Press archive

TÜV SÜD strengthens its industry segment in Italy and its global NDT network (16.01.2012)

1. TÜV SÜD has acquired the Italian company Bytest S.r.l., thus strengthening its industry segment in Italy and expanding its global network for non-destructive testing (NDT). Bytest is one of the leading providers of NDT services in Italy, with 120 staff and revenue of more than EUR 11 million in 2011. TÜV SÜD recently also acquired Pro-Tec, the number one provider of NDT and inspection services on the South African market.

TÜV SÜD: five tips on how to protect your car from road salt (13.01.2012)

1. The storage silos for road salt are filled to the brim and so far this winter snow ploughs and gritters have largely been idle. This is good for the technical systems in our cars, for which corrosive road salt is particularly harmful. Motorists who have not yet prepared their cars for winter conditions should do so now as a matter of urgency. Points to be checked include the paintwork and underbody as well as ensuring sufficient antifreeze in fluids. TÜV SÜD's car experts give five tips.

TÜV SÜD supports medical devices industry in the Middle East (11.01.2012)

1. As a specialist in the international approval of medical devices, TÜV SÜD will present its services at the largest trade fair of the industry in the Middle East. At Arab Health, one of the world's leading trade fairs for medical technology and health, the experts from TÜV SÜD can be found in the German Pavilion (Stand ZB.31) between 23 and 26 January 2012. One of the key subjects will be the new regulations for placing medical devices on the Saudi Arabian market.

ISO 50001 replaces EN 16001 – what companies must now do to save energy and money (11.01.2012)

1. On 24 April 2012, the German standards institute DIN will withdraw the EN 16001:2009 European standard and replace it with the international ISO 50001:2011 standard. The energy management experts at TÜV SÜD explain important points to note for organizations which intend to change their certificates or are currently undergoing EN 16001 certification. TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH was one of the first certification companies to gain DAkkS accreditation for the certification of energy management systems in accordance with the ISO 50001:2011 standard. An EnMS is the critical factor for a company in achieving systematic, integrated and sustainable reduction of its energy consumption. Within the scope of establishing an energy management system, organizations need to develop and implement sustainable organizational and operational procedures. TÜV SÜD supports companies in the successful implementation of energy management systems.

The electricity grids of the future (10.01.2012)

1. In the wake of the decision to phase out nuclear energy and expand energy from renewable sources, electricity grids are facing changing requirements. On behalf of the Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag (Büro für Technikfolgen-Abschätzung beim Deutschen Bundestag, TAB) TÜV SÜD is carrying out a study on "Modern Technologies for Grid Optimization". The study aims to point out the technological and regulatory measures that are required for ensuring security of supply.

Dig, rock and plan your trips with foresight (09.01.2012)

1. Deep snowdrifts, snow-covered motorways and wintry roads. At the edge of the Alps and low mountain ranges, rain and storms were followed by vast amounts of snow. Motorists travelling at higher altitudes must expect difficult road conditions over the coming days. TÜV SÜD's experts give important tips for motorists to take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents, and advise them what to do if they end up getting stuck. They also explain the correct use of snow chains.

First step towards Europe-wide hydrogen training scheme (09.01.2012)

1. Hydrogen as a fuel is on the rise. TÜV SÜD Akademie won a call by the European Commission and is now working with five partners to develop a scheme for providing training courses and information material in this field across Europe. The training courses and information materials target staff of public bodies involved in the licensing of hydrogen plants and of hydrogen plant owners, aiming to establish a standardized level of knowledge and ensure safe handling of this modern technology. The website www.hyfacts.eu is now online and offers initial information on the subject. But that's not all. In addition, TÜV SÜD Akademie has already been offering training courses in this area.

TÜV SÜD: Many cities will drive forward next stage of low-emission zone in 2012 (27.12.2011)

1. Stuttgart, Frankfurt am Main and Munich are the three major German cities to tighten the rules on emissions in city centres, introducing phase three of the low-emission zone (LEZ) scheme. This means that even cars with yellow stickers on their windscreens will no longer be permitted inside the centres of Stuttgart and Frankfurt from January on. Munich will bar older diesel cars from its centre from October onwards. Owners of older diesel vehicles who still want to drive into the city after these dates will need to install a diesel particulate filter. After a year of non-funding, the German government will again subsidize diesel particulate filter retrofits in 2012, contributing 330 euros to each retrofit. Motorists can apply for the subsidy at the German Office of Economics and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, BAFA) from February 2012 onwards. TÜV SÜD summarizes the facts.

"Risk assessment is a major challenge" (20.12.2011)

1. One of the central topics discussed among the trade visitors to the International Toy Fair will be the changeover to the new Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. In TÜV SÜD's experience, the comprehensive risk assessment set forth in the new Directive and its differentiation from other Directives present particular challenges for the entire sector. At the trade fair, the TÜV SÜD toy professionals will present their international service portfolio and answer practical questions asked by EU manufacturers, importers, retailers and authorized representatives (Hall 11.1, Stand E-03).

Climate strategies for the industry, energy and public sectors (19.12.2011)

1. In spite of international carbon saving efforts, global carbon emissions are higher than ever before. In Germany too, further measures are needed. At E-world in Essen, TÜV SÜD presents its comprehensive portfolio of certification and testing services related to carbon footprint, carbon neutrality, biomethane and green power (hall 1 / stand 322).

Small cars, big problems? It all comes down to maintenance, says TÜV SÜD (15.12.2011)

1. Even though the TÜV Report 2012 documents that the average rate of defects rose by a mere 0.2 per cent to 19.7 per cent throughout Germany, this rate still means that almost one in five cars fails to pass the TÜV roadworthiness inspection at the first attempt. In the category of compact cars typically chosen as second cars, the rate of defects rises particularly rapidly in the age category of five years and older. Are these cars of poorer quality? A glance at the figures shows that lack of servicing and maintenance combined with short-distance driving are mainly to blame for the high failure rate of compact cars in roadworthiness tests. Regular servicing would have a major impact at low cost. The 2012 TÜV Report will be available from TÜV SÜD service centres and retailers from 16 December.

safe.tech 2012 centres on functional safety (14.12.2011)

1. The overall functional safety of vehicles will be at the centre of safe.tech 2012, the new specialist conference which TÜV SÜD Automotive and TÜV SÜD Rail will hold on 13 and 14 March 2012 at the TÜV SÜD headquarters in Munich. The TÜV SÜD experts will use this new specialist event to bundle their corporate know-how in the field of functional safety, creating a forum for international specialists from science and industry which will link aspects from the automotive, rail and automation technology sectors for the first time. The new international specialist conference safe.tech emphasizes TÜV SÜD's strong position as a sector partner.

Buying children's toys – 11 tips from TÜV SÜD (09.12.2011)

1. Christmas gifts for children should give pleasure for longer than the festive season. To ensure that the fun and games continue long after Christmas is over, children's toys should be bought with care and consideration. The professionals at TÜV SÜD have assembled 11 useful tips for prospective purchasers.

TÜV SÜD: Cars must be well prepared for winter roads – but so should drivers (08.12.2011)

1. The anti-freeze has been topped up, the winter tyres are fitted: most drivers have prepared their cars well for the first snow. However, year in year out, traffic congestions and fender benders on the first days of frost and snow demonstrate that unfortunately, the same cannot be said for drivers themselves. The frantic pace of the holiday season only makes this phenomenon worse. TÜV SÜD's experts give tips on how to get your vehicle safely through wintry conditions.

TÜV SÜD sees signs of positive impact of German scrappage subsidy (06.12.2011)

1. The 2012 TÜV Report, the findings of which were presented in Berlin on 6 December, shows that the proportion of cars with serious defects on Germany's roads has risen slightly by 0.2 percentage points to 19.7 per cent. The winner for the second year in succession is the hybrid-drive Toyota Prius, while the Porsche Boxster/Cayman and VW Golf Plus achieved the best results for German brands. The new report was built on data from 3.1 million roadworthiness inspections contributed by TÜV SÜD. Analysis of the statistics from TÜV SÜD's market territory, covering the German states of Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Hamburg, showed clear indications that the scrappage scheme is working: the number of older vehicles with faults in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Saxony – two states in which the scrappage subsidy was in high demand–- fell by over 2.5 percentage points in the period covered by the report.

TÜV SÜD: German rules on winter equipment for cars often insufficient abroad (01.12.2011)

1. Germany made the use of winter tyres compulsory one year ago, and this season most motorists have fitted their winter tyres by now. But does this mean they also comply with legal requirements when travelling to winter resorts in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France? Far from it, say the experts at TÜV SÜD – motorists who carry winter equipment that complies with the German regulations may be in for an unpleasant surprise in neighbouring countries. The greatly varying legal requirements concerning winter tyres and snow chains are the best example.

People & Technology – Issue 4/2011 (01.12.2011)

1. Christmas is almost upon us once again, and this issue of the People & Technology Newsletter contains tips from the TÜV SÜD experts on secure and successful online shopping. After all, both young and old are increasingly relying on the Internet to choose their gifts instead of fighting their way through packed city-centre stores. Advent and Christmastime are also the perfect time for mulled wine – but the alcoholic drink is a no-no for work situations, so we've assembled some recipes for non-alcoholic Christmas drinks that can be served in the office – or to drivers. And last but not least, we have some advice on battling the winter blues.

Off to the ski slopes for some fun – not forgetting the helmet (29.11.2011)

1. They can save lives, they're a badge of identification on the slopes and they look good too: ski helmets are only compulsory in a few areas as yet, but smart skiers and snowboarders swear by them – voluntarily. TÜV SÜD sums up what to look out for in choosing and using ski helmets.

TÜV SÜD and CEPRI engage in strategic cooperation (25.11.2011)

1. The international service provider TÜV SÜD and the China Electric Power Research Institute (CEPRI) expressed their intention to cooperate at strategic level in the future. The two parties signed a contract to this effect in Beijing. CEPRI is a subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), the operator of China's national electricity grid. The cooperation of the two parties will focus on certification and prototype testing, inspection and training in the field of wind power.

Quality management: Implementation in doctor's surgeries and medical centres well under way (23.11.2011)

1. Quality management in the medical sector is aimed at ensuring a high standard of medical care which is also tailored to requirements and cost-effective. Since 2010, walk-in centres and surgeries providing medical care in Germany must have a recognized quality management system. TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH and Stiftung Gesundheit (German Health Foundation) carried out a study on quality management in multi-doctor practices and medical centres in 2011 to gain a full picture of the current situation in the country. "The result confirms that quality management is widely accepted and that the majority of doctor's surgeries have already implemented a quality system", concludes Carsten Diercks, who heads the project at TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH.

TÜV SÜD builds up mobility business in Italy (22.11.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD's acquisition of the Italian automotive service provider STIMA SYSTEM will enable the company to continue the expansion of its automotive business in Europe. Genoa-based STIMA SYSTEM has carved out a strong presence on the service market for car dealerships, manufacturers, car hire companies, vehicle fleets and insurance.

Industry leaders devise path to sustainable growth (17.11.2011)

1. Today’s inaugural TÜV SÜD Safe Future Now India conference saw business leaders across sectors explore new initiatives towards a more sustainable India, including the role of energy efficiency and sustainability measures as a tool for economic development beyond major metros. Dr.-Ing Axel Stepken, Chairman of the Board of Management, TÜV SÜD AG, and Mr. A.N. Srivastava, Director of the National Solar Mission, opened the conference with a call to action for more sustainable development, effected by an increasingly sustainable industry that has the potential to further India’s economic growth.

TÜV SÜD: Do the maths before retrofitting (17.11.2011)

1. Germany's Government Budgetary Committee recently decided that owners of diesel-powered cars are likely to receive financial support once again in 2012 and 2013 for retrofitting their cars with particulate filter systems. Could this be an incentive to get that old diesel vehicle fit enough for city centre low emission zones? While TÜV SÜD believes the continuation of funding for retrofitted particulate filters is the right move, owners of diesel-driven vehicles requiring the filter are advised to examine in detail whether the investment will be worthwhile, given rising diesel prices and continuing high taxes, or whether they would perhaps be better off buying a new or used car that already has a filter fitted or runs on petrol. TÜV SÜD's experts have some tips.

TÜV SÜD: Daytime running lamps are not enough in fog (16.11.2011)

1. On the A8 at Merklingen, fog has reduced visibility to 100 metres and the automatic traffic signs instruct drivers to slow to 60 kilometres per hour. While the technology works flawlessly, the drivers vary widely in their reactions; some brake sharply in uncertainty, yet others continue blithely onward, vanishing into the fog. The diversity of responses from drivers is mirrored by the lack of concerted awareness over the use of car headlamps. When should fog lamps and rear fog lamps be used, and what about daytime running lamps? Experts from TÜV SÜD provide tips on how to make the safest progress when road visibility is impaired.

Medica 2011: TÜV SÜD makes IEC 60601-1:2005 central theme (15.11.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD will make the 3rd edition of the IEC 60601-1:2005 standard the central theme of its presence at Medica, the international medical trade fair held in Duesseldorf from 16 to 19 November 2011. The transitional period for the "Medical electrical equipment – part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance" standard will expire on 1 June 2012. At Medica, Stand B05, Hall 10, TÜV SÜD provides comprehensive information about the criteria that manufacturers must fulfil to be certain of gaining market access.

2011 Corporate Health Awards presented in Frankfurt am Main for the healthiest companies in Germany (03.11.2011)

1. Under the patronage of the German Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the New Quality of Work Initiative (Initiative Neue Qualität der Arbeit, INQA), the German business magazine Handelsblatt, TÜV SÜD Life Service and EuPD Research today present the healthiest companies in Germany with an award. Supported by Techniker Krankenkasse, one of the public health insurance schemes of Germany, the yearly Corporate Health Awards go to companies that show exemplary commitment to the health and performance of their staff and, by doing so, raise the bar for these activities throughout Germany.

TÜV SÜD: From inviting workers to international team work (02.11.2011)

1. The anniversary of the Turkish-German agreement on the recruitment of labour on 30 October is of special significance for TÜV SÜD. Vehicle inspection in the Bosporus state, now carried out at 193 test centres, has been the largest TÜV SÜD project abroad so far and is characterized by an intensive transfer of know-how and experience between Turkish and German vehicle professionals. Within the scope of this exchange of experience, vehicle inspectors from Turkey are currently witnessing vehicle testing and inspection in Germany.

TÜV SÜD acquires South African market leader Pro-Tec (01.11.2011)

1. The international provider of testing and certification services TÜV SÜD acquired the South African company Pro-Tec Boiler Inspection & NDT Services (Pty) Ltd, with its headquarters situated in Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province. Pro-Tec is the number one provider of non-destructive material testing and inspection services for the power generation industry in South Africa. In 2011 the company and its 160 staff are expected to generate revenue of EUR 8 million. This latest acquisition marks a further step in TÜV SÜD's international expansion strategy and underlines its focus on the energy sector.

Musical instruments: Hitting the right note with TÜV SÜD's help (31.10.2011)

1. Quality and safety play a key role – even in musical instruments. These criteria should be borne in mind by anyone planning to make a Christmas purchase or gift of a drum kit, saxophone or other instrument. The product experts at TÜV SÜD have compiled some tips on what to look out for in selecting and caring for musical instruments.

TÜV SÜD Product Service invests in Garching (31.10.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD continues to expand its activities at Garching. TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH is investing around 15 million euros in the construction of a new testing laboratory for consumer products, the foundation stone for which will be laid on 27 October 2010. In view of the global competition among testing laboratories, this is a clear commitment to Germany as a base for TÜV SÜD's testing operations. Only two weeks ago, Garching-based TÜV SÜD Batterie Testing GmbH opened a new laboratory for battery testing.

TÜV SÜD: Effective windscreen wipers enhance visibility and safety (27.10.2011)

1. The average German driver buys new windscreen wiper blades every two years. Are your current wipers still performing reliably, or do you need new blades to restore visibility? As winter approaches, this is the time to take a close look at your windscreen wipers. TÜV SÜD has some practical tips.

TÜV SÜD: Need for further efforts to improve bus and coach safety (26.10.2011)

1. Meticulous care and maintenance is still a priority need for bus and coach companies and drivers in order to improve safety levels in their vehicles. This conclusion was announced by TÜV SÜD today on the occasion of the publication of "Bus Report 2011" by the Association of Technical Inspection Agencies (VdTÜV) in Berlin. Although over half of the 50,000 roadworthiness tests which formed the basis of the report's evaluations showed no faults, the statistics on light systems, brakes and corrosion indicate that a need for action still remains. Wolfgang Eichler, Member of the Management Board of TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, underlined that although buses and coaches perform significantly better than cars in vehicle inspections, with only 13.8 per cent showing major faults, their key role in passenger transport means that plentiful efforts must be made in collaboration with bus and coach operators to produce improvements.

Smart grid: Conformity and interoperability testing by TÜV SÜD (26.10.2011)

1. Smart grids are essential for the success of the energy revolution in Germany and Europe. TÜV SÜD now has a laboratory for testing the conformity and interoperability of devices which enable smart grid components to communicate. The new laboratory in Munich is the centrepiece of the Smart Grid Competence Centre, in which the international provider of test services bundles its global portfolio of smart-grid services.

TÜV SÜD certifies two offshore projects of the BARD Group (20.10.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD was commissioned by the BARD Group to carry out project certification of the two offshore projects 'Bernstein' and 'Citrin'. The projects are located in the North Sea within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Certification is a prerequisite for approval of the projects by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.

TÜV SÜD grants awards to the most innovative Galileo applications (19.10.2011)

1. On the eve of the launch of the first two Galileo satellites on 20 October 2011 in Kourou, the best business ideas for satellite navigation applications received awards at the 2011 European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC). As the main sponsor of the competition of ideas for innovative and practical GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) applications, TÜV SÜD presented the awards in Munich on 19 October 2011.

International design award for TÜV SÜD (19.10.2011)

1. This year, the 2010 Annual Report of TÜV SÜD AG is one of the world's top publications: the report, entitled "Universal Time", won a red dot award and was thus among the winners of one of the most prestigious international design competitions. "The completely new design concept of our Annual Report underlines TÜV SÜD's role as an innovative and internationally renowned company," says Matthias Andreesen Viegas, Head of Corporate Communications at TÜV SÜD. As an award-winner, TÜV SÜD is in illustrious company. Over the past years, several Dax 30 companies have received a red dot for their publications.

TÜV SÜD Academy fosters vocational training for young Indians (18.10.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD Academy supports the Mar Invanios Industrial Training Centre in Kerala, India, with a donation of almost 3,000 euros, thus enabling industrial training to be provided for young Indians who normally cannot afford this type of training. Krishnakumar Gangadhara Menon, General Manager of TÜV SÜD South Asia, visited the training centre to find further starting-points for support.

"Milestone in TÜV SÜD's commitment to electromobility" (17.10.2011)

1. Speaking to numerous guests from the worlds of science, industry and politics, TÜV SÜD Member of the Board of Management Horst Schneider officially opened the new Battery Test Centre in Garching on Monday 17 October. Schneider referred to the opening as a "milestone" in the testing and certification company's global commitment to electromobility. The Garching-based test centre, in which TÜV SÜD invested several million euros, provides over 1,000 square metres of floor space for testing the performance and safety of energy storage systems for use in electric vehicles. In addition, the Garching location will serve as a control centre for coordinating global battery testing activities. The testing and certification company has already established testing laboratories in the USA, Canada, Asia Pacific and the UK.

TÜV SÜD at eCarTec: Safety for electric vehicles (12.10.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD marks a special event in the run-up to eCarTec 2011: the company's new Battery Test Centre at Garching near Munich will officially commence operations on Monday, 17 October, serving the technical service corporation as a coordination centre for its global e-vehicle testing activities. At the specialist trade show itself, held in Munich's Neue Messe exhibition centre from 18 to 20 October, TÜV SÜD will present its full portfolio of services addressing safety in electromobility, providing customers with support throughout from power generation to battery recycling (Hall A5, Stand 410). TÜV SÜD is represented on the trade show advisory committee and will present topics at the congress accompanying the trade show, including its standard for determining e-vehicle range.

Cooperation in the management of pipe classes (29.09.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD Chemie Service GmbH and Drafz Consulting GmbH have entered a strategic partnership, the agreement for which was signed by Dr Hans-Nicolaus Rindfleisch and Achim Drafz. In the future, the two companies will offer innovative services for the professional management of pipe classes and individual components for all important industry segments in plant engineering.

TÜV SÜD Product Service consolidates cardiovascular expertise (28.09.2011)

1. The Clinical Affairs (IMC) department of TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH, headquartered in Munich, has consolidated its expertise. By recruiting Dr Bassil Akra, the department has further strengthened its know-how in the cardiovascular field. TÜV SÜD Product Service is the only Notified Body with a special department for clinical evaluation made up of surgeons, medical specialists and biologists.

People & Technology – Issue 3/2011 (26.09.2011)

1. Day after day, the majority of people spend the greatest part of their time at work. This current issue of the People & Technology Newsletter has therefore taken the office as its main theme. What should you do if your colleague suddenly suffers a fainting fit or falls down the stairs? In this and similar cases, administration of first aid must be the initial response. The TÜV SÜD experts explain what to watch out for. Our second topic contains advice on creating a pleasant atmosphere in the office and suggests some plants that are especially suitable for office life. And finally, we offer a few relaxation exercises to loosen up those muscles - even if you spend the whole day at your desk.

TÜV SÜD: "More has to be done about children's safety in cars" (26.09.2011)

1. The latest crash tests for children's car seats carried out by TÜV SÜD on behalf of German special-interest magazine auto motor und sport have delivered some alarming results: only five out of nine seats tested received a 'recommended' rating, and the restraint system of one seat failed entirely. Yet all the seats in the tests complied with the statutory requirements of the ECE R44 regulation. In this context, TÜV SÜD points out that the statutory approval standard demonstrates compliance of the products with specific minimum requirements. However, parents seeking more effective protection for their children as car passengers should be sure to investigate the results of the latest independent consumer tests, which generally apply more rigorous criteria than legal standards – as, indeed, was the case in the tests for the car magazine auto motor und sport.

TÜV SÜD: Green fleets point the way to the mobility of the future (20.09.2011)

1. The winning projects of the fourth GreenFleet®-Award on 20 September, presented this year at the International Motor Show (IAA) for the first time, demonstrate that vehicle fleets are the trailblazers and drivers of the transport revolution. Berlin's city cleaning services (Berliner Stadtreinigung, BSR), print shop Lokay, Linde AG and WALA Heilmittel GmbH received the coveted award for their innovative transport solutions. Bernhard Kerscher, CEO of TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, and Roland Vogt, Managing Director of FleetCompany, presented the awards at the fleet management strategy forum in Frankfurt, which was attended by fleet managers from all over Germany and Europe.

TÜV SÜD: Technologically mature charging systems for EV-infrastructure (14.09.2011)

1. Safe, simple and convenient charging of electric vehicles (EV) is possible today. Plug-in charging systems are ready for use and wireless charging stations are good alternatives for expanding the EV infrastructure. These are the results of a cooperation between TÜV SÜD and energy supplier E.ON, within the scope of which wired and wireless charging systems were tested over several months to determine whether they are safe, functional and suitable for everyday use. Today (Wednesday 14 September), the project partners presented their results at a press conference at the IAA in Frankfurt. Horst Schneider, Member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG, particularly welcomed the fact that German manufacturers have followed the example set by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, ACEA, and adopted the Type 2 plug as the uniform standard for EV charging systems: "A uniform standard is important to ensure planning certainty, and thus rapid development in electromobility."

TÜV SÜD America Acquires National Wind Assessments (NWA) (13.09.2011)

1. SÜD America Inc. announces that it has acquired the assets of National Wind Assessments (NWA), a subsidiary of National Wind LLC in Minneapolis, Minnesota, including the recruitment of two wind assessment specialists, equipment, software and licenses, the assumption of warehouse/office and transportation leases, as well as ongoing wind assessment contracts.

TÜV SÜD advises drivers to buy winter tyres now (09.09.2011)

1. Like summer tyres not so long ago, the prices of winter tyres are now soaring as the already high price of natural rubber continues to rise. Enormous demand by tyre manufacturers, particularly manufacturers from the Far East, is further fuelling this trend. Against this backdrop, TÜV SÜD experts recommend that motorists buy new winter tyres now, pointing out that the use of winter tyres is required by law. TÜV SÜD also advises motorists on what to watch out for when buying new tyres to put the brakes on rising mobility costs.

The Internet and the transport revolution will herald major changes for car dealerships (08.09.2011)

1. A large majority of car dealers and auto repair shop owners expect changes in the transport sector and the rising significance of the Internet to inflict massive changes on traditional car dealership structures, even causing some to disappear completely. For example, car dealers expect the Internet to replace car showrooms as the number one car presentation area. These are the key results of a representative survey for the IAA 2011 conducted by TÜV SÜD among over 300 car dealerships. Under the title "The Future of Car Dealerships", TÜV SÜD will discuss the survey results with industry experts at TÜV SÜD's trade fair stand A 19, Hall 8 from 11 am on Thursday 15 September 2011. "Use our know-how. Shape your future." is the motto under which TÜV SÜD will showcase its services at the flagship trade fair in Frankfurt am Main from 15 to 25 September.

TÜV SÜD expands testing capacities for plastics (06.09.2011)

1. As technological progress advances, the number of products made from plastics and compound materials is keeping pace. At the same time, weathering causes damage to plastic materials in the form of fading, cracking or brittleness which amounts to millions of euros every year. Reliable estimates of product lifespans can only be provided by laboratory testing. The Institute for Plastics of TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH has now expanded its range of services by adding new test chambers for Xenon and UV testing and a climatic and ozone test chamber.

TÜV SÜD: Internationality is becoming an increasingly significant factor for the fleet industry (30.08.2011)

1. Leasing, damage claims processing and remarketing are the key topics addressed by the TÜV SÜD Fleet Management Strategy Forum in 2011. For the first time in its five-year history, this forum for the fleet management industry will take place at the IAA in Frankfurt and will be held on 19 and 20 September. TÜV SÜD's cooperation partner Fleet Logistics will also be present with an examination of the increasingly international scope of requirements for the fleet industry. The partnership between TÜV SÜD and Fleet Logistics now constitutes the largest independent fleet management service provider in Europe. As a further highlight of the conference, the GreenFleet® Award will be presented on 20 September. The growing importance of green fleets throughout Europe is a key theme for TÜV SÜD at the IAA.

Olaf Oestmann heads Key Account Management at TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH (25.08.2011)

1. Olaf Oestmann (44) has been Head of Key Account Management at TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH since July. His new duties focus on increasing in-depth support and care for major customers and on strengthening and expanding direct contacts. The newly created department of the sales division which Oestmann now heads will see further growth in the coming months.

TÜV SÜD analyses - the way to optimise financing and climate strategies (25.08.2011)

1. At Expo Real, the commercial property trade show held in Munich from 4 to 6 October 2011, TÜV SÜD will present its comprehensive range of due diligence services for property investors, developers and owners. The international service provider will also debut its carbon footprint solutions for buildings (Stand C1.212, A1.430).

TÜV SÜD examines 3D TV: 'In-depth' tests at the 2011 IFA 2011 (24.08.2011)

1. Where does the future of 3D television lie? Passive polarized lenses or active shutter lenses? A question that is the focus of attention at the IFA Home Entertainment section of the Internationale Funkausstellung, the major consumer electronics exhibition held in Berlin from 2 to 7 September 2011. TÜV SÜD's impartial image quality tests are making a key contribution to the development of this new technology. The TÜV SÜD tests can be followed live at the company's stand, Number 106 in Hall 7.1C.

Don't miss the boat – the transition period ends in 2012 (24.08.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD has been appointed an Inspection and Certification Body for construction products covered by the European standard EN 1090-1. This new status now allows the international service provider to supply certification to manufacturers of steel and aluminium structures in the field of construction supervision. This certification will become mandatory from 1 July 2012.

TÜV SÜD: Economical heating adds valuable kilometres (18.08.2011)

1. Power-guzzling heating and air-conditioning systems are a major cause of low range in electric vehicles. Reducing power consumption can add extra kilometres to the range of a vehicle and place its driver at the head of the mobility race. For this reason, the experts at TÜV SÜD Automotive concentrate their attention on individual vehicle components when measuring vehicle range in line with the TÜV SÜD E-Car Cycle (TSECC). Initial results show that power units tailored to the needs of electric vehicles can slash power consumption by up to 15 per cent, adding an average of 15 kilometres to the range of the vehicle. Electric mobility is one of TÜV SÜD's key themes at the IAA, held in Frankfurt am Main from 15 to 25 September 2011.

TÜV SÜD: Sharing is good – inspection is better (17.08.2011)

1. No need to hunt for parking spaces, the newest model at your beck and call, and still a money-saving option? Car sharing is growing into a major trend. While a few years ago spur-of-the-moment car hire was still the province of a few eco-freaks, more and more people are turning to car sharing as a viable alternative to owning a car – especially in large cities. Almost 200,000 car drivers in Germany now share over 5,000 vehicles. But what about safety aspects when drivers hand over cars without an interim inspection? TÜV SÜD's experts bring reassurance; this need not be a problem if a few points are taken into consideration.

Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Kreinberg receives IEC's Thomas A. Edison Award (16.08.2011)

1. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Kreinberg, Senior Consultant International Affairs and before that a long-standing member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD Product Service, was honoured with the Thomas A. Edison Award by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). By awarding this accolade, the IEC honours Dr Kreinberg's outstanding services as Chairman of the "Committee for Factory Surveillance".

Euro Attractions Show 2011: Safety for rides and leisure parks (12.08.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD 's services ensure safe, cost-effective operation of amusement rides all over the world. The wide range of support given by the international service provider extends from planning and initial acceptance testing to periodic tests. Leisure parks with particularly high standards of safety and child-friendliness are awarded the internationally recognized "Fit for Kids" quality mark. At the 2011 Euro Attractions Show (EAS), held in London from 27 to 29 September 2011, TÜV SÜD will present its portfolio of services in this field (Grand Hall / Stand 248).

TÜV SÜD: Internet offers enormous opportunities to the used-car industry, but potential is still underused (09.08.2011)

1. In mid-January the average price of the used estate car was EUR 17,500; two weeks later it had risen to EUR 19,400. Adjusting prices to reflect the market is a key to success in Internet-based used-car trading. To maximize the revenue potential of each used vehicle, the experts at TÜV SÜD Auto Plus have developed a tool enabling dealers to keep market developments in view at all times. The future of car dealerships is one of TÜV SÜD's key themes at the IAA, held in Frankfurt am Main from 15 to 25 September.

Eleven Notified Bodies signed Code of Conduct (08.08.2011)

1. A first group of Notified Bodies has signed the voluntary Code of Conduct for Medical Device Notified Bodies. The Code of Conduct is an initiative to improve harmonised implementation of the European directives, creating a more level playing field for manufacturers. The initiative of this NB Plus Group has received strong support from various stakeholders.

Ishan Palit appointed CEO of Product Services Division, TÜV SÜD (03.08.2011)

1. Ishan Palit will assume responsibility as Chief Executive Officer for the Product Services Division at TÜV SÜD AG with effect from 1 August 2011. The international provider of testing, inspection, training and certification services has focused its global portfolio for product and food safety under the umbrella of this Division. Ishan Palit succeeds Dirk Eilers, Dirk Eilers, who was promoted to the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD in 2010.

Sitting comfortably on patio and balcony (02.08.2011)

1. Finally moved - and the new flat has a balcony. Staycation in summer – with long, lazy evenings on the patio. Home office in the fresh air – at a desk in the garden. In need of a durable chair for patio or balcony? Then make the most of these tips from TÜV SÜD's garden furniture professionals.

Don't delay: the deadline for GreenFleet® Award entries ends on 15 August (01.08.2011)

1. The countdown is on. Fleet operators aiming for pole position in green vehicle fleet management can still enter the renowned 2011 GreenFleet® Award up to 15 August, announce the award organizers, the TÜV SÜD subsidiaries FleetCompany and Fleet Logistics. For the first time, this year's GreenFleet® Award is offered at European level and will be presented at the 2011 International Motor Show IAA. For companies in the forefront of carbon reduction and use of environmentally friendly drive systems, the Award offers an excellent opportunity to benchmark their performance against that of other European fleets and present their ecological innovations to an audience of international specialists.

TÜV SÜD expand its global network of testing laboratories for e-mobility (28.07.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD is stepping up the expansion of its global network of testing facilities for e-mobility, with plans to build two further laboratories for the testing of high-voltage batteries in South Korea and China in 2012. Counting the existing facilities in Northern America, Canada and Singapore and the Garching-based battery laboratory which is currently under construction, TÜV SÜD is the only third-party service provider maintaining a global network of laboratories for testing the batteries of electric-drive vehicles in accordance with uniform standards throughout the world: "By establishing this network, we underline our goal of becoming the leading provider of all testing services related to safety in e-mobility", stated TÜV SÜD Member of the Board of Management Horst Schneider at the press conference for eCarTec 2011 on 28 July in Munich.

TÜV SÜD at the IAA "Use our know-how. Shape your future." (26.07.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD has adopted the heading "Use our know-how. Shape your future." for its presence at the 2011 International Motor Show (IAA), held from 15 to 25 September in Frankfurt am Main. The company's stand A 19 in Hall 8 will focus on the future of car dealerships in a changing industry. TÜV SÜD will introduce a tailored portfolio of services and present the results of its representative study of current industry trends. Further topics will include safe charging for e-mobility; carbon reduction: powering green fleets in Europe; service quality: presentation of the Workshop Award, and Fleet Management Strategy Forum.

TÜV SÜD acquires British Wallace Whittle Holdings Ltd. (25.07.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD has acquired the British Wallace Whittle Holdings Ltd, a leading British building services engineering and sustainability consultancy. The acquisition supports TÜV SÜD´s continued focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Wallace Whittle employs 135 experienced and technically qualified staff at offices in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Ireland and Abu Dhabi.

European Toy Safety Directive introduces stricter safety requirements (19.07.2011)

1. The revised European Toy Safety Directive will come into force on 20 July 2011. In this directive, the EU Commission introduces even stricter requirements for the safety of toys. The key instrument according to TÜV SÜD is extensive risk assessment, which the manufacturers must carry out in future.

TÜV SÜD Automotive appoints Walter Reithmaier member of the Board of Management (19.07.2011)

1. With effect from 1 July 2011, Walter Reithmaier (43) has been appointed member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD Automotive. From this date on, he will manage the company jointly with Dr Ralf Giere. In addition, Reithmaier will head the "Safety and Electronics" business area, which also comprises e-mobility, the theme of the future. Another focus of Reithmaier's responsibilities concerns the expansion of business activities in Asia Pacific. In Thailand, for instance, the company plans to open a testing laboratory for tyres and wheels before the end of 2011.

'Tested for Fit' by TÜV SÜD – for shoes anybody would like to step into (14.07.2011)

1. Children's feet grow at a rapid rate. Given this, finding sandals, trainers and boots that offer the perfect fit for a growing family is particularly important. To ensure retailer and consumer satisfaction, the sizes indicated by manufacturers must be accurate. TÜV SÜD's 'Tested for Fit' certification mark supports manufacturers in reaching this goal and helps them to stand out effectively from their competitors in an increasingly demanding market environment.

e-miglia 2011: Acid test for e-cars to kick off at TÜV SÜD (13.07.2011)

1. Bigger, higher, further – the 2011 e-miglia will represent the most gruelling challenge yet for e-mobility as the difficulty of the rally is ramped up still further over last year's race. Before the 32 registered teams set off on the 800-plus route to St. Moritz, TÜV SÜD will set up a public drivers' paddock at its Munich location at 57, Ridlerstrasse on Monday 1st August, where visitors and spectators can experience the 'nuts and bolts' of e-mobility up close. TÜV SÜD is not only the technology partner of the rally, but is also entering two teams of its own. Horst Schneider and Dr Peter Klein, both Members of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG, will be driving an e-Mini.

TÜV SÜD: Safely through the storm (08.07.2011)

1. In the summer of 2011 the weather has it all, delivering periods of intense heat immediately followed by torrential rain. As a result, roads may often be under water and tunnels are flooded, creating difficult driving conditions in many areas. As soon as heavy rain hits the road surface, the entire physics of driving undergoes a sea-change as the danger of aquaplaning soars and potential accidents loom. Often drivers lose contact with the road altogether when flooding affects streets or tunnels. The TÜV SÜD experts explain why heavy rain is so dangerous and how critical situations can be mastered.

Jam today? TÜV SÜD helps to secure GPS systems against attacks (08.07.2011)

1. Jammers used for military exercises or private purposes block out GPS signals and thus cause interference in technical devices and infrastructure. Reports on the vulnerability of GPS systems to these signals are increasing, and scenarios of malfunctioning aircraft landing systems or gaps in emergency response systems are rife. The experts at NavCert, a company of the TÜV SÜD Group, are familiar with the subject – and can offer assistance. They carry out in-depth examination of the quality of GPS devices, validating, testing and certifying GPS systems. A very important aspect in this context is interference immunity.

TÜV SÜD warns about accident blackspots at motorway service stations (21.06.2011)

1. Congested motorways, heavy truck traffic, streams of holidaymakers, overrun service stations - the number of trucks on Germany's roads is predicted to double by 2030. Motorway service stations and car parks are already experiencing periods of excessive overcrowding as a result of the overwhelming traffic density and the regulations governing breaks for truck drivers - and this overcrowding is increasing the risk that accidents will occur. Plans to expand service stations will aim to ease the situation in the future, but until they take effect, TÜV SÜD offers tips on how cars and trucks can get along at rest stops.

TÜV SÜD takes over vehicle detailing at Vienna Airport and other locations in the Austrian capital (20.06.2011)

1. In the course of expanding its vehicle detailing and fleet services, TÜV SÜD now providesall vehicle detailing services for the car hire company Sixt at Vienna's Schwechat Airport and four other locations in the metropolis on the banks of the Danube. The commission involves detailing for around 100,000 hired cars per year. TÜV SÜD has already been a partner of Sixt at Frankfurt am Main Airport for two years.

Application of IEC 60601-1:2005 (20.06.2011)

1. The transition period for the 3rd edition of IEC 60601-1:2005 will expire on 1 June 2012. On this date, the standard for "Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance" will come into full effect. In a free webinar "Application of IEC 60601-1:2005" TÜV SÜD provides information for manufacturers concerning the conditions their medical devices must meet in the future in order to be placed on the market.

TÜV SÜD Czech the First FSC and PEFC Certification Authority in Central and Eastern Europe (10.06.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD Czech has been accredited to certify companies pursuant to FSC standards, thus becoming the sole authority in Central and Eastern Europe providing certification for forestry and wood processing industry under both FSC and PEFC certification schemes.

TÜV SÜD supports large-scale landmark photovoltaic project in India (10.06.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD has won the contract for providing quality assurance services during the realization of a large-scale photovoltaic (PV) project in India. TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading providers of testing, auditing, inspection and certification, training and technical consultancy services, will deliver end-to-end support throughout the realization of the plant, from drawing board to commissioning. The PV power station will have a total capacity of 125 MW.

Austria's federal railway company ÖBB rely on TÜV SÜD's experience to ensure safety in rail traffic (09.06.2011)

1. The Austrian federal railway company ÖBB has taken a giant step towards harmonizing European rail transport by calling in the Berlin-based TÜV SÜD subsidiary SIGNON, one of the largest independent service providers in technical railway equipment, as a partner for its introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. The new technology will be installed along a total of almost 600 kilometres of rail routes in the next three years. The experts at SIGNON will provide support for their European neighbours throughout the process, from planning and project design up to concrete implementation and inspection.

People & Technology - Issue 02/2011 (09.06.2011)

1. As the summer holidays draw nearer, the peak travel period is nearly upon us. This issue of People & Technology Newsletter therefore focuses on travel. It's packed with information from the experts at TÜV SÜD on essential medical supplies for travellers, tips on secure booking for online travel and what to watch out for when using online booking services, and how to plan your travel for various methods of transport.

TÜV SÜD Japan to offer radioactive contamination analysis services (08.06.2011)

1. To address the challenges and concerns faced by Japanese businesses in the wake of the accident at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, TÜV SÜD Japan has begun offering radioactive contamination measurement services from May 30th 2011.

Sixt and TÜV SÜD found joint venture to provide vehicle registration services (08.06.2011)

1. Sixt, Germany's market leader in car rentals and one of Europe's leading mobility service providers, has joined forces with TÜV SÜD in establishing a new kind of vehicle registration service. The two companies have founded the joint venture TÜV SÜD Car Registration & Services GmbH for this purpose.

TÜV SÜD Re-Focuses in Asia Pacific with aim to Double Revenue by 2014 (07.06.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading providers of testing, auditing, inspection and certification, corporate training and technical consultancy services, today announced it has divested its 100 percent stake in the Tertiary Education business of PSB Academy in Singapore to an affiliate of Baring Private Equity Asia, one of the largest private equity firms in Asia, to focus on further growth and investment in its core business. This will include reinvesting funds into its Asia Pacific operations to further enhance its ability to achieve organic and inorganic expansion in synergistic growth sectors such as renewable energy, e-mobility and energy management. Last week, the firm divested its 49 percent stake in James Cook Australia Institute of Higher Learning Pte Ltd to JCU Enterprises Pty Ltd for the same reason. The announcements come off the back of strong FY2010 financial results that saw revenue increase by 10.1 percent to over EUR 1.55 billion.

TÜV SÜD activities reduce the number of road deaths in Turkey (06.06.2011)

1. The Turkish Ministry of Transport has announced a clear drop in the number of road casualties since the introduction of German-style vehicle inspection in Turkey. According to Minister of Transport Binali Yildirim, the number of road deaths has declined from 5,000 to 3,000 since the TÜV SÜD subsidiary TÜVTURK took up German-style motor vehicle inspection across Turkey. Since 2009, TÜVTURK, which is run by a consortium of TÜV SÜD, Doğuş Automotive and Bridgepoint, has been the only organization approved to carry out periodic roadworthiness testing of vehicles in Turkey.

New TÜV SÜD certificate for building integrated photovoltaics (31.05.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD will present its new certificate for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) at Intersolar 2011 in Munich. The certificate serves as evidence that PV modules and PV installations satisfy the requirements of the relevant standards, benefiting not only manufacturers, but also architects, investors and building developers. At the TÜV SÜD stand, the company's PV specialists will provide information about the BIPV certification scheme and their comprehensive range of photovoltaic services (Stand 151, Hall A4).

TÜV SÜD America Receives ULC/ORD C-1703-01 Accreditation from Standards Council of Canada (25.05.2011)

1. TUV SUD America is pleased to announce that it has received ULC/ORD C-1703-01 Accreditation from Standards Council of Canada (SCC) through its partnership with RETC, LLC. The granting of this accreditation is based on the technical competence of TUV SUD America engineers and on-site assessment of the facility, and continued compliance with all accreditation requirements including the SCC Accreditation Agreement.

Dr.-Ing. Axel Stepken new VdTÜV President (24.05.2011)

1. The Chairman of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG Dr.-Ing. Axel Stepken is the new President of the Association of German TÜV organizations (VdTÜV). Dr Stepken was elected President by the General Meeting of Members in Berlin on 24 May 2011, and thus succeeds Dr Guido Rettig, Chairman of the Board of Management of TÜV NORD AG, who had headed the association since 2007 and was duly no longer available for re-election after two terms of office. Rettig will continue to be a member of the VdTÜV Presidium. Next to Stepken and Rettig, Dr Klaus Brüggemann was also confirmed as an executive member of the Presidium for another term of office.

Leonardo Cardenas Appointed General Director of TÜV SÜD América de México (23.05.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD América de México, a TÜV SÜD global subsidiary, which started in 1994 in Monterrey, Mexico, announced the appointment of Leonardo J. Cardenas as General Director, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

TÜV SÜD on growth course: significant rise in revenue and earnings (17.05.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD significantly stepped up its pace of growth in 2010. In the past year, the international service corporation increased its revenue by 10.1 per cent to over EUR 1.55 billion (2009: EUR 1.41 billion), while earnings before taxes even show a year-on-year increase of 21 per cent to EUR 123 million (2009: EUR 102 million).

FleetCompany and Fleet Logistics join forces to further strengthen international market leadership in independent fleet management (16.05.2011)

1. The TÜV SÜD subsidiary FleetCompany, based in Munich and Fleet Logistics, headquartered in Brussels, have created a strategic partnership targeted at extending current market leadership in international independent fleet management for the long term. Through this partnership, the fleet specialists aim to double their combined international fleet management business from 100.000 now to 200,000 fleet vehicles.

TÜV SÜD at PowerGen: a new approach to power station solutions (11.05.2011)

1. In view of the current discussion surrounding the energy transition and the expansion of renewable sources of energy, power stations offering more flexible operation and partial-load operation are in high demand. In addition, further increases in the capacity of wind turbines and solar power stations are necessary. Premium control quality, high availability, valid performance data and analyses of potential are critical for reaching these goals. TÜV SÜD presents its entire service portfolio in this area at PowerGen in Milan between 7 and 9 June 2011 (Hall 5, Stand B 48).

TÜV SÜD advocates cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable energy supply for Indonesia at the 4th IndoPower 2011 (04.05.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading service providers for impartial, high quality testing, inspection, auditing, certification, training and consulting services, is participating in the 4th IndoPower 2011 Exhibition from 12-14 May 2011 at the Jakarta International Expo. As a co-sponsor, TÜV SÜD will showcase its full suite of services to support Indonesia and the region’s goal to actualize a cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable energy supply.

TÜV SÜD presents full service portfolio for PV systems (28.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD presents a full portfolio of photovoltaics (PV) services at Intersolar in Munich between 8 and 10 June 2011 (Stand 151, Hall A 4). The services offered by the third-party PV experts target manufacturers, investors, importers and installers, including the testing and certification of PV plants, PV modules and PV components in accordance with national and international standards and directives. The portfolio is rounded off by cost-benefit, site and environmental impact analyses, supplier evaluation, servicing and maintenance plans, and initial and further training offers.

TÜV SÜD Asia Pacific donates EUR 50,000 to Red Cross Japan (28.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading providers of testing, inspection and certification services, recently announced a donation of EUR 50,000 to the Red Cross in support of restoration efforts following the natural disaster that hit Japan on 11 March. TÜV SÜD initiated a month-long donation drive for employees in the Asia Pacific region in which approximately EUR 25,000 was raised and matched 100% by the Company.

GreenFleet® Award presented at the IAA for the first time (27.04.2011)

1. Climate protection is one of the key themes at this year's IAA, the international automobile exhibition. For years, fleet operators have been trailblazers when it comes to CO2 savings, supporting less powerful engines and lower fuel consumption in company cars. The most recent figures from FleetCompany confirm this trend: CO2 emissions of the top ten car models among first-time registrations of company cars have dropped by a total of 22 grams/kilometre since 2007. Every year, the TÜV SÜD subsidiary presents the GreenFleet® Award to reward the most innovative efforts in mitigating climate change. This year the award, which is highly acclaimed and established in the industry, will be presented at the IAA in Frankfurt for the first time.

Massachusetts DEP Approves TÜV SÜD America as a GHG Verification Body (26.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD America Inc. announces that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has approved the Massachusetts-based company as a Verification Body to provide verification services for the Massachusetts Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program.

Twenty-two new hydrogen refuelling stations throughout the world in 2010 (14.04.2011)

1. 22 new hydrogen refuelling stations opened worldwide in 2010, increasing the total number to 212. This is the result of the third annual assessment by H2stations.org, a website of TÜV SÜD and Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST). Another 127 refuelling stations are in the planning stage around the world.

e-miglia 2011: E-cars face tough endurance test with TÜV SÜD (14.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD is once again the official technical partner of the 2011 e-miglia. The rally, regarded as one of the toughest in the world for electric vehicles, will cover a route of around 800 kilometres between Munich and St Moritz from 1 – 5 August. The hardest stretch for the entrants will be the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, reaching an altitude of 2504 metres. On 1 August, the evening before the start, TÜV SÜD will set up a public drivers' paddock at its Ridlerstrasse headquarters in Munich, where the cars will receive technical approval and teams and drivers will be introduced to the general public.

Gerhard Müller responsible for politics and business (13.04.2011)

1. Effective immediately, Gerhard Müller (48) will be responsible for interfacing with politics and business at TÜV SÜD Auto Service. In this new function he will represent the interests of the mobility segment of the testing and certification organization in dealings with political circles and professional associations. One of the core themes in this context is the harmonization of periodic vehicle inspection at EU level.

TÜV SÜD gains new Brüel & Kjaer shaker for testing services (12.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD will use a high-performance shaker made by Brüel & Kjaer at its Mannheim Environmental Simulation Competence Centre in future. The introduction of the new shaker will add vibration testing to the range of services offered by the testing and inspection experts.

TÜV SÜD: Don't be fooled by 'too good to be true' used-car bargains (11.04.2011)

1. A new Germany-wide survey of over 400 car dealers by TÜV SÜD confirms the trend that prices for used cars are slowly rising. A reason for this development is the increase in sales of new cars, leading to a revival of the market as a whole. Any prospective purchasers of used cars should therefore start looking now. TÜV SÜD's experts have assembled five tips for purchasing used cars, and five factors that are clear 'red lights'.

Car trade anticipates increased sales and higher prices for used cars (07.04.2011)

1. Germany's car trade is looking forward to rising sales and higher prices for used cars in 2011, in addition to growing importance of the used-car business compared to new-car sales. A key driver for sales of used cars is the use of the Internet as a sales channel. These results were revealed by a representative survey of 406 car dealerships and garages throughout Germany, conducted in March by market research institute Technomar on behalf of TÜV SÜD. The results of the survey were presented at AMITEC in Leipzig.

TÜV SÜD Auto Service cooperates with VR Leasing to provide services related to leased vehicle returns (04.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD Auto Service is now supplying VR Leasing AG with services related to leased vehicle returns, including inspection of returned vehicles, depreciation appraisals, repair cost estimates and determination of the dealer's purchase price. VR Leasing AG receives 4,500 leased vehicle returns every year.

TÜV SÜD certifies Strabag's offshore project Albatros 1 (04.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH has been commissioned by Strabag Offshore Wind GmbH to undertake certification of Strabag's offshore project Albatros 1. Plans provide for approximately ten wind turbines to be constructed on gravity foundations at the wind farm test site. As the certification body for the project, TÜV SÜD will support the Albatros 1 offshore wind farm in accordance with the relevant standard of the German Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

Wet/dry vacuum cleaners: Adding power to spring cleaning (30.03.2011)

1. Giving the inside of the car a thorough clean-out, sweeping up wood shavings and metal filings in the workshop or mopping up spilt floor-cleaning water in the cellar: wet/dry vacuum cleaners are handy appliances for spring-cleaning the home, garage or workshop. The TÜV SÜD product pros explain what to look out for when selecting and using a product.

People & Technology – Issue 1/2011 (18.03.2011)

1. Every year, at the beginning and end of the school holidays but also on perfectly normal Sundays in good weather, traffic piles up on Germany's roads. TÜV SÜD's experts give tips on what to do and what to avoid when stuck in a traffic jam. We also explain why it is wise not to drink and drive and advise cyclists on how to navigate safely through road traffic.

Cheers to carbon-neutral: certification for organic wines (16.03.2011)

1. Companies are increasingly turning the spotlight on the carbon footprints of their products. TÜV SÜD was commissioned by the organic vineyard Viñedos Emiliana to certify the product carbon footprint for five of its organic wine ranges. The climate protection experts also confirmed that the vineyard had compensated for all carbon emissions generated during the course of the product life cycle.

TÜV SÜD initiates "safe.tech" specialist conference (14.03.2011)

1. The new specialist conference safe.tech, organized for next year by TÜV SÜD Automotive and TÜV SÜD Rail, will focus on the overall functional safety of vehicles, rail technology and automation. At the two-day conference the experts at TÜV SÜD will present a forum for international specialists from business and industry concerning all aspects of safety in automotive, rail and automation technology systems and applications. The first safe.tech will take place on 13 and 14 March 2012 in Munich.

The wind atlas showing the best wind-power sites (03.03.2011)

1. Baden-Wuerttemberg's State Ministry of the Economy has now presented the new wind atlas in Stuttgart. TÜV SÜD had developed the wind atlas on behalf of the State Ministry of the Economy to optimize the existing data on the use of wind power in Baden-Wuerttemberg. The wind atlas comprises high-resolution data on the individual regions, which had already been mapped and presented in late 2010.

TÜV SÜD: Finding out whether the car is approved for E10 is a must (03.03.2011)

1. As TÜV SÜD Service Centres have already noticed, widespread uncertainty reigns among motorists regarding the new E10 fuel. The most frequent questions asked by motorists are, "Can E10 really seriously damage an engine?", "Is it certain that cars approved for E10 will not suffer any damage?" and "Can I fill up my car with E10 fuel without first checking whether the car is actually approved for it?" The TÜV SÜD experts have clear answers: "Yes, E10 may cause damage, in particular to the seals and gaskets of the fuel system and to components made of aluminium. Given this, motorists absolutely must clarify whether their car is approved for E10 before refuelling", warns Philip Puls, TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH. To assist motorists further, the TÜV SÜD Service Centres provide information about the fuel, which comprises up to 10 % of bioethanol. Among other services, extensive information material is available at the inspection centres.

TÜV SÜD: Going international – with the right plates (02.03.2011)

1. Thinking of taking your classic car to a rally abroad? No problem, with Germany's H-type car number plates. But what about the 07 plates that enable historic vehicle owners to drive to and from car events and take part? Are they still valid when you cross the border? And whatever happened to the government's plans to introduce a single set of transferable licence plates for multiple classic cars? Correct registration of historic vehicles is just one of an array of themes to be addressed at Retro Classics, held in Stuttgart from 11 to 13 March (Hall 1, Stand J54).

TÜV SÜD ensures safe and profitable wind energy (01.03.2011)

1. The wind energy sector is on an upswing. Installed power worldwide, totalling 203,000 MW in 2010, will rise to 1,900,000 MW in 2020. TÜV SÜD supports manufacturers, engineering and construction companies and operators of wind turbines by providing comprehensive safety, reliability and profitability services. At the Hannover Messe 2011 which will take place from 4 to 8 April 2011, visitors can inform themselves about TÜV SÜD's entire service portfolio in the field of renewables (Hall 27, Stand J 66).

TÜV SÜD wins the "Best of European Business" award (24.02.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD AG is the winner of the "Best of European Business" award. The renowned accolade was created by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants to honour companies and top managers. TÜV SÜD received the award for its successful business operations in Asia Pacific, particularly the ASEAN-5 countries.

TÜV SÜD: Buy tyres now – and watch out for rolling resistance (22.02.2011)

1. The price of natural rubber, a key raw material in tyre production, has more than doubled and is continuing to rise. Experts thus anticipate corresponding price hikes for tyres. Purchasers who buy early can save money. And given the additional threat of production shortages, motorists are well advised to consider buying their summer tyres now. TÜV SÜD's team of experts provides up-to-date tips on other things to watch out for when purchasing tyres, and how to save fuel by choosing the right model.

Anything but child's play: Choosing children's furniture (22.02.2011)

1. Even infants can interact in meals at adult's eye level thanks to high chairs, and a child's desk provides a firm basis for that first wobbly 'A' in the copybook. Children's furniture must comply with specific requirements. The furniture specialists at TÜV SÜD give information about what these are, and advise prospective purchasers about what to look out for.

TÜV SÜD organizes first e-commerce conference (23.09.2010)

1. Online shopping has become firmly anchored in today's world. Sales revenues generated over the Internet are rising. But just how good are today's online shops? Have their operators learned from past mistakes? What are the trends for the future? These and many other issues will be discussed by experts and decision-makers at the first TÜV SÜD e-conference in Munich on 11 November.

TÜV SÜD Akademie at Hannover Messe (24.03.2010)

1. TÜV SÜD Akademie will present its broad portfolio of advanced training services at Hannover Messe from 19 to 23 April 2010, focusing on themes including energy management and efficiency, high-voltage engineering and solar technology. TÜV SÜD Akademie is represented in Hall 27, Stand C32, at the shared stand of iMove – an initiative by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research which promotes international cooperation and business relationships in German initial and advanced training and education services.