Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance car division plans to establish its own stand-alone software development centre at its Affalterbach headquarters on the outskirts of Stuttgart, new company CEO Michael Schiebe has revealed.
In an interview with Autocar, Schiebe said AMG is aiming to go one step beyond the new MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) being developed by its parent company with its own add-on software package, which will be used exclusively by its future line-up of performance models.
"We're looking to create the perfect symbiosis between hardware and software development. Future Mercedes-AMG models will use software based on the MB.OS. But we will enhance it with our own special DNA that will give our hardware unique properties," he said.
Schiebe singled out the upcoming models to based on the company's new AMG.EA electric vehicle platform as among those to benefit from the new software.
It will operate in combination with other unique hardware components, he said, including batteries using technology developed by sibling company Mercedes-Benz High Performance Powertrains and axial-flux electric motors from Yasa - a British-based company acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2021.
"The aim is to ensure our future electric models retain traditional AMG qualities," he said.
The new software development centre is set to be based close to the existing hardware development division at AMG's existing Affalterbach facility.
"We've already chosen the site," Schiebe revealed, but he wouldn't be drawn on how many software experts the new centre will employ.
"I want the best in the business," said the 39-year-old German. "We're at an early stage, but AMG will offer an attractive package with hybrid work conditions, flexible working hours, gym membership and other enticements.
"I'm under no illusions. We need to convince software experts to choose Affalterbach over places like Berlin. We will do that by offering the best conditions we possibly can."
Mercedes-Benz already operates a software development centre at its Sindelfingen manufacturing base, close to Stuttgart. Established in 2022 at a cost of €200 million (£172m) it employs 1000 workers. A further 2000 software experts are employed in Mercedes-Benz's global research and development network, according to the German car maker.
Add your comment