|
|
|
| . |
|
|
Technology is without doubt a driving force behind economic and social development. Hardly a day goes by without the unveiling of a new invention that will help us travel faster or become more precise or productive. Technological advances, we're told, will make our lives simpler and safer and provide solutions to problems ranging from the energy crisis to disease and the ever-worsening environmental situation. Since technological progress is inherently risky, new systems and products must be properly tested before they reach our shop shelves and workplaces. In Germany for the last 130 years, every region had its own Technischer Überwachungs Verein, and these quality and safety inspection bodies have guarded against any form of complacency in the market. Indeed, this unique regional system has contributed a great deal to Germany's reputation for making superior quality goods. But, the profile of the German market changed dramatically as German manufacturers scaled down local operations and moved production to Asia and Eastern Europe. As a result, the TÜVs had to adapt to an increasingly globalized market.
"In our core vehicle inspection business sector, we increased market share by supplying car washing facilities and free bicycles at our car inspection service stations, and by providing our customers with an Internet platform to buy and sell used TÜV-inspected cars. This new approach is already bearing fruit and we are seeing signs that customers prefer our service stations to those of our competitors," he added. In the US and Asia, growth levels for 2000 reached around 10 and 20 percent respectively due in part to production site relocations. But, Hauser also explains that this was the direct result of a market trend towards outsourcing. "It's not Sony's core business to check whether their products fulfill the basic regulations of all the countries where they have customers," he explained. "Our branch office in Japan, composed of 80 staff members, can boast a client portfolio including world-class brands such as Ricoh, Sony, Hitachi and Seiko Epson." "We offer a full range of services to these customers that includes technical advice and type testing for electrical and mechanical safety as well as certification with the TÜV Octagon/GS Mark & EC Attestation," he said. According to Hauser, TÜV has also been able to offer services based on experience gained in over 50 countries. "We are what is called an in-country caretaker for Japan, a regulatory service provider for foreign manufacturers wishing to market medical devices in Japan," Hauser pointed out. "Similarly, we are present in all major automotive production bases around the world, and we provide engineering consultation and testing services to include crash testing and simulation as well as product assurance and international homologation for the global marketplace," he added. "Our local presence in the US for example, enables customers such as Ford or Daimler-Chrysler to benefit from a local contact supported by a network of global experts. We are also able to use our wide-ranging knowledge of the automobile industry to pioneer new global technologies such as our joint venture with BMW to analyze the safety of hydrogen fuel technology," he remarked. "Customers really benefit from our one-stop-shop philosophy," concluded Hauser. "They can get all their certifications from us, while our global presence ensures that we cover all the markets and that we are always close to our clientele."
|
 |
Local presence and service are key to Dr. Wolfhart Hauser's international growth strategy.