Latest news with #DEKRA
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Buying a car from a private seller? Here are some tips
The Consumer Protection Act does not cover a private sale, so you do not have an implied warranty to fall back on if the car has defects. Buying a car from a private seller can really be tempting, but you have heard so many stories about what happened to other people when they met a private seller and were robbed or even murdered. But what should you do if you find a really good deal from a legitimate private seller? You can usually save some money when you buy a used car from a private seller, but it also has some risks you will not face at a dealership, Ernest North, co-founder of Naked, a digital insurance platform, says. 'To ensure that you make a wise purchase, you must ask the right questions, ensure the paperwork is in order and take some common-sense precautions.' ALSO READ: Buying a car? Keep this in mind Keep these tips in mind when you buy a car privately North has these tips to keep in mind when you buy a car privately: #1: Do your homework on pricing Before you even phone the seller of a car that catches your eye, check the average price of similar models online (try sites like or AutoTrader). You should not only avoid cars that are too expensive, but you must also beware of cars that seem like a massive bargain. #2: Ask the right questions when you buy a car privately Before you even meet to view the car, collect some basic information about the car. It is a red flag if the seller is unwilling to answer questions on the phone and insists on interacting only through text messages or email. Some questions to ask include: How old is the car? How many previous owners did the car have and for how long did the most recent owner have the car? What is the current mileage and what was it when the seller bought the car? Was the car involved in an accident or have major repairs? Is there outstanding financing on the car? Does the seller have the service history logbook and a roadworthy certificate for the car? Why is the seller selling the car? ALSO READ: Here's why you should – and why you shouldn't – buy a new car #3: Meet in a public place If you buy the car from a stranger, the next step is to view the vehicle. Meet during the day in a public area to ensure you are safe. Avoid remote or private locations and always get the full address in advance. Also bring a friend or family member with you if you can, and let someone else know where you are or even drop them a live location on your phone. #4: Inspect the car Look for signs of wear and tear or damage to the exterior, interior and engine of the car, paying special attention to the tyres and brakes, lights and electrics, fluid levels and leaks and windscreen and wipers. Bonus tip: If you are not confident in your own car knowledge, you can pay for a professional inspection via a provider like DEKRA if you want to buy the car. ALSO READ: How much does mileage matter when buying a used car? #5: Take the car for a test drive If you consider making a serious offer for the car, ask to take it for a test drive and drive it for at least 20 minutes and pay attention to things such as braking (try a safe emergency stop), handling and steering response, gear changes and any strange noises like rattling from the engine or grinding from the brakes while the windows are down and the radio is off. Also turn the car off and restart it to test the ignition. Bring your driver's licence with you to show the seller. Also ask to see the seller's insurance details since you could be held liable if you have an accident and the car is not insured or if the insurance only covers the driver's named in the policy. #6: Confirm the car's documentation is in order Before any money changes hands, ask the seller for original copies of the registration documents in his or her name and ask to see his or her ID book, roadworthy certificate that is valid and current, proof of ownership and full service history. Also check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number match the documents and ask the police to confirm the car is not stolen. ALSO READ: Why is 2025 the perfect time to sell or trade your car? #7: Look out for signs of a potential scam Red flags include a price far below market value, a seller who avoids calls or insists on email messages or who pushes for a deposit before you have seen the car. Also beware of a seller who does not have the original paperwork or asks you to pay money into a foreign bank account. If anything feels off, walk away. #8: Payment and ownership transfer Avoid paying cash. Bank transfers are safer because you will have a paper trail. If the car still has outstanding finance, the seller must settle it before you make the full payment. Never hand over money without seeing the car and paperwork first. #9: Put it in writing Create a contract with detailed information about both parties, the car and the sale terms to protect both of you. Include details such as your ID numbers, full vehicle details (make, model, VIN, mileage, registration number) and terms and conditions (such as 'sold voetstoots' or 'seller agrees to fix faulty brake light before transfer of ownership'). ALSO READ: Car tips: How to change ownership when buying or selling privately #10: Register the car in your name After the sale, transfer ownership at your local traffic department. You will need the roadworthy certificate, sales agreement, proof of residence and a copy of the seller's ID. This step is essential because until you register it, you do not legally own the car. Also remember to get insurance before you get behind the wheel. This graphic sums up the advantages of buying a car from a private seller or dealership:
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
DEKRA Celebrates Grand Opening of Michigan Automotive Advanced Testing Laboratory for Future Mobility
Plymouth, MI, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DEKRA, a global leader in safety, security, sustainability, testing & certification is proud to announce the grand opening of its Michigan Automotive Test Center of Excellence, located at 47603 Halyard Drive in Plymouth. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET. The grand opening marks the culmination of DEKRA's investment in Michigan, announced in 2024 in partnership with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The facility was designed to support the rapidly evolving needs of the mobility industry—providing testing, validation and certification services for electric vehicles (EVs), automotive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), reliability testing services, automotive connectivity technologies and Digital Trust Services which integrates testing and certification of cybersecurity, functional safety and AI. What sets the new Test Center apart is its unique status as the only TIC organization in North America capable of providing this extensive range of services under one roof. Highlights include: environmental simulation, high-voltage EMC testing, Authorized Test Laboratory for Apple MFi CarPlay and CarKey Certification, the Car Connectivity Consortium, and advanced cybersecurity testing and certifications, specifically penetration testing for components, full vehicles, and compliance with standards like ISO 21434 or regulations like RED-DA or UN R155, among others. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, keynote speakers, and a networking reception with DEKRA leaders and industry experts. Attendees will also enjoy guided tours of the new facility and explore exhibits showcasing DEKRA's capabilities. Event Schedule (ET) Why You Should Attend Whether you're an automotive professional, technology leader, government official, or simply passionate about the future of mobility, this event offers a front-row seat to the innovation critical to the next generation of transportation. Attendees will get an exclusive look at how DEKRA is helping to drive safety, performance, and sustainability in partnership with Michigan's world-class automotive ecosystem. This is a rare opportunity to connect with industry experts, tour a cutting-edge facility, and experience firsthand how DEKRA is powering progress in one of the world's most dynamic sectors. Registration is required. Reserve your spot today: About DEKRA For 100 years, DEKRA has been a trusted name in safety. Founded in 1925 with the goal of improving road safety through vehicle inspections, DEKRA has become the world's largest independent, non-listed expert organization in testing, inspection, and certification. Today, as a global partner, the company supports its customers with comprehensive services and solutions to drive safety and sustainability forward. With over 48,000 employees, we provide qualified and independent expert services in approximately 60 countries across five continents. DEKRA holds a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of the world's most sustainable companies. For more information, visit: Attachment Joshua Hiemstra DEKRA North America, Inc. [email protected]
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
MUNIK Receives DEKRA's First ISO/PAS 8800 Certificate for Automotive AI Safety Development Process
SHANGHAI, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MUNIK, a leading automotive safety technology firm, has been awarded the world's first ISO/PAS 8800 certification by DEKRA, Germany's largest independent testing and certification organization. This milestone underscores MUNIK's pioneering role in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) safety within automotive development processes. China's automotive industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, propelled by the rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs), a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and a vast pool of engineering talent. This evolution has fostered robust innovation across the supply chain, encompassing chip manufacturing, software systems, vehicle components, domain controllers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). As vehicles become increasingly central to mobility, ensuring their safety has become paramount. And the automotive sector has proactively adopted voluntary safety standards. Since its introduction in 2012, the ISO 26262 functional safety standard has been widely implemented by OEMs and suppliers globally. Subsequent standards, including ISO 21434 for cyber security, ISO 21448 for safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF), and the recently published ISO/PAS 8800 for AI safety in December 2024, have further reinforced the industry's commitment to comprehensive safety frameworks. Building upon extensive experience in ISO 26262, ISO 21448, ISO 21434, and ASPICE projects, MUNIK made preparations for the application and practice of automotive AI safety technology and initiated the development of an ISO/PAS 8800-compliant process. Since 2022, in order to provide better technical service for our customers. Collaborating with German and domestic experts in AI automotive safety, MUNIK established a robust development framework through iterative enhancements. This effort culminated in a successful independent safety audit by DEKRA, resulting in the final certification of ISO/PAS 8800. On April 30, 2025, Mr. Li Mingxun, General Manager of Functional Safety at DEKRA China, presented the ISO/PAS 8800 certification to Mr. Fan Wentao, Director of Automotive Safety at MUNIK. The ceremony was witnessed by esteemed guests, including Secretary Dong Qing of the Songjiang District Association for Science and Technology, Ms. Xiao Lan, Chairperson of the Huoshui Association for Science and Technology, and Mr. Wang Jianguo, MUNIK's Chief Technology Officer and Senior Partner. MUNIK places significant emphasis on developing capabilities that address the safety challenges posed by AI integration in vehicles. The ISO/PAS 8800 standard mandates that companies embedding AI technologies into vehicle systems must establish comprehensive safety processes. Leveraging over 25 years of expertise in electronic and electrical design, along with 15 years in functional and general safety design and certification, MUNIK collaborated with German AI automotive experts and leading Chinese universities, including Zhejiang University and Fudan University, to construct a robust automotive safety development process. This process encompasses AI-specific attributes such as bias, prediction, robustness, and generalization, ensuring thorough design considerations and the establishment of safety guidelines. MUNIK's aligns development process with ISO/PAS 8800's Section 6.2 requirements, addressing AI system items, traditional hardware AI components, and software components implementing AI models. The process integrates AI safety considerations across the entire product lifecycle, including functional safety management (Part 2), concept phase (Part 3), technical safety concept (Part 4), hardware development (Part 5), software development (Part 6), and production aspects (Part 7). Furthermore, it harmonizes with ISO 21448's SOTIF requirements, ensuring a cohesive approach to AI-related safety risks. Mr. Li Mingxun of DEKRA China remarked, 'The award of the ISO/PAS 8800 functional safety process certification marks a significant milestone for both DEKRA China and MUNIK. We are committed to collaborating with MUNIK to contribute professional expertise to China's automotive safety landscape. This partnership exemplifies the importance of specialized collaboration in meeting global functional safety service requirements.' Secretary Dong Qing of the Songjiang District (Shanghai) Association for Science and Technology commented, 'As the Huoshui Association embarks on a new chapter, Vice Chairman Mr. Wang Jianguo, also the founder of Shanghai MUNIK Technology Services Co., Ltd., has led the company to become a benchmark in safety design technical services. MUNIK's rapid development in Songjiang and its contributions to the automotive and chip design industries are commendable. The district will continue to support MUNIK's growth, anticipating further contributions to China's automotive industry.' Mr. Wang Jianguo, MUNIK's Chief Technology Officer and Senior Partner, concluded, 'We aspire for MUNIK's advancements in ISO/PAS 8800 AI-integrated safety design to catalyze progress across the industry, mirroring our past contributions in sectors such as general industrial functional safety, process industry safety, industrial robotics, and AGVs. By offering ISO/PAS 8800 technical training, consulting, and assessment services to automotive EE design enterprises, MUNIK aims to lead the integration of AI safety technologies in automotive applications, fostering the rapid development of top-tier domestic automotive safety product companies. This mission is shared by all Chinese enterprises, and we are steadfast in our commitment to making safety the cornerstone of our automotive industry's rapid advancement.' TEL：+8615601875272 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE： View original content: SOURCE MUNIK
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UPM Raflatac to embed environmental footprint data in labelling quotes
Finnish label material company UPM Raflatac has introduced a new feature that integrates product footprint data into its customer quotes, setting a new standard in the labelling industry. These data sets, referred to as product passport prototypes (PPPs), offer transparency on material impacts. By incorporating environmental footprint data into its customer quotations, UPM Raflatac allows label converters to make informed choices and address scope 3 emissions early in the supply chain. The PPPs are automatically embedded into the company's quote documentation for customers. They present a full environmental evaluation of the quoted labelling materials. With raw materials reportedly accounting for 70-90% of converters' total environmental impact, this integration delivers life cycle data from the beginning of the purchasing process. Having access to real-time environmental data also allows converters to stay competitive and helps them address sustainability-related queries from their own clients more efficiently. As regulations tighten, detailed environmental information is becoming essential. The forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation for Europe in particular will impose new requirements. Some products in the EU will also soon need to include a digital product passport (DPP). UPM Raflatac's launch of PPPs aligns with the direction of these regulatory changes. The footprints are produced through the company's label life cycle assessment service, which has received independent verification from the certification body DEKRA. UPM Raflatac Label Life manager Flora D'Souza said: 'The PPPs already cover over 90% of UPM Raflatac's label products by sales volume globally. 'We are proud to offer this exclusive service in our customer quotes as the first player in the labelling industry.' In February this year, UPM Raflatac acquired Metamark to improve its growth in the graphics sector. "UPM Raflatac to embed environmental footprint data in labelling quotes" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
DEKRA continues on a path of growth and transformation
Future-oriented business model ensures successful fiscal year 2024 Revenue and EBIT increased again in 2024, despite a volatile environment Number of core employees grew further DEKRA is very well positioned in its 100th anniversary year as it successfully transforms from a traditional vehicle inspection provider into a leading independent expert for digital and software-defined mobility STUTTGART, Germany, April 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- DEKRA remained on track in 2024, again growing its business in a volatile economic and geopolitical environment. Global revenues increased by 4.7% to 4.29 billion euros, rising by 7% in the core business—excluding temporary work. EBIT improved by 4.2% to 266 million euros, while EBITDA rose by 5.4% to 480.1 million euros. Moreover, DEKRA's core workforce grew by 800 employees to around 33,000. In total, some 48,000 experts work for the world's leading non-listed testing, inspection, and certification organization. 'Thanks to our future-oriented business model, we were able to ensure robust revenue and earnings growth in another year of substantial economic tensions. The decision to focus on the key megatrends of Future Mobility, Sustainability, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence with our 'Strategy 2025' was essential to our economic success in 2024,' said DEKRA CEO Stan Zurkiewicz at the company's Annual Press Conference at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. 'Our people are our greatest asset. That is why we are proud to have continued expanding DEKRA's core employee base in turbulent times like these,' added DEKRA CFO and Human Resources director Wolfgang Linsenmaier. 'This is strong testimony to the resilience of DEKRA's business model and our clear-cut ambitions going forward.' Contact Marie Hertfelder Phone +49.711.7861-1360 Fax +49.711.7861-741360 DEKRA e.V. Corporate Communications Handwerkstraße 15 70565 Stuttgart, Germany
