The German Federal Motor Vehicle Transport Authority (KBA) will be fact finding about the current state of clarification of the diesel crisis directly at Audi on Wednesday, June 27. Besides the software modifications, the main focus will be on the new, optimized processes which are required on the way to achieving the general operating permit. The carmaker has been presenting its results to the KBA for many months in regular meetings and has at the same time also reported irregularities. Now the processes as a whole are to be tested at an on-site meeting.
The new WLTP test procedure (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) and the simultaneous systematic testing of the engine management software represent a major challenge for Audi employees and for the test benches. Following the detailed work of recent months, Audi has reconfigured many processes and introduced so-called “Golden Rules” for the Vehicle Development division. Together with the new behavioral guidelines packaged in the “Code of Conduct”, there is now a rulebook that defines uniform standards across the entire Group. Amongst other things, this specifies a multiple-control principle and clear and shared responsibilities to describe the many steps on the road to type approval, documenting this precisely and ensuring compliance.
The general operating permit is an essential part of the approval procedure and is issued in Germany by the KBA. With this certificate, the authority confirms to the carmaker that its tested model is compliant with valid regulations and can be approved for use on public highways.
