With a legacy spanning over a century in vehicle safety testing and certification, TÜV SÜD stands as the trusted partner for OEMs, automotive suppliers, government and transport authorities, car dealers, leasing, and fleet companies. We offer a comprehensive suite of mobility services, ensuring your product meets the highest automotive safety and quality standards.
Meet our Americas Mobility team, dedicated to servicing you. Our service portfolio encompasses the testing of vehicles, systems, and components, ISO 26262 functional safety, and international homologation, streamlining global access to key automotive markets. As your innovative solutions provider, we actively contribute to the development of safety regulations and standards, along with efficient automotive testing solutions, driving the future of mobility, including emissions testing technologies, autonomous and connected driving, e-mobility, and shared mobility.
Kenneth Demmers, Sr. Homologation Engineer at TÜV SÜD
Homologation experts play a crucial role in the development process of reducing a manufacturer’s liability. The engineer will visit the manufacturer, assess the vehicle(s), and provide an analysis report. For example, when a bus manufacturer wants to bring their approved product from Europe to the US, it becomes essential to conduct a gap analysis to identify the necessary adaptations for compliance. Many companies lack the necessary knowledge or personnel to accomplish this and need to rely on organizations like TÜV SÜD to fill the expertise gap and ensure a smooth homologation process. This is where we can help.
Homologation involves obtaining certification and approval for the client from an official authority (such as KBA in Germany, or SNCH in Luxemburg) and to ensure conformity. As a Homologation Engineer, the responsibilities include witnessing testing, preparing the required documentation, and submitting the paperwork package for approval.
As a signatory, the Homologation Engineer is responsible for signing off on test reports, submitting e-mark packages for regulatory approval, and obtaining product certifications. Additionally, conducting basic homologation courses both internally and externally to educate individuals about the process.
The main challenge for businesses lies in understanding the specific requirements of different regions like Europe, US, Canada, and Taiwan. The US can present additional complexity due to variations across different states. Each type of vehicle, whether it's buses, automated (self-driving), or hydrogen vehicles, can have unique state requirements that must be navigated during the homologation process. For example, lighting regulations have been combined into three regulations UNR-149 for forward lighting, UNR-148 for functional lamps (color), and UNR-150 for reflectivity. This can make it challenging for companies to locate specific requirements for a particular lighting function. The FMVSS 108 also has all the lighting requirements combined in one regulation.
At TÜV SÜD, we stay up to date with the latest regulatory changes and requirements in the automotive industry through various means. Primarily, through collaboration with our overseas offices, extensive research, maintain effective communication channels with colleges and professional networks. The European region at times can be easier to find upcoming changes versus the United States.
TÜV SÜD currently has two engineers that are members of the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) lighting committee and will collaborate with other industry peers to stay informed. We monitor recall lists and determine missteps by manufacturers, this can also help gain insight into governmental expectations. These efforts ensure TÜV SÜD America remains abreast of evolving regulations, promoting safety and compliance.
Homologation experts are vital for navigating the complexities of different regulatory frameworks and achieving compliance. To find more information please check out our latest updates here.
Choose TÜV SÜD for a future of mobility that prioritizes safety, quality, and innovation. Let's drive together towards a secure and sustainable automotive future.
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