Future-oriented business model ensures successful fiscal year 2024

DEKRA continues on a path of growth and transformation

Apr 10, 2025 Corporate

Revenue and EBIT increased again in 2024, despite a volatile environment
Number of core employees grew further
DEKRA is very well positioned in its 100th anniversary year as it successfully transforms from a traditional vehicle inspection provider into a leading independent expert for digital and software-defined mobility

DEKRA remained on track in 2024, again growing its business in a volatile economic and geopolitical environment. Global revenues increased by 4.7% to 4.29 billion euros, rising by 7% in the core business—excluding temporary work. EBIT improved by 4.2% to 266 million euros, while EBITDA rose by 5.4% to 480.1 million euros. Moreover, DEKRA’s core workforce grew by 800 employees to around 33,000. In total, some 48,000 experts work for the world’s leading non-listed testing, inspection, and certification organization.

“Thanks to our future-oriented business model, we were able to ensure robust revenue and earnings growth in another year of substantial economic tensions. The decision to focus on the key megatrends of Future Mobility, Sustainability, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence with our ‘Strategy 2025’ was essential to our economic success in 2024,” said DEKRA CEO Stan Zurkiewicz at the company’s Annual Press Conference at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

“Our people are our greatest asset. That is why we are proud to have continued expanding DEKRA’s core employee base in turbulent times like these,” added DEKRA CFO and Human Resources director Wolfgang Linsenmaier. “This is strong testimony to the resilience of DEKRA’s business model and our clear-cut ambitions going forward.”

All regions grew revenue—GSA region remains growth pillar

In 2024, DEKRA grew revenues across all regions. In the GSA region (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), the company posted revenues of 2.6 billion euros (+2.5%), although revenues in the Temporary Work division declined by more than 10% due to the weak economic situation.

The remaining regions performed strongly, too. In Central Eastern Europe & Middle East, DEKRA improved revenues by 5.2% to 200.3 million euros. In North-West Europe, the company achieved a revenue increase of 10.3% to 438.4 million euros. In South-West Europe, DEKRA’s revenues reached 595 million euros (+7.9%). Lastly, the Americas and Asia Pacific regions delivered dynamic growth, with revenues of 163.4 million euros (+13.2%) and 275.2 million euros (+5.6%), respectively.

From the business perspective, all Service Divisions except Temporary Work contributed to the positive revenue trend. The most important revenue pillar was the Vehicles division with 2,137.9 million euros (+6.4%), followed by Industrial Assets with 621.2 million euros (+5.8%).

Again the global market leader in vehicle testing

In 2024, DEKRA conducted 32 million vehicle inspections worldwide. “Our vehicle inspection service remains a key pillar for DEKRA. We are delighted that we were able to further consolidate our position as the world’s undisputed number one in vehicle testing,” stated Zurkiewicz. “Equally important last year, DEKRA recorded an increase in demand for new vehicle-related services, such as our patented EV battery test. In 2024, our experts tested the state of health of a vehicle battery around 500 times each month. This is essential to ensuring a well-functioning used electric car market.”

Future-proof business model thanks to new services and global positioning

In order to future-proof its business model, DEKRA introduced strategic growth areas at the start of the decade: Future Mobility, Sustainability, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Moreover, the company’s global presence in Asia and the Middle East has been strengthened in recent years. In the final year of strategy implementation, Zurkiewicz draws a positive conclusion: “In line with its Strategy 2025, DEKRA is transforming into a leading, independent expert organization in digital and software-defined mobility. Now, as we near the end of the strategy period, we are stepping up our efforts on the strong basis provided by our innovative services and global presence.”

Today, DEKRA is active in around 60 countries on five continents. This international presence is crucial to enabling the company to provide its customers with reliable and fast certification for new products worldwide. For this reason, DEKRA is continuing to expand its global accreditation and other services in 2025. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the company is authorized to award the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM), which is important for many product categories.

Launching integrated testing and certification to promote innovation

One of the most important service innovations in 2025 is the DEKRA Digital Trust Service. With this globally unique integrated solution, the company aims to help its customers bring product innovations to market faster while simultaneously minimizing safety risks. For the first time, the company is offering integrated testing and certification of three essential safety aspects—functional safety, cybersecurity, and AI—from a single source. The service is intended to ensure a new level of trust, transparency, and compliance in the digital economy.

Outlook for 2025

Although the economic environment remains difficult, DEKRA is continuing on its growth trajectory in its 100th anniversary year. “We remain firmly committed to our growth targets and, despite geopolitical and macroeconomic risks, are confident of achieving mid-single-digit revenue and EBIT growth in the current fiscal year,” said Zurkiewicz. “In 2025, we expect to see key growth impulses from vehicle-related services and new offerings such as the DEKRA ‘Digital Trust Service’. In addition, the new special funds established by the German government and the EU should boost demand—for example in the areas of infrastructure testing and certification, sustainable mobility, and defense-related technologies and systems.”

100th anniversary: securing the future

In its anniversary year, the company is looking to the future with optimism. “Over the span of a century, we have succeeded in making our core business fit for the future. We continue to make an important contribution to society, ensuring that people are safe at work, on the road, and at home—yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” explained Zurkiewicz. In addition to mobility, digital trust and sustainability will play a central role in the company’s future development, according to the CEO. The same applies to DEKRA’s social commitment. In 2025, the company will therefore increase its support for organizations that are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. DEKRA is currently preparing a partnership with an internationally renowned organization that is dedicated to securing the future and improving the living conditions of children.

Go to the DEKRA Annual Report: https://report.dekra.com/en

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