in the world, measuring 273 meters in length, 172 meters in width, and up to 23 meters in height. The vehicle safety technology center will feature a total floor space of 55,000 square meters as well as a testing facility measuring 8,100 square meters, thus allowing the Stuttgart-based company to carry out a comprehensive range of vehicle and sled tests. The dimensions of the modern testing area will also make it possible to conduct any test scenario imaginable. This forward-looking facility will incorporate LED spotlight system solutions that, from the initial construction concept to final acceptance, are planned, produced, and supplied by MESSRING. This lighting technology will gradually replace metal halide lamps in the market. In its project in Sindelfingen, Daimler AG is placing its full trust in this innovative LED technology to ensure the precision and safety of its vehicle and sled tests.

In addition to passive safety, the vehicle safety technology center will also place particular attention on the requirements of new, alternative drive and vehicle concepts. The potential of PRE-SAFE and assistance systems will continue to be researched and developed in the pre-crash and crash phase. Thanks to cutting-edge crash test components such as those in the pipeline at Daimler AG, conditions are being established to deal with both current and future challenges.

"In terms of total volume, this project is one of the largest in MESSRING's history," says Dierk Arp, MESSRING CEO. "At the same time, it also represents a huge milestone, as it's the 100th complete crash test facility we've planned and built ourselves since 1970 - and certainly one worthy of the honor. We take pride in the fact that Daimler AG has chosen us, and look forward to working with this renowned, long-standing German brand."

"We were already well aware that MESSRING is a leading company with exceptional expertise in crash test and data acquisition systems," explains Prof. Norbert Schaub, Head of Passive Safety Testing at Daimler AG. "MESSRING proved itself in a highly competitive environment and we're 100% certain that we chose the right company to build the world's most cutting-edge vehicle safety technology center."