Mercedes held a topping out ceremony on May 12, 2015 for its upcoming crash testing facility in Sindelfingen, Germany. The new facility, claimed to be the most advanced one of its kind in the world, is expected to become operational by mid-2016.
The new centre has a pillar-less test arena at its heart where complex crash test scenarios including junction and pre-accident situations can be created.
"The new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety (TFS), the world's most advanced crash test facility, will enable us in future to carry out all crash tests on our own premises – not just more crash tests due to the growing product range, but also crash tests with future, new configurations," said Thomas Merker, director for body and safety at Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
Mercedes aims to use this new facility to improve on its current Pre-Safe and driver assistance systems. The facility will also act as a crash testing site for the German automaker’s commercial vehicles and will house a sled test unit to test out individual components as well.