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International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

Author - Daniele D'Onofrio
23Oct

CITA LATAM Conference 2025

More than 100 participants gathered in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the CITA Regional Advisory Group (RAG) LATAM Conference 2025, held on 21–22 October at the Hotel Sheraton Santo Domingo.

Under the theme “Vehículos más limpios y seguros. Los retos de la revisión vehicular en Latinoamérica y el mundo” (Safer and cleaner vehicles. The challenges of periodic inspection in Latin America and the world), the two-day conference brought together regional authorities, technical experts, and CITA members to exchange knowledge and experiences on how to strengthen vehicle inspection systems across the region.

The event was officially opened by Marcelo Martínez, CITA Chairman for LATAM, together with Gerhard Müller, CITA President, and Milton Morrison, Executive Director of INTRANT, who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of PTI as a foundation for road safety and environmental protection in Latin America.

Session 1 – PTI as a Tool for Road Safety
Speakers including Eduard Fernández (CITA Executive Director), Wolfgang F. Schulz (Professor and Dean of Executive Studies), Guillermo Magaz (AECA-ITV), and Benoît Lefevre (Inter-American Development Bank) highlighted the essential role of Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) in reducing accidents, improving vehicle safety, and supporting sustainability goals.

Session 2 – Dominican Republic: Present and Future
Representatives from INTRANT and DGAPP presented the national vision and ongoing projects to modernize vehicle inspection in the Dominican Republic, underlining the country’s commitment to safer roads and lower emissions.

Session 3 – International Experiences in Vehicle Inspection
Institutions from Mexico, Ecuador, and Chile shared successful regulatory and operational models. Presentations by Zirath Hernández, Fernando Amador, and Carlos Román showcased how diverse inspection frameworks can adapt to local realities while maintaining international quality standards.

Session 4 – PTI as a Regional Necessity
Experts such as Wilhem Ponciano (CITA LATAM Consultant), María José Pessano (Fundación Gonzalo Rodríguez), and Karsten Kunckel (AAP – Asociación Automotriz del Perú) discussed the socio-economic benefits of PTI and the remaining challenges to ensure inspection coverage across all Latin American countries.

Session 5 – The Future of PTI: Vehicles, Infrastructure, Technology, and Software
Speakers Edgard Zamora (Safer Journeys LATAM), Xavier Caparrós (CAPATEST), Pieter ter Berg (Pinja Group), and Charly Grondin (Muller Automotive) explored how digitalization, connectivity, and data analytics are transforming the way vehicles are tested and monitored.

Participants was then able to see a portable test lane from VTEQ.

In his closing remarks, CITA President Gerhard Müller reiterated CITA’s commitment to supporting its members in building robust, transparent, and future-oriented PTI systems in Latin America.

The CITA RAG LATAM Conference 2025 demonstrated once again that cooperation and knowledge exchange are key to achieving safer and cleaner mobility worldwide. With strong participation from governments, international organizations, and the private sector, the event reaffirmed Latin America’s vital role in shaping the future of vehicle inspection.

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20Oct

45th Anniversary of EGEA in Paris

On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the European Garage Equipment Association (EGEA), CITA was represented by its Technical Manager, Olivier Pletinckx, at a special event held in Paris.

The celebration took place during EQUIP AUTO Paris 2025, the international trade show for automotive professionals, held at the Palais des Expositions de Versailles from 14 to 18 October 2025. This milestone gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the automotive aftermarket and equipment sector.

During the event, Mr. Pletinckx met with Marcin Barankiewicz, Secretary General of EGEA and Corporate Member Representative in the CITA Bureau Permanent, as well as Leon Andriessen, President of EGEA. Discussions focused on the ongoing cooperation between CITA and EGEA, particularly on shared priorities such as vehicle safety, access to data, and the future of garage and inspection equipment.

CITA congratulates EGEA on its 45 years of commitment to supporting and advancing the European garage equipment industry.

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16Oct

Webinar Recap: “AI in Vehicle Inspection”

On 15 October 2025, more than 150 CITA members joined an exclusive webinar titled “AI in Vehicle Inspection: Practical Use Cases,” co-hosted by CITA and its member Pinja. The session offered a deep dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the vehicle inspection industry through concrete, real-world applications.

The webinar featured expert presentations from Pieter ter Berg (Vice President, Mobility & Inspection, Pinja) and Matti Rita-Kasari (Technology Lead, Pinja). Together, they provided a comprehensive overview of current AI technologies, explored their role in vehicle inspection workflows, and discussed what organizations should consider when starting their AI journey.

The speakers began by contextualizing the evolution of AI—from early rule-based systems to today’s large language and multimodal models—before turning to how these tools are already reshaping inspection operations.

Through 11 practical use cases, the presenters showcased how AI can:

  • Assist inspectors with automated pre-inspection reports, instant access to regulatory expertise, and hands-free fault documentation.
  • Enhance customer communication through chatbots, automated fault explanations, and feedback analysis.
  • Optimise operations with tools for anomaly detection, regulation monitoring, predictive shift planning, and dynamic pricing.

Each example was grounded in practical benefits such as improved efficiency, data-driven quality assurance, and enhanced customer experience, while also highlighting limitations and key implementation considerations—like data quality, system integration, and compliance with the upcoming EU AI Act.

As underlined during the session, AI is not replacing human expertise—it is a tool to support inspectors, optimise decision-making, and make inspection networks more efficient and responsive. Participants left with actionable insights and resources, including references to the MIT “State of AI in Business 2025” report and the EU AI Act Compliance Checker.

CITA warmly thanks Pinja and all participants for contributing to this highly successful event.

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10Oct

CITA TA Meetings in Oslo hosted by NPRA

CITA held its Topic Area B and C hybrid meetings on 8 and 9 October 2025 in Oslo, Norway, kindly hosted by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) at their headquarters. The meetings brought together CITA members to exchange key developments related to vehicle compliance, roadworthiness, and external legislative affairs.

Topic Area B – Optimizing Current Vehicle Compliance / 8 October 2025 – 14:00 CEST

The TA B session focused on practical approaches to optimizing current vehicle compliance, with presentations and discussions covering a wide range of technical inspection issues:

  • NPRA provided an in-depth presentation on the results of their testing of electric vehicles in Norway, followed by an interactive discussion on challenges and best practices.
  • Representatives from Sweden shared their experience with PTI of motorcycles, highlighting lessons learned and operational insights.
  • CITA members participating at the UNECE working group presented updates beyond the 1997 Vienna Agreement, including the data required to inspect Electronic Control Safety Systems (ECSS).
  • Innovative methods for automated evaluation of brake tests within centralized PTI information systems were also showcased.
  • The meeting concluded with updates from several CITA Task Forces — including Roadworthiness Package, Brakes, and Lighting Devices & Reflectors — followed by a discussion on next steps.

Technical Visit / 9 October 2025 – 10:00 CEST | On the morning of the second day, participants took part in a live technical visit, during which NPRA carried out a real PTI inspection on an hybrid vehicle. This hands-on demonstration offered participants a concrete insight into Norwegian testing procedures, equipment, and inspection workflows for EVs, sparking valuable exchanges on practical implementation across different national contexts.

Topic Area C – External Affairs / 9 October 2025 – 14:00 CEST | The TA C session was dedicated to legislative and external developments relevant to the CITA community:

  • After a welcome by NPRA, the discussion focused on the EU Roadworthiness Package revision, with keynote contributions from ETSC, and Michael Wenzel (DEKRA), Chair of the CITA Task Force on the Roadworthiness Package. Participants exchanged views on the European Commission’s proposal, identifying key points and next steps in the legislative process.
  • Further agenda items addressed CITA’s legislative monitoring activities, the consequences of the EU–US Joint Statement on trade in the automotive sector, and an update on CITA’s position regarding access to vehicle data, presented by the CITA TF on Connected Vehicles.
  • The session concluded with a synthesis of take-aways and planned follow-up actions.

These hybrid meetings once again demonstrated the value of bringing together members from across regions to discuss technical inspection practices and policy frameworks, while reinforcing CITA’s active role in both operational excellence and legislative dialogue.

CITA warmly thanks NPRA for their hospitality and all participants for their contributions to the fruitful discussions.

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06Oct

CITA Visit in Saudi Arabia

Last week, CITA Executive Director Eduard Fernández visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to meet with CITA members and key stakeholders in the region.

During his visit, Mr Fernández held productive discussions with SASO, the competent authorities, and MASSAR, a CITA Golden Member and one of the major operators in the country.

The mission aimed to reinforce CITA’s engagement in the Middle East, focusing on issues of local interest and exploring ways to further support the development of vehicle inspection systems in the region. This visit is part of CITA’s broader strategy to strengthen regional collaboration and share best practices on vehicle safety, environmental protection, and compliance.

CITA extends its sincere thanks to MAHA for their valuable support in organizing the visit and facilitating meetings with local partners.

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02Oct

CITA TA Meetings hosted by VIAS in Brussels

On 30 September and 01 October 2025, CITA members gathered in Brussels for a new round of Topic Area (TA) meetings, generously hosted by VIAS Institute at its headquarters (Haachtsesteenweg – Chaussée de Haecht 1405, 1130 Brussels). The programme included the meetings of TA A – R&D Vehicle Compliance, TA E – Quality, Training & Confidence, and TA D – Environmental Protection Systems, complemented by a technical visit to VIAS laboratories, a visit to a vehicle inspection centre, and a special invitation to DEKRA’s centenary celebration.

Topic Area A – R&D Vehicle Compliance / The meetings opened on 30 September with TA A. After words of welcome, participants received updates from the Secretariat and from VIAS, followed by a presentation on noise measurement of electric vehicles. The session continued with reports from the Task Forces on ADAS, Electric Vehicles, and Type Approval, before moving into discussions on recent regulatory updates and the RWP process across the European institutions.

Topic Area E – Quality, Training & Confidence / That same afternoon, TA E convened. VIAS presented its training programmes for operators, followed by a presentation from ENAC on the main changes in the ISO 17020 FDIS and the expected next steps. Bilprovning contributed insights on the impact of the revised ISO 17020 in Sweden, with emphasis on quality, training, and independence. Members then reviewed ongoing work from the Task Force on Quality and exchanged perspectives on future priorities.

DEKRA 100-Year Anniversary Event / On the evening of 30 September, DEKRA warmly welcomed all CITA participants to a memorable 100-year anniversary celebration at Autoworld Brussels. This special event was an opportunity to recognise a century of contributions to vehicle safety and inspection, while offering members a convivial networking setting.

Technical Visit to VIAS and Inspection Centre / The programme continued on 01 October with a technical visit opened by Karin Genoe, CEO of VIAS. Participants had the opportunity to explore several of VIAS’ highly specialised laboratories:

  • Lab ALC: verification and homologation of alcohol testers and locks
  • Lab ATP: control of refrigerated trucks for the international carriage of perishable foodstuffs
  • Lab CAM: calibration and checking of speed enforcement devices (radars, red-light cameras, average speed cams)
  • Lab CAS: testing of protective helmets (motorbike, bicycle, child helmets EN1080, and speed pedelec helmets)
  • Lab CAV: verification of devices used in vehicle inspection centres in Belgium
  • Lab MEC: approval and calibration of tachograph and speed limitation device tools

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the inspection centre in Haaren, giving members an overview of daily inspection practices.

Topic Area D – Environmental Protection Systems / In the afternoon of 01 October, TA D held its session. Presentations included verification of emission tests in Belgium, PN measurement verifications, and an overview of emission tester calibration in Germany. DEKRA and TÜV Süd shared first results from a field study on OBD use for motorcycles and presented investigations into engine and SCR warm-up phases. The meeting closed with an update from the Task Force Emissions, highlighting ongoing work on emissions-related contents in the RWP.

VIAS Symposium – “Safe Journeys” / The programme concluded on 02 October with the VIAS symposium “Safe Journeys”, where experts, policymakers, and stakeholders exchanged perspectives on mobility safety, inspection, and future challenges in road transport.

CITA warmly thanks VIAS for its excellent hospitality and organisation of these events. The meetings not only advanced the technical and regulatory discussions within the different Topic Areas but also offered members a unique opportunity to connect with VIAS’ laboratories and to celebrate DEKRA’s centenary together.

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22Sep

7th International PTI Workshop 2025

On 17–18 September 2025, Copenhagen hosted the 7th International PTI Workshop, jointly organized by the Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen) and the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). The event began with a lively “Come Together” evening on 16 September, offering participants a chance to connect in an informal setting before two days of intensive discussions.

The workshop brought together regulators, technical experts, industry representatives, and inspection authorities from across Europe and beyond. The focus was on the future of PTI in light of fast-evolving technologies and new political priorities.

The agenda reflected the most pressing issues in the sector:

  • The forthcoming EU Roadworthiness Package and its legislative process.
  • Emissions testing, including NOx and PN measurement methods.
  • The roadworthiness of electric vehicles and enforcement challenges.
  • Access to vehicle data and the inspection of electronic safety systems.
  • Quality, supervision and the fight against fraud, with discussions on AI tools and automated evaluation.

CITA members played a central role throughout the programme:

  • Mr. Gerhard Müller, CITA President, delivered a keynote on “New technologies and the challenges for PTI”, underlining the crucial role of inspection in maintaining safety and trust in an era of automation and digitalization.
  • Mr. Pascal Buekenhoudt, CITA Vice-President Technical Affairs, chaired the workshops on emissions, leading discussions on NOx and PN testing.
  • Mr. Marian Rybiansky, members of the CITA Bureau Permanent, and Mr. Jaroslav Olexa, co leader of CITA Topic Area E, moderated and presented in the Quality and Supervision sessions, covering AI-driven supervision tools and automated brake test evaluation.
  • Ms. Lotte Dijkink, also member of the Bureau Permanent, contributed to the deep-dive session on the Roadworthiness Package.
  • Mr. Víctor Salvachúa, leader of the CITA Electric Vehicles Task Force, chaired the EV workshops, addressing the enforcement of electric vehicle inspections.
  • Mr. Fred Blüthner, leader of the CITA Vehicle Data and Connected Vehicles Task Force, participated in the workshop on data.

Their active involvement highlighted CITA’s leadership in shaping the inspection community’s response to current and future challenges.

Participants rotated through four dedicated workshop streams: Emissions, Electric Vehicles, Quality & Supervision, and Data. These sessions encouraged in-depth discussion and knowledge-sharing across different areas of expertise. One of the highlights was a live demonstration of plume chasing, showcasing innovative techniques for monitoring vehicle emissions in real time.

The final sessions explored societal and strategic aspects of PTI reforms, including roadside inspection findings and lessons from PTI reforms for older vehicles. The workshop concluded with summaries from all moderators and closing remarks by representatives of Færdselsstyrelsen and RDW.

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04Sep

A new CITA Gold Member from Saudi Arabia

Massar United was established in 2023 as one of the first companies licensed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) to provide Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Their mission is to enhance road safety and support environmental sustainability by delivering reliable and transparent inspection services in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

THIS DOCUMENT provides an overview of their organization, including our current operations, future expansion plans, and strategic objectives. They remain committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety, and they look forward to the opportunity of engaging with CITA to support the advancement of vehicle inspection services internationally.

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02Sep

A new CITA Bureau Permanent Member

CITA is pleased to announce that Ms. Lotte Dijkink (RDW) has joined the Permanent Bureau of CITA as an observer. She will serve in this role until the next CITA General Assembly in 2026.

Ms. Lotte Dijkink replaces Mr. Geert Konings.

CITA warmly thanks Mr. Geert Konings, who is retiring, for his longstanding commitment and contributions. Over the years, Mr. Konings has dedicated significant time and energy to supporting the mission and work of CITA, and his efforts have been instrumental in advancing the association’s goals.

We wish him all the best for the future and express our sincere gratitude for his valuable service.

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28Aug

CITA concerns on US–EU “mutual recognition” of vehicle standards

On 21 August 2025, the European Union and the United States announced a Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade. Among the many provisions in the agreement, one element stands out with direct implications for road safety and vehicle regulation: both parties “intend to accept and provide mutual recognition to each other’s [automotive] standards.”

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has raised strong concerns regarding this commitment. As ETSC Executive Director Antonio Avenoso stated, this decision is not a minor technicality but a political choice that risks putting trade convenience ahead of road safety. Europe has, over decades, built a reputation as a global leader in road safety regulation.

The General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 mandates the deployment of life-saving technologies such as:

  • Automated Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA)
  • Pedestrian and cyclist protection requirements
  • Advanced Driver Distraction and Drowsiness Monitoring (DMS)

These measures are the result of years of evidence-based policymaking, and they underpin the EU’s Vision Zero strategy of eliminating road fatalities and serious injuries.

By contrast, U.S. federal vehicle standards do not guarantee the same level of protection. Allowing American vehicles into the EU market through mutual recognition – rather than through proven type-approval compliance – opens the door to larger, heavier, and less safe vehicles entering Europe.

For the international vehicle inspection community, this raises immediate challenges. Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) systems are designed around European type-approval requirements. Introducing vehicles built to fundamentally different standards risks creating regulatory blind spots in inspection procedures, undermining decades of progress in ensuring roadworthiness and environmental compliance across the European fleet.

CITA supports ETSC’s warning that Europe must not undermine its safety framework in the pursuit of short-term trade advantages. Road safety standards are not bargaining chips – they are a public good that protect lives and reduce the economic and social burden of road crashes.

CITA President Gerhard Müller emphasized: “The blanket recognition of lower American vehicle safety standards would not only contradict all efforts to improve road safety in the European Union, but also lead to additional distortion of competition to the detriment of the European vehicle industry. Against the background of nearly stagnant numbers of traffic fatalities in Europe, I urge political leaders not to allow any compromises on the safety of American vehicles, but rather to make much greater efforts to achieve the goals of Vision Zero.”

Compromising on safety standards would not only weaken Europe’s regulatory credibility but would also expose road users to preventable risks. CITA therefore joins ETSC in calling on policymakers to prioritize lives over trade convenience.

More info:

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