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.

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION

€ million

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total research and development costs

 

13,120

 

11,743

 

9,515

 

7,203

 

6,257

of which capitalized development costs

 

4,601

 

4,021

 

2,615

 

1,666

 

1,667

Capitalization ratio in %

 

35.1

 

34.2

 

27.5

 

23.1

 

26.6

Amortization of capitalized development costs

 

3,026

 

2,464

 

1,951

 

1,697

 

2,276

Research and development costs recognized in the income statement

 

11,545

 

10,186

 

8,851

 

7,234

 

6,866