The Allianz Center for Technology (AZT) was founded as a full subsidiary of Allianz over seventy years ago, since when it has been providing successful Risk Management as well as accident and damage research.

Motor insurance customers have long trusted Allianz as a committed partner on safety and risk issues. Allianz commitment to the motor industry was strengthened in 1971 with the introduction of a specialised motor division within the AZT, primarily focussing on the topic of road safety.

Thanks to its high level of expertise, the AZT is frequently consulted by the automotive industry in order to assist with road safety as well as damage prevention and limitation. Engineers, scientists and craftsmen closely work together at the AZT to analyse damages, determine accident causes and develop concepts for damage prevention.

Every week of the year, the AZT conducts one crash test. This on-going research aims to improve the safety of all drivers and passengers, including the 50 million motorists around the world who are insured with Allianz.

In all AZT research a major emphasis is placed on safety. Numerous conclusions drawn from AZT studies help to improve passenger protection for adults and children as well as traffic safety for cyclists, motor cyclists and pedestrians. A lot has been learned from research and a great deal of knowledge has been channelled back into the industry.

Dr. Christoph Lauterwasser, Managing Director of the AZT comments "The Allianz Formula One engagement has always been closely linked with our holistic view on Risk Management. The AZT provides integrated consultancy in accident research to improve road safety standards. Based on our repair research we are also able to provide benefits on wider risk-prevention related topics for example limiting material damages during car crashes.”

The partnership between Allianz and AT&T Williams has paved a way to fruitful information exchange between the AZT and AT&T Williams engineers especially regarding road safety issues. Also the FIA’s methods of ensuring safety during a race weekend, ranging from driver protection and circuit safety to crash standards, closely relate to the AZT’s holistic approach to minimising risk and maximising safety on public roads.