Daimler to open alt-fuel R&D center in Redford, MI

With the end of the two-mode hybrid co-development partnership, Daimler has decided that it will not completely withdraw its hybrid engineering back to Germany. Instead, the company will be opening a new engineering office in Redford Township, MI west of Detroit. The new facility will expand its focus beyond just hybrids to all manner of alternative powertrains, including electric drive. The center will be co-located on the same campus with Detroit Diesel which is also owned by Daimler.

The state of Michigan gave Daimler $7.5 million in tax breaks with Redford kicking in some more in order to get the facility. Daimler declines to say how many people will be employed in Redford but the Detroit Free Press previously reported that it would be over 220 engineers and technicians over the next several years.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]