Fundamentals of Automotive Homologation: The Basics You Need to Know

An automotive manufacturer must have a basic understanding of homologation. Understanding this process within a logical framework is crucial for effective process management.

Let’s begin by understanding the logic behind automotive homologation.

What is Automotive Homologation?

The homologation has a definition accessible from many sources. Derived from the Greek homologeo, ὁμολογέω, “to agree” (Wikipedia), it generally defines the establishment of regulatory rules and the management of this process by authorities. Automotive homologation refers to all the rules that must be followed in the automotive sector.

The Basic Logic of Automotive Homologation

In the automotive sector, you might be a component manufacturer, a system manufacturer, or a vehicle manufacturer. The first thing you need to know is that this production must adhere to certain standards, and you must produce within these standards.

A component manufacturer must have experience related to the production of the relevant component, produce according to regulation requirements, and continue production accordingly.

For example, a company producing car air conditioners should know that the air conditioner must comply with the ECE R10 standard beyond just CE standards. But is knowing and producing accordingly enough? No!

Approval of Production According to Regulations

If there is production, it must be inspected and approved. This is where accredited organizations and authorities come into play. Before a manufacturer designs a product and offers it to the market, it must have the product tested by accredited organizations authorized by the authorities (Technical Services).

The product is secured not only with tests but also with documentation. During this time, the manufacturer declares the conformity of this product and informs the authority that it will continuously produce according to regulations.

Authorities, namely the relevant ministries of countries, approve the production suitability by examining the production processes of the manufacturer based on the reports from accredited organizations. The manufacturer produces according to the test conditions and the requirements outlined in the documentation. It is always open to inspection. If a defect is discovered, the manufacturer is obliged to rectify it.

Strict Compliance with Framework Regulations and Reading Legislation

There are framework regulations related to vehicle production. Whether a trailer manufacturer, a motorcycle manufacturer, or a car manufacturer, all must meet the conditions determined by these framework regulations. Administrative and technical conditions for production are determined according to these framework regulations. Then, the scope of tests, documentation, and processes are clarified, and approval processes begin.

The most important topic here is the reading of legislation, which we will discuss later. Experience in reading legislation is crucial because interconnected conditions emerge as you move from framework regulations to lower regulations.

This is how you can determine which regulations are necessary for your vehicle and which conditions you are exempt from. For instance, a bus manufacturer is responsible for both ECE R17 and ECE R80 within the framework regulation. However, if the vehicle is Class A, ECE R17 applies; if it is Class B, ECE R80 applies. Understanding these differences requires deep knowledge of the regulations. Moreover, all these regulations are continuously updated and improved.

As a manufacturer, you follow updates to both framework regulations and sub-regulations, expanding the scope of type approval documents accordingly.

European Union Regulations and United Nations Regulations

Many countries accept vehicles produced according to European Union standards for registration in their countries. Countries like the USA, China, and Russia impose their standards. If you have type approval organized by the European Union, you can sell vehicles to many countries worldwide. However, some additional procedures vary by country.

Therefore, you first need a distributor in the country where you will sell, who will inform you of national requirements. United Nations Regulations are generally known as regulations for the approval of components or systems within the framework regulations. In the air conditioner example given above, if you have ECE R10 approval and other CE standards compliance, you can export your product to United Nations countries with peace of mind.

For the bus seat example, the European Union directs you to United Nations regulations to obtain type approval. For some systems or components, you are also directed to European Union regulations. In short, while producing vehicles according to European Union regulations, both EU and UN regulations outline the requirements you must follow.

How Are Regulations Created?

Regulations are created by commissions established by the United Nations. Experts appointed by countries work in committees on general safety, braking, emissions, and other fundamental and sub-topics.

Automotive manufacturers also have a say in these studies. Thus, if there is a regulatory arrangement, it can be said that countries and manufacturers work together in this process.

Summary of the Process

To summarize the entire process, a manufacturer first ensures compliance with quality standards. They determine which regulations the product must comply with and organize the production process accordingly.

The production is subjected to tests, and test reports from technical services are obtained to prove it. The manufacturer then presents both the production and the company to the authority and obtains approval. Subsequently, the product is offered to the market.

Throughout this process, the manufacturer keeps themselves updated and always ready for inspections.

In brief, I have tried to explain the basic logic of homologation in very simple terms. In my future writings, we will delve deeper into homologation by addressing more specific topics.

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