Mathias Kretschmann
25.08.2025
New solution reduces seasonal downtime and significantly lowers costs
Wolfsburg / Casablanca, August 25, 2025 – The industry is picking up the pace in vehicle development, which means that the safety features of modern cars must be tested and made ready for use in ever shorter periods of time. ES-Tec is therefore expanding its service and test infrastructure in Morocco to become a central cornerstone for year-round, weather-independent testing.
ADAS driving functions are now a central component of vehicle safety and automated driving. Extensive, reproducible tests under stable conditions are essential for valid validation of these systems. Until now, OEMs have encountered limitations in this area: during the winter season, testing on European tracks was often only possible to a limited extent due to weather conditions.
With an expanded range of services and its own testing equipment in Morocco, ES-Tec GmbH now offers its partners and customers a comprehensive ADAS testing program available year-round. At its location in Casablanca – with access to one of the most modern test tracks in the world – all Euro NCAP-compliant scenarios as well as customer-specific test scenarios are simulated.
All relevant ADAS sensors are used: camera, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, as well as optional lidar systems, are tested and validated in coordinated scenarios—and all under consistently predictable climate, weather, and lighting conditions.
“In order to further shorten development cycles, a seasonal stop in the testing chain is no longer acceptable for any OEM today,” says Marc Wille, Managing Director of ES-Tec GmbH. “Our location in Morocco provides the necessary testing and infrastructure stability to achieve reproducible results throughout the year – and this with considerable cost advantages in some cases.”
Secure and seamlessly integrated
Morocco is a key location for cost-efficient and innovative vehicle development. Testing is carried out by independent ES-Tec teams on site in Morocco, who are directly connected to Volkswagen's data and analysis processes. Both the ES-Tec office in Casablanca and the testing infrastructure on the track are fully TISAX-certified.
In addition to its technical infrastructure, the location offers logistical advantages: it is easily accessible from Europe, there are no visa requirements, and European driving licenses and Volkswagen prototype driver's licenses are fully recognized.
“We see ourselves as a driver of innovation in the testing sector and are proud to be working with our customer Volkswagen to create real added value for the development of tomorrow's vehicles,” says Wille.
5 key facts about the new ES-Tec ADAS testing service in Morocco
Year-round availability: Comprehensive testing of all ADAS functions under stable climatic conditions
Comprehensive test spectrum: Euro NCAP-compliant and customer-specific scenarios; camera, radar, and ultrasonic sensors as well as optional lidar systems in use
TISAX prototype certified: Secure handling of test data and personal data, certification for office and test site
Cost savings: Significantly lower-cost engineering and testing services compared to previous solutions
Optimal logistics: Quick travel from Europe, no visa required, European and VW prototype driver's licenses recognized