Opening of the AVL Tech Center in Steyr: An innovation center for sustainable mobility

With the opening of the new AVL Tech Center in Steyr, AVL is sending a clear signal for the future of sustainable mobility. AVL has been developing innovative and environmentally friendly drive solutions for commercial vehicles at the site for more than three decades. The new Tech Center now forms the heart of these efforts and offers a state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and development.

Steyr, April 9, 2025 - 110 highly qualified employees work on pioneering drive and vehicle concepts for commercial vehicles on a total area of 15,000 m². The technology portfolio ranges from conventional on- and off-road drives to hybrid solutions and CO₂-neutral technologies such as battery and fuel cell drives. By working closely with start-ups, research institutes, vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, AVL is actively shaping the mobility of tomorrow.

The new Tech Center has state-of-the-art test bed technology, protected prototype areas and specialized workshops. The test bed capacities are specially tailored to trucks, buses, tractors and their drivetrains and are already optimized for CO₂-neutral technologies. A 5,000 m² off-road test area with an incline also enables realistic vehicle tests under demanding conditions.

With the new Tech Center, AVL is setting a strong example for sustainable research and development. The building is equipped with a highly efficient energy recovery system that makes targeted use of waste heat to supply the testing facilities. A large-scale photovoltaic system underlines the consistent commitment to environmentally friendly energy generation.

As a holistic competence center for commercial vehicles, the Tech Center sets new standards in resource conservation. Thanks to a highly efficient heat recovery system, CO₂-emissions are almost completely reduced compared to conventional systems.

Michael Kordon, Manager Tech Center Steyr, emphasizes: "With the opening of the AVL Tech Center in Steyr, we are setting new standards in the commercial vehicle industry. The modern infrastructure and high flexibility of the center offer the best conditions for the development of innovative and sustainable drive solutions and complete vehicles. Thanks to our high-performance test bench environment, the off-road test site and the safe prototype areas, we can optimize vehicles and drive systems under real-life conditions. This new competence center is a milestone on the road to climate-neutral mobility."

The Governor of Upper Austria, Thomas Stelzer, added: “The new AVL Tech Center is not only state-of-the-art – it sets new standards. It is a prime example of innovation and successful implementation in Upper Austria. The new Tech Center also sends a strong signal that Upper Austria is an attractive place to work and a powerful economic hub – even in challenging times.”

Markus Achleitner, Minister of Economy and Research, State Government of Upper Austria: “The opening of the AVL Tech Center in Steyr today is a significant statement for the automotive hub of Upper Austria, especially in the current economic and political climate. AVL, as a global player, will conduct research and development in Steyr focused on the mobility of the future. The new testing facility is not only dedicated to conventional powertrain technologies for commercial vehicles but also to future-oriented technologies - ranging from electric drivetrains to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. This further strengthens the collaboration between research and industry in the "Future Mobility Region" of Upper Austria.”

“I am delighted that AVL is bundling its activities in a new innovation center in Steyr. Based on more than 100 years of experience in development and production of vehicles, AVL is working on climate-friendly mobility for the future. Steyr is an industrial city but wants to become climate-neutral by 2040. AVL is a valuable partner for the city, both with its development and its pioneering building concept”, said Markus Vogl, the mayor of Steyr.

By opening the Tech Center in Steyr, AVL is underlining its commitment to sustainable innovation and promoting the development of future-oriented mobility solutions.
 

f.l.t.r.: Lukas WALTER COO AVL, Markus Vogl Bürgermeister Steyr, Landeshauptmann OÖ Thomas Stelzer, Helmut List CEO AVL, Markus Achleitner Landesrat für Wirtschaft und Forschung, Leopold Födermayr Investor, Michael Kordon Tech Center Manager AVL Steyr