DEKRA aims for more growth
DEKRA is aiming to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year by maintaining its growth trajectory despite potentially volatile geopolitical and economic conditions.
The world’s largest non-listed testing, inspection and certification company has recorded growth in the Americas of around 14 per cent, north-west Europe by about nine per cent and in Asia-Pacific by some nine per cent in the first 10 months of 2024.
In its home market of Germany, its core business has grown by around seven per cent.
Overall, the company’s turnover has increased by about five per cent, with its testing, inspections and certification division growing by more than seven per cent.
Its new strategic business fields relating to future mobility, sustainability, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence have also contributed to this success.
The company, which is part-owner of VTNZ along with the Motor Trade Association, now has more than 500,000 customers globally.
Stan Zurkiewicz, pictured, chief executive officer DEKRA eV and DEKRA SE, says: “We are optimistic that we can close 2024 with a mid-single digit increase in sales.”
That’s despite “very challenging external conditions”, such as recession in DEKRA's home market of Germany and the continued shortage of skilled personnel across Europe.
“We are feeling the effects of the economic contraction and the crisis afflicting the European automotive industry,” adds Zurkiewicz, pictured. “However, we are able to offset this with more than seven per cent increase in turnover in our core business and strong demand in new focus areas.”
To sustain growth momentum beyond its centenary year of 2025, DEKRA is increasing its investments. A double-digit million-euro investment will fund a new battery testing and certification laboratory in Klettwitz, Germany.
The company already offers a patented battery test that enables extremely precise measurement of used EV battery condition in just a few minutes for more than 130 fully electric car models.
A new Wi-Fi testing laboratory has recently began operations in Stuttgart. Here, DEKRA offers its customers, particularly in the automotive industry, services to test the reliability, interoperability and security of Wi-Fi components.
Another growth area is the emerging hydrogen economy, which it says is vital for achieving climate targets.
Although the development of the green hydrogen economy may be slower than once anticipated, DEKRA sees enormous potential in it.
“DEKRA is well-positioned to ensure hydrogen safety throughout its entire life cycle,” says Zurkiewicz. “In this way, we are helping to build confidence for investments in the hydrogen economy.”
The company has already launched its first AI services. In testing AI technologies and models, it relies on established standards and proprietary methods.
For example, DEKRA has supported a leading company in the field of AI and advanced driver-assistance systems to ensure the quality of its labelling processes.
It involves precisely labelling large datasets, such as indicating whether an image depicts a vehicle, person or traffic sign. These labels help the AI to recognise patterns and learn to respond safely and appropriately in real-world scenarios.
DEKRA has also further expanded its cybersecurity business with a global presence that includes locations in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
