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CITA Participated in the AECA-ITV Congress 2025 in Madrid


CITA took part in the AECA-ITV Congress 2025, held on 19–20 November in Madrid, reinforcing its continued commitment to advancing vehicle inspection systems as pillars of road safety and environmental protection. AECA-ITV, a valued CITA member, once again brought together national and international stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of PTI.

Under the motto “La movilidad del futuro pasa por la ITV”, the congress focused on how the Spanish PTI system—and its European and international counterparts—must evolve to keep pace with new mobility demands, regulatory updates, and technological progress. Representatives from Spanish public administrations, the automotive and mobility sectors, and organizations dedicated to safety and sustainability contributed to two days of high-level debate.

One of the congress’s key sessions featured Mr. Eduard Fernández, CITA Executive Director, who participated in a dedicated dialogue on the European regulatory evolution of PTI and its implications for Spain. Fernández outlined the ongoing developments within the EU framework, including revisions to inspection standards, the integration of digital inspection tools, and the growing relevance of connected and automated vehicle technologies.

He emphasized that PTI remains a proven and indispensable mechanism for reducing road fatalities and emissions, and stressed that regulatory updates must ensure that inspection procedures are capable of addressing modern vehicle systems throughout their entire lifecycle.

This session was moderated by Mr. Víctor Salvachúa Barceló (APPLUS+), leader of the CITA Task Force on Electric Vehicles and CITA Topic Area A.

CITA’s technical expertise was also reflected in exchanges involving Alejandro Checa, CITA Technical Director, who contributed to discussions on inspection methodologies, the incorporation of advanced vehicle technologies.

The congress addressed a wide range of aspects central to the transformation of PTI in Spain and beyond, including:

  • upcoming regulatory changes at EU and national levels;
  • updates to Spain’s ITV Inspection Procedure Manual and the Manual de Reformas;
  • the challenges of new vehicle technologies and the impact of ADAS on safety inspection needs;
  • the growing importance of communication campaigns to raise public awareness about the life-saving role of PTI;
  • contributions from institutions such as the DGT, ENAC, UNE, and major sector associations;
  • discussions on the societal value of PTI and its contribution to safer, cleaner mobility.

Participants from legislative, judicial, and executive bodies, as well as regional authorities, vehicle manufacturers, motorcycle and agricultural equipment associations, and insurance sector representatives enriched the debate with diverse perspectives.

CITA’s participation underscored the strong and constructive cooperation with AECA-ITV, whose biennial congress continues to serve as a key reference event for the PTI community in Spain.

CITA warmly congratulates AECA-ITV on the successful organization of the Congress and looks forward to continuing joint efforts in promoting excellence in vehicle inspection worldwide.


CITA Participates in the XI OISEVI GA in San Salvador


CITA participated in the XI General Assembly of the Intergovernmental Council of the Ibero-American Road Safety Programme (OISEVI), held last week from 10 to 12 November 2025 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The event gathered high-level authorities from Ibero-American countries, together with representatives from international organizations, development banks, and key partners in road safety, including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), WHO/PAHO, FIA Foundation, Fundación MAPFRE, UNITAR, and CITA, among others.

The Assembly served as a key platform for cooperation, policy harmonization, and exchange of good practices in road safety management across the Ibero-American region, aiming to advance the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.6) by reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries by half.

On behalf of CITA, Mr. Wilhelm Ponciano took part as a panelist in Panel 4: “Safe Vehicles, Protected Users”, held on Monday, 10 November. The session focused on the crucial role of vehicle safety standards and inspection systems in protecting all road users, highlighting how robust PTI frameworks contribute to preventing crashes and minimizing risks.

The event concluded with the approval of the OISEVI 2025–2026 Work Plan and the renewal of commitments to strengthen technical and financial cooperation mechanisms across the region.


CITA ADAS Task Force Meets in Radeberg


11–12 November 2025, Radeberg (Germany). The CITA ADAS Task Force convened for a two-day in-person meeting hosted by FSD Fahrzeugsystemdaten GmbH at their headquarters in Radeberg.

With representatives from Europe and abroad, the meeting focused on deepening the technical discussion on how Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can be effectively assessed within PTI, and on sharing the latest innovations, insights, and test concepts currently emerging across the sector.

The agenda was structured over two intensive days, combining strategic presentations, technical demonstrations, and open exchanges between the participating CITA members.

The first day opened with a welcome session and a brief introduction to the objectives of the CITA ADAS Task Force, followed by a sequence of contributions outlining the growing need for PTI-relevant ADAS assessment methods.

Key Highlights:

  • TRL – Collaborative Project on ADAS in PTI / TRL introduced a new collaborative initiative examining whether — and how — ADAS functions should be included in PTI. The project aims to evaluate practical, reliable, and safety-oriented methods for integration into inspection procedures, ensuring regulatory preparedness as ADAS penetration increases.
  • MUSTANG – New ADAS Testing Solution Concept / The MUSTANG team presented an innovative ADAS testing solution concept, designed to simplify real-world function evaluation through a structured, modular approach. The concept sparked significant discussion on technical feasibility and PTI integration.
  • FSD + DEKRA – Joint Presentation on Dynamic Target Evaluation & Sensor Misalignment / FSD and DEKRA provided a combined update on their ongoing research into dynamic target testing. Initial results on sensor misalignment assessment highlighted both the complexity of the topic and the potential for robust PTI-compatible methodologies.
  • KÜS – Updates on the KÜS Drive Concept / KÜS shared recent developments in the KÜS Drive platform, focusing on new capabilities relevant to ADAS function verification. Improvements in efficiency and reproducibility drew positive feedback from participants.
  • MAHA – Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) ADAS Testing / MAHA presented the latest updates to its Vehicle-in-the-Loop concept, which enables ADAS function testing in a controlled but realistic environment. The approach generated interest due to its potential compatibility with existing PTI infrastructure.

The first day concluded with an open technical exchange, allowing participants to compare methodologies, identify common needs, and explore opportunities for joint development.

The second day built on the previous discussions, shifting focus toward concrete testing solutions, practical demonstrations, and the global landscape of ADAS assessment.

Key Highlights:

  • Rohde & Schwarz – R&S®RadEsT Radar Essential Tester & Demo / Rohde & Schwarz demonstrated their Radar Essential Tester, providing participants with a hands-on demonstration of target simulation and measurement functions. The session gave valuable insight into emerging radar testing technologies.
  • ÖAMTC – Analysis of ADAS Malfunction Impacts / ÖAMTC shared findings on the safety impact of malfunctions in key ADAS systems, reinforcing the need for periodic verification of critical functionalities to maintain road safety and driver trust.
  • KOTSA – Korea’s KADAS Assessment System / Representatives from KOTSA introduced the Korea Automated Driving Vehicle Assessment System (KADAS), providing concrete examples of national-level ADAS performance evaluation and sharing promising results and lessons learned.
  • DÜRR – Updates on x-proof 360 and PTI Applications / DÜRR presented the evolution of the x-proof 360 technology and its potential application in PTI contexts, highlighting precision, repeatability, and the expanding capability of automated inspection tools.
  • GTÜ – Concept Presentation & Live Demo / GTÜ outlined its ADAS testing concept and performed a live demonstration, delivering a practical perspective on how inspection stations might integrate ADAS checks in the future.
  • DEKRA – Targeted and Efficient ADAS/AD Testing in PTI / DEKRA closed the technical sessions with a proposal for a structured and efficient approach to verifying ADAS and Automated Driving (AD) functions during PTI. The concept emphasized risk-based prioritisation and the use of objective, repeatable test methods.

The meeting in Radeberg reaffirmed the commitment of CITA and its members to prepare for the safe integration of ADAS into PTI frameworks worldwide. With vehicle technologies evolving rapidly, the Task Force continues to play a central role in ensuring that inspection procedures remain relevant, effective, and aligned with real-world safety needs.

CITA extends its sincere thanks to FSD for hosting the event, to all participant organizations for their valuable contributions, and to the Task Force members for their ongoing dedication.


CITA Conference on Emissions Tampering


Brussels, 13 November 2025 — CITA, in collaboration with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, successfully held the conference “A Comprehensive Approach to Fighting Emissions Tampering” at SPARKS, Brussels. The event brought together representatives from European institutions, authorities, inspection bodies, and technical experts to address one of today’s most critical challenges in vehicle compliance and environmental protection: emissions tampering.

The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Gerhard Müller, President of CITA, and Stefan Jøker Søsted, Director General of the Danish Road Traffic Authority.

In his address, Gerhard Müller underscored the moral and regulatory urgency of addressing tampering: “Tampering is not a mechanical glitch—it is a human decision that undermines fairness, safety, and environmental responsibility,” he stated. “Our inspectors cannot fight blindfolded. They must have full, secure, and standardized access to vehicle data to carry out their duty in the public interest.”

He praised Denmark’s leadership in the field and highlighted the need for Europe’s revised roadworthiness framework to empower authorities through data access, transparency, and harmonized technical standards.

Stefan Søsted extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Danish Presidency, thanking CITA for its initiative and partnership. He emphasized that cooperation and innovation are essential to achieving Europe’s green and competitive goals: “By joining forces, we are sending a clear message — that transparency, accountability, and innovation must lead the way,” Søsted noted.

He introduced Denmark’s key priorities under its Presidency — promoting a secure, competitive, and green Europe — and presented the Roadworthiness Package as a major step toward improving road safety and environmental compliance. Søsted also showcased Denmark’s pioneering use of plume chasing and OBD-based roadside inspections, illustrating how targeted enforcement and advanced technology can effectively detect tampering.

Following the opening session, the conference featured a series of high-level technical presentations highlighting practical enforcement tools and new regulatory approaches:

  • Signe Shim and Jens Maegaard from the Danish Road Traffic Authority shared Denmark’s anti-tampering initiatives, including plume chasing, particle number measurements, and OBD data analysis. Their findings confirmed that tampered or defective vehicles can emit up to 40 times more NOx or particulates than compliant ones, demonstrating the efficiency of these inspection methods in real-world enforcement.
  • Herbert Woopen from Opus Inspection presented the company’s advanced remote sensing technology, now recognized as a cornerstone of the proposed EU Roadworthiness Package. He detailed how remote sensing devices can identify high emitters in real time, supporting cross-border enforcement and efficient resource allocation across the EU.
  • Víctor Salvachúa from Applus+ showcased Spain’s experience in periodic technical inspection (PTI) of mopeds, demonstrating how coordinated testing for light vehicles contributes to the detection of tampering and improved air quality.
  • Alejandro Checa, CITA Technical Director, concluded the technical segment with a comprehensive overview of tampering across vehicle systems and regulatory frameworks. He underlined that tampering detection depends on inspection capability, training, and cooperation between authorities, manufacturers, and inspectors, and that the integration of Type Approval, In-Service Conformity, PTI, and COP processes is crucial for effective enforcement.

An engaging panel discussion followed, allowing participants to exchange best practices and explore synergies between national and EU-level approaches. Speakers and attendees alike agreed on the necessity of a coordinated, data-driven strategy that bridges the gap between legislation, enforcement, and inspection.


CITA NewsRelease – NOVEMBER 2025


We just released our latest NewsRelease – November 2025, a comprehensive update capturing the association’s major activities, publications, and international initiatives from the second half of the year.

In his foreword, CITA President Gerhard Müller highlights a year marked by strong regional engagement, from RAG Conferences in Latin America and Africa to high-level dialogues in Europe on the revision of the EU Roadworthiness Package. He underscores the importance of modernizing PTI systems to address electric and automated vehicles, while ensuring citizens remain informed about the role of inspection in road safety and environmental protection.

Among the key features of this edition:

  • New CITA Recommendation No. 27 – “Electric Vehicles: A Comprehensive Approach”
  • Updated CITA Recommendation No. 3 – “Relating to the Features of Measuring Instruments”
  • CITA White Paper on Brakes Inspection
  • CITA’s position on the US–EU “Mutual Recognition” of Vehicle Standards
  • Highlights from the 2025 RAG Conferences, Topic Area meetings, and technical workshops
  • Events in Santo Domingo, Zanzibar, Brussels, Oslo, and Tokyo showcased CITA’s global collaboration and innovation leadership.

The publication also introduces new CITA members, announces upcoming events—including the RAG Europe Conference and General Assembly 2026.


📩 DOWNLOAD THE NEWSRELEASE HERE

CITA RAG Africa 25: Time for Action in Zanzibar


Stone Town, Zanzibar – 4–5 November 2025. The CITA Regional Conference for Africa, themed “Time for Action – Because Africa Deserves Safe and Clean Vehicles,” successfully gathered a wide range of key stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. Held at the Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel, the event provided a dynamic platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise in the field of vehicle regulatory compliance, inspection, and road safety.

Over two days, representatives from governmental authorities, technical services, international organizations, academia, and the private sector came together to discuss the future of vehicle safety and environmental protection in Africa. The conference highlighted the urgent need for harmonized and effective vehicle regulatory schemes, addressing topics such as importation of used vehicles, vehicle inspection systems, homologation procedures, and operational best practices adapted to African realities.

The event was opened by CITA leaders, together with high-level representatives of regional authorities and international institutions. Their addresses emphasized that ensuring the circulation of safe and clean vehicles is not only a technical or economic issue, but also a social imperative for the well-being of African citizens and the sustainability of the environment.

Day 1 focused on strategic and thematic discussions. Participants heard high-level contributions from international organizations, followed by academic insights and practical experiences from African countries already implementing vehicle inspection and registration programs. The importation of used vehicles – a critical issue for the region – received particular attention, with lessons drawn from other parts of the world and successful case studies presented by African experts.
The day concluded with an evening networking dinner, allowing participants to strengthen regional ties and foster future cooperation.

Day 2 was dedicated to practical and operational aspects. In the morning workshop, experts jointly identified the key elements needed to develop effective vehicle regulatory frameworks in Africa, emphasizing the importance of institutional capacity, data management, and transparent governance.
In the afternoon, participants took part in a technical visit to the KWASILVA vehicle inspection site in Zanzibar, where they observed firsthand the operational practices and technologies used locally, and discussed how similar solutions could be adapted elsewhere on the continent.

The conference reaffirmed CITA’s commitment to supporting African countries in developing comprehensive systems for vehicle type approval, inspection, and registration that are efficient, transparent, and aligned with international standards. As one of the key takeaways, participants called for enhanced regional collaboration, sharing of technical expertise, and capacity building initiatives to ensure that Africa can move decisively towards a safer and cleaner vehicle fleet.

On 6 November. CITA President Gerhard Müller and Chair of RAG Africa, Ferose Oaten, had the honor of accepting an invitation from the President of Zanzibar following the CITA RAG Africa Conference held in Stone Town, Zanzibar. President Hussein Mwinyi expressed great interest in hearing their impressions of the ongoing PTI initiatives on the island. The CITA representatives commended the strong political commitment demonstrated in establishing periodic vehicle testing and praised the new Kwasilva Testing Station—an impressive facility that could serve as a model for the rest of Africa.

The success of the 2025 African Regional Conference in Zanzibar underlines that the time for action is now – because Africa truly deserves safe and clean vehicles.


Rec. No. 27 on EVs – Webinar Recap


On 24 October 2025, about 100 CITA members joined an online webinar dedicated to Recommendation No. 27: Electric Vehicles – A Comprehensive Approach, presented by Víctor Salvachúa Barceló (APPLUS+), leader of the CITA Task Force on Electric Vehicles. The session was moderated by Alejandro Checa, CITA Technical Director.

Following the release of the Recommendation earlier this year, this webinar offered participants the opportunity to explore its practical and regulatory implications in greater depth. Mr. Salvachúa guided attendees through the document’s structure, highlighting how the Task Force developed a comprehensive inspection framework for electric and hybrid vehicles.

The presentation focused on critical aspects of EV inspection, such as electrical safety, lifecycle considerations, equipotential bonding, insulation resistance measurement, and the integration of electronic diagnostics. It also emphasized the importance of data accessibility, standardized inspection points, and software integrity checks—all essential for ensuring the safe operation and sustainability of the growing EV fleet.

During the discussion, participants exchanged views on how these proposals could shape the future of Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) and support the evolution of EU and international regulatory frameworks.

CITA warmly thanks all participants for their active engagement and contributions, and extends special appreciation to the EV Task Force for its ongoing efforts to enhance safety and consistency in vehicle inspection systems worldwide.


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.


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.


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.