In fiscal year 2023, DEKRA strengthened its commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) as an organization by creating a corresponding global function and a diversity committee. Our company also symbolically underlined its focus on diversity and antidiscrimination by becoming a signatory to Germany’s government-backed Diversity Charter.

The advancement of women in the company also played an important role in fiscal year 2023. A target of 20% was set for the proportion of women in our main corporate bodies and in management positions. Both the Supervisory Board and Management Board of DEKRA SE have already achieved these figures. However, it has not yet been possible to meet the targets of 15% and 20% for the first- and second-tier management levels (Executive Committee and Management Committee). The goal is to reach these quotas by the end of 2025.

With our Grow Beyond mentoring program for all employees and the EmpowHER development program for female staff in particular, DEKRA helps women advance. The DEKRA Women Circle – an international women’s network – has been a great success and now has a membership of more than 750 women.

DEKRA is using various means of communication such as podcasts and blogs to raise visibility and awareness of D&I in general. Moreover, D&I has been an aspect of the company’s compliance and sustainability training since 2023.

Drawing on DEKRA’s renowned expertise in technical capabilities and its cutting-edge testing equipment, proficient teams, and extensive global network resources, BYD has entrusted DEKRA Shanghai Laboratory, Suzhou Laboratory, and Kunshan Laboratory with being its designated third-party laboratories. This pivotal decision cements the foundation for continued close collaboration between the two organizations.

DEKRA offers a comprehensive range of services that enable BYD to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. These services span the full spectrum and include the following:

• Safety testing and certification for batteries, EV components, and charging systems
• Reliability testing
• Chemical testing
• EMC testing
• Global market access (GMA)
• Road testing solutions and homologation
• Car key testing
• Management system certification
• Functional safety
• Cybersecurity

In 2023, FinDreams Battery Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of BYD, was honored to receive the DEKRA ISO/SAE 21434 automotive cybersecurity certificate. BYD FinDreams Battery’s areas of activity include EV battery R&D and production, energy storage and new battery applications, batteries for consumer electronics, and components. With a particular emphasis on cybersecurity services, DEKRA is committed to providing an expanded suite of services tailored to BYD FinDreams Battery’s specific needs.

The strategic partnership with DEKRA endeavors to enhance BYD’s automotive services with cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, ensuring that the company’s vehicles and systems enjoy the strongest protection against evolving digital challenges.

The business case

Gowago, Switzerland’s largest online car leasing provider, uses an AI model to predict the value of cars at the end of the lease term. This capability empowers Migros Bank to help Gowago provide competitively priced leasing rates. However, a fault in the AI model could have a huge impact on Migros Bank’s revenues. It therefore needs to be assessed carefully.

On its way to being a leading source of hydrogen-based transportation, Hylane is receiving a helping hand from DEKRA. “We chose DEKRA as a strategic partner because their organization is a one-stop shop offering everything we need,” says the company director, Sara Schiffer, “from track tests for the vehicles to training courses for the drivers.” Since 2022, DEKRA experts have also been providing a variety of services for the hydrogen-powered trucks in the local areas where the rental customers use them, as well as throughout the trucks’ lifecycle from when they are delivered to when they are taken out of service.

Schiffer, 30, went straight from finishing high school to working for insurance firm DEVK. That was in 2013. She would certainly never have dreamed back then that nine years on, she would be in charge of a DEVK subsidiary that rented out hydrogen-powered trucks. But that is how things have turned out, with the insurer wanting to help make the transportation of heavy goods greener.

360-degree approach

The digital world is affected by a wide range of threats and countless attacks on products, systems, and infrastructures. As a result, safety and security are becoming more relevant than ever for determining the success of innovations.

DEKRA invested early in expanding its expertise in this area. Now, we have established a cybersecurity hub that brings internal and external experts together to work on information and data security for future mobility, product testing, and functional safety. DEKRA supports customers with a 360-degree range of services that include consulting, training, inspection, testing, and certification.