VTA in 60 Days: How Centromash Certified the Dongfeng BOX Electric Vehicle in Record Time

Client: A major Chinese manufacturer, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, a producer of electric passenger vehicles, interested in a rapid market entry into the EAEU with a new model.

The client had prior experience working with us—we had previously assisted them in obtaining a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) for another product model. The work was completed with high quality, on time, and in full compliance with all requirements, enabling the client to successfully conclude the previous project.

Objective: To obtain a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) according to TR CU 018/2011 for the new Dongfeng BOX M1 category electric vehicle (passenger car) in a short timeframe. This included conducting all necessary tests, specifically crash tests.

Relevance: In the context of growing demand for electric vehicles and intense competition in the EAEU market, the speed of the new Dongfeng BOX model's market entry is critical. Expediting the certification process allows the manufacturer to start sales faster, capture market share, and gain a competitive advantage.

Solution: Centromash offered a comprehensive solution covering all stages of certification—from preparing technical documentation to obtaining the VTA. Through clear planning, the expertise of technical specialists, and parallel work on all fronts, the goal was achieved in a record time of 60 calendar days. The standard processing time for such documentation is 90 days.

Project implementation stages:

1. Preparation of technical descriptions for the client (14 days). Standard timeframe: from 1.5 months:

At the contract signing stage, Centromash specialists began preparing technical documentation for the client. Knowing that this is often a bottleneck, they proactively requested all necessary information from the manufacturer in advance, avoiding delays due to data shortages. They also arranged for extended vehicle identification beforehand to obtain missing data on certain components.

Advantages: This proactive approach significantly reduced document preparation time and avoided potential issues at later stages.

2. Development of an individual project roadmap for the client (3 days). Standard timeframe: about 5 days:

The client was provided with a detailed project roadmap outlining the dates for all testing stages. Test dates were planned in advance, even while awaiting the arrival of the vehicles at the test site.

Advantages: Transparency and clear planning ensured coordinated work and the timely completion of all tests without delays.

3. Conducting tests (22 days). Standard timeframe: from 1 month or more:

Two M1 category vehicles with electric motors were tested at the proving ground.

The test program included compliance verification for the following parameters:

• Stability
• Ventilation and heating
• Interior noise
• Spray protection
• Equipped with emergency call systems (ERA-GLONASS)
• Destructive tests (frontal and side impact)
• Preparation and execution of crash tests took approximately two days. Some of the most complex tests were the frontal and side impact tests. Preparation and execution took about two days. The tests were successfully passed on the first attempt.

Advantages: Having our own accredited test facility and a broad scope of accreditation for TR CU 018/2011 significantly accelerated the process of obtaining the permit. Often, clients have to search for a test lab themselves and provide ready test reports to the certification body, which delays the receipt of the final document.

One of the key factors for the short testing timeframe is the certification body's broad scope of accreditation for TR CU 018/2011. In this case, the body did not have to engage third-party specialists, for example, to perform "missing" tests or comply with certain points of the technical regulation. This ensured a smoother and more efficient testing process, minimizing potential delays and additional costs.

4. Production analysis (about one week). Standard timeframe: about one week:

In parallel with the testing, the Centromash team conducted an analysis of the manufacturer's production in accordance with clause 27 of TR CU 018/2011. Clear planning and parallel work on all fronts prevented the process from being drawn out.

5. Prompt preparation of test reports (7 days). Standard timeframe: from 7 to 14 days:  

Fast and accurate preparation of test reports allowed for a timely transition to the next stage.

6. Expert assessment and preparation of conformity certificates (7 days). Standard timeframe: about 10 days: 

Based on the test reports, draft conformity certificates were prepared and approved by the client.

7. Preparation of the VTA draft and approval by Gospotstandart (7 days)

The final stage—approval of the VTA draft by Gospotstandart—was completed successfully and on schedule.

Result:

Successful receipt of the VTA in a record short time—60 calendar days from the moment the test samples were received.

Key success factors:

• Clear planning and coordination of all project stages.
• Parallel execution of tasks across various areas.
• High qualification and experience of the Centromash team's technical specialists.
• Possession of our own testing facilities and the ability to provide a turnkey service for the client, working without intermediaries.
• Broad scope of accreditation of the certification body for TR CU 018/2011.
• Successful passing of all tests, including destructive ones, on the first attempt, eliminating the need for vehicle design modifications.