Since 1925
Our History
The history of DEKRA starts with the automobile: The Deutsche Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein e.V. (German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association) was founded in 1925 in Berlin. DEKRA has been ensuring safety ever since. At first, attention was focused on technical safety – primarily in the automotive sector. Now, as the largest unlisted expert organization, DEKRA has expanded its activities into many diverse aspects of daily life “on the road, at work, and at home”. In addition to analog functional safety, DEKRA is also fully committed to digital security in a networked world – on five continents. This is because there is no limit to safety. Learn more about the history of DEKRA and the most important milestones of the past years in the interactive timeline.
1925-1935 – The beginnings
1925–1929
In 1924, the industrialist Hugo Stinnes develops the idea of a voluntary technical monitoring service for motor vehicles. The idea is realized on June 30, 1925 with the founding of the Deutsche Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein (German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association) in Berlin. The objective of the association is to support its members, such as freight forwarders, with all the information they need concerning automobiles. Stinnes is not able to see his idea implemented any further – he died in April 1924. DEKRA’s first services include technical tests and advice for members. First appraisals for courts and insurance companies are also drawn up at this early stage.
In 1924, the industrialist Hugo Stinnes develops the idea of a voluntary technical monitoring service for motor vehicles. The idea is realized on June 30, 1925 with the founding of the Deutsche Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein (German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association) in Berlin. The objective of the association is to support its members, such as freight forwarders, with all the information they need concerning automobiles. Stinnes is not able to see his idea implemented any further – he died in April 1924. DEKRA’s first services include technical tests and advice for members. First appraisals for courts and insurance companies are also drawn up at this early stage.
1930–1935
In 1930, DEKRA is already operating 79 inspection centers and 52 valuation centers to determine the estimated value of vehicles. After the National Socialists come to power in 1933, DEKRA follows a consciously neutral course with regard to the National Socialist state and the Nazi Party under the management of Dr. Kurt Möhring.
In 1930, DEKRA is already operating 79 inspection centers and 52 valuation centers to determine the estimated value of vehicles. After the National Socialists come to power in 1933, DEKRA follows a consciously neutral course with regard to the National Socialist state and the Nazi Party under the management of Dr. Kurt Möhring.
1936-1945 – Rise and fall
1946-1959 – New beginning and economic miracle
1960-1969 – State functions and modern technology
1970-1979 – Professional drivers and research
1980-1989 – Eurotruck and device safety
1990-1999 – Anywhere and anytime
2000-2009 – Industrial inspections and career planning
2010-2015 – Focus on digitalization
2016-2019 – Cyber security and mobility for the future
2020-2022 – Safe, secure and sustainable
The company founded in Berlin as the “Deutsche Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein” (German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association) on June 30, 1925 is soon referred to simply as “DEKRA” in everyday life, and the first logo with this abbreviation follows quickly. The logo evolves from lettering in a triangle, to a trailblazing road, through to today's trademark with claim. Even though the shape and color varied at the beginning, the logo has been an important distinguishing mark on the path from automotive inspection service provider to becoming one of the world's leading expert organizations. Due to increasing internationalization, a uniform one-brand strategy is being used across the globe; together with the logo, this contributes to a strong brand.
While still working under the government of East Germany, DEKRA is commissioned to perform the services of the Kraftfahrzeugtechnische Amt (Motor Transport Authority) KTA. The KTA employees are taken over by DEKRA and each of the new branches is supported by a West German branch.
After reunification, vehicle monitoring must be ensured nationwide within one year and the East German license plates of all motor vehicles must be replaced within another year. DEKRA is able to accomplish this task thanks to mobile inspection lanes, amongst other things. As early as October 1991, the one millionth inspection sticker in the new German states is issued by DEKRA in Dresden.
In 2003, DEKRA opens the Technology Center in Klettwitz (foreground). The state-of-the-art measuring and testing laboratory combined with the Lausitzring purchased by DEKRA in 2017 creates an innovation center to test the mobility of the future.