Key R&D figures

The Automotive Division’s total research and development costs were up 3.8% year-on-year in the reporting period. Along with the new models, the main focus was on the electrification of our vehicle portfolio, a more efficient range of engines, lightweight construction, digitalization and the development of toolkits. The capitalization ratio rose to 36.9 (35.1)%. Research and development costs recognized in the income statement in accordance with IFRSs increased to €11.9 (11.5) billion. This meant that their ratio to sales revenue in the Automotive Division amounted to 6.4 (6.5)%.

As of the end of 2015, the Research and Development function – including the equity-accounted Chinese joint ventures – employed 48,731 people Group-wide (+6.5%), corresponding to 8.0% of the total headcount.

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION

€ million

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total research and development costs

 

13,612

 

13,120

 

11,743

 

9,515

 

7,203

of which capitalized development costs

 

5,021

 

4,601

 

4,021

 

2,615

 

1,666

Capitalization ratio in %

 

36.9

 

35.1

 

34.2

 

27.5

 

23.1

Amortization of capitalized development costs

 

3,263

 

3,026

 

2,464

 

1,951

 

1,697

Research and development costs recognized in the income statement

 

11,853

 

11,545

 

10,186

 

8,851

 

7,234