What do DV and PV mean in the automotive industry?

[RosalieDella]

In the automotive industry, DV and PV have the following meanings: 1. DV (Design-Verification) Testing refers to Design Verification Testing: Its purpose is to verify whether the product design meets the specified requirements. DV testing involves physical testing of pre-production or production components. 2. PV (Production-Validation) Testing refers to Production Validation Testing: Its purpose is to verify whether products manufactured using mass production processes and tooling meet the requirements. PV testing involves physical testing of mass-produced components.

[StCody]

DV stands for Design Verification, akin to a final exam for new car designs where every performance aspect is thoroughly tested. During new vehicle development, we rigorously tackle this phase in labs and proving grounds—chassis strength and electronic system stability must endure continuous stress tests. PV, or Production Verification, is the pre-mass-production audit to check if assembly line vehicles cut corners. In my last project, we hit a three-month delay due to seatbelt buckle rattles discovered during PV. Remember, these milestones typically span a year apart—DV clearance is mandatory before tooling up production lines.