Insights from the CITA RAG AA Conference 2024
The CITA Regional Advisory Group (RAG) Asia/Australasia Conference 2024, themed "Take a Big Step Forward: Safe and Sustainable Mobility," took place on November 27–28, 2024, in Incheon, South Korea. Hosted by the Korean Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA), this prestigious event gathered stakeholders, experts, and decision-makers from across the region to discuss innovative strategies and collaborative solutions for achieving safer and more sustainable road mobility.
The two-day conference kicked off with a captivating opening ceremony that featured a calligraphy performance symbolizing the unity and purpose of the gathering. A warm welcome and inspiring speeches set the tone for the event, including remarks by Yong Sik Jeong, President of KOTSA, and Myagmarsuren from Mongolia's Ministry of Road and Transport (MRT).
In his opening speech CITA President Gerhard Müller emphasized the urgency of collective action to address pressing issues in road safety and environmental sustainability. Drawing on sobering statistics, including the WHO's recent findings on global road fatalities, Müller highlighted the growing challenges posed by the expanding global vehicle fleet and stressed the importance of robust vehicle inspection systems. He articulated the need for impartiality, technological adaptation, and harmonization between standards for new and in-use vehicles to ensure safety and reduce emissions.
The conference explored three critical themes:
- Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Mobility: Insights were shared on the state of vehicle inspections, future challenges, and the integration of technology in periodic technical inspections (PTI).
- Safety Management of Eco-Friendly Vehicles: Topics included advancements in autonomous vehicle assessments, electric vehicle (EV) regulations in China, and innovations in battery inspection systems.
- Strengthening Automobile Inspection Functions: Presentations highlighted collaborative projects between Korea and Mongolia, as well as cutting-edge developments in hydrogen-electric hybrid safety evaluation.
Attendees were also treated to a unique second-day experience featuring a tour of the Dongtan Inspection Center, where they witnessed demonstrations of electric vehicle inspections and over-the-air (OTA) technology applications.
The CITA RAG AA Conference 2024 exemplified the spirit of collaboration and innovation necessary to advance safe and sustainable mobility.
As President Müller concluded in his speech, "It’s time for a big step forward—now." The CITA community eagerly anticipates its next major event, the CITA International Conference and 24th General Assembly, to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 6–8, 2025, under the theme “Forging Global Alliances for Safer Roads and Greener Futures.”