Founded in 1925, DEKRA, originally named German Motor Vehicle Supervisory Association, emerged in Berlin, Germany, during a time when the automotive industry was rapidly evolving. As society’s concerns about traffic safety grew, DEKRA was established with a focus on vehicle inspections, leveraging scientific and systematic approaches to enhance driving safety. After a century of development, DEKRA now operates in about 60 countries and regions, with a team of over 48,000 people, solidifying its status as one of the world’s largest and most influential third-party inspection and certification organizations.
Although DEKRA’s core business began with vehicle inspections, over time, its expertise has significantly expanded. The current scope includes industrial inspections, environmental safety, digital technology, and certifications related to artificial intelligence, among others. CEO Stan Zurkiewicz points out that safety is no longer confined to the physical world; it extends into virtual spaces and the realm of data. DEKRA is actively involved in issues regarding transportation and digital transformation, and it provides targeted professional support for sustainable development, aiming to assist global companies in tackling a new wave of technological and societal challenges.
In 1951, following the German government’s implementation of regular vehicle inspection systems, DEKRA took on an integral role within this framework. As the 2000s rolled in, the company’s focus gradually shifted towards industrial and infrastructure testing, encompassing large-scale construction, energy equipment, and environmental technologies. In 2017, DEKRA acquired the Lausitzring racetrack in Brandenburg, Germany, establishing the largest independent testing facility in Europe. This site serves as a validation platform specifically for autonomous driving technologies, vehicle connectivity, and automated driving systems, clearly showcasing DEKRA’s foresight into the future of smart mobility.
In the wave of digital transformation, DEKRA has also adapted quickly. Digital Chief Petra Finke points out that today’s society relies heavily on software and connected devices, leading to heightened demands for system security and user trust. DEKRA has launched a targeted Digital Trust Services that encompasses functionality testing, security assessments, and ethical risk management for artificial intelligence software, helping businesses ensure that their technology use complies with regulations and ethical standards while preventing potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This service supports areas such as smart industries, healthcare systems, and smart city initiatives, enhancing overall response capabilities.
In the realm of human resources development, DEKRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Laursen, emphasizes the necessity of having a forward-thinking and leadership-driven team alongside technological innovation. DEKRA continues to increase its investment in employee training, particularly in areas such as technical expertise, decision-making capabilities, and international management. Furthermore, the company is implementing a transformation of its corporate culture to be customer-centric, enabling it to adapt flexibly to the ever-changing demands of the market.
In a bid to fulfill its corporate social responsibility, DEKRA has launched a partnership project with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to ensure access to clean water as it celebrates its centennial. The initiative, focusing on regions severely affected by climate change, is named Water Resource Security Plan and aims to provide sustainable water solutions. Stan Zurkiewicz stated that water is the most fundamental resource, yet it is becoming increasingly scarce in many areas. Through this project, DEKRA hopes to concretely embody its commitment to Guarding the Future.
For a century, DEKRA has transformed from a traffic inspection organization into a cross-industry professional institution, offering high-level, standard-compliant inspection and certification services in both physical safety and digital environments. In response to the ever-evolving societal needs, DEKRA demonstrates its agility and forward-looking vision, continuously protecting the safety and trust of human life with its expertise.
