Automotive Testing

Automotive and in-vehicle electronic technologies

We work with automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers to help bring safer, smarter automotive and in-vehicle electronic technologies to the market. We offer a comprehensive set of services throughout the entire evolution cycle — including assessing material selections, testing, supply chain management and production all the way to homologation.

Automotive Materials Testing Solutions

Our independent testing centers verify material and product performance according to customer specific requirements and international test standards, as well as local and global regulations.

We can support you along the entire product development and automotive supply chain, from the planning and design phase to material selection up to the final production part approval process (PPAP) to help with an expedited time to market.

Our solutions for the automotive industry include:

• Preparation and production of samples for testing
• Prediction of environmental performance via artificial weathering, thermal aging and ozone stress testing
• Automotive testing in the areas of rheology, mechanics, fire, media resistance and surface performance
• Development, execution and management of test programs according to global and local standards, regulations and OEM requirements. For example:
  • As part of the Daimler Web 2020 program
  • Volkswagen Regulation VW 52000
  • BMW Group Standard (GS) 93016

Regional Testing Services

Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited automotive testing center based in Queretaro, Mexico, tests product safety and performance for the Mexican market, as well as for export to the United States, Canada and countries throughout the globe.

It offers a unique set of comprehensive services for multiple automotive parts, such as:

• Automotive glass
• Automotive lighting components
• Cable harnesses
• Interior plastics
• Large body parts

The UL Solutions testing lab in Queretaro is certified as an external laboratory partner by Volkswagen Group for testing automotive components and performance materials according to the Volkswagen Group Standards.

As a UL Solutions testing center of excellence, our Queretaro facility offers a wide range of testing services for the automotive industry in the region. This certification issued by the Volkswagen Group is an essential part of our customer-oriented, service line expansion towards the automotive industry.

Automotive Functional Safety Services

We help bring clarity to functional safety process, assessment and compliance. Our advanced approach to advising, evaluating and certifying the functional safety aspects of products and systems across many industries enables us to help you successfully address functional safety challenges.

Automotive Supply Chain Management Solutions

Without deep insight into the supply chain, it’s impossible to manage production logistics, quality assurance and risk. We help you transform your supply chains into seamless, all-inclusive networks. From monitoring, research and program development and training, we help provide the intelligence and tools that the automotive industry needs to develop and implement sustainable, agile business practices within its supply chains.

Meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards

Vehicle electronic subassemblies and components pose unique testing challenges to recreate the in-vehicle device operation and monitor performance in a laboratory setting. UL’s expert engineers assist automotive suppliers with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recognized electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) validation testing of varied component types such as: switches, motors, electronic control units (ECUs), lighting assemblies, electric vehicle (EV) battery control modules and even complex infotainment modules to meet OEM testing requirements.

Test for interoperability

All major auto manufacturers have Bluetooth® integrated into their cars to enable drivers to operate their mobile phone hands-free for added safety and convenience. The smartphone is at the center of the user experience in the vehicle, and incompatibilities with a single phone model can lead to frustrated customers and overwhelmed service and call centers. UL offers interoperability testing services for:

• Wi-Fi
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Wireless charging

Environmental influences

Interior and exterior automotive components are exposed to various environmental influences throughout their entire life cycle: from temperature fluctuations to UV weathering and moisture. In order to avoid negative effects on the durability, UL offers extensive tests to determine environmental influences on the respective components.

With standardized and customer-specific test procedures we are able to help you validate the long-term performance of automobile manufacturers using accelerated test methods. This helps ensure the quality of your components throughout the whole product life cycle.

Global Market Access

Vehicle wireless communication features and gateways must meet regulatory compliance for the countries in which the vehicle will be purchased. At first glance, obtaining type approvals for Global Market Access appears complex. UL helps wireless suppliers navigate these challenges with our expertise, deep market knowledge, global footprint and staff who are ready to navigate these challenges.

Why UL Solutions?

Some of the benefits of working with our team of experts can include:

Optimizing your development process: With our service portfolio, you have access to a single source for compounding trials and test specimen production via injection molding, as well as testing of thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and composites.

Reducing your costs: Thanks to our accredited, independent testing centers, manufacturers may reduce their own costs, as they do not need their own laboratory.

Receiving independent and reliable test results: We verify material and product performance of various automotive components made of plastics according to international standards — International Organization for Standardization (ISO), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Germany’s Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), UL, etc. — as well as customer delivery specifications.

Helping accelerate your time to market: Experience quick turnaround times as per our highly automated modern equipment and the option of bundling services together. Thanks to the deep, comprehensive knowledge and experience of our subject matter experts, we’ll help streamline approval internationally without the need for retesting while reducing costs.