One of the puzzles in vehicle lighting that is not really visible on prime stage, by marketing actions or by innovation award ceremonies, is the job of photometry and testing. During the process of homologation or certification, no OEM or supplier can avoid verifying and documenting that their products meet the technical standards in the world.
Since we have many varying regulation frameworks like ECE and CCC, FMVSS and CMVSS, any worldwide product application needs to be developed and verified according to the national rules. For ECE and CCC, type approval processes are established. Even though the U.S. FMVSS requires self-certification without official approval, no setmaker and no OEM can avoid having documents that show their products follow the legal specifications.
This is the field, competence, and service of test houses. There is no vehicle on the road without a fixed process concerning lamps and retroreflective devices. And before a vehicle can be homologated by one of the ECE contracting parties, a certified test lab must supply the testing and photometry reports that are the base of any homologation. Photometry is a high-tech laboratory job and needs qualified testing equipment like precise goniophotometers, and qualified personnel.
The experts from the test houses are active members in the rulemaking process. They are in their national GTB delegations, support the national administrations in GRE, and participate in many photometry working groups trying to harmonize the regulations and to adopt all regulations to the ongoing technical innovation process.
This week we have the pleasure to publish my detailed report on DEKRA, and Eric Blusseau’s description of DVN’s UTAC and CCIC visits.
GRE 92 is starting this week in Geneva, and Eric has also prepared a summary of all the informal documents that will be discussed this week.
We are also happy to share the PACE awards won by Oledworks, Marelli, and Audi for Digital OLED 2.0, as well as previews of new cars which will be officially revealed at the Shanghai Autoshow starting today. Paul-Henri, Anne and Geoffrey from the DVN team will be there to prepare a detailed report of the event and visit with DVN members.
Sincerely yours,
Michael Hamm
DVN Senior Advisor