In this edition of ‘Partner in the Spotlight’, we’re proud to feature DEKRA, a global leader in safety and sustainability with a century-long legacy. From its roots in road safety to its role today as the world’s largest independent testing, inspection, and certification organisation, DEKRA continues to drive innovation and impact across the transport and industrial sectors. In this interview, we explore their mission, recent initiatives, and the value they find in being an ERTICO Partner.
As DEKRA celebrates 100 years of advancing safety and sustainability, its strong engagement within the ERTICO Partnership underscores the power of collaboration in shaping the future of intelligent mobility. To learn more about DEKRA’s latest projects and perspectives, read the full interview with Thomas Jäger, Senior Vice President for Global Connectivity and ITS Technologies at DEKRA, and explore their ongoing work at the intersection of innovation, policy, and public-private cooperation.
Can you share a brief overview of your organisation and its mission?
For 100 years, DEKRA has been a trusted name in safety. Founded in 1925 with the original goal of improving road safety through vehicle inspections, DEKRA has grown to become the world’s largest independent, non-listed expert organisation in the field of testing, inspection, and certification. Today, as a global partner, the company supports its customers with comprehensive services and solutions to drive safety and sustainability forward, fully aligned with DEKRA’s anniversary motto, “Securing the Future.” In 2024, DEKRA generated a global revenue of 4.29 billion euros. Around 49,000 employees are providing qualified and independent expert services in approximately 60 countries across five continents. DEKRA holds a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of the world’s most sustainable companies.
What led your organisation to join the ERTICO Partnership, and what have been the most valuable benefits you’ve gained since becoming a member?
DEKRA believes that close cooperation between the Industry and the political environment plays an important role. Private-public partnerships are key elements to drive our future in Europe. ERTICO and their partners work together to create impacts in close collaboration with European administrations. DEKRA sees great value in working with many ERTICO partners in groups or special projects and getting direct access to first-hand information from the EU legislation bodies.
From your perspective, what makes the ERTICO partnership unique in the intelligent transport systems space, and what aspects of the collaboration are you most excited about for the future?
The ERTICO partnership provides a unique platform for all relevant sectors in the ITS Ecosystem. The collaboration potential towards a safer and sustainable future is very important for DEKRA.
Can you discuss any recent innovations or projects DEKRA has undertaken to enhance safety and sustainability in the automotive or industrial sectors?
DEKRA works on a number of new innovations providing added value and impact for our customers such as sustainable battery checks for electric cars.
Also we improve vehicle safety by being very engaged and now also officially testing EURO-NCAP programs. Further vulnerable road user safety is a very challenging topic and DEKRA promotes a number of safety building blocks (e.g. V2X, ADAS) to reduce accident and fatality figures.
Our long-term road safety programs are contributing here as well (https://www.dekra-vision-zero.com/, https://www.dekra-roadsafety.com/en/road-safety-report/). We are proud to collaborate here together with the local and regional governments within but also outside of, Europe.
How is DEKRA leveraging ITS technologies to enhance road safety and traffic management? Can you provide examples of specific projects or initiatives?
DEKRA is promoting the use of modern technologies to enhance sustainability and road safety. We have been part of important projects and continue the activities accordingly, such as 5G-Mobix, 5G-Meta, Reallocate and many others (https://www.dekra.com/en/funded-projects/).
If you could describe the ERTICO partnership in one word or sentence, what would it be and why?
For DEKRA, ERTICO ITS-Europe represents a reliable, trusting and competent partnership that now supports our corporate values and goals even more in difficult geopolitical times.
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Curious about our European foothold and initiatives? Take a closer look at the ERTICO Partnership video and download our Partnership Brochure (18.31 MB) "pdf" to learn more about the offers and benefits.