Daniele D'Onofrio, Author at CITA International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

14May14 May, 2025

CITA Conference 2025: Forging Global Alliances in Istanbul

From May 6–8, 2025, Istanbul welcomed delegates from around the world for the CITA International Conference, hosted with exceptional professionalism and warmth by TÜV TÜRK. This year’s theme, “Forging Global Alliances for Safer Roads and a Greener Future,” framed three days of insightful dialogue, global cooperation, and technical exchange at a pivotal time for the roadworthiness and vehicle compliance community.

The event commenced with the 24th CITA General Assembly, held on May 6, where CITA President Gerhard Müller opened the proceedings by warmly welcoming CITA members and global delegates.

He highlighted the critical need for continued action toward road safety and vehicle environmental compliance, especially as the world approaches the mid-term mark of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030. In his words, “We must continue to emphasize the role of vehicle compliance to make our roads safer and cleaner”.

A focused article on the Assembly will follow.

The opening of the international conference on May 7 featured a high-level Plenary Session 1 with welcoming addresses by:

Gerhard Müller, CITA President
Kemal Ören, CEO of TÜV TÜRK
Patrick Fruth, CEO of TÜV SÜD Division Mobility
Murat Baştor, General Manager, Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure

Their collective messages emphasized international collaboration, regulatory consistency, and the role of innovation in transforming mobility for safety and sustainability.

President Müller extended heartfelt thanks to the host TÜV TÜRK, particularly COO Koray Özcan, whose contributions were instrumental. Gratitude was also extended to the sponsors: Diamond sponsor COSBER, Silver sponsors MAHA and DEKRA, and event supporters VTEQ and Midtronics.

Following the opening plenary, Plenary Sessions 2 and 3 explored the Turkish PTI success story and featured impactful keynote speeches.

Experts such as Peter Szatmari (EU Commission DG MOVE), Richard Damm (KBA), Walter Nissler (BMK), and Spiros Voyadzis (PFD) discussed the evolving legislative landscape, technology’s role in inspections, and international cooperation on used vehicles.

Plenary Session 4, held on the afternoon of May 7, focused on the theme "How PTI is Perceived?" and was structured as a dynamic panel discussion. The session, framed by Eduard Fernández - CITA Executive Director, saw Mervyn Edwards (TRL) presenting the relationship between vehicle defects identified in periodic inspections and those found in collision analyses. Session's panelists included Guillermo Magaz (AECA-ITV), Richard Goebelt (TÜV-Verband), and Mervyn Edwards (TRL), who provided a range of perspectives on public perception, data reliability, and regulatory approaches.

Throughout the conference, attendees also engaged in focused split sessions on:

Vehicle compliance in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) - Leaded by: Ferose Oaten, AVTS
New technologies and data management - Leaded by: Fred Blüthner, FSD
Environmental protection - Leaded by: Thomas Ost, DEKRA
Inspection procedures and methods - Leaded by: Olivier Pletinckx, CITA
Electric powertrains - Leaded by: Víctor Salvachúa, APPLUS ITEUVE
Decarbonization - Leaded by: Eduard Fernández, CITA
Vehicle approval - Leaded by: Alejandro Checa, CITA

These sessions facilitated cross-border learning and highlighted CITA’s vital role as a global platform for advancing vehicle inspection standards.

On the final day, Plenary Session 5 brought the conference to a close with a summary of the key outcomes from all technical split sessions. This comprehensive wrap-up, followed by closing remarks from President Gerhard Müller, who praised the collaborative spirit and reaffirmed CITA’s commitment to independent, fair, and modern vehicle inspections.

He noted, “We are not only a fraction of the solution, but more than that, we are a precondition” for safer roads and cleaner air.

He once again extended sincere appreciation to TÜV TÜRK, the event sponsors, the speakers, and the CITA office team, recognizing their indispensable role in the success of the event.

As CITA continues to expand its impact, the 2025 Conference in Istanbul stood as a powerful reminder of the importance of international cooperation, innovation, and commitment in creating safer and more sustainable transport systems worldwide.

We thank all who joined us in Istanbul and look forward to our continued work together.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATIONS

30Apr30 April, 2025

A new CITA member: DKT

DKT is the vehicle identification and registration specialist! DKT is a manufacturer of vehicle license plates and vehicle identification systems.

DKT is focusing on smart electronic vehicle ID solutions with RFID/NFC technology along with ALPR Camera systems for smart PTI enforcement.

A further business field is vehicle data management and registration software.

Please visit their website

24Apr24 April, 2025

“SoH: Why Are We Still Talking About Battery Standards?”

On April 23, 2025, CITA hosted a members-only webinar exploring a crucial and timely topic in the evolution of electric mobility: the state of health (SoH) of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the pressing need for standardized, independent assessments. The session brought together leading experts to unpack the technical, regulatory, and societal implications of battery SoH evaluation—an increasingly vital component in ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable e-mobility.

The webinar featured insightful presentations by:

Martin Dillinger, Expert Alternative Drivetrains, TÜV Rheinland
Manuel Hagemann, Technical Expert, TÜV NORD
Markus Gregor, Technical Expert EV Battery, TÜV SÜD
Robin Zalwert, Head of Sustainable Mobility, TÜV-Verband

Each speaker offered a unique perspective on the evolving standards and methods for independently assessing battery health, setting the stage for an engaging discussion and Q&A session.

As highlighted throughout the webinar, the lack of harmonized standards for battery SoH remains a critical barrier to building trust in second-hand EV markets and ensuring the effectiveness of periodic technical inspections. Attendees were reminded of a compelling statistic from the TÜV Mobility Study 2024: 62% of car owners would trust battery condition assessments only if conducted by independent testing organizations.

The webinar underscored the complexity of evaluating SoH, especially given the discrepancies between OEM-specific readouts and independent testing. Presentations showcased how software updates, usage patterns, and manufacturer-defined metrics can obscure true battery condition, reinforcing the necessity for neutral, transparent assessment protocols.

The program offered a comprehensive overview, including:

Objectives and implications of the German SoH-Merkblatt (MB FZMO 767:2024) – a technical guideline supporting independent SoH determination, emphasizing reproducibility, neutrality, and quality assurance.
Differences between OEM-based and third-party SoH evaluations, highlighting the challenges of trust, data access, and result comparability.
Evaluation criteria for neutrality and independence, advocating for standardized methodologies and legally safeguarded data access.
Updates on GTR 22 – the upcoming Global Technical Regulation establishing durability benchmarks and minimum performance requirements for battery energy and range, pivotal for EURO 7 implementation.

Participants left with a clear message: independent, standardized SoH assessments are not just a technical necessity—they are the cornerstone of sustainable, transparent, and circular EV markets.

CITA extends its thanks to all presenters and participants, and looks forward to continuing the conversation on advancing battery health standards and best practices.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION

23Apr23 April, 2025

CITA Participates in AECA-ITV’s Event to Promote Safer Urban Mobility

Madrid, Spain – April 21, 2025. CITA was proud to participate in the AECA-ITV event titled “Los VMP en el entorno urbano: regulación para una convivencia segura,” held in Madrid on April 21, 2025. Organized by AECA-ITV, this event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the safety and regulation of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), including electric scooters, in urban environments.

Representing CITA, Mr. Eduard Fernández, Executive Director, took part in this important exchange of ideas around vehicle safety, sustainable mobility, and the importance of developing consistent technical inspection procedures for PMVs.

At the heart of the event was the presentation of CONVIVE - Control Visual e Inspección del Vehículo de Movilidad Personal - a new proposal by AECA-ITV aimed at establishing regular technical inspections for PMVs. The proposed inspection system focuses on ensuring safe speeds, effective braking systems, and the proper condition of batteries and wiring, with the ultimate goal of reducing accidents and enhancing public safety.

Mr. Fernández expressed CITA’s full support for initiatives like CONVIVE that prioritize evidence-based approaches to road safety. He emphasized the need for collaboration between international bodies, local governments, and technical experts to build mobility systems that are both safe and sustainable.

CITA commends AECA-ITV for leading this vital conversation and looks forward to further cooperation in promoting technical inspection systems that adapt to the evolving landscape of urban mobility.

MORE INFO

16Apr16 April, 2025

A new CITA member: KNESTEL

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.

Please visit their website

14Apr14 April, 2025

CITA’s view on the EC’s Industrial Action Plan for the Automotive Sector

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.

DOWNLOAD THE POSITION PAPER

10Apr10 April, 2025

A new CITA member: CAPATEST SL

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.

Please visit their website

10Apr10 April, 2025

Best Practices in Communicating PTI Benefits

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.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATIONS

04Apr4 April, 2025

DUSRA: Program to Support Road Safety Education in Africa

April 1^st, 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.

Visit the DUSRA website

02Apr2 April, 2025

CITA Participates in INNO PTI 2025 Conference in Budapest

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.

More Info Here

Author - Daniele D'Onofrio