thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center and ALEE Join Forces on Durability Testing

The thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center and ALEE – Alliance des laboratoires d’essai européenne GmbH, a Technical Service designated by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for vehicle and component testing and type approval, have entered into a strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to provide vehicle manufacturers and suppliers in Germany and across Europe with an expanded range of testing and homologation services focused on the durability of vehicle components and systems. 

The thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center in Essen has been conducting durability testing for many years, providing end-to-end services from planning and execution through documentation. Its experienced engineering team offers extensive expertise ranging from data analysis and control systems to vehicle-specific technical challenges. Since 2006, the testing laboratory has been accredited as an independent facility under DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, both for the development of testing procedures and for conducting durability investigations — ranging from simple fatigue tests to complex system evaluations. 

The Test Center supports customers in the design, validation, and optimization of vehicle components and systems. Its services include mechanical and technological investigations using servo-hydraulic test systems, durability analyses with actuation and load testing, and customized test concepts for specific customer requirements. The Test Center also operates test benches and large-scale facilities capable of evaluating larger vehicle components and systems under highly realistic conditions. Through the cooperation with ALEE, the results of these tests will feed directly into ALEE’s type-approval procedures, supporting efficient regulatory approval of vehicle components. 

Dr. Jan R. Kurzok, Head of the thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center, explains: “By partnering with ALEE, we can integrate our test results directly into regulatory processes and support our customers even more effectively during component homologation – from defining test programs to their incorporation into type approval.” 

 Key areas of cooperation 

• Support for homologation processes related to the durability of vehicle components 

• Testing of mechanical coupling devices such as trailer hitches, fifth-wheel couplings, coupling balls, or drawbar eyes in accordance with UN ECE Regulation No. 55, UN ECE Regulation No. 147, or CARLOS TC/BC. 

• Durability testing in line with VdTÜV Data Sheet No. 751, e.g., for suspension springs or increased towing capacities 

• Integration of durability test results from the thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center into ALEE’s type-approval procedures to support efficient regulatory approval 

ALEE is a Technical Service designated by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) and collaborates with a Europe-wide network of accredited testing laboratories. ALEE brings extensive experience in vehicle and component homologation as well as direct access to type-approval processes. As a result, vehicle manufacturers and suppliers benefit from coordinated testing and approval workflows with clearly defined interfaces. 

Stefano Mastrogiovanni, Managing Director of ALEE, emphasizes: “By adding the thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center to our partner network, we are gaining a laboratory with exceptional expertise in durability testing. This cooperation enables us to execute type-approval procedures even more efficiently and with consistently high technical quality.” 

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to ensuring maximum safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in vehicle development—contributing to forward-looking and sustainable mobility. 

_{About the thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center
The thyssenkrupp Automotive Systems Test Center, based in Essen, has been accredited as a testing laboratory under DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 since 2006. The laboratory offers durability testing from planning through to documentation and possesses expertise in data analysis, control engineering, and vehicle-specific testing.} 

_{About thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology} 

_{thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology is a leading system partner to the international automotive industry. As of October 1, 2025, the segment has been reorganized: four customer- and technology-focused business units — Chassis, Components, Aftermarket, and Forging — consolidate the core activities with the aim of greater customer proximity, more efficient collaboration, and profitable growth. In fiscal year 2023/2024, the segment employed around 31,600 people and generated sales of €7.5 billion. As a quality provider in key technologies for chassis, steering, and powertrain, thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology is driving the mobility of tomorrow.}