Celebrating 100 Years of DEKRA: Safety and Sustainability for the Future

100 Years of DEKRA: A Legacy of Safety and Innovation

Today, DEKRA proudly commemorates its 100th anniversary, a milestone that reflects a century-long commitment to safety and trust in a rapidly evolving world. Originating in 1925, DEKRA began as a voluntary vehicle inspection initiative in Berlin, under the name "Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein" or the German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association. At the time, the automobile industry was beginning to transform the landscape of mobility, and DEKRA's mission of ensuring safe vehicle operations shaped the foundation of modern road safety.

As we traverse into a future characterized by technological advancements and environmental challenges, DEKRA is poised to address these significant issues. The company's centenary motto, "Securing the Future," embodies its vision to lead in safety, sustainability, and digital trust. CEO Stan Zurkiewicz emphasizes that safety is not static; it transforms alongside societal needs. DEKRA is committed to influencing critical sectors, including digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainability with informed expertise and foresight.

A Journey Built on Safety and Trust

Throughout its history, DEKRA has established itself as a global leader with approximately 48,000 employees spanning around 60 countries. This extensive workforce is dedicated to fostering safety and reliability across various sectors including mobility, industry, environment, and digital technologies. What began as vehicle inspections has now expanded into a diverse portfolio encompassing the testing of both physical and digital products, processes, and systems.

In the post-war era, vehicle inspections became compulsory in Germany, further solidifying DEKRA's pivotal role in ensuring automotive safety. The establishment of DEKRA Akademie in 1974, the development of a dedicated Research and Development sector in 1968, and the initiation of an Accident Research program in 1978 underscore the company's ongoing commitment to education and research as means for enhancing safety protocols. This focus on learning from data continues to inform DEKRA's practices today.

After the reunification of Germany, DEKRA expanded its reach by assimilating responsibilities from the former East German vehicle authority, thereby constructing a robust inspection framework in the new federal states. This growth trajectory propelled DEKRA into international markets, paving the way for engagements in France, Spain, China, and the United States. The organization's global ambition remains steadfast, all while maintaining its strong roots in its native Germany.

Future Challenges and Commitments

In celebrating its centenary, DEKRA recognizes the pressing challenges of our time. The evolution of mobility, coupled with technological advancements, demands a forward-thinking approach to safety. DEKRA's strategy is tailored around embracing changes in the environment and the way individuals engage with technology. As mobility solutions evolve, DEKRA aims to be at the forefront, ensuring that safety adapts to the ever-changing landscape.

As the organization looks to the next century, it is clear that the journey of DEKRA is far from over. The commitment to innovation and excellence in safety ensures that DEKRA will continue to be the shining beacon in the sphere of safety and trust management, as it steadfastly pursues solutions that resonate with sustainability and progress. With a century of experience under its belt, DEKRA is not only celebrating its past but is also ambitiously securing the future for generations to come.

Stay tuned to learn more about DEKRA’s current initiatives and future plans at DEKRA's official website.