Beginnings
In 1866, 22 industrialists responded to a steam boiler accident at a brewery by setting up a steam boiler inspection association in Mannheim, Germany. This was one of the world’s first inspection associations and became the forerunner to today’s TÜV SÜD.
Engines and Electricity
When the late 19th Century brought us the Second Industrial Revolution driven by engines and electricity, we adapted by developing inspection services expertise for electrical engineering, lifts, machinery and vehicles.
The Information Age
As computers gave rise to the Third Industrial Revolution in the middle of the 20th Century, we cultivated new expertise in this field and expanded our range of services around the world, starting with our first international contracts in the 1960s.
TÜV SÜD is formed
In 1996, various TÜV organisations in the south of Germany were brought together to form TÜV SÜD. TÜV SÜD diversified into energy, management systems, consumer products, food, medical technology, real estate, and infrastructure.
Looking to the future
Today, we are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0, with smart factories, intelligent software and autonomous vehicles among the key technologies propelling it. TÜV SÜD is uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate this new world by providing future-oriented safety, security and sustainability solutions.
Milestones
1866On 6 January, 22 industrialists united to establish the Steam Boiler Inspection Association in Germany.
- Early 20th Century
Our first vehicle periodic technical inspection was conducted. The launch of a standardised nationwide system created 14 regional inspection associations named TÜV.
- Late 20th Century
Expansion beyond Europe began with a cable car accident investigation in Cape Town, South Africa. Subsidiaries were established in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and United States.
- 1996
TÜV Bayern and TÜV Südwest joined to create TÜV Süddeutschland AG (called TÜV SÜD AG from 2005) and TÜV Hessen became part of the new company in the same year.
- 2016
Celebration of 150th anniversary along with the acquisition of ATISAE in Spain and launch of two Digital Service Centres of Excellence in Germany and Singapore.
- 2023
Established new standards for the certification of low carbon hydrogen and blue hydrogen, as well as the first urban-focused testing method for SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles.
