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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last week, CITA President Gerhard Müller was invited by Mr. Georg Hönig, Head of the Department of Technical Vehicle Affairs at the State Government of Lower Austria, for a two-day technical visit focused on Roadside Inspections (RSI). Mr. Hönig, who oversees all vehicle inspections in the region, including RSI, organized a comprehensive program showcasing Austria’s inspection practices.
Day 1: Roadside Inspection Practices for Trucks and Special Vehicles / The first day began with a visit to a steady inspection site along the highway connecting the Czech Republic to Vienna. From a control room, trucks were automatically diverted using special traffic signals, then weighed and measured while driving at 25 km/h through a dedicated lane. Vehicles showing irregularities—or those selected by the police—were directed to the inspection area for a full technical check. President Müller joined an RSI of a truck transporting hazardous goods, which fortunately revealed only minor defects.
The program continued at a mobile inspection site, where police targeted smaller trucks with trailers (N1 with O2). Suspicious vehicles detected from the highway were escorted to the site. Two significant cases were observed: a trailer with completely non-functioning brakes, and a vehicle combination overloaded by several hundred kilos.
Later, Mr. Müller visited the brand-new governmental inspection centre in Wolkersdorf (KFZ-Prüfstelle Wolkersdorf), dedicated to special vehicle appraisals, such as modifications and technical changes.
Day 2: Motorcycle Roadside Inspections / The second day focused on motorcycle inspections. At a mobile site set up on a popular curvy road for motorcyclists, police conducted random stops. After checking documents, government technical experts carried out full inspections, including emissions and noise tests.
Roadside Inspection Organization in Austria / In Austria, RSI is a joint effort between the regional governments and the police. The police is responsible for identifying and stopping vehicles, conducting initial checks, and directing suspicious cases to inspection sites. Then, specially trained technical experts from the regional governments perform thorough inspections. Lower Austria operates steady inspection sites along highways, as well as mobile sites for trucks, passenger cars, and motorcycles.
Visit to ÖAMTC Driving Safety Center / In addition to the RSI program, CITA member ÖAMTC welcomed President Müller to its Driving Safety Center in Melk. The center provides a wide range of training courses for drivers, motorcyclists, and emergency services. As a passionate motorcyclist himself, President Müller even participated in a special motorcycle training session.
CITA is pleased to announce the publication of its new white paper titled "How to Inspect Brakes of Road Vehicles", a comprehensive guide addressing the critical role of brake testing in vehicle safety and PTI.
This technical paper was developed by the CITA Task Force on Brakes, a multidisciplinary expert group composed of representatives from leading PTI organizations, equipment manufacturers, and testing bodies. Their objective was to assess current inspection methods and recommend a harmonized, effective, and future-proof approach for evaluating braking systems in road vehicles.
Why This Paper Matters Braking systems are among the most safety-critical components in vehicles. However, inspection procedures across countries remain fragmented, and traditional testing methods often face practical and technical limitations. This white paper evaluates the full spectrum of testing methodologies—including dynamic road tests, static brake testers with loaded and unloaded vehicles, extrapolation techniques, and the increasingly relevant reference value method.
Key Takeaways The reference value method, as defined in UNECE Regulation No. 13, ISO 21069, and ISO 21995, offers the most reliable and efficient approach to brake performance testing in PTI environments. Unlike conventional methods, it allows for axle-by-axle verification of braking forces, is adaptable to both pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and does not require the vehicle to be fully loaded. To make this method widely applicable, the paper emphasizes the need for vehicle-type-specific reference data, accessible via the vehicle’s diagnostic interface, and supported by EU legislation.
This white paper provides valuable recommendations to ensure that brake testing remains robust, consistent, and adaptable to the evolution of vehicle technologies—especially with the growing presence of electric braking systems and connected vehicle diagnostics.
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