KNESTEL has been developing and producing customized electronic and mechatronic special solutions in the fields of motor and machine control, power electronics, frequency converters, image processing, I&C technology, software development, IIOT, radio, bus systems and gas analysis for over 40 years.
They support their customers from the initial idea through to final implementation. They are characterized by individual solutions and concepts.
Their production is always at the cutting edge of technology and consists of the following specialized areas: Electronics production, device and control cabinet construction, component production, assembly and mechanical processing.
CITA welcomes the European Commission's Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector, published on 5 March 2025. As the unique global association uniting public and private actors in vehicle regulatory compliance, CITA applauds the Commission’s strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, competitiveness, and a level playing field.
The Plan’s five pillars – innovation and digitalization, clean mobility, competitiveness and supply chain resilience, skills and the social dimension, and a business-friendly environment – lay a solid foundation. However, CITA emphasizes that greater attention must be paid to the entire life cycle of vehicles. Ensuring alignment between vehicle type approval, roadside inspections, and periodic technical inspections (PTI) is essential for a truly sustainable and resilient automotive ecosystem.
CITA is particularly encouraged by the Plan’s commitment to transparency. The development of ADAS and ADS technologies, as well as battery certification for used vehicles, hinges on secure and equitable access to in-vehicle data. Yet, the lack of clear regulations following the EU Data Act is concerning. CITA urges the Commission to establish a robust regulatory framework that balances cybersecurity with access rights.
To complement the Plan, CITA proposes several EU-supported research projects focusing on:
Battery certification for used electric vehicles,
Safe deployment of autonomous and assisted driving systems,
Data-sharing through the European Mobility Data Space for roadworthiness testing.
These initiatives will enhance consumer trust, support innovation, and further the EU’s decarbonization goals.
With over 150 million vehicle inspections annually conducted by its members, CITA has an unparalleled understanding of the EU vehicle fleet. We stand ready to support EU institutions in shaping policies that balance innovation, feasibility, and road safety.
CAPATEST SL are experts in solutions for vehicle inspection and automotive industry.
Founded in 1996, CAPATEST SL has 30 years of experience delivering innovative solutions for the automotive industry. Their success is built on a strong commitment to quality, technology, and customer satisfaction.
From their beginnings as a service and technical support company, they have evolved into a leading name in engineering for vehicle inspection stations (PTI) and the automotive industry. They are specialized in custom project development, machinery integration, and equipment distribution, ensuring efficient solutions tailored to market needs.
Located in an industrial area with strategic connections to major highways and transport routes, they are just 40 minutes from Barcelona Airport, allowing them to operate swiftly and serve both national and international customers.
As part of its ongoing mission to enhance awareness and understanding of PTI, CITA hosted an exclusive members-only webinar titled "Best Practices in Communicating PTI Benefits" on April 9, 2025. This dynamic session offered a unique platform to explore four successful communication strategies from across the CITA network, each designed to better connect with the public and stakeholders around the importance of PTI.
Moderated by CITA Executive Director Eduard Fernández, the webinar showcased a diverse array of campaigns and tools—from data-driven studies and media outreach to engaging videos and digital storytelling—all with a common goal: strengthening road safety, environmental protection, and public trust in PTI systems.
Highlights from the Webinar Presentations:
AECA-ITV (Spain) – Campaign Presenter: Mr. Guillermo Magaz Pilar, Director Faced with high non-compliance rates and a concerning vehicle fleet status in Spain, AECA-ITV launched a powerful national communication campaign to reposition the roadworthiness test in the minds of citizens. Through bold messaging and a multi-channel strategy—including radio spots, TV mentions, a dedicated video campaign, and social media outreach—the initiative emphasized the vital role of PTI in saving lives and protecting the environment.
DEKRA (Germany) – Leveraging the DEKRA Road Safety Report Presenter: Mr. Wolfgang Sigloch, Press Officer Automotive DEKRA’s annual Road Safety Report, in publication since 2008, has become a cornerstone of their communication efforts. While not focused on any one report, the presentation highlighted how this ongoing series acts as a trusted and authoritative platform for promoting road safety and advancing the PTI message. Each edition blends crash statistics, research insights, and policy recommendations to support evidence-based improvements in vehicle inspection practices.
AUTOTEST Group (Bulgaria) – “How Does a PTI Go?” Video Campaign Presenters: Mr. Mihail Yankov, CTO and Mr. Daniel Dzhahani, Deputy Technical Director AUTOTEST captivated audiences with their most viewed video, which transparently walks viewers through the entire PTI process. This visual approach was supported by audience research conducted before and after the campaign, showing significant improvements in public perception of PTI's importance among Bulgarian drivers. The results underscored the value of accessible, relatable communication tools in demystifying inspections and promoting compliance.
TÜV-Verband (Germany) – Insights from the TÜV Mobility Study 2024 Presenter: Mr. Richard Goebelt, Director Automotive & Mobility Drawing from the TÜV Mobility Study 2024, Mr. Goebelt shared key findings from a national survey that affirmed the public’s strong demand for independent vehicle inspections—especially concerning driver assistance systems in the era of automated mobility. The presentation illustrated how transparency and independence in testing continue to build public trust, even as mobility technology rapidly evolves.
This webinar served not just as a showcase of best practices, but also as a source of inspiration and practical guidance for CITA members looking to elevate their own outreach strategies. Each presentation offered actionable insights into how creative, data-informed, and targeted communication can reinforce the value of PTI in everyday mobility and public safety.
CITA extends its sincere thanks to all speakers and participants who contributed to this engaging and informative event.
April 1st, 2025 – Cotonou, Benin. CITA proudly took part in the Diplôme Universitaire de Sécurité Routière pour l’Afrique (DUSRA), a road safety diploma program led by the Université Gustave Eiffel (Paris), reaffirming its commitment to global road safety initiatives.
Representing CITA, Mr. Eduard Fernández, Executive Director, delivered a 4-hour in-person lecture to an audience of African mid-level officers and road safety experts in Cotonou, Benin. His session focused on best practices in vehicle inspection systems, the role of international cooperation in road safety, and strategies to enhance vehicle compliance as a key component of safe and sustainable mobility in Africa.
This contribution is part of CITA’s broader mission to promote international collaboration and share expertise in vehicle safety and inspection systems. By actively engaging with regional programs such as DUSRA, CITA continues to support the development of local capacities and strengthen efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and improve transport systems across the continent.
The DUSRA program offers a platform to foster knowledge exchange, combining academic rigor with practical insights tailored to the African context.
CITA is honored to be among the contributors to this important initiative.
On Thursday, 27 March 2025, CITA President Mr. Gerhard Müller represented CITA at the prestigious “INNO PTI 2025 – Conference on Periodic Technical Inspection” held at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary. This event brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the future of roadworthiness testing in an evolving automotive landscape. The conference, organized in cooperation with BME ITS Nonprofit Zrt., focused on advancing technical inspection methods through development, technological innovation, and digitalization.
Key topics included:
Holistic testing of modern vehicles across the entire lifecycle – from development to operation.
The role of digitalization and interconnectivity in enabling safe and sustainable mobility.
The need for a modern, innovation-friendly legal environment that supports harmonized vehicle inspection frameworks.
In his presentation titled “The Future Regulatory Framework Between PTI and e-PTI,” Mr. Müller addressed the importance of aligning traditional PTI with emerging electronic PTI (e-PTI) practices. Highlights from his presentation included:
Showcasing international studies from Türkiye, Spain, the USA, and Slovakia that underline the positive impact of PTI on road safety.
Emphasizing the increasing role of Automated Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) in enhancing vehicle safety and the necessity of integrating these systems into inspection regimes.
Advocating for whole life vehicle compliance to ensure vehicles maintain high safety and emission standards throughout their lifespan.
Recommending the adoption of e-PTI to enable access to vehicle data, which is essential for the effective inspection of ADAS and other digital systems during PTI.
During the event, Mr. Müller also engaged in insightful discussions on the future challenges of PTI with Dr. János Kerékgyártó, Deputy State Secretary for Transport Authority Affairs of the Ministry of Construction and Transport, and Mr. Róbert Mikulás, Head of the Road Transport Authority Department.
CITA is honored to have contributed to this dialogue and remains committed to shaping the future of vehicle inspection through innovation, collaboration, and the promotion of high safety and environmental standards worldwide.
CITA proudly participated at the 15th VERT Forum and VERT Focus Day 2025, held on March 27th and 28th at the Akademie EMPA in Dübendorf, Switzerland. This prestigious annual event brings together leading experts from industry, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to address the most pressing developments in emission control technologies and sustainable solutions for cleaner air.
This year’s VERT Forum, hosted exclusively as an in-person event, provided a platform to share insights and foster collaboration on the future of emissions monitoring and reduction. The agenda featured a rich lineup of presentations, showcasing innovation, policy alignment, and practical implementation strategies across the mobility and environmental sectors.
CITA was represented by Pascal Buekenhoudt, Vice-President of Technical Affairs, and Alejandro Checa, Technical Director. Both played active roles in the forum, contributing to discussions that shape the global landscape of vehicle emissions testing and control.
Mr. Checa delivered a compelling presentation emphasizing the importance of effective coordination between type approval and periodic technical inspection (PTI) processes. His talk highlighted how harmonized and robust testing procedures are critical to ensuring that vehicle emission limit requirements are consistently met—not only in regulatory frameworks but in real-world scenarios.
Mr. Buekenhoudt’ presentation, "PN-PTI Successfully Implemented Requires Little Extra Effort in PTI-Stations," illustrated how particle number measurements can be effectively integrated into PTI without significantly increasing operational burden. His insights showcased a CITA’s member practical experience in promoting high-impact, feasible solutions for emission compliance.
Engaging in high-level discussions with global leaders, policymakers, and technical experts further reinforced CITA's commitment to driving innovation and establishing new standards in vehicle emission control. It remains dedicated to playing an active role in shaping the future of emissions testing and sustainable transport solutions.
CITA is grateful to VERT for providing such a collaborative space where knowledge, research, and regulatory foresight came together.
CITA participated in the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), held from March 24th to 27th in Cotonou, Benin. The high-level event, organized by SSATP under the auspices of the World Bank and in collaboration with Benin’s Ministry in charge of Sustainable Development and Transport (MCTV), brought together prominent figures from across Africa’s transport sector to engage in dynamic discussions on the future of mobility and road safety on the continent.
Representing CITA at the event was Executive Director Eduard Fernández, who joined the distinguished group participants, including transport ministers, senior policymakers, development partners, and technical experts. The gathering marked an important moment for the SSATP community, being the first AGM convened since the launch of the program’s Fourth Development Plan (DP4) in July 2022. With DP4 now approaching its mid-term review, the meeting served as a timely opportunity to reflect on progress, reassess goals, and reinforce commitments to improving road safety across Africa.
Centered on the theme “Strengthened Governance for Safe, Sustainable, and Decarbonized Transport in Africa: Enhancing Institutional Capacity through Regional Collaboration,” the conference highlighted the pressing need for integrated approaches and cross-border partnerships. In this context, Mr. Fernández contributed CITA’s global expertise on vehicle inspection and compliance systems as key tools in improving road safety outcomes and achieving environmental targets.
Throughout the four-day event, CITA engaged in technical sessions and dialogue aimed at identifying best practices, sharing policy innovations, and exploring scalable solutions to critical transport challenges. Mr. Fernández’s participation underscored CITA’s commitment to supporting African countries in their efforts to build robust regulatory frameworks and enhance institutional capacity in road safety.
As the AGM concluded with the SSATP General Assembly, CITA reaffirmed its dedication to continued collaboration with African partners, offering technical support and knowledge-sharing to foster safer, more sustainable, and decarbonized transport systems across the continent.
MASVIC Group is a vehicle testing and Inspection centers established in August 2017 in Ghana with authorisation from the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to perform equipment based vehicle testing that will ensure maximun International Standard Road Safety.
MASVIC Group supports and promotes the Zero-Emission Campagn mission.
Yesterday - March 19, 2025 - the European Parliament hosted the event "The Future of Mobility: Working Together for Road Safety and Driving European Leadership", led by MEP Vivien Costanzo, a dedicated member of the TRAN Committee. Co-hosted by CITA, EReg, CEDR, and CIECA, the event brought together policymakers, regulators, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of mobility in Europe.
The event underscored the critical role of collaboration between regulatory authorities and the private sector in shaping the future of European mobility. EReg, CEDR, CIECA, and CITA — four of the most influential organizations in the mobility ecosystem — highlighted their collective responsibility in implementing the EU’s regulatory framework for road safety, infrastructure, and vehicle compliance.
Key discussions revolved around the rapidly evolving mobility landscape, including:
Registration & Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Data
The debate focused on the necessity of forward-thinking policies to adapt to technological advancements and shifting global markets. The European automotive sector faces unprecedented challenges, from digital transformation and automation to stringent environmental and safety regulations.
A systemic approach is required to address:
The impact of climate change on road mobility
The integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS)
The role of artificial intelligence in driving safety and compliance
The EU automotive industry's position in a rapidly changing global market
The event emphasized the need for Europe to maintain its leadership in the global automotive industry while upholding core European values: safety, sustainability, transparency, and human-centered mobility.
Participants discussed key legislative initiatives shaping the future of mobility, including:
The Roadworthiness and Road Safety Packages
The 4th Driving License Directive
The Clean Industrial Deal
Regulations on Circular Economy and End-of-Life Vehicles
Digitalization efforts such as the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet and Data Act
The conversation reinforced the necessity of a harmonized and integrated regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring high safety and sustainability standards.
As discussions concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance road safety and mobility. CITA, EReg, CEDR, and CIECA remain dedicated to supporting EU institutions in developing effective policies that balance innovation with road safety imperatives.
With Europe at a crossroads in mobility transformation, collaboration remains the cornerstone for a future that is safe, sustainable, and technologically advanced.
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