crashtest-service.com GmbH

What crashtest-service.com GmbH does

crashtest-service.com GmbH, founded in 2001 in Münster, Germany, is a privately held DAkkS-accredited crash test laboratory operating what DIE ZEIT (August 2025) described as Germany's largest private crash test facility, spanning approximately 40,000 m² with three acceleration tracks (up to 260 m, 150 km/h outdoor), a 70×70 m central crash area, and a 750 m² indoor crash hall capable of testing all vehicle classes from bicycles to 70-ton commercial vehicles at speeds up to 210 km/h. The company's core capability combines physical crash testing infrastructure with proprietary biofidelic anthropomorphic test dummy (ATD) technology, most notably the PRIMUS Breakable Biofidel Dummy — the world's first X-ray-capable crash test dummy with human-like bone and tissue properties, standard-equipped with Kistler crash-resistant measurement sensors and supported by an in-house X-ray laboratory enabling short-duration radiography (X-CC) during impact events. Adjacent product lines include the ALPHA artificial bird (goose, chicken, pigeon, starling variants), biofidelic hedgehog, deer, and wild boar surrogates, plus standard ATDs (Hybrid III, THOR-50M, WorldSid, etc.) and the Black Tuffy Body Block Dummy.

The business operates as a competence center for crash tests, accident reconstruction, and biofidelic dummy manufacturing, serving automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, government/regulatory bodies (BASt, BTU Cottbus), insurance companies and expert witnesses (Sachverständige), aviation and aerospace (DLR, IABG, Fraunhofer EMI), military/defense research, fire departments and rescue services (via the Rescue Dome), agricultural technology, and TV/media production. Revenue is generated through a diversified mix: per-test fees for DAkkS-accredited norm crash tests (EN 1317, MASH 2016, ASTM F2656, ISO 22343-1, DIN SPEC 91414-1, ECE R100) and bespoke individual crash tests; hardware sales of biofidelic dummies via subsidiary CTS dummy-solution GmbH & Co. KG; recurring database subscription/access fees for the world's largest crash test database (8,500+ documented tests); professional services for seminars, conferences (Dummy.Crashtest.Konferenz, Vehicle.Security.Barrier.Conference), and Rescue Dome training; plus telematics, X-ray material testing, lighting analysis, calculation checks, expert witness testimony (via partner Schimmelpfennig + Becke), and event location rentals. Distribution is enterprise-direct, supplemented by simulation partners (EDAG Engineering, GDTech), international trade show presence (Intertraffic, Intersec Dubai, Perimeter Protection, Enforce Tac), and a self-serve online portal for database downloads.

Name

crashtest-service.com GmbH

Legal name

crashtest-service.com GmbH

Website

https://crashtest-service.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

crashtest-service.com GmbH is a DAkkS-accredited crash test laboratory in Münster, Germany, operating Germany's largest private 40,000 m² crash facility. It provides certified norm crash tests, custom crash tests, and proprietary biofidelic dummies (PRIMUS, ALPHA birds, hedgehog, deer, wild boar) to automotive, government, insurance, aviation, defense, and rescue services customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Münster

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Norm-Crashtests (Standardized Crash Testing): DAkkS-accredited crash tests per EN 1317, MASH 2016, ASTM F2656, DIN SPEC 91414-1, ISO 22343-1, TL-Leitbaken 97, AS/NZS 3845.2, and other standards for vehicle restraint systems (barriers, bollards, underride guards). Certification revenue for market access. One-time per-test fees with repeat engagement for product lines.
2. Individual / Custom Crash Tests: Bespoke crash tests for accident reconstruction, R&D, and specialized applications (aircraft drop tests, drone crash tests, battery crash tests for EVs per ECE R100, workplace/leisure accident simulation). Revenue per test or test series.
3. Crash Test Database Access: Online database with over 8,500 documented crash tests available for download. Accessed via shop.crashtest-service.com. Corporate clients pay subscription or per-download fees for reproducible, documented test series. Private customer access also offered.
4. Biofidelic Dummy Sales: Sale of proprietary PRIMUS breakable Biofidel Dummies and other biofidelic dummies (animal surrogates: birds, hedgehog, deer, wild boar; body block dummies). Also Black Tuffy Dummy. Part of CTS dummy-solution GmbH & Co. KG entity.
5. Seminars, Conferences and Training: Revenue from event hosting and training programs including seminars (Versicherungsseminar, Sachverständigen Seminar, Crash Days), conferences (Dummy.Crashtest.Konferenz, Vehicle.Security.Barrier.Conference), and Rescue Dome training courses for fire departments, THW, military, and special forces.
6. TV Production / Event Location Rental: The crash test facility and dummy lab are rented as filming locations for TV productions, documentaries, and movies. Selected media: DMAX Crash Detectives, ProSieben Galileo, ZDF, RTL, 3sat nano. One-time production service fees.
7. Technical Services: Supplementary technical consulting services: calculation checks (cost analysis based on accident reconstruction), telematics development, light analysis, X-ray testing, and expert opinions via partner Schimmelpfennig + Becke. Typically per-engagement fees for expert testimony and court cases.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

crashtest-service.com GmbH operates a DAkkS-accredited crash test facility in Münster, Germany, performing standardized and individual crash tests for vehicle restraint systems certification, accident reconstruction, and R&D. The company also designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary biofidelic test dummies — led by the PRIMUS breakable biofidel human dummy and a portfolio of biofidelic animal surrogates (birds, hedgehog, deer, wild boar) — through its subsidiary CTS dummy-solution GmbH & Co. KG, and delivers technical services including X-ray testing, accident reconstruction consulting, and the Rescue Dome emergency-services training platform.

Product overview

Crashtest-service.com GmbH is an accredited crash testing facility and competence center offering a comprehensive portfolio of crash testing services and biofidelic test dummies. The core offerings include: (1) Standard/Norm Crash Tests and Individual Crash Tests for accident reconstruction and vehicle restraint system certification; (2) The PRIMUS line of biofidelic dummies including the breakable human surrogate and simulation models; (3) Biofidelic animal test bodies (ALPHA artificial birds, hedgehogs, deer, wild boar) for wildlife and aviation testing; (4) Standard crash test dummies (Hybrid III, THOR, WorldSid series); (5) Specialized testing services including battery crash tests, X-ray testing, telematics development, and lighting analysis; (6) The Rescue Dome training platform for professional emergency response; (7) Event location services on the 40,000 m² crash facility. The company operates from Münster, Germany, with DAkkS accreditation since 2013 and serves the automotive, aviation, military, insurance, and emergency services sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PRIMUS: Biofidel crash test dummy with human-like bone and tissue properties for realistic injury simulation
• ALPHA
• Rescue Dome

Products and services

• PRIMUS Biofidel-Dummy A breakable, biofidelic crash test dummy with human-like bone and tissue properties enabling realistic injury pattern analysis. Features crash-resistant Kistler measurement technology and supports X-ray post-crash analysis as the world's first X-ray-capable crash test dummy.
• PRIMUS Breakable Simulation Model Standing-variant simulation model of the PRIMUS biofidel dummy for virtual crash testing and validation, co-developed with EDAG's IMPETUS simulation environment.
• Black Tuffy Body Block Dummy Test device for steering system collision protection testing, compliant with ECE R12, SAE J944, and FMVSS 203 standards. Consists of a rubber front half shell mounted on a wooden base.
• Standard Crash Test Dummies Conventional crash test dummies including Hybrid II, Hybrid III, THOR-50M, WorldSid, EuroSid, Q-series, P-series, CRABI, BIORID, and FAA dummies, supplied for diverse crash testing applications.
• ALPHA Biofidelic Bird (Artificial Bird) Artificial bird surrogate for bird strike testing available as goose (3.6 kg), chicken (1.8 kg), pigeon (0.9-1 kg), and starling (0.08 kg). Used for aircraft engine, drone turbine, wing edge, and windscreen testing in aviation, rail, and aerospace applications.
• Biofidelic Hedgehog Test body for robotic lawn mower safety testing based on average hedgehog anatomy with skeleton, soft tissue, fur, and spines. Available in sizes from 180 g to 1.8 kg with optional integrated heat source for thermal imaging.
• Biofidelic Deer Dummy Anatomically constructed deer surrogate for wildlife-vehicle collision investigation and development of modern sensor-based detection systems. Includes optional thermal elements for thermal imaging detection, and is used for fawn detection on agricultural mowers.
• Biofidelic Wild Boar Artificial wild boar test body for recreating wildlife accidents, with bone and tissue structure derived from average wild boar anatomy. Optionally available with fur and spines.
• Standard/Norm Crash Tests Accredited crash testing according to EN 1317, MASH 2016, ASTM F2656, DIN SPEC 91414-1, ISO 22343-1, TL-Leitbaken 97, AS/NZS 3845.2, and other international standards for vehicle restraint systems certification.
• Individual Crash Tests Detailed accident reconstruction through custom crash tests for forensic analysis, insurance claims, and legal proceedings, performed on the 40,000 m² Münster facility.
• Battery Crash Tests Crash tests with electric vehicles including battery approval testing according to ECE R100 9C and 9D for all vehicle categories from M1/N1 through M3/N3.
• Airplane/Helicopter Drop Tests Drop tests for aircraft and helicopters conducted at the Münster facility to assess structural integrity and safety in crash scenarios for aerospace customers.
• Drone Crash Tests Crash testing to assess accident and injury risks from low-flying and crashing drones, including drone impact with seated dummies.
• Crash Test Database World's largest crash test database with over 8,500 downloadable test records for accident reconstruction, accessible via the online shop portal with separate corporate and private customer access.
• Rescue Dome Training Professional rescue training under real-life conditions using actual crash scenarios at the Rescue Dome in Münster. Offers live crashed vehicle collision scenarios, collapsed buildings, buried vehicles, and specialized training for fire departments, THW, military, and special forces in cooperation with Swan Rescue.
• Event Location Services Corporate event hosting on the 40,000 m² Münster crash test facility with a 600 m² event hall, additional 240 m² event hall, outdoor areas, and live crash demonstrations for up to 250 persons.
• Telematics Development Development of telematics solutions for accident detection and automatic reporting, including custom software for crash detection and severity categorization.
• Lighting Technology Analysis Light analysis of digital photos to provide a professional overview of real lighting conditions in accident scenarios, supporting court case expert opinions and accident reconstruction.
• Calculation Checks Cost analysis based on accident reconstruction appraisals, including damage compatibility evaluation integrated into damage calculations for insurance claims.
• X-ray and Radiographic Testing Material testing laboratory using X-ray technology for weld seam analysis, cast part inspection, composite material evaluation, pipe analysis, crown cap analysis, silicone inclusion detection, compressed air cylinder analysis, piston/connecting rod analysis, and rim/tyre analysis.
• Leisure and Work Accident Reconstruction Accident reconstruction using biofidelic dummies for mechanical-technical device accidents including scaffolding falls, summer toboggan run collisions, excavator accidents, and firewood processor incidents.
• TV Production Services Crash test facility and dummy laboratory available as backdrop for television productions, documentaries, and film productions, with reference productions including DMAX Crash Detectives, ProSieben Galileo, ZDF, RTL, and 3sat nano.
• Seminars and Training Professional seminars in accident reconstruction, road traffic safety, and damage assessment including insurance seminars (Versicherungsseminar), expert witness seminars (Sachverständigen Seminar), police seminars (Polizeiseminar), judge seminars (Richterseminar), and Crash Days firefighter training.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tests all vehicle classes from bicycles to 70-ton commercial vehicles at speeds up to 210 km/h on a single 40,000 m² facility
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Johanniter-Akademie NRWcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Joint development of a new training format for aspiring emergency paramedics (Notfallsanitäter) at the Rescue Dome. Approximately 50 trainees participated in the first event combining expert lectures on accident scenarios, modern vehicle technology, and emergency medicine with a live crash test and realistic rescue exercise. Rescue Dome Münster provided specialized training conditions including darkness, fog, and noise.
• Swan Rescue (Paul Swan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026Paul Swan (Swan Rescue) and Peter Schimmelpfennig (CTS) established a strategic cooperation for modern technical rescue training under the Rescue Dome platform. Combines CTS's real crash test expertise with Swan Rescue's high-caliber, operationally focused rescue training at international level. On a 40,000 m² crash test area, diverse rescue scenarios are set up including real crashed vehicles, collapsed buildings, multi-vehicle pile-ups in highway work zones, and individually designed stations. Training uses LUKAS, Vetter, Makita, and Paratech rescue equipment. Paul van der Zwaan (LUKAS Rescue Team, international rescue training specialist) also involved.
• Fraunhofer Institut für Kurzzeitdynamik EMIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 July 2025Fraunhofer EMI uses CTS X-ray dummy capability to demonstrate X-CC (X-ray-Car Crash) procedure — short-duration radiography visualizing internal structural deformation during crash. First public live X-ray crash demonstration at the 5th Dummy.Crashtest.Konferenz (July 2025): car crashed at 27 km/h against a pole. Dr. Malte Kurfiß from Fraunhofer EMI presented at the conference. Yann Leost (Fraunhofer EMI) also participated.
• BTU Cottbus-SenftenbergcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2021Organizer of the Vehicle.Security.Barrier.Conference (VSBC) held at CTS crash test facility. Detlev Schürmann and Christian Weicht (BTU) organized and led the VSBC conference program. CTS also involved as consortium member in drafting DIN SPEC 91414-2 (Requirements for planning access protection). Michel Osterkemper (CTS) significantly involved in standard development.
• EDAG Engineering GmbHcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 May 2020Simulation partner for dynamic and virtual simulations of vehicle restraint systems. CTS cooperates with EDAG to offer customers holistic, independent solutions from virtual simulation through to successful completion of physical standard crash tests. Jan Bohlen (EDAG) developed IMPETUS simulation model of CTS Biofidel Birdstrike Test Surrogate ALPHA. EDAG involved in PRIMUS dummy development validation (BASt/carhs research project with Samarth Talanki, Nithesh Acharya, Paula Kassab-Bachi).
• GDTech S.A.coreTechnology or Integration · 20 May 2020Simulation partner alongside EDAG Engineering GmbH for dynamic and virtual simulations of vehicle restraint systems. Together with EDAG, GDTech enables CTS to offer holistic and independent solutions to customers from simulation through to physical testing completion.
• Kistler GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationKistler supplies crash-resistant measurement technology that is standard-equipped on the PRIMUS breakable biofidel dummy. Kistler ATD GmbH (Heidelberg) is referenced in Dummy.Crashtest.Konferenz as the producer of THOR-50M dummy. CTS-Kistler cooperation press release (2020) available for download.
• Schimmelpfennig + Becke GmbH & Co. KG (S+B / ureko.de)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering office for accident reconstruction and expert witness services, founded 1976. The largest independent expert office for accident reconstruction in Germany, covering biomechanics, mechanical-technical accidents, and administrative offences. Provides expert opinions in court proceedings, sound analysis, and accident reconstruction consulting. Associated with ureko.de brand. Dr. Tim Hoger (ö.b.u.v. Expert of IHK North Westphalia) listed as lighting technology contact.
• HS Schoch GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTS served as project partner in development crash tests for HS Schoch's SL1000 rear underride guard with integrated storage box system. The product premiered at IAA. HS Schoch is a load securing expert; the SL1000 combines collision protection with storage functionality, featuring patented deformation mechanics and rear diffuser effect. Dietmar Beuther is managing director.
• Linde Material Handling GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSuccessful crash test of lithium-ion battery compartment with multi-stage safety system. Linde's industrial truck batteries feature thermally stable cathode/anode materials and a solid steel trough for mechanical impact protection. CTS conducted crash testing validating the battery protection system.
• Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeibniz-IZW Berlin conducted research into hedgehog injuries from robotic lawn mowers using CTS biofidelic hedgehog dummy. Published two press releases on hedgehog welfare and conservation problem, and crash test methodology for mower safety. Dr. Anne Berger (IZW) published on why hedgehog dummies are needed.
• LUKAS Hydraulik GmbHminorOthersLUKAS supplies hydraulic rescue equipment (spreaders, cutters, rams) used in Rescue Dome training programs. Paul van der Zwaan's LUKAS Rescue Team provides international rescue training expertise at Rescue Dome. Equipment used includes LUKAS hydraulic tools.
• VetterminorOthersRescue equipment supplier for Rescue Dome training programs. Vetter GmbH provides rescue equipment used alongside LUKAS, Makita, and Paratech equipment for live crash rescue scenarios.
• MakitaminorOthersPower tool and equipment supplier providing rescue equipment for Rescue Dome training. Used alongside LUKAS, Vetter, and Paratech equipment for technical rescue training scenarios.
• ParatechminorOthersRescue equipment supplier (stabilization and lifting equipment) used in Rescue Dome training for technical rescue, collapsed building scenarios, and vehicle stabilization.
• IABG mbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIABG (Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft) uses CTS biofidel chicken and biofidel goose dummies for bird strike testing services. Dummy tests conducted at IABG facility using CTS-supplied artificial birds. Lucian Beck listed from Beschussamt Mellrichstadt.
• German Aerospace Center (DLR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStefan Andreas Ritt (DLR) conducted comparative studies of bird strike using dummy tests and simulations, and developed simulation model of CTS Biofidel Bird ALPHA. DLR used CTS dummy for RACER rotorcraft application testing. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans Wernher van de Venn (ZHAW) and DLR participated in Dummy.Crashtest.Konferenz.
• WWU Münster (University of Münster)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWWU Münster collaborated with CTS and HTW to develop the Biofidel-Dummy with passive and active muscles. First application was the cervical spine with muscles, as this area is particularly susceptible to critical injuries and frequently subject to legal disputes. Result is a dummy with realistic body tension and authentic movement sequence in crash situations.
• HTW (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft) BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHTW Berlin collaborated with CTS and WWU Münster to develop the Biofidel-Dummy with passive and active muscles, creating an innovative development tool with human-like bone and tissue strength properties.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TRL (Transport Research Laboratory): UK-based independent transport research organization with crash test facilities, road restraint testing, and accident research. Directly comparable in vehicle restraint system certification, accident reconstruction, and government-funded transport safety research.
• HORIBA MIRA: UK-based vehicle engineering consultancy and proving ground with extensive crash, impact, and durability testing. Directly comparable in accredited crash testing for OEMs, Tier-1s, and homologation work. Operates its own crash facilities serving similar automotive safety and certification customers.
• Calspan: US crash test laboratory providing vehicle, occupant, and barrier testing for OEMs, IIHS, and government. Operates full-scale crash facilities. Directly comparable in accredited crash testing services and biofidelic dummy deployment.
• Humanetics Innovative Solutions: Largest global manufacturer of crash test dummies (Hybrid III, THOR, WorldSID series) and crash test sensors. Directly comparable to CTS in biofidel dummy technology and automotive crash test supply chain. Different focus (CTS is testing services with proprietary biofidelic dummies; Humanetics is dummy manufacturer), but overlap in serving the same crash testing customer base.
• Applus+ IDIADA: Spain-based automotive engineering services and crash testing facility. Operates one of Europe's largest independent proving grounds and crash test labs. Directly comparable in vehicle certification testing, Euro NCAP work, and OEM engineering services across EU markets.
• Dynamic Research, Inc. US-based independent crash test laboratory specializing in vehicle restraint system testing per MASH, NCHRP 350, and ASTM standards. Directly comparable in barrier, bollard, and perimeter security testing. CTS's US market access (FHWA listing) overlaps with DRI's domestic customer base.

Emerging players

• 4activeSystems: Austrian developer of active dummy systems and driver assistance test equipment (e.g., 4activeSB for autonomous emergency braking testing). Comparable as automotive safety testing technology provider; partial overlap in serving crash test labs and OEMs with safety validation tooling.

Others

• Kistler Group: Swiss measurement technology supplier whose crash sensors are standard-equipped on CTS's PRIMUS dummy. Kistler ATD GmbH also produces THOR-50M dummies. Adjacent ecosystem participant as a technology supplier and dummy manufacturer rather than direct testing competitor.

Broad incumbents

• TÜV Süd Auto Service GmbH: Large German testing, inspection, and certification company with broad automotive service portfolio. Overlaps with CTS in vehicle homologation, materials testing, and certification, but TÜV Süd serves as broad incumbent across many industries rather than specializing in CTS's biofidel dummy/niche crash reconstruction focus.
• DEKRA: Germany's largest testing and certification organization with automotive crash testing, vehicle inspection, and expert witness services. Comparable in providing crash test and accident reconstruction services, but DEKRA operates as a broad incumbent across many sectors rather than a niche specialist like CTS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@crashtestservice
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/crashtest-service-com-gmbh

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 crashtest-service.com GmbH