In December 2024, DNW officially opened its state-of-the-art Automotive Test Section. This cutting-edge facility is the first of its kind in the world, enabling the accurate measurement of rolling and air resistance of larger vehicles in compliance with the European mandatory Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
This year’s Automotive Testing Technology International Awards have been presented at Automotive Testing Expo Europe in Stuttgart, Germany. ATTI received an overwhelming number of nominations this year, making the selection process especially challenging. The esteemed judging panel gave most points to the technology which they considered to be a technological feat with its cutting-edge features. It beat some brilliantly tough competition in this field, winning by a very clear margin.
Rachel Evans, editor of ATTI magazine and the awards chair, "Having visited the facility last year, I appreciate what a technological feat it represents. Not only that, it addresses a huge need within the industry. The team faced several difficulties during the project’s execution and developed novel solutions to overcome them."
Alex Grant, freelance journalist, "Europe’s largest wind tunnel is configured for diverse requirements, including accuracy beyond WLTP requirements and the ability to streamline testing by simulating hard-to-find geographical features in a controlled and flexible environment."
Dr Carrie Bobier-Tiu, director of engineering, head of behavior, AD and ADAS, Woven by Toyota "DNW receives the most points for its innovation in wind tunnel design, and impact by supplying a new and necessary type of test facility to the market."
Dr Huw Davies, senior lecturer, Centre for Future Transport and Cities, Coventry University, "As testing requirements become more comprehensive the requirement for physical tests become more demanding. The innovative use of existing test facilities, requiring overcoming of legacy implications, is something that will help the industry moving forward."
Lakshmi Prasad Bhatta, manager of CAE – Detroit MRV, Mahindra Automotive North America, "DNW’s Automotive Test Section enables highly precise WLTP measurements for large vehicles within Europe’s largest wind tunnel, eliminating the need for long, weather-dependent proving grounds. With interchangeable test sections and development-grade accuracy, it redefines what's possible in aerodynamic and certification testing."
Mohammad Behroozi, senior vehicle dynamicist, GM, "DNW's facility uniquely enables precise WLTP aerodynamic testing for larger vehicles indoors, directly replacing complex and often unreliable road tests, which represents a significant leap in efficiency and accuracy for development and certification. Its high-precision, uniquely interchangeable design within Europe's largest wind tunnel demonstrates exceptional technical excellence addressing a critical industry need."
DNW Project Manager Henning Wilhelmi who received the award on behalf of DNW “the introduction of the automotive test-section at DNW has been a great success. The new, state-of-the-art 5-belt facility has successfully supported numerous development and WLTP certification campaigns, consistently satisfying our customers’ expectations. With our new 5-belt facility, we were able to handle every type of vehicle so far – from standard vehicles to large transporters with long wheelbases and complex specialized equipment. Furthermore, we have recently expanded our capabilities to accommodate twin-wheel vehicles with extra-wide 480 mm wheel belts, a crucial configuration option for our clientele with large vehicles. DNW is committed to providing efficient tests for our customers. Currently we invest in dedicated vehicle preparation halls, precise 3D scanning technology, and optimized wind-off procedures to further increase efficiency for the customer".
