Research and development

Strategic focus of research and development

In 2012 the KION Group again channelled a considerable proportion of its product revenue into enhancing its portfolio so that it can consolidate its position as a leading technology provider. Research and development (R&D) is therefore geared towards the overarching aim of containing customers' total cost of ownership (TCO) – including purchase price, maintenance and repair costs and fuel consumption – while complying with environmental targets and regulatory requirements. R&D activities also focus on integrating KION's logistics solutions into customers' value chains and harnessing the potential of new application areas.

Brand-specific and cross-brand modular and platform strategies are pursued to ensure R&D is as cost-efficient as possible. KION has taken steps to reduce the complexity and diversity of products and thereby accelerate the development process. The cross-brand R&D platform enables research results and technological expertise to be shared, although responsibility for product development lies mainly with the individual companies.

In the year under review the KION Group continued to expand its international R&D facilities so that it can better cater to the different requirements of customers around the world. A research centre at the new São Paulo plant was set up in 2012 to develop trucks for the South American market. KION also expanded its development departments in Xiamen, China and Pune, India. Following the closure of the plant in Montataire, France, the European development teams for warehouse trucks are now located in Châtellerault, France and Luzzara, Italy.

Key R&D figures

Focus of R&D in 2012

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