What Driving Concept does

Driving Concept GmbH is a German professional services firm specializing in driver training, AD/ADAS error simulation, and vehicle testing for the automotive industry. Founded in 2004 (per company-history source; firmographics list 2002) and headquartered in Boxberg, Germany, the company serves automotive OEMs (Bosch, Porsche, Continental, Renault, Opel/Stellantis), Tier-1 suppliers, government and military clients, and executive protection drivers. Its core offering addresses a structural gap in the industry: the supply of certified test drivers authorized to operate prototype and pre-production vehicles on proving grounds, coupled with hands-on preparation for the engineering and application teams developing automated driving systems. With more than 20 years of operating history and over 3,000 participants trained annually, Driving Concept combines deep proving-ground operational credentials (including those of new Managing Director Hakan Kaptan, who ran SEGULA's Rodgau-Dudenhofen site) with institutional client relationships across the European automotive value chain.

The company's core technology centers on two proprietary, custom-modified training vehicles: a Mercedes C180 integrated with Schäffler-Paravan's Space-Drive steer-by-wire system (offering ~11 NM holding torque, >300°/sec rotation, full brake-valve control, programmable error sequences, and covert instructor takeover from the passenger seat) and a VW Passat developed with FKA Aachen (series steering interface access, reaction-speed/torque measurement, automated driving with fixed programmed errors, and open/closed trajectory record/playback). Both vehicles feed a reaction-time measurement system that captures steering angles, pedal positions, and intervention data during each training run. Around this hardware stack, Driving Concept operates a portfolio of services: Fehlersimulationstraining (AD/ADAS error simulation), basic proving-ground driving certification, supersport / high-performance training, ISO 9001:2015-aligned instructor certification, Fahrversuch (vehicle testing at handling limits), vehicle logistics, branded presentation and dealer-event services, and a 4activeSystems advanced-technologies line. Engagements are sold primarily at Bosch Prüfzentrum Boxberg, SEGULA Rodgau, ATC Aldenhoven, TRIWO Pferdsfeld, and Anneau du Rhin (France).

Driving Concept runs a fee-for-service professional services model with unit pricing per participant or per group (basic training from €1,150 net per group of up to 10; supersport from €2,450 net per participant; AD Basic half-day sessions in small groups of max 2 per trainer). GTM is dominated by enterprise field sales driven by senior leadership networks and formalized through multi-year preferred-supplier contracts (most notably Bosch's 3-year Preferred Supplier award in March 2026). Distribution is direct-to-enterprise, delivered on-site at third-party proving grounds; the company has no resellers, subscription product, or SaaS layer. ISO 9001:2015 and DIN 33430 certifications anchor the credibility of its instructor certification and personnel assessment services. The company describes itself as founder/family-owned (the Eckl family) with no disclosed external institutional investors.

Name

Driving Concept

Legal name

Driving Concept GmbH

Website

https://drivingconcept.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Driving Concept GmbH is a German professional services firm delivering driver training, AD/ADAS error simulation, and vehicle testing to automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, government, and executive clients using proprietary modified training vehicles at major European proving grounds.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Professional Driver Training and Testing Services

NAICS

Automobile Driving Schools (611692), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Diagnostics & Electrical Systems (EDAOAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autonomous Driving & ADAS Perception (HDAAAEAI), Driver Behavior Scoring & Coaching Platforms (TLAEANAB)

Keywords

• Professional driver training
• AD/ADAS error simulation
• Vehicle testing services
• Automotive proving ground
• Instructor certification programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Kissing

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Training Services: Driving Concept generates revenue through fee-for-service professional training engagements. Training programs are sold to automotive manufacturers, Tier-1 suppliers, and government/military clients on a per-seat or per-group basis. Pricing varies by training type (basic proving ground, supersport, AD/ADAS error simulation). Engagements are typically multi-day, custom-programmed events delivered at proving grounds. No subscription or recurring revenue model is described — each engagement is a distinct professional services contract.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Driving Concept is a full-service provider of professional driver training and automotive testing services delivered to enterprise automotive clients at major European proving grounds. Its portfolio includes proving-ground driving certification (Prüfgeländeführerschein), high-performance supersport training, instructor certification, and AD/ADAS error-simulation training delivered using proprietary steer-by-wire training vehicles equipped with programmable fault injection and reaction-time measurement systems. Complementary offerings include vehicle testing (Fahrversuch), vehicle logistics, presentations & events, and 4activeSystems advanced active-systems services.

Product overview

Driving Concept operates as a full-service provider of professional driver training and testing services, offering a portfolio of distinct training programs and specialized vehicles. The core offerings include driver training for test site authorization (Prüfgeländeführerschein), error simulation training for AD/ADAS developers (Fehlersimulationstraining), super sports training, instructor training, vehicle testing (Fahrversuch), vehicle logistics, and event services. The company provides two proprietary training vehicles—Mercedes C180 by Schäffler-Paravan and VW Passat by FKA Aachen—equipped with programmable error simulation systems and data measurement capabilities for reaction time, steering angle, and pedal positions. Training is conducted at partner facilities including Bosch Test Center Boxberg, Segula Testcenter Rodgau, and ATC Aldenhoven, with programs certified to ISO 9011:2015 and DIN 33430 standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 4activeSystems: A service offering related to active systems and future mobility technologies.

Products and services

• Fehlersimulationstraining / AD Fahrtraining (AD/ADAS Error Simulation Training) High-end training program that simulates critical system failures in AD/ADAS systems, enabling participants to practice error management through pre-programmed fault scenarios in modified vehicles with manipulable steering, brakes, and autonomous driving modes. Designed for AD/ADAS developers, test engineers, and certified test drivers at automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
• Fahrerausbildung (Professional Driver Training for Proving Ground Certification)

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 3,000 participants trained per year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• TRIWO Automotive Testing GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Driving Concept is a partner of TRIWO following TRIWO's takeover of the Testzentrum Dudenhofen. The companies are jointly planning a Driving Concept GmbH Competence Center at the Dudenhofen location near Frankfurt. The center will integrate testing, ADAS validation, driver training, product presentations, and events — combining the expertise of both organizations at a major automotive testing hub.
• BoschcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Bosch awarded Driving Concept 'Preferred Supplier' status in March 2026 in the category of training and seminars. Bosch selects Preferred Suppliers based on sustained competitive performance in their material field. The three-year initial contract covers driver training services and seminars. Bosch is one of the world's largest automotive technology suppliers, making this a flagship strategic relationship for Driving Concept's core business.
• FKA AachencoreTechnology or IntegrationFKA Aachen is a key technology partner providing a modified VW Passat for AD/ADAS training. Additionally, Driving Concept and FKA jointly offer structured onboarding seminars and comprehensive AD/ADAS applikateur (application engineer) training programs. FKA contributes deep technical expertise in vehicle systems and automated driving to the training curriculum.
• SEGULA TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEGULA Technologies operates the Rodgau-Dudenhofen test center where Driving Concept conducts training. SEGULA also served as a customer reference for Driving Concept. CEO Hakan Kaptan previously served as Head of Automotive Proving Ground at SEGULA Technologies before joining Driving Concept, creating an established industry relationship.
• Bosch Prüfzentrum BoxbergmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Bosch Proving Ground in Boxberg is a primary training location for Driving Concept. The site is a major European automotive testing facility where Driving Concept delivers basic driving training, AD/ADAS error simulation training, and supersport training. The Bosch Preferred Supplier status (March 2026) further cements this location-based partnership.
• ATC Aldenhoven (Aldenhoven Testing Center)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerATC Aldenhoven is one of Driving Concept's designated training locations for basic proving ground driving training and driving permit programs. It is a major independent automotive testing center in Germany.
• Schäffler-Paravan (Space-Drive)majorTechnology or IntegrationSchäffler-Paravan provides the Space-Drive steer-by-wire technology used in the Mercedes C180 training vehicle. Space-Drive enables Drive-by-Wire steering with high torque response (>300°/sec) and programmable error injection, which is fundamental to Driving Concept's AD/ADAS error simulation training capability.
• Corvette by Hedin / Chevrolet EuropemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorvette by Hedin (with Chevrolet Europe) partnered with Driving Concept for a two-day dealer and customer driving event at Boxberg. 60 dealers and customers experienced C8, E-Ray, Z06, and Stingray models. Driving Concept provided on-track training, road tours, and technical workshops — a joint marketing and customer engagement event.
• Renault / D.S. MARKETING GMBHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDriving Concept provided trainer support for Renault's 4th generation Twingo E-Tech electric vehicle launch event at the Renault Cologne facility. D.S. MARKETING GMBH was the organizing partner. Driving Concept trainers accompanied the event alongside Renault and D.S. MARKETING teams.
• Kumho TireminorOthersKumho Tire is displayed as a partner logo in the footer of the Driving Concept website, indicating some form of commercial or sponsorship relationship. Nature of the relationship (technical/tire supply, marketing, or general branding) is not further detailed.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Applus+ IDIADA: Applus+ IDIADA is a large global provider of design, engineering, testing, and homologation services for the automotive industry, including proving-ground-based driver training and ADAS validation. Comparable as a broader-scope incumbent that overlaps with Driving Concept's proving-ground training and AD/ADAS work.
• Bertrandt AG: Bertrandt is a large German automotive engineering services firm offering development, testing, and validation services across vehicle systems including ADAS. Comparable as a broad German engineering services incumbent in the same customer ecosystem.
• FEV Group: FEV is a major automotive engineering services provider covering vehicle and powertrain development, ADAS/AD, and vehicle testing. Comparable as a broad incumbent that competes for ADAS validation and driver-in-the-loop programs.
• AVL List GmbH: AVL is a global automotive engineering services company providing powertrain, vehicle, ADAS/AD, and testing services to OEMs and Tier-1s. Comparable as a much larger incumbent offering adjacent driver/vehicle testing and AD/ADAS development support services.
• DEKRA Automobil GmbH: DEKRA is a global testing, inspection, and certification organization with significant automotive services including vehicle testing, driver training, and ADAS-related validation. Comparable as a broad incumbent providing adjacent driver and vehicle testing services.
• TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH: TÜV SÜD provides automotive testing, certification, and homologation services including ADAS-related validation for OEMs. Comparable as a broad incumbent operating in the automotive testing and certification ecosystem.

Direct peers

• fka (Forschungsgesellschaft Kraftfahrwesen mbH Aachen): fka is an automotive engineering research institute at RWTH Aachen that both partners with Driving Concept (providing the VW Passat AD/ADAS training vehicle) and runs its own driver training and ADAS validation programs for OEMs. Highly comparable in AD/ADAS testing, training, and validation offerings to the European automotive industry.

Regional players

• UTAC CERAM: UTAC operates major European proving grounds and provides automotive testing, homologation, and certification services including ADAS-related validation. Comparable as a regional incumbent offering testing and certification services that overlap with Driving Concept's proving-ground activities.
• Dynamic Test Center AG: Dynamic Test Center operates automotive proving grounds in Switzerland and provides vehicle testing, ADAS/AD validation, and driver training programs. Comparable as a regional peer with a similar proving-ground-based service portfolio.

Emerging players

• Schaeffler Paravan Technologie: Schaeffler Paravan supplies the Space-Drive steer-by-wire technology used in Driving Concept's Mercedes C180 training vehicle. While primarily a technology supplier, it also develops and demonstrates drive-by-wire mobility solutions including autonomous and ADA-relevant applications, making it a technology-and-domain peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/driving-concept-gmbh

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Driving Concept