logo

SMMT European and National Type Approval (SENTA) Guide

News

SENTA Guide update 5 August 2010

The next update to the SENTA guide will be in September 2010

The SENTA guide is being updated 3 June 2010

The SENTA guide is being updated. The latest information will appear here soon.

A web-based programme to guide vehicle manufacturers through type approval 22 February 2010

A step-by-step web-based programme to guide vehicle manufacturers and bodybuilders through the complicated European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval system will be launched by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders at the upcoming Commercial Vehicle Operator Show, 13 - 15 April 2010.

Being phased in from 2009 to 2014, European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) will apply to all vehicle models from passenger cars through to vans, trucks, light and heavy trailers, buses, coaches and special purpose vehicles. Approval allows the vehicle to be registered across all EU member states without the need for further testing in each country but without it, the vehicle cannot be sold.

With up to 50 approval criteria for a brand new vehicle model, SENTA - the SMMT European and National Type Approval guide, will ease the lengthy process, helping companies get their vehicles on the road. The guide details what a manufacturer must do from the original design idea, through the development and construction stages to completion of the approval process.

Commenting on the forthcoming launch, SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt said; "SENTA is a unique product which will no doubt become an invaluable resource to automotive companies across the EU. The Type Approval process can be long, complicated and potentially costly, especially for niche companies and low volume vehicle converters. SENTA has been designed to simplify the approval process, easing the path from design to registration."

Use of the SENTA guide will be free for SMMT member companies and £900 per year for non-members. Companies can register their interest in advance by e-mail to senta@smmt.co.uk.

Cut the jargon...

Type and individual approval means approving the finished vehicle and not just some of its component parts.

Benefits

The SENTA is a step-by-step guide for vehicle manufacturers and bodybuilders to take them through the complicated European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) system using a web-based programme.

  • Single application process
  • Guide to legislation and documentation
  • Library of example documents to assist
  • £900 per year for non-members
  • Free to SMMT members