Costa Rica Approves Two New Operators for Vehicle Inspection Services
Applus and TÜV Rheinland Win Bids to Operate Vehicle Technical Inspection Amidst Dekra's Exit
In a significant development for Costa Rica's vehicle inspection system, two companies, Applus and TÜV Rheinland, have been approved to operate vehicle technical inspection services starting in July.
The confirmation was made by the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi) after the companies successfully passed the preselection process.
This decision comes after a thorough evaluation of offers and the resolution of appeals, with only the consortia Applus and TÜV Rheinland meeting all technical and financial admissibility criteria.
The current operator, DEKRA, another German firm, did not secure the contract despite extended temporary permissions to operate since the initial selection process.
DEKRA's previous permission allowed operations through July 2024, reflecting delays in the contracting process.
Under the new agreements, the two operators are charged with constructing six new stations, which will supplement DEKRA's 13 existing ones.
The new stations will be located across various regions, including San José, Alajuela, and Puntarenas, with additional mobile units set to service rural areas.
The Cosevi Board of Directors has recommended awarding the contracts, leaving regional allocations as the next step.
The tender divided the country into two zones, ensuring an equitable distribution of districts with high demand across both urban and rural areas.
Each company will provide services within designated areas, with potential for differentiated tariffs, subject to regulation by the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep).
Applus and TÜV Rheinland's tender submissions were evaluated based on several criteria, including the number of inspections conducted over the past decade, inspection performance rates, and ISO 17020 accreditation duration.
Applus scored 100 points, whereas TÜV Rheinland received 70 points, which initially led to DEKRA's challenge.
However, TÜV Rheinland supplied additional documentation proving compliance with the inspection numbers required by Cosevi.
Applus, headquartered in Spain, leads globally in inspection and certification, with operations in over 65 countries, performing over 13 million inspections annually.
Its Latin American presence includes countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, along with several European nations.
TÜV Rheinland, founded in 1872 in Germany, employs over 22,000 staff across more than 50 countries.
The company reported annual revenues exceeding 2.4 billion euros and offers a range of technical testing and inspection services worldwide.
The selection process began in April 2023, with the aim of diversifying operators to prevent monopolistic practices.
The results mark a pivotal shift in Costa Rica's vehicle inspection landscape, aiming to enhance service reach and quality across the nation.
The confirmation was made by the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi) after the companies successfully passed the preselection process.
This decision comes after a thorough evaluation of offers and the resolution of appeals, with only the consortia Applus and TÜV Rheinland meeting all technical and financial admissibility criteria.
The current operator, DEKRA, another German firm, did not secure the contract despite extended temporary permissions to operate since the initial selection process.
DEKRA's previous permission allowed operations through July 2024, reflecting delays in the contracting process.
Under the new agreements, the two operators are charged with constructing six new stations, which will supplement DEKRA's 13 existing ones.
The new stations will be located across various regions, including San José, Alajuela, and Puntarenas, with additional mobile units set to service rural areas.
The Cosevi Board of Directors has recommended awarding the contracts, leaving regional allocations as the next step.
The tender divided the country into two zones, ensuring an equitable distribution of districts with high demand across both urban and rural areas.
Each company will provide services within designated areas, with potential for differentiated tariffs, subject to regulation by the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep).
Applus and TÜV Rheinland's tender submissions were evaluated based on several criteria, including the number of inspections conducted over the past decade, inspection performance rates, and ISO 17020 accreditation duration.
Applus scored 100 points, whereas TÜV Rheinland received 70 points, which initially led to DEKRA's challenge.
However, TÜV Rheinland supplied additional documentation proving compliance with the inspection numbers required by Cosevi.
Applus, headquartered in Spain, leads globally in inspection and certification, with operations in over 65 countries, performing over 13 million inspections annually.
Its Latin American presence includes countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, along with several European nations.
TÜV Rheinland, founded in 1872 in Germany, employs over 22,000 staff across more than 50 countries.
The company reported annual revenues exceeding 2.4 billion euros and offers a range of technical testing and inspection services worldwide.
The selection process began in April 2023, with the aim of diversifying operators to prevent monopolistic practices.
The results mark a pivotal shift in Costa Rica's vehicle inspection landscape, aiming to enhance service reach and quality across the nation.
