World's First Test Facility for WLTP Testing of Larger Vehicles Now Open

Marknesse, Netherlands, 10 December 2024 – The German-Dutch Wind Tunnels - DNW is pleased to announce the opening of 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).

Located in Marknesse at the DNW-LLF (Large Low speed Facility), Europe's largest wind tunnel, the Automotive Test Section (ATS) is the result of significant investment by the German and Dutch governments in response to stricter emissions regulations. The facility will play a crucial role in supporting the development of more sustainable vehicles, contributing to the climate goals set by both governments.

Environmental requirements

Due in part to the controversy in the media and politics that arose around the manipulation of the combustion behaviour of diesel engines (diesel gate), the requirements and methods for testing new vehicles for approval, as well as monitoring vehicles in use, have been tightened.

Until 1 September 2017, all cars were tested using the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) method. In practice, it has been shown that the NEDC results deviated too much from actual consumption. Therefore, the WLTP was introduced in Europe. WLTP, which stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, is a test methodology used to accurately measure the aerodynamic and rolling resistance, from which exhaust gas emissions of a vehicle can reliably be derived. The test methodology not only takes into account different situations and speeds, but also optional equipment and the weight class of a vehicle.

The measurement is performed during the type-approval of a vehicle to check if it meets the applicable emission standards. As of 1 September 2018, the WLTP standard has been mandatory for all new passenger cars in the European Union, and as of 1 September 2019 for commercial vehicles. The WLTP regulations are not only mandatory for passenger cars but also for delivery vans and light trucks.

The DNW ATS is not only unique with respect to size but also due to the fact that it is an exchangeable test section. The complete system can be removed from the wind tunnel circuit. The weight of around 400 tons was a design and logistical challenge which was comfortably met. The ATS can be exchanged within less than a day. The system is certified for WLTP measurements and CE by the German TÜV and the Kraftfahrt-Bundesambt (KBA) and is now fully operational and available for the industry.

Cross-sectoral test centre MITC

The ATS is the first facility to be realised as part of the Mobility Infrastructure and Test Centre (MITC), a unique cross-sectoral test centre that will also feature a new test track for the Netherlands Vehicle Authority RDW and a police-training centre. This will establish Marknesse as a leading knowledge and test centre for smart and sustainable mobility, where vehicles and aircraft of the future will be developed and tested.

“The ATS is a prime example of successful European cooperation, building on the DNW's nearly 50-year history of collaboration between the German and Dutch aerospace industries”, Michel Peters, CEO Royal NLR stated. “By applying expertise from the aviation sector to the automotive industry, the DNW is driving innovation and green growth”.

According to Mrs. Anke Kayser-Pyzalla, Chair of the Executive Board of DLR „This development is a good example of how synergy and transfer potential is used within DNW to make mobility future-proof. As we work manufacturer-independently, DNW is not only very interesting for monitoring and testing by authorities, but we also make our service available to manufacturers from the aircraft and automotive industries.“

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About DNW

The Foundation German-Dutch Wind Tunnel – DNW is a non-profit foundation under Dutch law, with its headquarters in Marknesse in the Netherlands. Its tunnels are situated in a number of locations in the Netherlands and Germany: Marknesse, Amsterdam, Braunschweig and Göttingen. DNW was founded in 1976 by the German Aerospace Centre DLR, the Netherlands Aerospace Centre NLR and the German and Dutch governments. Today, DNW is a leading organisation for aerodynamic and aeroacoustic experiments for European research institutes and industry. One of DNW's facilities, the Large Low speed Facility LLF in Marknesse (NL), is the largest wind tunnel in Europe and is used extensively by the aerospace industry.

About Royal NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre

Royal NLR operates as an objective and independent research centre, working with its partners towards a better world tomorrow. As part of that, NLR offers innovative solutions and technical expertise, creating a strong competitive position for the commercial sector. NLR has been a centre of expertise for over a century now, with a deep-seated desire to keep innovating. It is an organisation that works to achieve sustainable, safe, efficient and effective aerospace operations. The combination of in-depth insights into customers’ needs, multidisciplinary expertise and state-of-the-art research facilities makes rapid innovation possible. Both domestically and abroad, NLR plays a pivotal role between science, the commercial sector and governmental authorities, bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical applications. Additionally, NLR is one of the large technological institutes (GTIs) that have been collaborating over a decade in the Netherlands on applied research united in the TO2 federation. From its main offices in Amsterdam and Marknesse plus two satellite offices, NLR helps to create a safe and sustainable society. It works with partners on numerous programmes in both civil aviation and defence, including work on complex composite structures for commercial aircraft and on goal-oriented use of the F-35 fighter. Additionally, NLR helps to achieve both Dutch and European goals and climate objectives in line with the Luchtvaartnota (Aviation Policy Document), the European Green Deal and Flightpath 2050, and by participating in programs such as Clean Sky and SESAR.