Here stands GTÜ Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung mbH. It is a cornerstone of vehicle safety and technical expertise in Germany. Founded in 1977, GTÜ has grown from a focus on key safety components to a comprehensive inspection and certification organization.
GTÜ’s headquarters are right here in Stuttgart. From here, it coordinates a network of over 2,300 independent inspection engineers and vehicle experts. They operate at more than 11,000 inspection points. This extensive network ensures thorough vehicle checks and expert services are available nationwide.
Initially, GTÜ focused on safety-related main assemblies of vehicles. Over time, it expanded its services to include brake force measurements and headlight checks. GTÜ gained official recognition as a monitoring organization in Baden-Württemberg in 1990. By 1993, it had achieved recognition in all German states.
The first official vehicle inspection by a GTÜ engineer took place in 1990. GTÜ started monitoring exhaust technology for gasoline engines. Diesel engine exhaust inspections followed in 1993. Since 2007, GTÜ’s experts have been authorized to prepare reports for classic cars. They can also issue H license plates. The company has a database of over 4,000 models.
Since 2019, GTÜ’s portfolio includes “full appraisals” and “individual approvals.” These services are performed by GTÜ’s technical service. Thomas Emmert became a Managing Director of GTÜ on October 1, 2022. Dr. Frederik Schmidt was appointed as another Managing Director on July 1, 2023. He had joined the company in 2011.
Besides vehicle inspections, GTÜ has broadened its scope to include building and facility safety. It also offers construction-related quality monitoring. GTÜ operates several subsidiaries to cover these expanded activities.
GTÜ is one of Germany’s officially recognized monitoring organizations. These also include Dekra, TÜV, and KÜS. In 2020, GTÜ held approximately 16 percent of the market share for main vehicle inspections.
In 2021, GTÜ and its subsidiaries signed the WIN Charter of Baden-Württemberg. They pledged to uphold twelve principles of sustainability. They also committed to projects for biodiversity and functioning natural cycles.
GTÜ’s tasks include vehicle inspections and main inspections. They provide various automotive services. These are operating permits with modification approvals, safety inspections, and ADR certificate extensions. They also offer damage reports and classic car appraisals.
The company develops quality systems used in automotive workshops. Examples include the GTÜ environmental seal and workshop audits. They also provide condition reports and construction seals.
The GTÜ Academy organizes over 400 training seminars in more than 90 centers. A one-year advanced training program is available for qualified vehicle inspection engineers.
GTÜ publishes an annual used car report with Auto Zeitung. It evaluates data from around 250 different vehicle models. The company also offers checklists and guides on automotive topics.
GTÜ has received several awards. These include recognition as one of Germany’s best training companies in 2020. It has also been recognized as a top and fair company. GTÜ is a partner of top-class sports. It supports the compatibility of work and family life.
GTÜ’s headquarters here in Stuttgart employs around 280 people. GTÜ also operates a capital city office in Berlin and a branch office in Dortmund. GTÜ remains dedicated to safety, quality, and sustainability in all its operations.