TÜV SÜD is renewing and expanding its presence in Pforzheim through the development of a new service centre. This project includes the acquisition of the plot of land at Am Mühlkanal 4a, which is located on the same site as the existing testing station. The new building will replace the current ageing facility and create a future-oriented infrastructure for mobility services. A particular feature of this project is the integration of the local vehicle registration office into the same building on the upper level.
The project manifests TÜV SÜD's commitment to the Pforzheim location, which has existed since 1965. The decision for this investment was significantly influenced by the long-standing, established cooperation with the City of Pforzheim and the registration authority. The new building also addresses the increasing demand for comprehensive mobility services for vehicle owners in Pforzheim.
The architectural concept follows TÜV SÜD's characteristic cube design and integrates state-of-the-art technical equipment. The total usable floor area of the service centre is approximately 1,300 square metres. Two lanes are available for vehicle testing, one for cars and one for lorries, each with two testing bays. The centre is also prepared for electromobility and will initially offer one double charging station, to be followed shortly by two more. These charging stations will be powered by a photovoltaic system on the building's roof.
Another key aspect of the new building is its advanced energy concept, which complies with the requirements of the current German Buildings Energy Act. This includes connection to the district heating network and the use of a heat pump for cooling. An intelligent shading system also ensures optimised air conditioning. These measures underscore the new building's aspiration to function as one of the most modern service centres in Germany.
The expanded range of services at the service centre goes beyond traditional main inspections and emissions tests. It includes diverse testing and consulting services for car and motorcycle drivers, as well as the mobility industry. These include valuation and damage reports, official special appraisals, and specialised services for classic cars, such as reports for H-plates. Theoretical driving licence tests will also be conducted. The administration of the TÜV SÜD Service Centre will also be housed in the new building. During the construction phase, the existing testing station will remain fully operational to ensure continuous customer service.
25 employees will continue to work at the Pforzheim site, both in the testing facility and in mobile teams. The close integration of the testing station and the registration authority will simplify processes for customers, for example, when registering amendment appraisals in vehicle documents. For customers, the modern concept promises shorter waiting times for vehicle inspections and greater transparency through the possibility of direct observation of the inspection procedures.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new service centre is scheduled for 13 July 2026, with opening planned for summer 2027. Attendees included Mayor Peter Boch, First Mayor Dirk Büscher, Juergen Wolz from the management of TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, and other representatives from TÜV SÜD and the City of Pforzheim.
