FEV has announced its opening of a new benchmark center (BMC) in Aachen, Germany, further expanding its global benchmarking capabilities in mobility, software, and energy development.
The new test facility builds on FEV’s decades of automotive testing and benchmarking expertise, with a wide services ranging from complete vehicle analysis to detailed component- and technology-level insights.
“The demand for benchmarking analyses has been growing, not just since the increasing proportion of new battery-electric models and corresponding manufacturers worldwide,” said Christian Speuser, Director Benchmarking at FEV. “With the latest extensions, we are responding to this situation and can provide our customers with a decisive development advantage through our analysis results.”
Located within FEV’s Aachen-based global corporate headquarters, the BMC covers 1,250 m² and is situated adjacent to the company’s engineering department. “The physical proximity allows FEV to flexibly put together interdisciplinary teams of experts in terms of time and subject matter, for example, for holding workshops. This allows us to draw back on over 45 years of engineering experience in the automotive sector alone and tailor this to our customers’ projects in the best possible way,” said Alexander Koch, Head of BMC in Aachen.
The new center incorporates advanced diagnostic, measurement, and inspection tools such as modern material analysis and X-ray equipment, along with 3D scanners to provide precise documentation and component analysis. A 400 m² exhibition area allows visitors to explore full vehicles and their hardware, allowing for direct comparisons of systems and components. An additional 650 m² is dedicated to documentation, workshop spaces, photography, and office areas. A 200 m² Innovation Lab is used for ideation and collaborative workshops, with a layout designed to encourage creativity and maximize team productivity in close proximity to physical benchmarking hardware.
All data collected from benchmarking activities is integrated into FEV’s new cloud-based benchmarking platform “carat.” “This will make it even easier for our customers to use the results optimally for their individual purposes,” said Christian Speuser. The customizable database allows for detailed analysis and comparison at all levels of the vehicle.
The new Aachen BMC joins FEV’s global benchmarking network, which includes centers in the USA, India, and China. In the U.S., the recently expanded Detroit-area facility now offers benchmarking services across 1,800 m² of space.
The focus includes teardown analysis and evaluation of component design, manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and cost structures. In addition, FEV performs controlled Level 2 testing at both vehicle and system levels. The team also conducts detailed benchmarking of battery-electric powertrains, their components, and hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs).
FEV’s current benchmarking efforts include analyses of the Tesla Cybertruck and Audi SQ6 e-tron. Additional information on FEV’s benchmarking services is available here.
About FEV
FEV is a globally leading engineering provider in the automotive industry and a recognized innovator across multiple sectors. Founded by Professor Franz Pischinger, the company combines academic and technical expertise with a vision for continuous progress. FEV provides development services and strategic consulting to major automotive OEMs and supports clients across the full transportation and mobility ecosystem.
Expanding beyond automotive, FEV now applies its engineering and digital solutions to the aerospace and energy sectors. With 7,000 employees at more than 45 global locations, FEV continues to lead innovation in intelligent, sustainable mobility and energy solutions.
(Editor’s Note: All trademarks mentioned in this article, including company names, product names, and logos, are the property of their respective owners. Use of these trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement.)
