MBtech News.

Stay the decisive step ahead

The principle that the sum of the specific, detailed solutions only seldom results in a coherent overall concept applies to automobile development in particular - and this is precisely where MBtech employs its broad range of services. "We focus on combining customer-oriented development services with innovative products - namely in the almost unique combination of engineering know-how encompassing the full vehicle and experienced consulting competence," explained Werner Kropsbauer, the MBtech Group President and Spokesman. Because MBtech is highly familiar with manufacturers’ automotive product development processes the company succeeds in creating customized, integrated solutions in close cooperation with its customers.

Hartmut Tresp, President of MBtech Group contines: "In addition to technological competence the MBtech Group is also distinguished by its global presence. We are capable of offering our customers development and consulting services along the entire automotive value chain in every market." Every one of the approximately 2,500 MBtech employees at locations in Europe, North America and Asia is dedicated to this goal. Thanks to their commitment the MBtech experts not only guarantee their customers' success but also the continuous growth of their own company: In 2007 MBtech generated a worldwide turnover of 300 million euros.

Four segments – one foundation

The MBtech brand concentrates its products and services into four segments: Due to this structure and the high degree of integration between all of the specialist divisions customers receive all of the services along the automotive value chain from a single source. This not only encompasses technology but also the method knowledge, the professional tools and the project management competence of MBtech’s employees.

MBtech vehicle engineering is dedicated to vehicle development, integration and testing in addition to manufacturing engineering. This begins with Styling & Design: Sketches and raw data are transformed into a realistic and production-oriented technical design which in turn serves as the basis for the subsequent steps in the automobile development and production process. Designing the visible exterior surfaces represents one core competence - Class-A design. In both the passenger and commercial vehicle sectors it is essential to tightly link functionality, aesthetics and economical criteria. This is the only means of perfectly harmonizing all of the influencing factors, such as the correct material selection and costs, along the entire value chain. MBtech customers not only profit from this know-how when developing new vehicles but also when integrating components and systems into existing vehicle concepts. Further more MBtech also takes over the preparation, execution and evaluation of tests and durability testing – regardless of whether at the numerous MBtech test benches or at one of the company’s two proving grounds located in Europe and the USA. MBtech's manufacturing engineering competence ensures a smooth transition from development to production. This begins with the production-oriented product design and covers the production and logistics planning including tailored quality, launch and supplier management.

MBtech powertrain solutions is the reliable partner for all of your powertrain development issues. This broad range of tasks begins with adapting existing engines to new requirements and environments, such as those becoming necessary as a result of the changing exhaust gas regulations. However MBtech's competence also encompasses developing new engine concepts including the design and calculation of the individual components. The customer's prototypes based on MBtech plans subsequently undergo intensive testing at MBtech's numerous test bench and are then developed to series maturity.  The engineers from MBtech powertrain solutions are currently addressing the issues of alternative drives and effective exhaust gas after-treatment methods.

MBtech electronics solutions' area of expertise covers the development and adaptation of complex electronic systems for the automobile, beginning with integrating individual functions onward to the total integration of complete on-board electrical systems for new vehicle variants. The use and integration of electrical and electronics systems has become an inherent part of the automotive development process. MBtech is proficient in both the industrial and the customer's own standards and can thus offer a complete package: Practically-proven complete solutions and customer-specific adaptations such as the development of control units along with their programming and testing. In addition MBtech operates the largest, independent and accredited electromagnetic compatibility test center in Germany. At MBtech electronics solutions quality and reliability have the highest priority. Ultimately electrical and electronics innovations will only prevail on the market if drivers can rely on them completely in every situation. MBtech's consistent testing and validation ensure functional security at an extremely early stage, reducing the subsequent costs for automobile manufacturers and suppliers.

The experienced consultants from MBtech consulting support companies from the automotive industry in all areas regarding their strategic orientation, process optimization and international project management. This enables the companies to successfully utilize technically demanding innovations correctly and maintaining their production costs within the budget. The Lean Enterprise approach represents an integrated concept which applies along the entire value chain. At the same time the consultants’ profound process knowledge also allows companies to successfully master complex challenges such as the simultaneous production launch at multiple locations worldwide.

MBtech enjoys a high level of respect in the training sector. This is reflected by its own "International Lean Manufacturing Consulting" MBA course of study in cooperation with the Ludwigshafen University of Applied Science, which MBtech has offered since 2004.

All of the projects in the different segments are oriented on inter-disciplinary thinking – always focusing on the customer as the center point. This enables MBtech to fulfill its service promise: Rather than temporary successes, working together with customers to keep them that one decisive.