Mercedes-Benz, the German automobile manufacturer opened its second research and development in Bangalore to expand R&D and IT activities in India for its parent firm Daimler AG.

“The India R&D center plays a crucial role in our global R&D organization, with 200 patents filed for innovation in automotive development since our entry into India 18 years ago,” Mercedes-Benz R&D India officiating chairman Thomas Merker said in a statement. “As India is a high potential market for us, the center will ensure that development initiatives are in accordance to customer needs,” he added.

Daimler’s chief information officer Michael Gorriz said that the new R&D center was in line with the company’s IT strategy to further expand and have diverse skills, know-how and foreign cultures.