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International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

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26Feb

86th session of the ITC

The 86th session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC), themed "Taking ambitious climate action – Moving towards decarbonised inland transport by 2050," was held from February 20 to 23, 2024, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This session covered various important topics related to inland transport, including climate action towards decarbonizing inland transport by 2050, road safety, and the implementation of the ITC strategy until 2030.

The session began with opening statements from notable figures like Ms. Hannie Meesters, ITC Chair, and H.E. Ms. Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of UNECE. It included keynote speeches from international representatives, including the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management from the Netherlands and the Secretary of Transportation from the United States, emphasizing global commitment to decarbonization.

Panel discussions delved into national visions for decarbonized transport, with speakers from various countries sharing their policy ambitions and strategies. An expert panel discussed perspectives beyond government, including insights from UNFCCC and the International Road Federation. The agenda also highlighted the synergies between climate change mitigation and urban development, and the role of international cooperation and intergovernmental support in achieving these goals. The session underscored the urgency and collaborative effort required to transform inland transport systems by 2050, aligning with climate action and sustainability goals.

This session of the ITC was also marked by the participation of the CITA Bureau Permanent, with a speech from Mr. Gerhard Müller, President of CITA. Mr. Müller emphasized the critical role of social acceptance and transparency in the decarbonization of road transport. He highlighted the importance of providing citizens with accurate and reliable information about the performance and status of hybrid and electric vehicles to avoid frustration and meet expectations.

CITA president pointed out the discrepancy between theoretical and actual fuel consumption values and the need for reliable indicators for policy-making. He stressed the importance of an impartial assessment of the batteries' state of health to ensure fair trade and prevent environmental issues related to the disposal of worn batteries. His speech underlined CITA's support for efforts towards a decarbonized vehicle fleet, echoing the session's theme of ambitious climate action.

For more detailed information on the session, please visit the UNECE website​​.

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09Feb

Personal Mobility Devices Inspection Manual

The "Personal Mobility Devices Inspection Manual" by AECA-ITV, based on the manual developed by Applus+, provides a comprehensive framework for the inspection of personal mobility devices (PMDs).

Presented by Mr. Daniel Alcalá - R+D Project Manager at Applus+ , member of the CITA Task Force Micro Mobility and member of the AECA-ITV Technical Committee - during the CITA Webinar entitled "E-Scooters," last 31 January 2024, this manual outlines procedures and standards for evaluating PMDs to ensure their safety and compliance with regulations.

The manual includes criteria for vehicle identification, exterior conditioning, lighting and signaling, brakes, steering, axles, wheels, tires, suspension, powertrain, and maximum speed. It emphasizes the importance of assessing these devices' condition to guarantee the safety of the occupant and other road users, focusing on aspects like vehicle dimensions, equipment requirements, brake system efficiency, and steering mechanism integrity.

This initiative reflects the growing need for standardized inspection processes as PMDs become more prevalent, addressing safety concerns associated with their use in public spaces.

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08Feb

“Greenway Academy”

"Greenway Academy" was inaugurated in Georgia with backing from international allies, marking a significant milestone in the country's ongoing reform of automobile technical inspections. This reform, initiated five years prior, is a key requirement of the Georgia-EU Association Agreement, aimed at enhancing vehicle safety and environmental standards.

Under the terms of an agreement between the Georgian government and JSC "Greenway Georgia," and in partnership with "Applus+," a global leader in vehicle technical inspection operating in 70 countries, Georgia has introduced European standard technical inspection services. This development, leveraging "Applus+"'s vast international experience, has established a new benchmark for technical inspection transparency in Georgia. JSC "Greenway Georgia" employs the French "ACTIA" brand's equipment and software to ensure service quality meets European standards.

In 2019, Greenway expanded its influence by becoming a full member of CITA, receiving its membership certificate in Brussels, Belgium. As a member, Greenway has committed to CITA's core mission of promoting road safety and environmental protection through mandatory technical inspections and vehicle compliance assessments.

Presently, Greenway Georgia leads the market with 32 branches nationwide, employing 270 technicians and controlling 38% of the market share, having serviced over 1.7 million automobiles within five years.

The reform, mandated by the "Association Agreement," necessitates periodic mandatory technical inspections in compliance with Directive 2009/40/EC. Georgia has systematically implemented these inspections, starting with cargo and passenger vehicles, then extending to state-owned and corporate vehicles, and finally encompassing all vehicles registered in Georgia by January 2019.

This progressive approach has yielded positive environmental and safety outcomes, necessitating the development of a new professional cadre of technical inspection inspectors, thus standardizing the profession across the industry.

In 2023, a collaboration between USAID and Greenway Georgia led to the establishment of "Greenway Academy." This initiative aims to elevate the technical inspection reform through the training and retraining of vehicle inspection specialists, enhancing the industry's overall standard. Supported by USAID's "Led Skills Development Program" and partnerships with APPLUS, CITA, and "Technical Inspection for Safety," the academy offers comprehensive training modules, educational videos, and an online platform for training and certification, thereby improving access to educational services nationwide and aligning with Georgia's legislative requirements. This collaborative effort underscores a significant advancement in personnel training within the technical inspection reform, promoting the adoption of European standards across the industry.

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26Jan

Insights from the ‘Date of the First MOT, Test Consultation Response’

The "Date of the First MOT Test, Consultation Response" document underscores the crucial role of periodic vehicle inspections in ensuring road safety and environmental protection. This document details the diverse responses to proposed changes in the MOT testing regime, reflecting a wide range of perspectives from industry professionals, safety advocates, and individual motorists.

Key themes include the debate on the timing of the first MOT test for new vehicles, and the introduction of rigorous emissions testing, especially for diesel vehicles. These discussions are not just about compliance with safety standards, but also about reducing environmental impact. The document reveals a nuanced understanding of how delaying the first MOT test could affect roadworthiness, potentially compromising both safety and environmental goals.

Furthermore, the document addresses the implications of new automotive technologies and the rise of electric vehicles on MOT practices. This aspect is particularly pertinent for CITA, as it highlights the need for evolving inspection standards that keep pace with technological advancements, thereby ensuring that vehicles are not only safe but also environmentally sustainable.

In conclusion, the "Date of the First MOT Test Consultation Response" offers valuable perspectives on balancing road safety, environmental considerations, and the economic impacts of vehicle inspection regimes. This document is a testament to the ongoing commitment to safe and environmentally friendly motoring, aligning closely with CITA's objectives in promoting high standards in vehicle inspection and maintenance globally.

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24Jan

New tools for CITA Members

We're excited to announce a new tool for CITA questionnaires …and not only!

Over the years, your invaluable responses to our questionnaires have built a rich repository of insights on topics critical to our industry. To leverage this wealth of knowledge, we've developed an advanced AI-powered tool which offers:

  • Efficient information retrieval: Quickly access specific data and insights from previous questionnaire responses, saving time and effort.
  • Enhanced knowledge sharing: Discover comprehensive analyzes and conclusions drawn from members' collective input, enriching your understanding of key issues.
  • Intelligent questionnaire management: Before creating a new query, our tool checks whether similar questions have been addressed, ensuring that each questionnaire provides new and valuable insights.

This tool shows our commitment to not only preserving but also intelligently utilizing the collective knowledge of CITA.

If you would like to use the tool, please contact us by email at secretariat@citainsp.org

Additionally, due to the huge amount of documents uploaded to the members area of the CITA site, we have added a search tool - you should be able to find the file you are looking for effortlessly.

Last but not least, it is possible to recover the password to access the reserved area directly from the website, without asking for help of the CITA Secretariat.

It's our way of thanking you for your continued participation and support.

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22Jan

The Critical Role of Motorcycle Inspections in Enhancing Road Safety & Environmental Protection

In a significant move towards bolstering road safety and environmental preservation, Flanders initiated the motorcycle inspection regime on January 1, 2023. This initiative particularly targets motorcycles above 125 cc for second-hand sales and post-accident assessments, marking a proactive step in the transposition of a European directive aimed at increasing road safety.

The European Vision for Road Safety

The European Union, through its directive, aspires to eradicate road deaths and severe injuries by 2050 — an ambitious goal encapsulated in the Vision Zero initiative. A key component in this vision is ensuring that vehicles, including motorcycles, are in optimal condition. This not only enhances road safety but also significantly contributes to environmental protection.

Scope and Impact

The 2023 statistics from Flanders reveal a considerable uptake in motorcycle inspections. According to the data, there were 23,368 complete second-hand inspections, showcasing the community's commitment to safety and environmental standards. This reflects a significant engagement of the motorcycle community in adhering to safety norms. These inspections are not universally mandatory for all motorcycles but are specifically required for:

  • Motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles with internal combustion engines exceeding 125 cc displacement.
  • Electric or hybrid motorcycles with a power output greater than 11 kilowatts and speeds surpassing 45 kilometers per hour.

The Inspection Process

Focusing on road safety, environmental impact, and consumer protection, the inspection covers several technical aspects. These include the evaluation of braking equipment, steering, lighting and reflectors, suspension, chassis, emission levels, and noise. The detailed process is outlined in the inspection manual available on the GOCA VLAANDEREN website. Additionally, the "Kijk uit" episode dedicated to motorcycle inspection provides practical insights into the process.

Conclusion

With more than two-thirds of inspection centres in Flanders participating, the initiative ensures a wide geographical spread, making inspections accessible to all. The data predicts about 30,000 pre-sale inspections and around 200 post-accident inspections annually, underscoring the program's scale and reach. As the statistics demonstrate, this initiative is a crucial stride in our collective journey towards safer roads and a cleaner environment, with over 23,000 second-hand inspections conducted in just one year.

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15Jan

A new CITA member from China: CAERI

The China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CAERI) specializes in three key areas: "Integrated Safety, Sustainable Development, and User Experience". They provide a range of offerings including solutions, software data, and products related to equipment in these domains. Their goal is to contribute to the automotive industry's high-quality and ongoing growth by offering technological assistance, helping automotive companies enhance their brands and improve quality, and providing guidance for equitable and rational consumer expenditures. CAERI aspires to evolve into a multifaceted technology platform that encompasses standardization, technological services, data utilization, and the advancement of equipment.

WEBSITE

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13Dec

2023 WHO Road Safety Report: A Leap Forward with Vehicle Inspection

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its 2023 Global Status Report on Road Safety, marking a significant moment in the ongoing global effort to enhance road safety. This report, the fifth in its series, not only reflects on the journey from 2010 to 2021 but also sets a vital baseline for the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. This ambitious initiative aims to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by the end of this decade.

Key Findings: A Mixed Picture
The report reveals a marginal decline in road traffic deaths, now at 1.19 million annually. While this indicates progress, it underscores the critical need for more robust actions. The high cost of mobility, measured in lives lost and injuries sustained, is a stark reminder that achieving the 2030 target requires accelerated and concerted efforts worldwide.

Beyond Numbers: Country and Territory Profiles
In a complementary move, the WHO has also provided detailed profiles for 194 member states and two territories. These profiles offer a country or territory-level overview of progress during the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. They are instrumental in understanding the unique challenges and strides made in different regions, forming a comprehensive backdrop against which the 2021-2030 actions will be measured.

Data Collection: A Foundation for Action
Integral to this report's insights is the innovative data collection platform used for the first time. Running from September 2022 to August 2023, this platform gathered country- and territory-level data, enabling a more nuanced and precise understanding of road safety realities across the globe.

Vehicle Inspection: A New Focus
The 2023 edition of the report notably includes, for the first time, a focus on vehicle inspection. This inclusion is a recognition of the crucial role PTI plays in preventing road accidents and fatalities. By spotlighting this aspect, WHO is broadening the scope of road safety measures, acknowledging the multi-faceted nature of road traffic incidents.

Looking Ahead
As we digest the findings of the WHO's 2023 Road Safety Report, it's clear that while progress is being made, the journey ahead is long and demands unwavering commitment. This report serves as both a benchmark and a beacon, guiding global efforts in making roads safer for everyone.

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04Dec

A message from Henk

There are times for arrivals, and times for departures. Now, the time has come for me to depart. On November 27, I said adieu to the Bureau Permanent of CITA and hand over my responsibilities to Geert Konings of RDW.

Reflecting on my tenure at CITA, I'm struck by how swiftly time has passed. My initial encounter with CITA was in Luxembourg, during a meeting of a working group. The year was 1999, and our central theme revolved around harmonizing the diverse MOT systems across Europe. Since then, I've been an active participant in numerous working groups, forging connections with a myriad of colleagues. Our conversations, whether over coffee, lunch, or dinner, were always enlightening. It was during these times that I gained insights into various organizations.

Traveling for CITA has afforded me the privilege of visiting numerous countries, both within and outside Europe. The cultural, organizational, and participatory variances in our meetings were enlightening. Despite the challenges these differences presented, our shared commitment always led us to consensus.

In 2019, I was honored with an election to the Permanent Office—a memorable event in Seoul. The subsequent years with the Bureau Permanent have been nothing short of remarkable. Our camaraderie can best be described as familial. Of course, our path wasn't devoid of disagreements, but we always sought and found middle ground.

Fast forward to 2023, I was humbled to be re-elected for a second term in the Permanent Bureau. However, due to personal reasons and internal changes within RDW, I've made the decision to conclude my service to both CITA and RDW, effective 01-01-2024.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I've collaborated with, engaged in discussions, or simply had the pleasure of meeting. A special thank you to the members of the Bureau Permanent for your unwavering trust and support.

In closing, I wish each and every one of you the very best. May good health and prosperity be your constant companions in the future.

Perhaps we will meet again sometime, you never know.

Stay in good health.

Kind regards,

Henk Bussink

Mr. Geert Konings - RDW replaces Henk in the Permanent Bureau of CITA as an observer until the next CITA General Assembly in 2024

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