TÜV SÜD expands electromobility laboratory services

The influence of electromobility is spreading throughout the world. In response to this development, TÜV SÜD is expanding its laboratory capacities in the sector in Germany, the USA and Asia. In addition to classic battery testing methods, the engineers at the test labs of the global electromobility network also conduct certification of high-voltage charging systems and new tests for the development of hydrogen technology. Electromobility is just one area of focus for TÜV SÜD at the at the International Motor Show IAA, held in Frankfurt am Main from 14–24 September. At stand D04 in Hall 8, the company will also present services for automated driving and new digital services for the transport sector.

“Electromobility will play a leading role in the transport sector of tomorrow. TÜV SÜD has almost ten years of experience in testing drive batteries. We are currently engaged in expanding our laboratory capacities to deal with the high demand we are experiencing”, says Patrick Fruth, CEO of the Auto Service Division at TÜV SÜD. The company’s laboratories in Germany, the USA, Canada, China, Korea, Singapore and Japan are working to full capacity. In Asia, future development and planning activities for mass transit systems are focusing exclusively on emission-free drive systems. New transport concepts such as shared mobility and automated driving are likewise concentrating on electrically powered vehicles. A race to develop and advance the necessary technology has long been fought. New technologies also unlock opportunities for new providers. In China, dozens of electric-vehicle manufacturers are waiting in the wings.

Digitalisation – shaping the mobility of tomorrow

But new forms of drive technology are not the only innovation. Digitalisation, too, is changing the face of transportation. It will enable cars to drive automatically in future, but will also unlock enormous opportunities in the field of services. Shared mobility is just one example; here, digitalisation greatly simplifies shared use of cars, making the prospect accessible for all. Car dealerships are continuing to undergo consolidation; to reflect the appetite in this sector for full-scale services provided by a single source and across borders, TÜV SÜD has continued to develop its entire range of services and can offer new digital service packages to the auto industry.

The company’s services range from comprehensive solutions in the fields of remarketing, claims management and fleet management to improvement of digital performance by car dealerships. Blue Digital Performance is a consulting service for dealerships that focuses on their presence on the Internet and in social media channels and supports their efforts with a variety of metrics for tracking performance. Patrick Fruth comments, “The car industry is confronted by disruptive changes. We provide consultancy and support for our customers and have expanded our portfolio of services accordingly. Our motto of ‘Passion. Trust. Future. – 360° Mobility Services’ demonstrates that we provide all-round care for our customers and support them through structural change, helping them to streamline and simplify their processes. Simple is the new fast for tomorrow!”

Placing highly automated driving on a safe footing

In automated driving, TÜV SÜD works closely with OEMs, suppliers and official bodies as an industry partner. The company’s activities focus on development of all-new testing procedures that centre on simulation, with the aim of ensuring the safety of highly automated vehicles. An example of this area is PEGASUS, a project by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, As the only testing and inspection organisation involved in this project, TÜV SÜD collaborates with 16 partners from the worlds of industry and science on developing the requirements for methods and tools used in the approval of future automated vehicles.

Keeping control in remarketing

Digitalisation likewise occupies a key position for car dealerships. By standardising processes in vehicle management, dealers can speed up the turnaround time of their vehicles – and thus lower costs.  TÜV SÜD now has a whole range of new services on offer, including the PDA for creating digital vehicle files, the software program TIM for creating reports and valuations in real time in a choice of languages, and the photo tool Foto-Fairy. These services facilitate digital process control and vehicle handling, and help to cut holding time for used vehicles and evaluate lease returns according to clear and uniform international standards. Customers can now receive damage reports in an instant using Blue Button, an online portal operated by TÜV SÜD, which provides services such as claims management for car Dealers.

And on the subject of online activities, TÜV SÜD’s experts will be available for discussion of special topics live via Skype throughout the IAA. Patrick Fruth explains, “Our portfolio spans the entire vehicle cycle, from the moment a car is received to the sale or resale of new and used vehicles, with digital systems supporting us every step of the way.”

TÜV SÜD has even brought periodic technical inspections into the digital age, by developing the first modular inspection system that quite literally meets its customers where they are. The Blue Box can be set up at car dealership premises with the minimum planning, has a modular design for easy extension, and is extremely versatile, handling periodic inspections, expert damage reports, lease returns and used car valuations. The system is fitted with state-of-the-art testing equipment and can be installed in a few days.

Electromobility
TÜV SÜD is also expanding its network of battery testing laboratories. The company’s experts supply a full range of performance and safety testing and type approvals under the expanded UN ECE-R100 Regulation at laboratories in Germany, the USA, Canada, China, Korea, Singapore and Japan. Their activities focus not only on flawless testing, but also particularly on close collaboration with clients – for example, in interpreting test results, with the aim of further advancing the technical safety of battery systems. TÜV SÜD is one of the leading certification bodies for electric car charging stations in Europe and has advocated high and uniform international safety standards in electromobility for years – for example as a service provider supporting OEMs in vehicle design and development

DYCOT – Turbocharging vehicle design and development

While the design and development cycles of new vehicle models are growing shorter, car manufacturers are striving to reduce costs. Simulation and non-destructive testing can provide valuable support in this respect. Offering Dynamic Component Testing (DYCOT), TÜV SÜD is a competent and independent service provider of industry in the design and development phase.

Digital services for OEM and car dealerships, automated driving, e-mobility: at the IAA 2017, TÜV SÜD showcases its entire know-how and full range of services in the fields of cars and mobility. “By presenting innovative topics at the IAA, we are underlining our position as a leading partner of industry at one of the world's largest motor tradeshows”. says Fruth. TÜV SÜD will also hold the following events at the IAA at its Stand D04 in Hall 8.

14 September:

3 pm – Panel discussion, “Retail 4.0”

4 pm – Talk “Car 4.0”

How future trends will impact on industry, including panel discussion with industry representatives and specialised journalists

15 September:

9:30 am – Presentation of the TÜV SÜD Service Quality Award

11 am – Presentation of the Green Fleet Award 

Note for editors:The photo of Patrick Fruth can be downloaded in printable resolution from the "Media Photos" category at www.tuv-sud.com/pressphotos.

“Passion. Trust. Future. – 360° Mobility Services by TÜV SÜD” is TÜV SÜD's motto at the 2017 International Motor Show (Internationale Automobilausstellung, IAA), held from 14 to 24 September in Frankfurt am Main. The company's stand D 04 in Hall 8 will focus on the full scope of innovative services for the automotive industry. Visit us at the IAA. For more information on TÜV SÜD’s IAA presence, go to www.tuev-sued.de/iaa2017.

Press-contact: Vincenzo Lucà