Key R&D figures

The Automotive Division’s total research and development costs were up 11.7% year-on-year in the reporting period. Alongside new models, the main focus was on the electrification of our vehicle portfolio, an efficient range of engines and lightweight construction; the proportion accounted for by alternative drive technologies increased again. The capitalization ratio rose to 35.1% (34.2%). Research and development costs recognized in the income statement in accordance with IFRSs increased to €11.5 billion (€10.2 billion). This meant that their ratio to sales revenue in the Automotive Division amounted to 6.5% (5.8%).

On December 31, 2014, the Research and Development function – including the equity-accounted Chinese joint ventures – employed 45,742 people Group-wide (+4.5%), corresponding to 7.7% of the total headcount.