According to the provisions of the EU directive, vehicle manufacturers can obtain the complete vehicle type approval in either of the following options.
The first option: In the process of type approval, the complete vehicle type approval can be obtained after all inspection items of various parts have been finished as required at one time.
The second option: The manufacturer obtain the certification for specified parts by phases in different times, after which the manufacture can obtain the complete vehicle type approval based on certifications of all parts.
In Europe, the manufacturers generally choose the second option for the vehicle type approval. They apply for type approval for a new model since its development and trial production by phase according to the schedule. When the batch production can be started, the type approval has been obtained, which can ensure that the new model can be launched in the market ASAP.
The consistency of product in factory (COP) is intended to check if the manufacturer can ensure the quality of the products when they are put in mass production. To obtain the E/e-mark certificate, the manufacturer also needs to pass the product verification test and COP. According to the European rules and regulations, the COP verification is performed once every two years. The COP verification varies for different technical services. Some companies shall be subjected to COP before obtaining a certificate (e.g., IDIADA), while some companies can obtain the certificate before receiving the COP verification on the date designated by the verification authorities (such as TUV Rheinland, TVU Nord).
When manufacturers apply for type approval, if they can provide the testing equipment and environment in line with laws and regulations, and the related supporting data (such as instrument calibration certificate), the test agency (or lab) designated by the manufacturer can be entrusted to perform the inspection for product type approval under the supervision of the personnel from verification authorities.
