Research and development
In accordance with its Strategy 2020, the KION Group increased total spending on research and development (R&D) to €95.1 million in the first nine months of the year (Q1 – Q3 2014: €88.0 million). This means that 2.6 per cent of revenue was spent on R&D, which is considerably above the industry average. The number of full-time jobs in R&D stood at 1,044 as at 30 September 2015 (31 December 2014: 1,023).
The main R&D projects in 2014 continued during the reporting period. They are described in detail in the 2014 group management report. The areas in focus included reduction of emissions and fuel consumption, the modular and platform strategy, drive technology, automation and networking, and workplace safety and ergonomics.
In the third quarter, LMH introduced an optional elevating cabin for heavy trucks. The cabin ensures that the driver has an unobstructed view over the top of the load and is able to drive forwards in the usual manner. This innovative feature is especially beneficial when it comes to stacking, depositing and retrieving heavy goods, or when placing them in narrow spaces, such as aircraft loading hatches.
LMH’s test engineers have also designed a ‘hardware in the loop’ (HIL) procedure with which they can examine complex electronic control units and systems using virtual truck models and then make improvements based on the findings. This enables innovations to be brought to production readiness much faster and more costefficiently. > TABLE 17
Research and development (R&D) |
17 |
|||||
in € million |
Q3 2015 |
Q3 2014 |
Change |
Q1 – Q3 2015 |
Q1 – Q3 2014 |
Change |
Research and development costs (P&L) |
35.4 |
29.7 |
19.3% |
106.1 |
87.8 |
20.8% |
Amortisation expense (R&D) |
–13.6 |
–10.8 |
–26.2% |
–39.7 |
–31.3 |
–26.9% |
Capitalised development costs |
9.1 |
9.9 |
–7.3% |
28.7 |
31.5 |
–9.0% |
Total R&D spending |
31.0 |
28.8 |
7.7% |
95.1 |
88.0 |
8.0% |
R&D spending as percentage of revenue |
2.5% |
2.5% |
− |
2.6% |
2.6% |
− |