National and European type-approval of vehicles, components and systems
A single partner for vehicle type-approval across Europe
Vehicle type-approval is the verification of the technical and regulatory requirements needed to authorise road circulation and placement on the market. It covers complete vehicles, components and systems, under the European directive on vehicle type-approval and the EU and UNECE regulations applicable at national and European level.
Enginext supports manufacturers, converters and body-builders throughout the entire process: technical and regulatory advice, conformity analysis, testing and trials, technical file management and submission of the documentation to the authorities. The service covers categories M, N, O and special-purpose vehicles, type-approved (in series) and in limited series.
Vehicle type-approval: here’s how we can help you
Vehicle type-approval covers the initial technical assessment of the project, track or laboratory tests, drafting of the type-approval file and management of the relationship with national or European Technical Services through to the issue of the type-approval certificate.
Design and regulatory advice
Enginext provides technical and regulatory support from the mechanical, electronic and IT design phase of the vehicle, component or system onwards.
This allows us to:
- shape the project around the requirements of national and European type-approval;
- reduce time and costs linked to late-stage modifications;
- prevent non-conformities and repeat tests.
Technical analysis and preliminary checks
In the initial phase, Enginext carries out a Gap Analysis on the vehicles and their systems, comparing the state of the project with the requirements of the national and European regulations.
The analysis highlights non-conformities and critical points, defines the corrective actions required and paves the way for the official tests, minimising the risk of rework.
This technical and regulatory conformity analysis is also essential in specific contexts such as ADR vehicle type-approval, the type-approval of modified vehicles or the type-approval of special vehicles intended for particular uses.
Testing and trials for type-approval
Once the preliminary checks are complete, Enginext coordinates type-approval tests and trials on the track or in the laboratory, including through specialist facilities.
The testing, trials and inspections are there to verify vehicle safety, system performance and functionality, and compliance with the applicable legislation.
The test results are gathered and organised as the basis for the official documentation required by the authorities.
Documentation management and submission to authorities
Alongside the trials, Enginext handles the management of the authorisation pathway.
The work includes:
- drafting the type-approval file for the vehicle, component or system with all test reports, technical data sheets and written reports;
- preparation of dossiers for national or European authorities;
- support in managing Conformity of Production (CoP) for series type-approvals.
This integrated management of the technical documentation and relationships with the authorities gives the manufacturer a single point of contact for the entire process.
Which types of type-approval do we handle?
Type-approval (series production) and limited series
Enginext handles type-approvals for vehicles produced in series, both in the national and European spheres (Regulation EU/2018/858)
In these cases the work also includes the verification of the requirements for Conformity of Production (CoP), needed to ensure each unit produced is conformant with the type-approved model.
Type-approval for series production vehicles is especially relevant for:
Category M vehicles (passenger vehicles)
Category N vehicles (trucks)
Category O
Everything with a
single point of contact
For projects involving the type-approval of vehicles, components and systems, Enginext takes on the role of sole coordinator, removing the complexity of managing multiple laboratories and authorities.
- Milestone planning: defining every step of the pathway, from the preliminary Gap Analysis to the final sign-off.
- Technical logistics management: coordinating the shipment of vehicles and components to test centres and accredited laboratories.
- Strategic partner selection: identifying, where needed, the most suitable technical and regulatory bodies for specific tests (such as EMC tests or crash tests).
- Ongoing monitoring: overseeing the progress of the tests and the documentation, providing timely updates on the status of the type-approval.
This way, the manufacturer or body-builder deals with a single strategic partner that oversees the entire process: from the initial regulatory advice to the execution of the tests, through to the closing of the technical file for market placement.
Automotive manufacturers
Start-ups developing new architectures or mobility solutions
Manufacturers of components and systems needing to integrate the type-approval of the complete vehicle
Dealers and resellers running conversion or adaptation projects on vehicles for their clients
Engineering and consulting firms looking for a specialist partner to entrust with the regulatory and type-approval work
Why choose Enginext
Enginext combines proven technical expertise with solid experience in automotive type-approvals. We’re the right partner when you need to tackle complex national and European type-approval processes for series production vehicles or for special and modified vehicles.
Our key differentiators are:
Frequently
asked questions
How long does the type-approval service take?
Timelines vary based on the vehicle category and the complexity of the tests required. Enginext provides an accurate estimate at the start of the process, working to optimise waiting times between the different phases.
What do type-approval costs depend on?
Costs are driven by the number of vehicle variants, the type of tests required and any support needed for Conformity of Production. Every quote is tailored after an initial feasibility analysis.
What is the difference between national and European type-approval?
National type-approval is valid in a single country, whereas European type-approval allows the vehicle to be sold across every country in the Union. The choice depends on the manufacturer’s commercial strategy.
Does Enginext also handle N1 or truck type-approved vehicles?
Absolutely. We regularly handle applications for truck and N1 type-approved vehicles, supporting body-builders in certifying specific modifications.
What happens if type-approval is not carried out?
For manufacturers and body-builders, type-approval is mandatory. Without it, the product cannot be placed on the market and the company faces heavy penalties and a complete halt to commercial activities.