We trust our experience in Sprinter 2nd stage type approval. In this article, you can explore the advanced solutions we offer at Anemon Engineering for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2nd stage type approval processes.
Content
Sprinter M2-M3 Bus Conversion
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles are widely preferred, especially in areas like school buses and staff transportation. These vehicles are imported as panel vans and then converted into M2 and M3 category buses by superstructure manufacturers using a 2nd stage type approval certificate for Sprinter.
The Sprinter vehicle range offers various model options. The scope of certification is determined based on the demand. We provide certification options that cover vehicles for both domestic and international customers.
Export-Oriented Sprinter Conversions
In our export-focused Sprinter 2nd stage type approval service, we tailor our documentation to meet the needs of countries in the European region and those outside the EU.
We can say that the long chassis, extra-long chassis, and additional extensions are the foundation of the certification process for Sprinter. Having a comprehensive type approval certificate for export is essential due to the regulations concerning different seating layouts, door configurations, and interior design.
With a type approval certificate obtained from European Union member states, you can offer solutions to both your domestic and international customers.
Sprinter Certification for Domestic Market
If you are not targeting exports and are solely focused on the domestic market, you can reduce costs. For vehicles like school buses and staff transportation, the AİTM Series Modification Type Approval Certificate allows you to run a swift certification process for your domestic customers.
Here, the scope of your file is determined by the tests and reporting procedures conducted.
Having comprehensive documentation from the outset in the testing and reporting processes helps you avoid unexpected costs during the production or ordering stages.
For instance, if you want to use a window that is not included in your documentation at the initial certification stage, you will face additional costs for scope expansion in the reports. We prepare files that include all the components we anticipate/experienced as necessary for you.
In this way, you will not only keep your costs low but also feel more secure during the ordering stage.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2nd Stage Type Approval Processes
Firstly, we recommend establishing a quality management system at the beginning of the certification process. This should be considered as part of the initial evaluation or production site inspection conducted by certification bodies.
Then, we review the administrative documents and the required documents according to the certifying body. If any changes are necessary, we will inform you.
If the 2nd stage certification for Sprinter is to be carried out in Europe, it is necessary to make a superstructure information sharing agreement with Mercedes-Benz. You can contact us for more information on this matter.
Test Planning and Scope Determination
We first share our sectoral experiences with you while defining a roadmap. In this roadmap, we conduct a detailed study of the products that require testing and the seating arrangements you will offer to your customers.
As a result of this study, we manage the process in laboratory, technical service, and supplier planning for test scheduling.
Comprehensive Documentation
Regardless of whether it is national or European, we strive to create the broadest possible scope for your documentation. Every deficiency will result in a cost for you. Therefore, we carefully prepare documentation tailored to the specific criteria of the countries where the vehicles will be sold.
We present lists of vehicle components, such as windows, seats, doors, steps, and lifts, that play a significant role in the certification process for your approval. In this way, you will have comprehensive and long-term documentation.
Scope Expansion Procedures – AİTM
Let’s first reiterate that there are two types of certification for Sprinter conversions. If you have a Sprinter type approval with an AİTM Series Modification Type Approval Certificate, the scope expansion procedures differ slightly.
The type approval number, variant, version, and type of modification of the vehicles form the most fundamental information on whether scope expansion will be required. Then, the vehicle’s technical specifications are reviewed. These differences also determine whether scope expansion is necessary for the certificate.
For example, if you have a type approval for a 19+1 passenger Sprinter vehicle and there is a change in the type approval level of the Sprinter for the same modification, a scope expansion will be carried out. Costs for such scope expansions are quite low.
However, if a situation requires testing (e.g., adding a different seat brand), scope expansion will be required in the reports in such cases. Even if testing is not required, changes affecting the content of the report may necessitate scope expansion in the test report.
Scope Expansion Procedures – European Type Approval
If you hold a 2nd stage type approval for Sprinter in Europe, the procedure is different here. Each variant/version configuration is included in the certificate. Therefore, for vehicles with the same type approval number, there is no need for a scope expansion in the documents.
However, if there are administrative and technical matters that alter the content of the certificate (e.g., adding a new seat type or changing the address), scope expansion will be necessary in your certificate.
Similarly, if there is a scope expansion in the base vehicle, i.e., Sprinter’s own type approval, you will also need to expand the scope of your certificate.
The costs are higher here, but the validity and scope of the certificate are more advantageous compared to national approval.
Audits (COP and Production Site Inspections)
We would like to emphasize that manufacturers often struggle with the process of obtaining the initial certificate, and we simplify these processes for them. We can say that the processes at the initial certification stage are relatively easy.
However, the biggest responsibility of a superstructure manufacturer is to maintain the validity of the certificate after it is obtained.
This responsibility requires a serious business approach.
Since a certified manufacturer is always open to inspections.
Certification bodies conduct COP audits at the production site. You can learn more about these audits in our article titled “What is COP?”
A manufacturer that passes these audits can maintain the validity of their Sprinter approvals.
Timelines and Costs
If you are considering investing in this business, we would like to point out that we need to discuss the scope to provide information on initial costs. Otherwise, any cost we mention here could be misleading.
The approval process should be considered in terms of testing, documentation, reporting, and approval stages. Additionally, there is the preparation of administrative documents. When all these factors are considered, the process can take from 3 to 6 months. The standardization of the scope and the quick execution of test times are the biggest factors that speed up this process.
We Trust Our Experience
We trust our experience in Sprinter 2nd stage type approval. We have been serving the leading companies in the superstructure manufacturing industry for many years. We have conducted extensive work on various vehicle configurations, domestic and international market dynamics, and authority requirements. We would like to share these experiences with you. Contact us.
Follow us on LinkedIn.
