What is automotive homologation? The answer to this question allows us to delve into very detailed topics. Let’s examine the definition of Homologation and its industry practices together.
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Let’s Start with the Question: What is Homologation?
Homologation has a definition that can be found in many sources. It is derived from the Greek word “Homologos,” meaning agreement (Wikipedia). Generally, it defines the establishment of regulatory rules and the management of these processes by authorities.
Definition of Automotive Homologation
Automotive homologation refers to the work carried out to ensure the compliance of vehicles and vehicle components (e.g., seats, doors, etc.) / separate technical units (e.g., a section of the vehicle) produced in the sector with regulatory legislation.
Manufacturers in the automotive sector must comply with certain rules. These primarily include European Union regulations, United Nations regulations, and national regulations of countries.
Manufacturers who comply with these regulatory legislations prove their quality by obtaining a type approval certificate. Additionally, it is mandatory to produce in accordance with the relevant regulations for the use of products.
Automotive Homologation Regulations
We will continue by referring to European Union Regulations, National Regulations, and United Nations regulations with a single word: “Regulation.” Regulations are known as regulatory legislation in many sectors, as in the automotive sector, and are used in this way in the literature.
Automotive homologation regulations are determined by commissions. For example, commissions make decisions regarding which requirements an M3 category bus or an M1 category automobile must meet. These commissions include representatives from manufacturers and authorities.
To give a clearer example, appropriate decisions are made by considering opinions on topics such as the design criteria, strength, and intended use of a bus seat. These regulations are continuously developed and published in versions.
United Nations Regulations (UN ECE Regulations)
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe publishes regulations that determine the operation of many sectors, including the automotive sector. Within this commission, the rules for all subsystems in the automotive sector are determined by sub-commissions. In our country, its abbreviation is UN/ECE Regulations. For example, sub-commissions such as the passive safety commission and the general safety commission determine vehicle/component requirements.
We will examine United Nations regulations in detail later, but you can also find information about commissions and updates on the official website: UN ECE Vehicle Regulations
European Union Regulations
We can define these as regulations applicable within the European Union borders and in countries that accept EU conditions. These regulations are also published by EU commissions. The published regulations are considered in harmony with United Nations standards. Vehicle type approval certificates are similarly obtained according to EU regulations such as EU 2018/858, EU 167/2013, and EU 168/2013.
The regulations are published in the Official Journal of the EU and enter into force. EUR LEX
National Regulations
Each country also has its own national regulations. The Regulation on the Manufacture, Modification, and Assembly of Vehicles (AİTM) and the Regulation on Type Approval and Market Surveillance and Inspection of Motor Vehicles and Their Trailers, Components, Systems, and Separate Technical Units (MARTOY) are mandatory vehicle type approval regulations applied in our country.
AİTM is a regulation designed to facilitate domestic operations for manufacturers in the domestic market, while MARTOY is a direct adoption of the EU regulation.
AİTM and MARTOY type approval certificate procedures are carried out by TSE.
General Operation in Automotive Homologation
First, we stated that manufacturers must comply with many standards. This primarily includes quality management system requirements, followed by automotive regulations. Tests and approval processes are conducted according to criteria determined based on the manufactured vehicle or component. This process is carried out by a homologation engineer if available within the manufacturer’s organization, or by engineering and consulting firms if not.
Where is the European Union (EU) Type Approval Certificate Valid?
The European Union type approval certificate is valid primarily within EU borders and in all countries that recognize the relevant regulations. However, some processes differ. For example, if you have an EU type approval, you have the option for direct registration within the EU. Direct registration is also permitted in recognizing countries. However, if export/import outside the EU is involved, a national type approval certificate is obtained. Registration procedures are carried out by obtaining a national type approval certificate according to the regulations of the relevant country.
In this process, many countries directly accept the conditions of EU regulations and subsequently issue national type approval certificates. Some countries, however, may ask you to meet additional requirements. This topic is very specific, and separate research is needed for each country.
In Which Countries Are United Nations Regulations Valid?
A manufacturer who has obtained a type approval certificate according to UN regulations can directly export their product to all United Nations Member Countries. Vehicle type approval certificates are not yet regulated by UN regulations (except for ECE R0 Automobiles).
What Does a Homologation Engineer Do and What Are Their Salaries?
A homologation engineer carries out R activities to ensure the manufacturer’s compliance with the aforementioned legislation. They manage test organization, documentation, and approval processes. The number of experienced homologation engineers in the world and in our country is very low compared to many other fields. To specialize in this area, one must follow and have experience in many subjects simultaneously.
Regarding homologation engineer salaries, it would not be appropriate to state a specific figure for our country, but in the EU region, the average salary range is between 2500-4000 Euros. Experience and the manufacturer factor determine everything here. Moreover, not only manufacturers but also accredited technical services employ homologation engineers.
There is no such thing as a Homologation Engineer certificate. Manufacturers, especially in the EU region, prioritize competence over diplomas. However, in our country, to sign the project and conformity certificate of an approved vehicle according to the AİTM regulation, you must have completed the Authorized Technical Responsible training and obtained its certificate. Experience is not required here; if you successfully pass the exam after a short training, you will receive this certificate. Afterwards, you can find employment opportunities with manufacturers.
However, this requirement does not apply to EU type approval procedures. Individuals authorized to halt production can sign the conformity certificate.
Homologation Tests
In the automotive sector, homologation tests are carried out by accredited technical services and in laboratories, whether accredited or not. These have very detailed criteria, so please contact us if you have any questions. Test facilities are available in Bursa and Ankara in our country. Additionally, there are rarely various laboratories in other provinces. If you have tests related to a vehicle, your path will inevitably lead to Bursa or Ankara. If the approval authority is TSE, it operates in Ankara.
Homologation Engineering and Consulting Services
First, you are not obliged to employ an experienced homologation engineer to obtain a type approval certificate. However, depending on your production, this need may arise. In this regard, your company policy and costs come into play entirely. Therefore, as an alternative to working with a homologation engineer, you can obtain services from companies providing homologation engineering and consulting services.
If you do not have a team in this field, this will be more beneficial for you. Engineering and consulting firms follow many topics and legislations simultaneously, so they can quickly convey relevant developments to you. With our experienced staff, we have gained strong references over the years in this field. If you wish to meet this need, we would like you to get to know us.
We have tried to explain what homologation is, what automotive homologation is, and the topic of homologation engineers and their salaries in a detailed and understandable way. You can also find different information in our other blog posts.
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