Why Shock & Vibration Testing Is Important for Automotive Component Manufacturers
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Honoring Steve English: A Legacy in Automotive EMC Testing and the Future of TÜV SÜD’s Plymouth Lab

After a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Steve English, Manager of the Automotive EMC Lab at TÜV SÜD America in Plymouth, MI, is retiring. Steve's contributions to the field of automotive EMC testing, his dedication to mentoring the next generation of engineers, and his commitment to innovation have impacted both TÜV SÜD and the industry. 

A Career Defined by Excellence

Steve English holds a degree in Physics from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, and began his automotive career at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) in the UK in 1987. He played a significant role in developing EMC testing at MIRA, eventually managing the whole vehicle EMC chamber. His expertise led him to represent the UK in CISPR D and ISO delegations, shaping international EMC standards. 

In 1999, Steve relocated to Plymouth, MI, where he helped design and commission an advanced component EMC chamber that became A2LA accredited and recognized by Ford, GM, and FCA. When TÜV SÜD acquired the Plymouth site in 2007, Steve continued to drive its growth, overseeing its expansion to five state-of-the-art EMC chambers. His leadership has made TÜV SÜD a trusted partner for EMC testing across the automotive industry. 

Recognized for Service and Dedication 

Beyond his technical expertise, Steve has been a remarkable leader and mentor. His commitment to supporting his team was exemplified when he received the ESGR Patriot Award. This recognition came from Petty Officer First Class Dean Harris of the Navy Reserve, who praised Steve’s unwavering support for military personnel and their careers. Steve ensured that service members retained their benefits and career progression while fulfilling their duties, a testament to his integrity and leadership. 


Steve English

We at TÜV SÜD are in the service industry. Honesty with customers and coming up with solutions has always been the key to our success. I hope we ensure that customers feel we are on their team, working in partnership. I have worked with many great people over the years, and any success has truly been a team effort.

Steve English

About his time at TÜV SÜD


The Plymouth EMC Lab: Advancing Efficiency and Capability 

We recently updated our testing facility so that all five chambers are standardized. This means we are now increasingly efficient in operation, reducing lead time and potentially lowering overall project costs. We offer 24/5 three-shift operation as standard and weekend shifts if required, giving our customers increased flexibility and ensuring their testing needs are met without delays. 

➜ Further information about our lab

The Future of EMC Testing and TÜV SÜD’s Commitment to Innovation 

As we celebrate Steve’s legacy, we look forward to the future of automotive EMC testing and TÜV SÜD’s continued investment in cutting-edge technology. The Plymouth Lab has undergone significant upgrades to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry, particularly in EV battery and high-voltage component testing. 
With increasing regulatory demands and technological advancements in electric vehicles, EMC testing has never been more critical. TÜV SÜD remains at the forefront of these developments, offering comprehensive testing services for OEMs and suppliers. Our Plymouth Lab now features enhanced capabilities, including high-voltage EMC testing, ensuring compliance with global standards and providing our customers with the highest expertise. 

➜ Our EMC Testing for Automotive 

TÜV SÜD: A Global Leader in EMC and Battery Testing 

At TÜV SÜD, we’ve been at the forefront of EMC testing in North America since 2004, when we acquired our first ISO 17025 accreditation from A2LA. Since then, we have expanded our accreditations to include CISPR (Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques) and ISO (International Standards Organization) specifications as well as recognition from Ford, GM, Stellantis and JLR, amongst others. Our experience and expertise in EMC testing, combined with our leadership in battery testing since 2009, allow us to provide unparalleled support to the automotive industry. 

TÜV SÜD offers an extensive range of EMC testing capabilities tailored to the automotive industry. Our global network of testing labs and experts utilizes the latest industry methods to support all necessary OEM Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R) requirements. This includes testing for materials, durability, shock and vibration, electrical performance, and EMC performance. 


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Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team enable us to test a broad range of component types to many OEM and International specifications, including those from leading automotive manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Stellantis, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, VW, and more. 

Component EMC Testing is primarily carried out at the TÜV SÜD laboratory in Plymouth, MI, which is formally recognized as an approved laboratory by Ford, GM, JLR, Mazda, and Stellantis. With five semi-anechoic chambers, one reverb chamber, and expansive ESD and electrical testing space (with large environmental chambers), TÜV SÜD offers the fastest turnaround time in the industry. 

In addition, our New Brighton, MN lab features a dynamometer installed within a 10-meter EMC chamber, allowing us to perform full vehicle testing under real-world conditions. 

  • EMC testing for automotive

    Our automotive EMC testing services include: 

    • Full vehicle EMC testing 
    • Electronic Sub-Assemblies (ESAs) testing 
    • High Voltage (HV) testing (including HV Batteries and Battery Management Systems (BMS)) 
    • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) 
    • Bulk Current Injection (BCI) Immunity 
    • RF Radiated Immunity (RI) - ALSE and Reverb 
    • RI, Near Field Portable Transmitters (NFPT) 
    • Magnetic Field Immunity (MFI) 
    • Conducted Emissions (CE) and Radiated Emissions (RE) 
    • Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) Cell Immunity
    • Strip Line Emissions and Immunity 
    • Voltage Overstress, Variations, Fluctuations 
    • Conducted Transient Immunity and Emissions 
    • ECE Reg 10 Testing and Certification 
  • Accreditation

    TÜV SÜD’s automotive EMC labs are accredited to ISO 17025 and can help ensure your automotive electrical/electronic systems and sub-assemblies comply with global OEM and industry EMC standards. 

    TÜV SÜD is accredited to test and assess to most industry and OEM EMC specifications, including but not limited to: 

    • General Motors GMW3097 
    • CISPR 25 
    • ISO 16750-2 
    • Ford FMC1278 
    • ECE Regulation R10 
    • GMW3172 
    • JLR-EMC-CS 
    • ISO 11452 
    • A2LA certification 
    • SAE J1113 
    • ISO 7637 
    • ISO 10605 

    Other OEM EMC specifications include Stellantis, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Subaru, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, and more! 

Other OEM EMC specifications include Stellantis, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Subaru, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, and more! 

As Steve embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we are grateful for his years of service, mentorship, and leadership. His dedication has shaped TÜV SÜD’s EMC testing capabilities, and his impact will be felt for years. 


To learn more about our automotive EMC testing capabilities, visit: TÜV SÜD Automotive EMC Testing

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