Spain's DGT appoints Applus+ IDIADA to certify automated vehicles for public-road testing
Spain's traffic authority has named Applus+ IDIADA a Technological Recognition Centre under the ES-AV programme, letting it certify automated vehicles that want to test on Spanish public roads.
What Happened
Applus+ IDIADA has been appointed by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the Spanish Government's mobility regulatory body, as a Technological Recognition Centre under the Automated Vehicle Testing Programme (ES-AV). The designation authorizes IDIADA to carry out the technical assessments and certifications covered by the ES-AV programme for automated vehicles applying for authorization to conduct tests on public roads in Spain. IDIADA says the move expands its range of services in connected and automated mobility. The company adds that this complements its existing expertise in homologation, validation, and the development of advanced assistance and automated driving technologies.
- Homologation, validation, and development of advanced assistance and automated driving technologies
- Technical assessments and certifications under the ES-AV programme for automated vehicles seeking authorization to test on public roads in Spain
- A specific procedure aimed at facilitating the development, validation, and safe deployment of automated driving technologies
- Technological Recognition Centres acting as independent bodies that verify and certify compliance with the technical and safety requirements for testing
- A route for automated vehicles applying for authorization to conduct tests on Spanish public roads
- A new assessment and certification capability that IDIADA can offer manufacturers, developers, and technology suppliers
IDIADA frames the appointment as a reinforcement of its position in an area it calls strategic for the future of the automotive industry. It also ties the designation to what it describes as the sector's growing need for independent technical bodies to support the safe introduction of automated mobility solutions. The company says further guidance on the certification of automated vehicles for testing on public roads is available through its specialist teams.
Previously from Applus+ IDIADA
Applus+ IDIADA already offers end-to-end homologation services for Level 2+ driver assistance systems under UN Regulation 171, having previously reported a milestone as the first company to homologate a vehicle under that rule in China. The new DGT designation extends the company's certification work from driver assistance homologation toward automated vehicles tested on public roads.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Applus+ IDIADA's official releases.
Why this matters
Automakers, developers and technology suppliers that want to run automated vehicles on Spanish public roads need an authorized certification body, and IDIADA can now fill that role. The appointment gives the sector an additional independent technical body as it pushes automated driving technology toward safe deployment.
Terms in This Story
- Technological Recognition Centre
- An independent body designated to verify and certify that a product or system meets the technical and safety requirements set by an authority.
- ES-AV programme
- Spain's Automated Vehicle Testing Programme, which sets out the procedure for authorizing automated vehicles to be tested on public roads.
- DGT (General Directorate of Traffic)
- The Spanish Government's mobility regulatory body, which oversees traffic rules and vehicle authorizations in Spain.
- Homologation
- The official process of certifying that a vehicle or component meets the regulatory standards required for sale or road use in a given market.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.