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International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

EU
24Apr

“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, TĂśV Rheinland
  • Manuel Hagemann, Technical Expert, TĂśV NORD
  • Markus Gregor, Technical Expert EV Battery, TĂśV SĂśD
  • Robin Zalwert, Head of Sustainable Mobility, TĂśV-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 TĂśV 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.

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23Apr

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 InspecciĂłn del VehĂ­culo 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.

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14Apr

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.

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10Apr

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.

  • TĂśV-Verband (Germany) – Insights from the TĂśV 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.

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04Apr

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.

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02Apr

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 TĂĽrkiye, 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.

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31Mar

CITA at the 15th VERT Forum & VERT Focus Day 2025

CITA proudly participated at the 15th VERT Forum and VERT Focus Day 2025, held on March 27th and 28th at the Akademie EMPA in DĂĽbendorf, Switzerland. This prestigious annual event brings together leading experts from industry, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to address the most pressing developments in emission control technologies and sustainable solutions for cleaner air.

This year’s VERT Forum, hosted exclusively as an in-person event, provided a platform to share insights and foster collaboration on the future of emissions monitoring and reduction. The agenda featured a rich lineup of presentations, showcasing innovation, policy alignment, and practical implementation strategies across the mobility and environmental sectors.

CITA was represented by Pascal Buekenhoudt, Vice-President of Technical Affairs, and Alejandro Checa, Technical Director. Both played active roles in the forum, contributing to discussions that shape the global landscape of vehicle emissions testing and control.

Mr. Checa delivered a compelling presentation emphasizing the importance of effective coordination between type approval and periodic technical inspection (PTI) processes. His talk highlighted how harmonized and robust testing procedures are critical to ensuring that vehicle emission limit requirements are consistently met—not only in regulatory frameworks but in real-world scenarios.

Mr. Buekenhoudt’ presentation, "PN-PTI Successfully Implemented Requires Little Extra Effort in PTI-Stations," illustrated how particle number measurements can be effectively integrated into PTI without significantly increasing operational burden. His insights showcased a CITA’s member practical experience in promoting high-impact, feasible solutions for emission compliance.

Engaging in high-level discussions with global leaders, policymakers, and technical experts further reinforced CITA's commitment to driving innovation and establishing new standards in vehicle emission control. It remains dedicated to playing an active role in shaping the future of emissions testing and sustainable transport solutions.

CITA is grateful to VERT for providing such a collaborative space where knowledge, research, and regulatory foresight came together.

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28Mar

SSATP Annual General Meeting 2025

CITA participated in the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), held from March 24th to 27th in Cotonou, Benin. The high-level event, organized by SSATP under the auspices of the World Bank and in collaboration with Benin’s Ministry in charge of Sustainable Development and Transport (MCTV), brought together prominent figures from across Africa’s transport sector to engage in dynamic discussions on the future of mobility and road safety on the continent.

Representing CITA at the event was Executive Director Eduard Fernández, who joined the distinguished group participants, including transport ministers, senior policymakers, development partners, and technical experts. The gathering marked an important moment for the SSATP community, being the first AGM convened since the launch of the program’s Fourth Development Plan (DP4) in July 2022. With DP4 now approaching its mid-term review, the meeting served as a timely opportunity to reflect on progress, reassess goals, and reinforce commitments to improving road safety across Africa.

Centered on the theme “Strengthened Governance for Safe, Sustainable, and Decarbonized Transport in Africa: Enhancing Institutional Capacity through Regional Collaboration,” the conference highlighted the pressing need for integrated approaches and cross-border partnerships. In this context, Mr. Fernández contributed CITA’s global expertise on vehicle inspection and compliance systems as key tools in improving road safety outcomes and achieving environmental targets.

Throughout the four-day event, CITA engaged in technical sessions and dialogue aimed at identifying best practices, sharing policy innovations, and exploring scalable solutions to critical transport challenges. Mr. Fernández’s participation underscored CITA’s commitment to supporting African countries in their efforts to build robust regulatory frameworks and enhance institutional capacity in road safety.

As the AGM concluded with the SSATP General Assembly, CITA reaffirmed its dedication to continued collaboration with African partners, offering technical support and knowledge-sharing to foster safer, more sustainable, and decarbonized transport systems across the continent.

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20Mar

“The Future of Mobility”

Yesterday - March 19, 2025 - the European Parliament hosted the event "The Future of Mobility: Working Together for Road Safety and Driving European Leadership", led by MEP Vivien Costanzo, a dedicated member of the TRAN Committee. Co-hosted by CITA, EReg, CEDR, and CIECA, the event brought together policymakers, regulators, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of mobility in Europe.

The event underscored the critical role of collaboration between regulatory authorities and the private sector in shaping the future of European mobility. EReg, CEDR, CIECA, and CITA — four of the most influential organizations in the mobility ecosystem — highlighted their collective responsibility in implementing the EU’s regulatory framework for road safety, infrastructure, and vehicle compliance.

Key discussions revolved around the rapidly evolving mobility landscape, including:

  • Registration & Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Data
  • Digitalization of Mobility Documents
  • Whole-Life Vehicle Compliance
  • Vision Zero & Road Safety Optimization
  • Sustainability Strategies & Infrastructure Management

The debate focused on the necessity of forward-thinking policies to adapt to technological advancements and shifting global markets. The European automotive sector faces unprecedented challenges, from digital transformation and automation to stringent environmental and safety regulations.

A systemic approach is required to address:

  • The impact of climate change on road mobility
  • The integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS)
  • The role of artificial intelligence in driving safety and compliance
  • The EU automotive industry's position in a rapidly changing global market

The event emphasized the need for Europe to maintain its leadership in the global automotive industry while upholding core European values: safety, sustainability, transparency, and human-centered mobility.

Participants discussed key legislative initiatives shaping the future of mobility, including:

  • The Roadworthiness and Road Safety Packages
  • The 4th Driving License Directive
  • The Clean Industrial Deal
  • Regulations on Circular Economy and End-of-Life Vehicles
  • Digitalization efforts such as the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet and Data Act

The conversation reinforced the necessity of a harmonized and integrated regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring high safety and sustainability standards.

As discussions concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance road safety and mobility. CITA, EReg, CEDR, and CIECA remain dedicated to supporting EU institutions in developing effective policies that balance innovation with road safety imperatives.

With Europe at a crossroads in mobility transformation, collaboration remains the cornerstone for a future that is safe, sustainable, and technologically advanced.

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14Mar

CITA RAG Europe Conference 2025

The CITA RAG Europe Conference 2025, held on March 12 and 13 at the Maison des Associations Internationales (M.A.I.) in Brussels, gathered CITA members from across Europe and abroad to discuss the future of vehicle compliance, road safety, and environmental protection.

CITA President Gerhard Müller opened the event with a strong speech highlighting the vital role of vehicle inspection in achieving global environmental and safety goals. He acknowledged Europe’s current crises, from geopolitical instability to climate change — and warned against the misguided belief that deregulation boosts competitiveness. Instead, Müller emphasized that strong safety and emissions standards are essential for sustainable development and economic stability.

He called for aligning initiatives like Vision Zero, the Green Deal, and the Clean Industrial Deal, stressing that safety, emissions reduction, and decarbonization must go together. Müller reaffirmed CITA’s support for advanced inspection processes to address risks from digitalization, automation, and new powertrains. He also urged the European Commission to promptly publish the long-overdue revised Roadworthiness Package to ensure inspections keep pace with the evolving automotive sector.

After the welcome speech by CITA RAG Europe Chairman Mr. Jann Fehlauer, the first day of the conference focused on the activities and updates within Topic Area A (R&D Vehicle Compliance) and Topic Area B (Optimizing Current Vehicle Compliance). Experts led sessions on vehicle data access, ADAS testing, intelligent PTI integration, and critical regulatory updates. The discussions highlighted how rapidly evolving vehicle technologies are both a source of opportunity and a challenge for inspection authorities, requiring new tools, new skills, and closer cooperation with policymakers and industry partners.

A notable highlight of the first evening was the gathering at The Music Village, where delegates came together for the presentation of the new CITA Annual Report 2024. The convivial atmosphere provided an ideal setting to reflect on CITA’s achievements over the past year, and to engage in informal conversations that further strengthened the bonds within the CITA family.

The second day of the conference opened with an update on Topic Area C (External Affairs), where participants gained insights into how CITA is working with EU Member States to influence the Council’s position on roadworthiness policy. Discussions also covered CITA’s cooperation with IAMTS and the presentation of their new White Paper on Software Updates, an increasingly relevant issue as software-defined vehicles become more prevalent.

The environmental focus of Topic Area D brought participants into discussions on the NOx JRC-CITA Field Study, offering key findings and recommendations. The session on On-Board Monitoring (OBM) under Euro 7 standards demonstrated how continuous monitoring systems will change the emissions testing landscape, requiring vehicle inspection bodies to adapt and develop new competences. Further updates on particulate number (PN) testing for petrol engines and the activities of the Taskforce Emissions underscored the ongoing importance of emissions testing in improving urban air quality.

Finally, Topic Area E (Quality, Training & Confidence) provided valuable insights into the latest tools for automatic brake data evaluation, conformity assessment of calibration laboratories, and quality assurance best practices. The discussions concluded with a review of the progress made and a forward-looking outlook for the upcoming year.

The conference closed with remarks from CITA President Gerhard MĂĽller, who emphasized that independent and impartial vehicle inspections remain indispensable for achieving goals on road safety, environmental protection, and industrial competitiveness.

With enriching discussions, networking opportunities, and a clear vision for the future, the CITA RAG Europe Conference 2025 reaffirmed the essential role of the PTI sector in safeguarding roads and air — a commitment that remains firmly embedded in CITA’s mission moving forward.

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