Automotive translation for owner manuals, RMI and PPAP packages
We translate and post-edit the documentation behind every vehicle programme: owner manuals, RMI content, PPAP packages and HMI strings. Automotive-domain linguists handle the translation and post-editing, and every file passes a 6-eyes review before delivery. The process is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 since 2021, Dublin based.
Automotive translation that clears EU market access
We work to the rules your documentation must meet, and we check the wording against each one before submission.
- GPSR (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) sets the language duty for manufacturers and importers: instructions in a language easily understood by consumers, as each Member State determines.
- Repair and maintenance information (RMI) must stay accessible to independent repairers after the vehicle is on the market.
- Type approval under Regulation (EU) 2018/858 includes the RMI access obligation in Article 61.
- GSR (Regulation (EU) 2019/2144) requires driver-assist systems to be explained clearly in the vehicle's user instructions.
The documents behind every vehicle programme
Every vehicle programme produces documents in four groups: engineering, market approval, after-sales and software.
- Engineering. PPAP packages and PSW forms, DFMEA and PFMEA, control plans, MSA and capability studies, and ISO 26262 functional-safety documentation.
- Market approval. Homologation and type-approval dossiers, technical files and certificates of conformity.
- After-sales. Owner manuals, workshop and repair manuals, TSBs, recall letters, parts catalogues and dealer training e-learning.
- Software. HMI and UI strings, infotainment and navigation content, OTA update release notes and companion app copy.
HMI strings and OTA release notes move on the same cadence as software localisation. CE marking and machinery manuals are covered in engineering translation. This is part of our Industrial & technical coverage.
Safety-critical accuracy and terminology discipline
A mistranslated warning is a liability. A wrong diagnostic code can trigger a recall.
- Torque values, DTC codes, warning texts and ADAS explanations must be error-free.
- IATF 16949 adds customer-specific requirements on top of ISO 9001. The core-tool taxonomy covers APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA and SPC.
How we work: XML aware, certified, deadline driven
Your files stay structured through the whole process.
Certified process. ISO 9001 covers quality management. ISO 17100 governs translation with obligatory revision by a second qualified translator. ISO 18587 governs machine-translation post-editing.
XML aware. S1000D data modules, DITA and tag-level XML and XLIFF round-trips run with tag protection and metadata preservation. See How we handle files.
Terminology discipline. Per-OEM term bases and shared translation memory keep the taxonomy consistent across the vehicle lifecycle. The same terms cover owner manuals, FMEA documents and PPAP packages.
Governed post-editing. Machine translation suits structured repetitive content, such as catalogues and bulletins. Safety-critical text gets full human review, and a qualified linguist signs off on every translation.
Domain QA. Linguists with automotive-domain experience run the 6-eyes review on every file. HMI and UI strings get length checks and defined post-editing tiers.
For the full process, see How we work.
Why a Dublin-based technical translation partner
Most OEM framework agreements sit with the large global agencies. We work directly with Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers, importers and dealer groups. We are available to help when you need us.
- Regulatory fluency. We work across GPSR, the Machinery Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2018/858 RMI, GSR and the UNECE R155/R156 cybersecurity and software-update rules.
- Confidential handling. Prototype, pricing and tooling data moves under NDA, with GDPR-compliant handling and EU-only processing. See our data protection statement.
- Local presence. Dublin based, with EU and UK coverage.
Process and timeline
The timeline is anchored to your dates, not to a generic quote.
Process. The process runs from document mapping at intake, through terminology alignment, to translation with obligatory revision and versioned delivery.
Date anchored. The plan works backwards from your submission dates: type approval, PPAP, model year and recall peaks. A dedicated project manager runs the schedule with an urgent turnaround lane for late changes. We are available to help when you need us.
Version control. Translation memory and TMS versioning keep every variant aligned across model years. Delivery lands in document platforms such as SharePoint and Box, with versioned records per validated deliverable.
Frequently asked questions
Can you meet our type-approval or PPAP submission deadline?
Yes. We plan backwards from your submission dates: type approval, PPAP, model year or recall campaign. A dedicated project manager runs the schedule. An urgent turnaround lane covers late changes.
How do you keep terminology consistent across OEM glossaries and FMEA documents?
Per-OEM term bases and shared translation memory keep the taxonomy consistent. The same terms apply across owner manuals, FMEA documents and PPAP packages. Every file gets a 6-eyes review.
Can you handle our S1000D or DITA XML files?
Yes. The pipeline is XML aware, with tag protection, XLIFF round-trips and metadata preservation. Delivery is IETM ready.
How do you protect our confidential prototype and pricing data?
We sign NDAs and work under data processing agreements, with GDPR-compliant handling and EU-only processing. Prototype, pricing and tooling data is transferred securely. See our data protection statement.
Do you use machine translation?
Yes, where it fits the content class. Machine translation suits structured repetitive content, such as parts catalogues and TSBs. Safety-critical text gets full human review, and a qualified linguist signs off on every translation.
What formats can you deliver?
Delivery is TMS-compatible in XLIFF and TMX. S1000D and DITA content returns in XML with metadata preserved. Versioned records accompany every validated deliverable.
Talk to us about your documentation programme
Bring your document set, your OEM requirements and your next submission date. We will map the scope, confirm the language matrix and return a quote.
- A named project manager owns your schedule.
- The plan anchors to your dates: type approval, PPAP, model year or recall campaign.
- You get the terminology approach and delivery formats up front.