- Imperial Claims Services
Transcription
- Imperial Claims Services
1/2016 N ews INTERNATIONAL DEKRA provides emissions information Page 5 J O U R N A L F O R D E K R A E M P L OY E E S | Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C AT I O N Series “We put safety into practice” First aid courses for all We will only succeed in credibly communicating our Vision 2025 to the outside world if we have exemplary behavior from every individual. DEKRA CEO Stefan Kölbl has displayed such behavior by completing a first aid course in October last year. Now he invites all employees worldwide to do the same! Toys on the DEKRA product test bench. DEKRA at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair Children’s room 4.0 The trend toward digitalization and connectivity does not stop at the door to the children’s room. DEKRA product testing experts have been observing this trend with increasing frequency. They provided advice on the new wireless technologies and standards to both manufacturers and dealers at the world’s largest International Toy Fair in Nuremberg from January 27 until February 1. T oys are increasingly becoming part of the “Internet of Things”, in which even everyday items are Internet-capable and networked. These new technologies are having an enormous impact on toy safety and the legal certainty of manufacturers and dealers. “On the part of toy manufacturers – especially medium-sized businesses – we are currently observing a huge need for information,” said Werner Leistner, product expert at DEKRA. “There is not a specific standard to regulate the use of digital technologies in toys. This means that legal safety requirements from unrelated sectors are having to be transferred to the networked, Internet-capable toys.” The number of standards that will have to be considered for a product in the future also requires sophisticated supplier management to ensure that the supply chain, too, incorporates these regulations. DEKRA is an accredited testing center in accordance with the EU toy directive. Its toy experts provide chemical, mechanical and electrical toy testing services. alf IN BRIEF ▲ More than 3,500 refugees and asylum seekers from Syria, Iran, Iraq and Eritrea are currently learning the basics of the German language at many DEKRA Academy centers. Experts believe this to be key in enabling future integration. The German courses currently running on a voluntary basis are the DEKRA Academy’s response to a special program launched by the employment agency and aimed at providing German courses for 100,000 asylum seekers. The period between the end of October and end of December 2015 gave the DEKRA Academy time, firstly to acquire participants and secondly to improve trainer competences. They learnt things like handling new teaching media and attended English courses. Intercultural training courses rounded off the program. The reward for all this effort was that more than 3,500 grateful participants took up places in Augsburg, Saarbrücken, Siegen, Lübeck and Kiel. The success is evidence that both DEKRA Academy and the employment agency are on the right track. According to recent employment agency press releases the originally planned figure of 100,000 has since doubled to 200,000. Qualified courses around the world DEKRA has teamed up with the International Red Cross so that it can offer qualified courses around the world. Importantly, if partnerships with DEKRA offers first aid courses in cooperation with the International Red Cross. Photo: DEKRA Photo: DEKRA W hen he passed the first aid course in Stuttgart, Stefan Kölbl fulfilled a promise he made as part of the “Safety Challenge”. He also promised that all employees world-wide would get the opportunity to choose to attend a first aid course. This will be possible from April 18. That is when the website www.dekra-first-aid.com will go online, all employees will be able to use it to register for a first aid course. First aid courses for all: DEKRA employees around the world can register via the website www.dekra-first-aid.com from April 18. other organizations already exist – related to training for workplace first aiders for example – then the courses can also be provided by these organizations. It could not be easier for employees to register. All they need to do is provide their name and organizational unit, after which they will receive confirmation. A “first aid coordinator” then gathers together all of the DEKRA applications at a local level. The list of interested employees is passed on to the local Red Cross or other charitable organizations, who arrange everything from there. Foundation stone for “DEKRA Safety Ambassadors” The worldwide first aid course is one of the foundation stones required for the in-house “Safety Ambassador“ certification. The managers from DEKRA were nominated by Stefan Kölbl during the Global Management Meeting (GMM) in summer 2015 as part of Vision 2025. They will earn the title of “Safety Ambassador” only when they have facilitated or actively fulfilled certain measures for increasing safety. In the future, employees will also be given the chance to become certified “Safety Ambassadors”.alf Register for a first aid course directly and on the go (starting April 18)! Login: DEKRA Passwort: FirstAid DEKRA News Highlights of this issue 2 2 6 Award winner: DEKRA Industrial France has received the “Prix de l’Egalité Professionnelle” for its initiative aimed at promoting the equality of men and women in the workplace. DEKRA purchased the company Grøns in Saeby (Denmark) in January. It offers training courses and safety training for professional drivers. From Stuttgart to Oxnard: Valentin Löwenstein went to California to take up a one year posting at the subsidiary company DEKRA Insight. Contact: You can reach the editorial team of DEKRA News on telephone number +49.711.78 61-27 39, fax number +49.711.78 61-27 00, by email: news@dekra.com or via the company’s website: www.dekra.de PAGE 2 DEKRA News International 1/2016 DEKRA Industrial France Championing equality in the workplace S ophie Dominjon, Managing Director of DEKRA Industrial France, accepted the “Prix de l’Egalité Professionnelle” from Martin Malvy, former budget minister and president of the regional council of Midi-Pyrénées. The award itself has been designed as a block of masonry stone to symbolize the erection of a building. Back in 2006, DEKRA Industrial signed up to the Diversity Charter (Charte de la diversité), which was created in 2004 to put a stop to discrimination in the workplace. In 2012, DEKRA Industrial signed an additional agreement on equality between women and men with the local works committee which brought with it comprehensive improvements, for example, with regard to working hours and child care provision. Since then DEKRA Industrial has also set about significantly improving the number of women in managerial positions. Photo: DEKRA Industrial On Thursday, November 19 the endeavors of the French subsidiary DEKRA to promote equality at work in large companies was honored by the conferring of an award sponsored by the French Midi-Pyrenees region. Sophie Dominjon (6th from left) at the award ceremony for the Prix de l’Egalité Professionelle. “This award represents recognition of our endeavors to promote diversity and equality,” stated Sophie Dominjon. “We have signed the Diversity Charter and we are also committed to ensuring the equal treatment of men and women in the workplace. This has encouraged us to constantly question what we do and thus gradually break down stereotypes commonly existing in areas that are perceived as dominated by men. And at the end of the day that helps all of us.”alf Anniversary: Dr. Gerd Neumann A quarter of a century in the service of DEKRA DEKRA boss Stefan Kölbl and DEKRA SE Member of the Board, Clemens Klinke have conferred on Dr. Gerd Neumann the Golden DEKRA Badge of Honor in recognition of his 25 years of commitment and service to DEKRA. Nico Hülkenberg: Flying visit in Stuttgart Motor Sports Personality of the Year Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg paid a flying visit to Stuttgart on December 3, but was still able to find some time to review the recently concluded 2015 season. He was also fêted as “ADAC Motor Sports Personality of the Year”. N ico Hülkenberg’s main job is and remains that of being a Force India driver. He was quite clear about this in a relaxed discussion with DEKRA SE Board Member Clemens Klinke at the traditional DEKRA Group end-of-the-year review attended by journalists. Nevertheless, his 2015 season in the premier class was crowned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which he won driving the Porsche 919 Hybrid, making him the first active Formula 1 driver to do so in living memory. At the wheel of his current Formula 1 car Force India VJM08, Hülkenberg managed three times to secure sixth place (Canada, Italy and Brazil) and ranked tenth in the drivers’ world championship. Overall, he has managed to finish high enough to rack up points in 19 races. However, the high point of Formula 1 according to the 28-year-old was the historic fifth place achieved by Force India in the constructors’ championship – after all, this was the team’s highest ever ranking since it came into being. In November, the ADAC named him “Motor Sport Personality of the Year”. He received the prize, a large Saint Christopher made of Nymphenburg porcelain, at DEKRA from Lars Soutschka, ADAC head of motorsport and classic motoring. alf honor became Member of the Executive Board of DEKRA Automobil GmbH responsible for inspections in 2006.alf Photo: Augustin ADAC Motor Sports Personality of the Year: Nico Hülkenberg (right) accepts the award from Lars Soutschka of ADAC at DEKRA’s end-ofthe-year review event. Dr. Gerd Neumann (left) receives the Golden Badge of Honor and a diploma celebrating his 25 years of DEKRA service from Stefan Kölbl. DEKRA ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL DEKRA buys training company Grøns On January 4, the Danish subsidiary DEKRA Akademie AS purchased a 100 % share in the company Grøns, based in Saeby in the north of the country. Grøns runs driver training and driving safety courses, chiefly for professional drivers, at four locations. T he Grøns Group consists of the two companies Grøns Transport Uddannelser A/S (GTU) and Grøns Grøns test track for driving safety training in Saeby. Photo: Grøns Photo: Sage C ompanions of many years standing and colleagues from various fields gathered at an intimate reception held at the head office in Stuttgart during which Dr. Neumann received from DEKRA boss Stefan Kölbl the Golden Badge of Honor and the recognition certificate celebrating his 25 years in the company. The Chief Executive Officer of DEKRA Automobil GmbH joined DEKRA as an inspection engineer in November 1990. After periods spent as branch manager in Stralsund and Rostock, the guest of Køreteknisk Anlæg A/S (GKA), which have been performing their services for public and private companies for around 40 years. With 22 employees at four locations, the company generated income equivalent to approximately EUR 3.4 million in 2014. The company operates its own test track in Saeby for driving safety training. Grøns (www.grons.dk) is the only private-sector provider of training for professional drivers in northern Denmark and it is also the market leader with a market share of around 50 %. For DEKRA in Denmark, the acquisition represents its market entry in this region, as previously there were no licenses there. alf Direct and mobile link to the Grøns company video! DEKRA News International 1/2016 PAGE 3 Vision 2025: Master plan for continued growth On Thursday, December 3 DEKRA boss Stefan Kölbl presented a review of the year to an audience of top media representatives and at the same time ventured a look ahead at the further development of the group. T in more than 50 countries worldwide. AUTOMOTIVE: Dynamic development DEKRA Automotive improved turnover in 2015 by more than six percent to roughly 1.4 billion euros, an increase driven by product innovations, efficient processes and the program of further internationalization. Photo: Küppers he global growth in the demand for safety has translated into another successful business year for DEKRA. The group turnover is set to increase by more than seven percent to around 2.7 billion euros: This is now the twelfth year in succession that DEKRA has posted continued growth. The workforce also increased in 2015 by approximately 2,400 to its current figure of 37,400 operating A topic that occupied DEKRA Automobil GmbH in 2015 was the national deployment of the main inspection adapters, here demonstrated by Dr. Gerd Neumann, Chief Executive Officer at DEKRA Automobil GmbH (center), Sascha Dohmke (right) and Georg Vitha (both AP4). The German DEKRA Automobil GmbH alone increased turnover by almost six percent to 1.1 billion euros, further cementing its position as the market leader in the inspections sector. It boasts around 34 percent market share, recording over nine million main inspections yearly. Added to this are more than 130 million euros from periodic industrial inspection services in Germany rendered by DEKRA Automobil GmbH. INDUSTRIAL: International growth DEKRA Industrial likewise remained on course for growth in 2015. Turnover is set to increase by over 15 percent to 811 million euros. Product inspection highlights of the past year were the acquisitions of QuieTek (Taiwan) and AT4Wireless (Spain) as well as the joint venture with DEKRA iST Reliability Services (China). The expansion of the high-tech markets of mobility, health and electronics as well as the activities in Asia have led to the workforce doubling to 1,600. With 85 percent of the workforce outside Germa- ny, DEKRA Industrial is also the most international of the group’s business units. Thanks to innovative offers and projects, for example in the field of robot-supported inspection in power stations and industrial plant in Germany, Finland and South Africa, the Material Testing and Inspection service unit was able to enjoy its best business year to date. With its Insight service unit DEKRA was able to further strengthen its international advisory business in organizational and process safety. Along with the acquisition of BST, Chilworth and RCI Safety in the previous years, the purchase of the Scottish Optimus Seventh Generation Ltd. will further improve access to the oil and gas industry, especially in offshore extraction in the North Sea. PERSONNEL: Leading market position DEKRA Personnel turnover in 2015 is forecast to hit the same high level achieved last year at almost 458 million euros. Results here are being powered by the DEKRA Akademie as one of the largest private training providers in Germany as well as DEKRA Arbeit as the seventh largest temporary employment agency in Germany. Specialist course on “Dazzle-related Accidents” Photo: AT4 Wireless Review of the year 2015 The purchase of AT4 Wireless in Málaga in mid-year saw DEKRA investing in the key technology of the future “Industry 4.0”. Kölbl: Positive outlook for 2016 The good international positioning that has now been achieved and the ability to offer a comprehensive range of safety services mean that DEKRA expects for 2016 a positive business development to match the high level recorded in previous years. Head of DEKRA Kölbl: “Organic growth and recent acquisitions offer enormous opportunities for growth in three key spheres of life: transport, work and the home. Vision 2025 gives us the necessary master plan to enable us to systematically realize these opportunities: “We will become the global partner for a safer world.” alf The luminance measuring camera is fitted in the back of the car at the eyelevel of the driver. See and be seen Photos: Thomas Küppers / DEKRA In early February, DEKRA Accident Analysis and Accident Research held an advanced training course on the topic of “Dazzle-related Accidents” in Wart. It was attended by 24 accident analysts. Due to the highly specialized nature of the course, it is only held once every two to three years. The photo from the luminance measuring camera shows the different measuring points on the body of the shop window dummy (figure on the right in the picture). A ll cats are gray in the dark”, is a well-known saying in Germany meaning that it is difficult to distinguish between colors at night. However, night time conditions also impair normal vision. The dazzling lights of oncoming vehicles or reflections caused by rain or snow further impair vision on the road, for example, when looking out for pedestrians. In the event of such an accident, courts call on DEKRA accident analysts to reconstruct the situation as faithfully as possible so as to be able to make judgments about witness statements concerning visibility, possible reaction time and therefore whether the accident could have been prevented. Clothing, vehicle type right through to the weather conditions – everything is being reconstructed as accurately as possible. DEKRA has more than 80 experts for these night-time accident reconstructions throughout Germany and from February 1 to 4 some 24 colleagues met at the training center in AltensteigWart to learn about the legal issues involved and the use of luminance measuring cameras in such situations. The organizers, Michael Krieg, Daniel Cakeljic (AG21 Analytical Reporting) and Stefanie Ritter (AG22 Accident Research), were able to welcome 14 new colleagues onto the training course. Theoretical training during the day was followed by practical tests at night, such as, for example, placing a female shop window dummy against a dark background about 50 meters away from three vehicles to represent the accident victim. An additional problem was the fact that the headlights of oncoming vehicles were dazzling the driver, making it even more difficult to detect the dummy. Would the driver have seen the accident victim? Would he have been able to react and avoid the collision under these circumstances? These are the types of questions that need to be clarified. The accident analysts set up their luminance measuring cameras with their laptops in the three vehicles. The camera is adapted to the spectral sensitivity of the eye and measures and evaluates the contrasts in relation to the background at different measuring points of the test dummy (head, chest, stomach, thighs). “A detailed investigation of the light conditions frequently enables us to prove that it had been particularly difficult to detect the obstacle,” explains Michael Krieg. “This can indeed lead to a different judgment for the accused.” The fact that it was snowing heavily did little to deter the analysts. On the contrary, it meant that they could factor in the additional dazzle caused by heavy snowfall into the measurements taken with their cameras. alf The dummy’s view of the reconstruction. Opposite, two of the three measuring vehicles have switched on their lights. The vehicle on the right is causing the dazzle. PAGE 4 DEKRA News International 1/2016 Series “We put safety into practice” IN BRIEF … keeping a safe distance “We will become the global partner for a safer world” – this is the DEKRA Vision 2025. The only way we can make this vision credible for the outside world is by the exemplary behavior of every individual. This includes maintaining the right distance to the vehicle on the road in front. W Photo: DEKRA hat once had to be learnt by heart for the theoretical part of the driving license exam is usually quickly forgotten. The factual knowledge about the safe distance on the road is replaced by a “gut feeling”, which unfortu- nately, all too often has serious consequences: between January and August 2015 Germany recorded no less than 1.6 million accidents, an increase of 2.5 per cent in comparison to last year. An alarming fact is that according to the German Automobile Club, the ADAC, failure to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front was the second most frequent cause of an accident in 2014. The stopping distance increases disproportionately The requisite safety distance is an important measure that can be easily implemented and helps to avoid unnecessary accidents. Did you know that even at speeds as low as 30 km/h the average stopping distance (reaction path 8.3 meters + braking path 4.5 meters) is 12.8 meters? And this only applies with optimum equipment, weather and road conditions. The overview shows that the stopping distance becomes disproportionately Every single devialonger as the speed increases. tion can add to the stopping distance and thus significantly increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision. Motorists frequently underestimate the fact that the stopping distance rises disproportionately at increasing speed. Every doubling of the speed leads to the stopping distance increasing by a factor of four. At 100 km/h the figure has already reached almost 80 meters. Distance = half the speedometer in meters By keeping these figures firmly in mind, you can subject your own behavior to a critical self-test. The rule of thumb is: Distance = half the speedometer in meters. In order to train the right feeling for distances, it is worth walking the 100 meters the next time you visit the sports ground or trying to become more aware of measured distances in dayto-day life. A sound estimation of the right distance is an effective way of countering the risk of rear-ends collisions. alf ▲ An increasing number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are being detected in children’s accessories and clothing. Some of them are categorized as carcinogenic. These are the results of a random sampling exercise undertaken by DEKRA on children’s products such as Wellington boots, ear protectors, gloves and house slippers. However, the concentrations detected were still below the new maximum limit that came into force on December 27, 2015. For market research purposes DEKRA subjected randomly selected and anonymized children products to a PAH analysis in its own chemical laboratories. They were products which, due to their manufacture and the materials used, could typically contain PAH. The findings: PAH substances were detected in all the articles tested. Two samples contained carcinogenic PAH substances that are subject to the new maximum limits in the REACH Directive (EC) 1907/2006 Appendix XVII. The concentrations were below the maximum limit of 1 mg/kg, however. Even so, the PAH results would have meant that five products would have failed to fulfill the strict requirements needed for a GS symbol. Product Testing & Certification Networking in China D EKRA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Certification and Accreditation Association (CCAA). The aim is to make available a joint training and advanced training program to auditors and technical staff in the testing, certification and inspection branch (TIC). The CCAA is the Chinese association of accreditation and certification centers and laboratories entrusted with the standardization of the certification sector in China. Moreover, DEKRA has entered into an agreement with the recognized certification center China Quality Certification (CQC) for an extensive collaboration. The Chinese standards and regulations are to be further developed so that the time between product innovation and standard compliance can be shortened. red Experience the fascination of the DTM: The 2016 schedule is out now! Archive photo: Wittmann The Product Testing & Certification service unit has concluded two partnerships with important market players in Beijing. German Touring Car Championship – DTM 2016 schedule is out now! The 2015 season may only just have come to a breathtaking finale in Hockenheim – with around 1,800 DEKRA members in the stands – but the dates are already out for the coming season. Signing ceremony with the CCAA. Front: Fei Sheng, General Secretary of the CCAA (rights), and DEKRA SE Board Member Ivo Rauh. THE DTM DATES FOR 2016 – AN OVERVIEW * May 6th – 8th: May 20 th – 22nd: June 3rd – 5th: June 24th – 26th: July 1st – 17th: August 19th – 21st: September 9th – 11th: September 23rd – 25th: October 14th – 16th: Hockenheim I Spielberg Lausitzring Norisring Zandvoort Moscow Nürburgring Budapest Hockenheim II * Subject to approval by the FIA and the DMSB. Photo: DEKRA T he coming year will likewise see the vehicles entered by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi battling it out in a total of 18 races staged on nine weekends. The positive feedback from drivers and fans means that the tried-and-tested format of two full races staged on one weekend has been retained in the coming season.alf PAGE 5 Photos: Küppers DEKRA News International 1/2016 DEKRA SE Member of the Board Clemens Klinke explained the procedures in light of the recent debate on exhaust recording manipulations. Piggyback mobile measuring device: This is how emissions can be realistically measured in operation. Emissions workshop at the DEKRA Technology Center “Neutral inspection for more environmental and consumer protection” Towards the end of November DEKRA took the opportunity to explain the ins and outs of car exhaust analyses to media representatives at the DEKRA Technology Center in Klettwitz. DEKRA Member of the Executive Board Clemens Klinke called for the use of real-life measurement data in type approval procedures as well as a further development of exhaust analysis. I n response to the recent debate concerning the manipulation of exhaust emission analyses of diesel engines, DEKRA had decided to invite around 30 media representatives to Upper Lusatia. Here the team put together by DTC manager Volker Noeske demonstrated current procedures as well as possible – and according to DEKRA essential – further developments. Clemens Klinke, Member of the Board of DEKRA SE and responsible for the Business Unit Automotive, explained the tests and put them in context as regards the current debate. Roland Gerdon, Member of the Boards of DEKRA e. V. and DEKRA SE, as well as Dr. Gerd Neumann, Chief Executive Officer at DEKRA Automobil GmbH, also attended. Three pillars of monitoring “We should treat emissions behavior like the safety of motor vehicles and rely on a system made up of a combination of type approval, periodic vehicle monitoring and controls on the road,” said Clemens Klinke. “In our view this system mix must be lent new weight in the interests of environmental and consumer protection.” To do this it would be essential to drive forward further development work in the three pillars of type approval and exhaust emissions analysis. There are also new technical options for conducting controls on the road. Closer to reality with exhaust analyses on the road In order to better simulate reality during investigations carried out as part of type approval, DEKRA favors a combined approach. This involves new and more extensive measuring procedures on the test stands performed by independent institutes as well as the exhaust emission analysis on the road tested in Senftenberg and its environs. DEKRA calls for a combination of OBD and tail pipe measurements As regards the exhaust emission analysis as part of periodic vehicle monitoring, DEKRA has been insisting for years now that further development needs to match modern requirements. “In order to make sure that the vehicles remain as clean as their design can make them, it is first of all essential to revise the maximum levels to reflect the current state of engine technology,” said Klinke. “Secondly, we urgently recommend not restricting the exhaust emission analysis of more recent vehicles to the on-board diagnosis, or OBD for short, but instead to adopt the combination of OBD and tail pipe measurements as standard procedure.” Infrared technology employed during drive-bys provides information on exhaust emissions The experts in Klettwitz also presented an innovative yet legally uncertain solution for the mobile monitoring of “emission sinners”. So-called remote sensing procedures that measure the exhaust emissions of vehicles passing by using infrared technology have already found some application in the USA. “The accuracy of this testing method can definitely not be compared with the exhaust emission analysis, but could at least be employed to track down the most blatant emission polluters,” said Klinke.alf Volker Noeske, Head of the DEKRA Technology Center, explained the measuring processes and answered journalists’ questions. Closer to reality: DEKRA also tested mobile measuring procedures that can record emissions in operation. The DTC experts demonstrated emission measurements on the test stand to around 30 media representatives. PAGE 6 DEKRA News International 1/2016 GLOBAL MOBILITY AT DEKRA A year in the USA A year in the USA: For Valentin Löwenstein it was a dream come true. In his post at DEKRA Insight in Oxnard, California, the project manager experienced North American friendliness and was able to work on some exciting projects. We interviewed him to find out what it was like. VL: Well, naturally it’s quite a contrast, and I must admit, especially now in winter, that I sometimes wish I were back in milder Californian climes. On the other hand, I’m a snowboarder, so the cold and snow back in Germany certainly has something to offer as well. That said, in California you would quite easily be able to both surf and snowboard on the same day. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible last year due to the lack of snow. DN: How did you manage to get posted to DERKA Insight in the first place? VL: I had already had contact with the managing director and his team as a project manager for the integration of acquired companies back in Stuttgart. It was he who offered me the opportunity to spend a year working with him in California. DN: And what did you do? Just pack your bags and jet off? VL: No, things obviously don’t go as fast as that. First of all, I had to notify my superior, but he was very open to the idea. The fact that I had already spent some time in the USA as a student also made the decision that much easier. And the Global Mobility helped me enormously in dealing with the formalities. in the acquisition of Optimus Seventh Generation and acted as a link between the Service Unit and head office in Stuttgart. DN: What precisely were your duties at DEKRA Insight? DN: How were you received by your American colleagues? VL: I was in the Operational Excellence department supporting the DEKRA Insight management team in its strategic work, working on internal process optimization and different key Service Unit projects. I also worked with RCI colleagues in Kansas, was actively involved VL: The vibes were good from the outset and I was accepted straight away. My colleagues were very keen to find out more about DEKRA and Germany. Naturally, there was the occasional cultural difference, but everybody needs to be aware of that in the beginning. Photo: Private DN: Mr. Löwenstein, what’s it like to be back in a comparatively cold Stuttgart after having spent a year in California? Unwinding at a baseball game (Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins) during the US posting. Having said that, openness, curiosity and flexibility can take you a very long way. DN: Are there any commonalities between DEKRA Insight and DEKRA in Europe? VL: More than you might imagine: For instance, the long average period of service and the passion for safety in the USA, which goes far beyond occupational safety. However, we all share the same company values and are always willing to lend each other a helping hand, irrespective of which continent the colleagues happen to be on. DN: And what’s next? What are your future career plans? VL: I am very happy that I have been able to continue working as a project manager on DEKRA Insight Service Unit projects after my return. I would definitely say that my period there and the experience it gave me will stand me in good stead, both on a personal and a professional level. Looking back, I would repack my bags and be off in a shot. alf Legal, compliance and corporate data protection department International meeting in Berlin T he 22 participants spent two and half days in Berlin discussing matters such as the DEKRA Vision 2025 and Strategy 2020 as well as their significance and possible impact on their department. In various workshops they dealt with additional future topics, in particular, as regards “Industry 4.0” services, international cooperation within the DEKRA Group and measures to ensure group-wide data protection. Apart from strictly technical topics some time was also set aside for colleagues to exchange experiences and to discover Berlin and its sights. Particularly impressive was the visit to the “Checkpoint Charlie” Wall Museum accompanied by the personal input of a contemporary witness.alf Photo: DEKRA The Legal and Compliance department convened at the DEKRA representative office in Berlin in November 2015 to consult and discuss about Strategy 2020. Also present were colleagues from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, China, the USA and Brazil. “Top of the Month” in January: the contribution by Jens Petersdorff, Frankfurt branch. DEKRA Safety Challenge “Top of the Month” Excellent contributions As part of the “DEKRA Safety Challenge” campaign the contributions with the most “Likes” in one month are to be awarded the “Top of the Month” title. Why not join in! Photo: Christian Kruppa S Law and compliance at its meeting in Berlin. ince the summer of 2015, when the Safety Challenge was launched by DEKRA boss Stefan Kölbl, the campaign question has been: What is your contribution to more safety? All the staff members can take part and nominate up to three colleagues to do the same. There are six simple stages: 1. Take a picture or record a video, 2. Give your name and DEKRA Company, 3. Present your own safety contribution, 4. Nominate up to three colleagues, 5. Buckle up a safety belt, 6. Upload a picture of video to the website! From December 2015 those contributions that have been played the most will be awarded the “Top of the Month” title. And who knows? Perhaps your contribution will win in the coming month? Remember, the only way to win is to join in! alf Mobile to the Safety Challenge Login: DEKRA, password: SafetyChallenge DEKRA News International 1/2016 PAGE 7 DEKRA branch Chemnitz Electrifying One of the now rare models was recently converted to electric drive as part of a test project. The project was supported from not just one but two sides: Firstly, by the Saxon company owner André Laukner, and secondly by the expert Thomas Markert from the Annaberg office of the DEKRA Chemnitz branch. Erzgebirge region in Saxony have been converting conventional cars to electric drive and thus integrating them into his building energy systems. Apart from the several Volkswagen T5s that have been converted, his name is also synonymous with the lithium-iron-phosphate powered E-Mobiles “Think”. André Laukner’s know-how was also of fundamental importance for the successful implementation of the T1 project. Experience with “Think”-EMobiles helped development André Laukner is well known in the field. For years now the engineer and his company Energietechnik in Schwarzenberg in the DEKRA ensures observance of the regulations during the conversion The job of engineer T homas Markert and his DEKRA team was to ensure that the T1 conversion to an The team headed up by Thomas Markert from the branch in Annaberg has supported the conversion of a Volkswagen T1 to electric drive and then carried out the main inspection. V olkswagen T1: There are not many cars that are so closely associated with the German economic wonder of the fifties and sixties as this versatile Beetle cousin. Whether in commerce, for manual trades, the gastronomic sector or agriculture – this tough old van was deemed one of the most important symbols of the economic upturn. A total of 1.8 million T1s, either in a box van, station wagon or platform truck version, rolled off the production line between 1950 and 1967. Electric instead of boxer power plant: The rear is also an eye-catcher. Photos: Branch Chemnitz E-Mobile complied with all the road traffic regulations required for the registration, as well as for the successful passing of the main inspection. “This included, for example, evidencing the electromagnetic compatibility of the power packs and high voltage technology, the correct adjustment of revolutions and torque, the classification of the energy store and lines in accordance with the regulation of battery-driven electric vehicles under ECE R100 or the contact and insulation protection,” says the test engineer. 150 km range thanks to 190 lithium-iron-phosphate cells The T1 in question was built in 1958 and had, Outside old, inside new: The VW T1 “Bulli” in the DEKRA inspection hall. 6 th ICMA Corporate Media Award Customer magazine scoops award before the conversion, been powered by a 30 hp 1.2 liter engine. Now no fewer than 192 gastight lithium-iron-phosphate cells each with 3.2 volts/42 ampere hours ensure that the veteran vehicle can be driven completely emissions free with a range of almost 150 kilometers. “By the way, the energy cells used have been employed with great success for many years in the shipbuilding sector,” reports André Laukner. For example, on the large 42 meter yacht “Sir Robert” or as part of an electric boat project launched by the Swiss Heinrich-Werft in Kreuzlingen at Lake Constance. Matthias Gaul Award winner: the cover of the customer magazine DEKRA Solutions. A total of 411 publications from 17 countries took part in the 6 th ICMA. Outstanding individual contributions receive Awards of Excellence. It is frequently activities such as photo reports, illustrations or book-binding which are honored in this way. Stephan Heigl, Director of DEKRA Corporate Mar- keting and Communication: “This award constitutes a very special honor for the work invested in the relaunch of the customer magazine. DEKRA Solutions could not have made a better start.” The customer magazine was given a complete overhaul in its 2015 anniversary year. The first “new” issue appeared on September 17 in time for the IAA. The “Solutions” concept is the brainchild of a team led by Editor-in-chief B ernd Ostmann (Motor Press Stuttgart). The journal is produced in collaboration with Editor Andreas Techel from ETM Publishers and the renowned agency Relevance based in Hamburg.alf Ph ot o: D EK RA The revamped customer magazine DEKRA Solutions has scooped the “Award of Excellence” for the layout of its print cover in the coveted International Corporate Media Award (ICMA) competition. Photos: Karl-Heinz Augustin PAGE 8 DEKRA News International 1/2016 Finishing line for the giant slalom on Mount Penken. 37 th DEKRA Ski Cup in Mayrhofen Successfully continuing the tradition Pure sunshine, good snow conditions (still) and an appealing program of activities summed up the 37th DEKRA Ski Cup in Mayrhofen from January 28 to 30. O n the day of departure after the DEKRA Ski Cup, Mayrhofen was rainy and it was snowing up in the mountains. The organization team from the Planegg branch could not have wished for better timing. In the previous days, the sun had been shining almost all day long, both in the valley and on the Penken and the Ahorn, Mayrhofen’s two local mountains in the Zillertal. According to Werner Kühnl, the branch manager and head organizer, this was half the battle already. The other half was handled by his organization team: A tour around the Erlebnis-Sennerei alpine dairy on Thursday, the Bavarian-Austrian evening in the Europahaus on Friday, the sports competitions on Saturday and the crowning finale at the Berghof Hall on Saturday evening. Everything went smoothly, and the roughly 930 participants enjoyed a wonderful couple of days on this company outing in the snow. There were a few details that made this year’s event Top weather conditions and great atmosphere during the DEKRA Ski Cup in Mayrhofen. DEKRA boss Stefan Kölbl welcomed the ski fans on the Saturday evening. an unforgettable experience, such as the sponsorship for a goat that patron Clemens Klinke started off live on stage by attaching the animal’s collar. And then there was the impressive impromptu singing performance by our colleagues who had traveled there specially from South Africa. All in all, it was a successful continuation of the traditional event, which will be organized by the Rosenheim branch next year. In the picture gallery, you can see photos of the highlights of the event. alf Unexpectedly Godfather: Clemens Klinke was allowed to put the collar engraved with the company name DEKRA around the neck of kid goat “Leni”. The giant slalom on the “Penken25” slope was blessed with almost ideal conditions. Mayrhofen’s emblem, the chamois buck, in front of Europe House. The “Zillertal Alps Sound” was followed by DJ Albin with a selection of dance music. Pure rustic charm: an impressive Schuhplattler performance by lads and lasses from the Zillertal. The vocal number by the widely traveled South African colleagues touched everybody’s heartstrings.