Homologation of automotive vehicles

The European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) is mandatory for passenger cars (category M1) from January 1, 1998 and for motorcycles from June 17, 1999.

The system of European homologation divides the vehicles into several categories.

The WVTA consists of several steps. At first, component approvals for lamps, mirrors, tires, and others have to be obtained. Also electric/electronic sub-assemblies (ESAs, e.g. car audio systems) need their own e-mark certificates if not tested and approved in combination with the complete vehicle EMC approvals.

The next step is the testing of those components when fitted to the vehicle: field of vision of rear view mirrors, lamp installation, tire fitting etc. Parallel to those installation tests all other applicable safety and environmental related tests are conducted.

For each item, a system approval according to each applicable directive will be issued by the European authority chosen by the manufacturer. Those approvals are based on the test reports prepared by accredited test institutes. If all necessary approvals are collected, the test institute issues the report for the Whole Vehicle Type Approval as a basis for the WVTA certificate. This certificate is recognized by all EU member states.

In addition, for practically any other kind of vehicle (including tractors, non-road mobile machinery and trailers) homologation standards, especially in the fields of environment and safety are applicable.

An increasing number of countries outside of Europe require the third party test reports by accredited test institutes for their national homologation. With its worldwide network, TÜV Rheinland can easily provide their customers with quick service in many languages. Our test reports are recognized in many countries of South-East Asia and Latin-America.

Our services are not limited to the standard homologation services. The evaluation of your products already during the R&D phase will become easy and efficient through linked three-dimensional CAD systems. This design support is provided by our specially-trained experts and will help you to save a great deal of time and money.

For pre-inspection, approval activities and preparation of technical documents, our motor vehicle experts with long experience in international approvals are ready to serve you on short notice