EU

CITA NewsRelease – May 2025


We are pleased to announce that the May 2025 edition of the CITA NewsRelease is now available for download.

This edition includes updates on the 24th CITA General Assembly and International Conference in Istanbul, our views on the EC’s Industrial Action Plan, summaries of key events such as the “Future of Mobility” at the European Parliament, recent and upcoming CITA webinars, regional conferences, and much more.

You will also find news on our newest members and contributions from across the CITA community.


2025 EReg and EUCARIS Annual Meetings & Conference


From 19 to 22 May 2025, CITA was honored to participate in the joint Annual Meetings and Conference of EReg (Association of European Vehicle and Driver Registration Authorities) and EUCARIS (European Car and Driving Licence Information System), held in the city of Split, Croatia. This significant event brought together representatives from vehicle and driving licence registration authorities, IT systems experts, transport safety organizations, and mobility policy leaders from across Europe.

The four-day conference was a vibrant platform for presentations, discussions, knowledge exchange, and social networking, fostering collaboration and insight-sharing across borders. Hosted within the frameworks of EReg and EUCARIS—two critical networks focused on the effective exchange of vehicle and driver data—the event showcased innovative projects, regulatory developments, and strategic cooperation on mobility and transport safety.

On the final day of the event, CITA President Gerhard Müller delivered a presentation entitled: "Data to keep vehicles safe and clean: the sovereign cases of roadside and periodical inspection." In his address, Mr. Müller emphasized the vital role of trusted, sovereign data in supporting the efficiency and integrity of both roadside inspections and periodic vehicle inspections. He highlighted how properly governed data can reinforce efforts to maintain high levels of vehicle safety, environmental compliance, and cross-border collaboration.

His presentation aligned perfectly with the broader goals of EReg and EUCARIS—to improve public services and road safety through international cooperation, and to ensure that data exchange serves public interest in a secure, effective, and privacy-conscious way.

CITA’s active participation in this event reaffirms its commitment to international partnerships and policy dialogue. As the global voice for organizations involved in vehicle compliance and inspection, CITA continues to work closely with networks like EReg and EUCARIS to advance shared objectives in the fields of vehicle regulation, data interoperability, and road safety enforcement.


CITA 24th GA : New Members and Leadership Renewed


On 6 May 2025, within the prestigious framework of the CITA International Conference hosted by TÜV TÜRK, the 24th General Assembly of CITA took place in Istanbul. The event marked an important milestone in the association's continued mission to improve road safety and environmental protection through vehicle compliance.

New Members Join the CITA Community
A highlight of the Assembly was the formal admission of new CITA members, reflecting the organization's expanding global reach and influence. The following organizations were officially welcomed into the CITA family (listed in alphabetical order):

  • AUTOTEST GROUP EODD
  • AVILOO
  • CAPATEST
  • CONTROLAUTO
  • DKT
  • EMIRATES GENERAL TRANSPORT AND SERVICE COMPANY
  • Færdselsstyrelsen
  • KNESTEL
  • INSTITUTO DA MOBILIDADE E DOS TRANSPORTES
  • MASVIK
  • PINJA
  • ROHDE AND SCHWARZ
  • SCALE MT
  • VTEQ ( upgraded membership category in Full Corporate Member)
  • ZEMIC

Changes in the CITA Bureau Permanent
Significant updates were made to the CITA Bureau Permanent (BP), the executive body of the organization. Two new members were elected:

  • Mr. Marian Rybiansky, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of TESTEK a.s., and Chairman of the CITA Task Force on Brakes
  • Mr. Jungsoo Park, Deputy General Manager at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority

Additionally, Mr. Marcin Barankiewicz was elected by the corporate members as the new Corporate Member Representative in the CITA Bureau Permanent. Mr. George Petelet was reconfirmed as the Corporate Member Deputy Representative.

The Assembly also marked a leadership transition, as Mr. Lothar Geilen, a valued CITA Board member since 2013 and Vice President Treasurer since 2017, stepped down due to retirement. CITA expressed its deep gratitude for his years of dedicated service.

Taking up the role of CITA Vice President Treasurer is Mrs. Ferose Oaten, reaffirming her commitment and leadership within the organization.

Composition of the New CITA Bureau Permanent
The new composition of the CITA Bureau Permanent following the 24th General Assembly is as follows:

  • Gerhard Müller – CITA President
  • Aitor Retes – CITA Vice President General Secretary
  • Ferose Oaten – CITA Vice President Treasurer (re-elected)
  • Pascal Buekenhoudt – CITA Vice President Technical Affairs (re-elected)
  • Geert Konings
  • Christoph Nolte (re-elected)
  • Jungsoo Park
  • Marian Rybiansky
  • Jorge Soriano (re-elected)
  • Teemu Toivanen – Public Member Representative

CITA Activity Reports Presented
During the General Assembly, members also had the opportunity to review and discuss several reports highlighting CITA’s recent activities, strategic initiatives, and technical developments. These presentations, made by leaders of CITA RAGs and Topic Areas, underscored the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the vehicle compliance and road safety sectors.

The Assembly reaffirmed CITA’s role as a leading voice in the vehicle compliance sector, with renewed leadership and a growing, diverse membership ready to tackle global mobility challenges.


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.


“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.


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.


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.


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.


DUSRA: Program to Support Road Safety Education in Africa


April 1st, 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.


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.