DEKRA is tackling sustainability and technical safety – not only for automobiles – as a global task. CEO Stan Zurkiewicz talks about the future of the testing group, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025.

Mr Zurkiewicz, earlier this year, which marks DEKRA’s centenary, you attended the World Economic Forum in Davos. What were the key topics you discussed there?

This year, for the first time, DEKRA participated in the WEF in Davos. In this special centenary year, we felt it was important to make our contribution to these high-level global discussions. We were actively involved in two key areas: I joined the CEO Climate Alliance, a network of senior executives committed to advancing sustainability. The undeniable reality of climate change, as confirmed by recent Copernicus data, is one of the most pressing global challenges. Additionally, I participated in the Automotive and New Mobility Governors Cross-Industry group. As, by far, the world’s largest player in vehicle inspections, we want to help shape the conversation on the future of mobility.

“We urgently need to build trust in the used electric vehicle market.”

What was your contribution to this conversation last year, which proved to be such a challenging year for the European automotive industry?
Our most significant contribution was in the area of electromobility. We strongly believe that battery electric vehicles will become the dominant technology, at least as far as passenger vehicles are concerned. However, many countries—especially in Europe, but also globally—have been slow to adopt these new technologies. Discussions tend to focus on the price tag of electric vehicles and the possibility of government subsidies. Range, charging time, and the availability of charging infrastructure remain central concerns. But we believe something crucial is being overlooked: the need for a well-functioning market for used electric vehicles. At present, this market barely exists. Electric vehicles lose an estimated 60% of their value within the first three years. Even when priced at “only” 40% of their original purchase price, used electric vehicles remain difficult to sell and are piling up at dealerships. Our argument, not just in Davos, is clear: we urgently need to find a way to build trust in the used EV market. Currently consumers—whether B2B or B2C—have insufficient transparency regarding the residual value, condition, and performance of EV batteries which account for as much as half of a vehicle’s total value. We see an important role for a trusted independent third-party such as DEKRA in providing this necessary transparency and confidence.

How are you preparing thousands of DEKRA automotive engineers for this technically new challenge?

Beyond electrification, there are additional demanding aspects we must address: software is playing an increasingly central role in vehicles, alongside connectivity and autonomous driving technologies. Traditionally, our technological expertise lay in the mechanical components of vehicles. However, we have since significantly expanded our expertise to include software, cybersecurity, and connectivity. In recent years, we have made a series of acquisitions and invested heavily in research and development in areas that go beyond traditional vehicles, gaining new expertise in the process.

How does DEKRA position itself on the politically sensitive issue of access to data from intelligent and connected vehicles?

Regulation in this area is still in its early stages. A clear legal framework has yet to be established, and different stakeholders in the automotive industry indeed hold varying positions. Our stance, however, is very clear: vehicles on the road must comply with safety and environmental standards. In Germany, and in many countries worldwide, we, DEKRA and other independent third parties are legally mandated by the authorities to ensure that compliance. Given how quickly vehicle technology has been evolving, we are now reaching a stage where access to onboard in-vehicle data, as well as traffic data, is becoming essential to ensuring compliance with both safety and environmental regulations.

“We hold a leading position in Europe and cover the world’s key strategic regions.”

Let’s talk about DEKRA’s rapid globalisation, which has made the company somewhat of a hidden champion of internationalisation.

We remain deeply rooted in our most important market, Germany, where we generate around half of our revenue. Nonetheless, internationally, with 32 million inspections annually we have grown into the world’s largest player in vehicle inspection. In the broader area of testing, inspections, and certification—also beyond the automotive sector—we are the largest non-listed company in the world. Our revenue exceeds €4 billion, and we employ around 48,000 people across 60 different countries. We have established a leading position in Europe, while beyond the continent, we cover the world’s most important economic and technological regions. With our expertise, we see significant opportunities to unlock further global potential. As someone who is not German and who spent 20 years living outside Europe, I am personally committed to ensuring that DEKRA’s journey of internationalisation and globalisation continues to gain momentum.

“We are integrated into China’s innovation ecosystems.”

DEKRA is also present in China. How did that come about?

I joined DEKRA in 2009 when DEKRA acquired a Dutch testing and certification specialist KEMA Quality, where I had been responsible for business operations in China. A personal anecdote: my greatest and most enduring passion is martial arts, and to be honest, that was one of the reasons I decided to go to in the first place. I moved there in 2002 and only returned to Europe in 2021, having spent almost 20 years in Asia-Pacific Region.Being able to witness China’s immense economic potential from early on and to experience two decades of unprecedented economic growth was both a great privilege and a defining chapter in my life. Today, with China’s rapid adoption of electromobility, it has become a key market for us. The country is one of the largest consumers of our technical services, including testing, inspections, and certifications. Despite China’s economic slowdown, there are strong reasons for maintaining a presence in the country. Apart from the sheer size of the market, China’s capacity for innovation is remarkable—whether in vehicle components, battery technology, or autonomous driving. We are fully integrated into these innovation ecosystems. While our initial client base consisted of European, German, and Western OEMs and suppliers, it now also includes most of China’s leading domestic players.

Our core mission remains unchanged: ensuring technical safety and sustainability as an independent organisation in every economic region.

How concerned are you about current geopolitical developments?

The era when globalisation and economic integration seemed unstoppable is over. We must acknowledge the reality of a more fragmented world. Alongside the United States and China, Europe will continue to play a crucial role. Our core mission remains unchanged, also in the context of international trade: ensuring technical safety and sustainability as an independent organisation in every economic region. So, I am not overly pessimistic. To have an in-depth understanding of both international but also local regulations, and standards, we must be a strong presence in every major geography. Even as we navigate the growing fragmentation of the world, we will continue on our path of consistent internationalisation and globalisation.

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The interview was conducted by Hans Gäng in February 2025. It will be published together with more than 30 other interviews in the 2024/2025 annual report of the CIIPA investment agency.