Mercedes-Benz India Achieves AIS:129 Compliance and Secures First ARAI-Approved Wind Tunnel Certification

Mercedes-Benz India has become the first organization in India to receive a Confirmation of Compliance for its Quality Management System (QMS) concerning Reusability, Recyclability, and Recoverability (RRR) under Annex G of AIS:129 Part-2B. The certification was awarded ahead of the upcoming regulatory mandate and highlights the company's preparedness to meet evolving sustainability and end-of-life vehicle requirements. The achievement reflects a structured approach toward ensuring compliance throughout the vehicle lifecycle, including vehicle recovery and recycling processes after operational use.

First AIS:129 Annex G Compliance Certification in India

AIS:129 establishes the framework governing End-of-Life Vehicles in India. Annex G within the regulation specifies the methodology for assessing a manufacturer's Quality Management System to verify compliance with Reusability, Recyclability, and Recoverability requirements. By securing this Confirmation of Compliance before the mandate takes effect, Mercedes-Benz India demonstrates that its internal systems and processes satisfy the prescribed standards covering vehicle design, lifecycle management, and end-of-life treatment practices.

ARAI Approval for Wind Tunnel Facility

On June 17, Mercedes-Benz India also received approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for its Wind Tunnel Facility used for road load determination of M1 category vehicles. This marks the first approval of its kind granted under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The certification enables the company to utilize the wind tunnel method for determining vehicle road load parameters, supporting advanced vehicle testing and validation activities within the country.

Significance of the Wind Tunnel Certification

The approved facility combines Wind Tunnel and Flat Belt Dynamometer capabilities in accordance with AIS-175 requirements. AIS-175 defines the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) for vehicle exhaust emissions testing, as notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The regulation is scheduled to become effective from April 1, 2027. With this certification in place, Mercedes-Benz India can perform road load determination using advanced methodologies aligned with future regulatory requirements.

Key Certifications Received by Mercedes-Benz India

The recent approvals reinforce the company's focus on regulatory compliance, sustainability, and advanced testing capabilities across its operations in India.

These milestones position Mercedes-Benz India at the forefront of regulatory readiness and vehicle validation capabilities. The dual achievements demonstrate progress in both sustainability compliance and testing infrastructure development. As India advances its automotive regulatory framework through standards such as AIS:129 and AIS-175, manufacturers with certified systems and approved testing facilities will be better prepared to meet future compliance obligations while supporting environmental and performance objectives across the automotive sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Mercedes-Benz India's AIS:129 Annex G certification?
The certification confirms that Mercedes-Benz India's Quality Management System complies with requirements for Reusability, Recyclability, and Recoverability under AIS:129 Annex G. It is significant because the company became the first organization in India to receive this confirmation ahead of the regulatory mandate. The certification validates processes related to vehicle lifecycle management and end-of-life treatment, helping ensure compliance with future regulations governing sustainable vehicle disposal, recycling practices, and recoverability standards.

What does the ARAI approval for the wind tunnel facility allow Mercedes-Benz India to do?
The ARAI approval authorizes Mercedes-Benz India to use its wind tunnel facility for road load determination of M1 category vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. This approval enables the company to combine Wind Tunnel and Flat Belt Dynamometer testing methodologies in line with AIS-175 requirements. The capability supports vehicle validation and emissions-related testing activities aligned with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, which becomes effective in India from April 1, 2027.