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Automotive OEMs

Independent testing and certification for future-ready mobility

Automotive manufacturers are navigating a period of rapid transformation. Electrification, connected vehicle technologies, automated driving functions, and increasingly software-driven vehicles are reshaping product development and production. At the same time, manufacturers must manage complex technical requirements, cybersecurity risks, and market access regulations.

In the Netherlands, DEKRA supports automotive OEMs and suppliers with independent testing, assessment and certification services. Our expertise includes vehicle homologation, automotive and component testing, electric mobility, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), wireless technologies, functional safety, cybersecurity, and automated and connected driving.
By involving our experts early in the development process, manufacturers can identify applicable requirements, define suitable testing programs and address potential compliance issues before market launch. This helps reduce technical risks, avoid unnecessary retesting, and establish a clearer route towards approval.
Global automotive services
Automotive manufacturers often develop platforms and components for multiple markets. Through DEKRA’s international network of laboratories, testing facilities, homologation specialists, and automotive experts, we can coordinate testing and certification activities across different regions.
This global network provides access to additional expertise and facilities while maintaining a consistent approach to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. DEKRA can therefore assist international vehicle programs from product development and validation to market access and operational use.
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Our approach

Technical and regulatory requirements can differ considerably between vehicle types, components, and target markets. Establishing the correct testing and approval route early in the development process is therefore essential.

A structured route towards testing and approval

DEKRA works with engineering, compliance, and product development teams to identify the relevant standards and regulatory requirements. Based on the product, its intended application and the target markets, we help determine the required testing, assessments, and approval activities.
Our experts can assist manufacturers with:
  • identifying applicable technical and regulatory requirements;
  • defining testing and assessment programs;
  • testing vehicles and components;
  • homologation and type approval activities;
  • electrical safety and conformity testing;
  • EMC and radio frequency testing;
  • communication and interoperability testing;
  • functional safety assessments;
  • cybersecurity testing and assessment;
  • testing electric, connected and automated mobility technologies;
  • coordinating activities with other DEKRA locations when international expertise or facilities are required.
Early coordination provides greater transparency regarding the scope, planning, and technical requirements. It can also help identify design issues before formal testing begins.
How DEKRA supports automotive OEMs
End-to-End Support

One partner for safety, compliance, and performance from early design and product development through production, distribution, sales, and aftersales.

Transformation

We combine traditional automotive safety expertise with a huge number of capabilities for digital and electric mobility, be it EVs or connected mobility solutions.

Independence

We are among the world’s largest independent, non-listed TIC organizations. DEKRA brings neutrality, reliability, and regulatory trust. This independence is critical – especially in highly regulated and high-risk environments.

Five continents

The automotive industry is more globalized than ever. As one of the first points of contact, we are present around the globe, providing a strong local presence.

Services for automotive manufacturers

  • Homologation and type approval
    Before vehicles can be placed on the market, manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements. DEKRA assists with vehicle homologation, testing and type approval processes for national and international markets.
  • Vehicle and component testing
    DEKRA conducts independent testing and assessments for vehicles, systems, and components. Depending on the product and its intended application, the testing may cover safety, performance, reliability, environmental conditions and compliance with relevant standards.
  • Electric mobility
    Our electric mobility services cover electric vehicles, vehicle components, batteries, and charging infrastructure. Testing capabilities include electrical safety, EMC, functional safety, communication protocols, interoperability, and cybersecurity.
  • Automated and connected driving
    Connected and automated vehicle technologies depend on the reliable interaction between hardware, software, sensors, and communication systems. DEKRA provides testing and assessments for wireless connectivity, interoperability, EMC, cybersecurity, and safety-related functions.
Automated and conncected driving at DEKRA automotive testing

Automated and connected driving

Discover our complete scope of laboratory tests, field testing, certification services and cybersecurity assessments for conncected driving.
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CSR Performance Ladder certificate

CSR Performance Ladder certificate

The CSR Performance Ladder provides insight into what you are doing in the area of sustainable business. Read here why DEKRA can provide this certification for you.
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E-mobility testing DEKRA Automotive Testing

E-mobility testing

Want to guarantee that your e-mobility vehicles and charging infrastructure technology meet all requirements? DEKRA is your navigator on the road to compliance.
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EMC testing

Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing (EMC)

Laboratory and on-site compatibility testing to determine the compliance of electronic components and products with regulatory electromagnetic standards.
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Functional safety testing

Functional safety testing

Confirmatory testing to verify products function safely and as expected in every circumstance and comply with all relevant national and international standards.
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Certification information security

Information security

Certification of your information security demonstrates that you are dealing with (digital) data exchange and storage carefully, and guarantees the quality of your IT processes.
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Photometric testing

Photometric Testing

Safety, Quality and Performance for all kinds of Light Sources, High-Tech Lighting Systems and Automotive Lighting
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Pre compliance test

Pre compliance test

DEKRA not only performs compliance tests (such as EMC tests) but also pre-compliance tests. With these tests, you can identify and resolve potential errors at an earlier stage of product development.
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Certification and marks

Product certification and marks for products

Recognized distinctions with industry certifications and regulatory marks demonstrating product safety, performance and quality standards in global markets.
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Quality Management certification

Quality Management certification

Each industry has specific requirements for a quality management system. With our certification, you can be sure that your quality system meets the right standards.
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RED directive eu

RED Directive testing

You must comply with the Delegated Act of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) from August 2025. Read more about future legislation and how DEKRA can help you here.
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Homologation

Type Approval & Homologation

Renowned Technical Service designations to perform Comprehensive International Type Approval Services.
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Frequently Asked Questions

For automotive OEMs, Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) refers to independent services that verify whether vehicles, systems, components, and processes comply with regulatory, safety, quality, and performance requirements.
TIC services play a critical role in managing technical complexity, ensuring regulatory compliance across global markets, and safeguarding brand reputation. Independent TIC providers such as DEKRA support OEMs by validating conformity, reducing risk, and enabling safe market access.
DEKRA supports automotive OEMs throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle – from concept and development to production, homologation, market launch, and in-service operations.
Services include vehicle and component testing, conformity of production (CoP), type approval support, audits, inspections, and post-market surveillance. This lifecycle approach helps OEMs identify risks early, avoid delays, and ensure long-term compliance.
Independent third-party testing provides objective verification that vehicles and systems meet regulatory and safety requirements.
For OEMs, this independence is essential to demonstrate compliance to authorities, build trust with consumers, and mitigate legal and reputational risks. DEKRA’s neutral position ensures transparency and credibility in regulatory processes and technical assessments.
Automotive OEMs face different regulatory frameworks across regions and markets. DEKRA supports global homologation by interpreting regulatory requirements, conducting required tests, and coordinating approvals across multiple jurisdictions. With its international network, DEKRA helps OEMs streamline approval processes, reduce duplication, and accelerate market entry worldwide.