Tag - EU

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.

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.


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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.


6th international PTI workshop


On the 12th and 13th of October, the international vehicle inspection community gathered for the 6th International PTI Workshop in Ispra, Italy. This esteemed event was organized by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission and the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). With the backing of significant entities like the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) of the European Commission and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure Water Management, this workshop promised insights into the pressing issues and future advancements in the field of roadworthiness testing.

A blend of currently relevant and forward-thinking subjects occupied the workshop's schedule:

  • PN/NOx testing: An analysis of the methods and relevance of testing for these pollutants.
  • Access and definition vehicle data: Discussing the challenges and solutions in accessing and defining vehicle data.
  • Scope of the directive 2014/45/EU: A deep dive into the directive and its implications for roadworthiness.
  • PTI Frequency: Delving into the frequency of periodic technical inspections and its relevance in modern times.
  • PTI and Electric Vehicles: Understanding the unique challenges and solutions when it comes to inspecting electric vehicles.
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): A look into the technologies that aid drivers and how they impact vehicle roadworthiness.

To further educate and engage the attendees, various presentations and workshops were organized. These sessions spotlighted subjects that are instrumental for the future developments in the periodic inspection of vehicles.

DG MOVE used this platform to provide an update on the status of the RWP. Additionally, attendees had the golden opportunity to get acquainted with initiatives and the horizon of developments in roadworthiness testing across other EU member states.

CITA played an instrumental role in the event. Prominent figures like Gerhard MÜLLER - CITA President, Pascal BUEKENHOUDT - CITA Vice President Technical Affairs, and Víctor Salvachúa - Chairman of the CITA TA A on R&D vehicle compliance, actively participated, sharing their expertise and insights with the gathered professionals.

A touching moment during the event was when the CITA President presented a recognition plate to Hens Peeters-Weem, acknowledging his invaluable contribution to PTI. This gesture became all the more poignant as Mr. Peeters-Weem is set to retire in the upcoming weeks.

In essence, the 6th International PTI Workshop not only addressed the present concerns but also charted a roadmap for the future, ensuring that the vehicle community is well-prepared for the challenges and advancements on the horizon.

AECA-ITV Annual Congress in Barcelona


In a clear sign of the rapidly evolving landscape of vehicle inspections across Europe, AECA-ITV, the renowned PTI Spanish association, hosted its annual congress in Barcelona on the 4th and 5th of October. The two-day event, fittingly themed "Mirando al Futuro" ("Looking to the Future"), witnessed experts, policymakers, and stakeholders converge to discuss and shape the future of vehicle safety, environmental protection, and inspection standards.

Key insights from the presentations included emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), on the digitization of inspection records, on environmental regulations, safety protocols, and harmonization across Europe.

Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the event was the participation of CITA, represented by its Executive Director, Eduard Fernández, who presented a keenly-anticipated talk on the evolution of PTI in Europe.

The AECA-ITV annual congress served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in an ever-changing landscape. As Europe drives towards a safer, greener, and more efficient future, organizations like AECA-ITV and CITA will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of vehicle inspections and safety protocols.


Vehicle Inspection and Society: Beyond Technology.


Yesterday in Brussels, a significant gathering of PTI experts, governmental officials, and industry stakeholders convened for a hybrid-conference entitled “Vehicle Inspection and Society: Beyond Technology.”

Jointly hosted by CITA and the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, this event explored the multifaceted dimensions of vehicle inspection, pushing beyond just the technological considerations to unravel its societal and environmental significance. In fact, this collaboration demonstrated the growing importance of vehicle inspections, not only in terms of technological advancements but also its broader implications for society.

Key players from various facets of the industry graced the event, including Mr. Gerhard MÜLLER, the CITA President, and María José MUÑOZ MARTÍNEZ, the Director General for Industry and SME Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism from Spain.

The event was a success thanks also to the active participation of  Guillermo MAGAZ PILAR, Managing Director of AECA-ITV;  Sergio OLIETE JOSA, Head of Unit, Transport & Urban Development from DG INTPA - EU Commission; Ricardo SUÁREZ BERTOA, Scientific Officer at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) - EU Commission; Victor SALVACHÚA BARCELÓ, Vice President - New Technologies Development from APPLUS+; Macarena FERNÁNDEZ RIVERA, Technical and Operational Director from VEIASA; and Eugenio FERNÁNDEZ CÁCERES, Inspection Site Manager from ITEVELESA.

Key takeaways from the Conference were safety, environmental responsibility, economic implications, and global standards. The primary objective remains the safety of citizens. As vehicles continue to integrate cutting-edge technologies, the process of vehicle inspection has become ever more complex. Efficient vehicle inspection ensures fewer road mishaps, and plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation, ensuring vehicles emit within permissible limits. With a growing need for harmonized vehicle inspection standards across countries to facilitate international transportation, a well-structured inspection mechanism indirectly boosts the economy by ensuring efficient vehicle operations.

The “Vehicle Inspection and Society: Beyond Technology” conference reiterated the importance of seeing vehicle inspections not as an isolated technical procedure but as a process deeply ingrained in societal, economic, and environmental matrices.

The joint effort by CITA and the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU marks a commendable step towards a holistic approach to vehicle inspections, emphasizing its ripple effects across various sectors of society. The Brussels conference not only enriched the discourse around vehicle inspection and its societal ramifications but also paved the way for global collaborations. By sharing knowledge, research, and best practices, stakeholders can drive forward an agenda that prioritizes road safety and environmental health, all while leveraging cutting-edge technology.


FISITA World Mobility Summit 2023


Under the main theme " Industry Disruption", yesterday (14 September 2023) the FISITA World Mobility Summit 2023 was held in Barcelona.

Since 2009, this annual event of the technology leaders from many of the world’s leading automotive and mobility brands, has continued to be a highly relevant meeting within the global community, delivering thought leadership and engagement at the leadership level within the member led environment of FISITA.

Several figures from the global mobility industry covered a range of topics, from global economic output in Asia, Europe and the Americas from senior economists in those regions, to the challenges facing mobility technology companies.

Among these figures was the President of CITA, Gerhard Müller, who spoke to the audience about the modern periodic emission test for diesel vehicles.

He explained that although modern combustion engine vehicles are becoming cleaner and more economical thanks to complex exhaust gas after-treatment systems, these must function throughout their entire life cycle. Otherwise, pollutants can increase by a factor of well over one hundred. The detection of manipulated or defective systems is therefore of great importance. For this purpose, periodic testing of exhaust emissions, which is mandatory for all vehicles, is an appropriate means, since vehicles with excessively high emissions of harmful substances are identified and must be repaired.

He introduced the new particle number measurement as a measurement method for diesel vehicles with particle traps. This very efficient and simple method for reliably detecting manipulated or defective particulate filters and has recently been successfully introduced in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

This new periodic emissions test provides a significant contribution to improving air quality, especially in urban areas, he said in conclusion.


CITA AVIS Scoring Manual


This document is the Manual to accompany the Assessment of Vehicle Inspection Systems (AVIS) Tool. It is provided to guide users of the AVIS tools in how to use it, what data is required, and as an explanation of why and how the AVIS Tool uses that data to make an assessment of the inspection systems in a country.

The AVIS Tool has been developed by CITA using the extensive experience and expertise of its membership, which includes various types of inspection systems implemented in many countries and regions around the world. This international outlook has enabled the development of an impartial assessment tool for vehicle inspection systems, that can be used in any country.

Initially, the tool was developed as a concept for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), to assess their inspection systems and provide guidance on which areas were in need of development, so that efforts to improve them could be prioritised. At this time, the tool is designed to be used by inspection authorities around the globe in their own in-country assessments, or by a CITA expert/team for an independent CITA-authorised assessment. It can be used as a tool for the setup of new inspection systems, for the continuous improvement of existing systems, or at the start and end of a project to demonstrate the progress made.

The goal of the AVIS tool is to provide a transparent procedure to assess the vehicle inspection system(s) of a country, based on criteria that are made publicly available. This involves the evaluation of both the theoretical/legislated framework, and its application/implementation. The criteria used are primarily based upon recognised international regulations, standards, recommendations and studies; and are refined using the extensive experience of the CITA membership.

CITA hopes that the AVIS will be used extensively around the globe to make improvements to the safe-running and operation of vehicles.


Automotive supply value chain calls for a swift adoption of EU7 regulation


Members of the European Parliament,

Ministers of the 27 EU Member States,

Last year, the European Commission proposed a new Euro 7 pollutant emissions standard for new vehicle types, after years of collecting evidence and data.

The European Union needs a timely and well-targeted Euro 7 legislation for cars, vans, trucks and buses to improve the health and wellbeing of its citizens and urban population in particular. Cities cannot be left alone to improve air quality with the limited resources available to them. Euro 7 will make it easier for national and local administrations to deliver on ambient air quality commitments currently being upgraded by EU legislation. While the shift to electromobility is underway, 100 million new vehicles with an internal combustion engine are expected to be sold in the EU in the next decade and will remain on European roads for years to come. Electrification and continued improvement of conventional engines are complementary approaches and should work hand in hand to achieve significant pollution reductions.

Europe needs more ambitious standards and must maintain its global leadership alongside the US and China, which are also adopting more ambitious pollutant regulations. European vehicle manufacturers will need to invest in these other regions in adopting advanced technologies anyway to remain competitive in the global market.

New Euro 7 rules need to be adopted within the current legislative period, to ensure that citizens living in cities can continue to benefit as soon as possible from improving air quality facilitated by reduced vehicle pollution. Emission control systems meeting the Commission proposal requirements are already mature and available, as shown by data collected during robust road testing by various technology providers. The timely availability of mature affordable emission control systems meeting the requirements of the Commission proposal has been demonstrated by data collected during robust road testing by various technology providers. To facilitate, implementing and delegated acts should be swiftly adopted after the legislation, with the most important parameters already developed in parallel in the coming months. This early development of the regulatory detail is critical to a successful implementation, providing industry with confidence to invest, and enabling the path to cleaner road transport and improved public health.

Further, Euro 7 emission testing procedures need enhancement compared to Euro 6/VI, in combination with the ambitious limit values and lifetime requirements proposed by the Commission, to reflect driving conditions and the actual environmental impact of different vehicle types in the real world. The Commission’s proposed new testing rules will, with certain improvements to ensure representativeness of on-road testing, strike a good balance between what is necessary and what is feasible. They will ensure that emissions from trucks especially will be controlled under true real-world conditions.

As the necessary technologies are already known, the most accurate cost analysis of Euro 7 demonstrates that the price to pay for industry and consumers is moderate. Euro 7 vehicles will remain affordable, while according to the Commission’s own calculations, every euro invested in Euro 7 technology will return five times more benefits in terms of health and environment protection costs.

Now that discussions on the legislative proposal are at a decisive point, the industrial sectors represented by the signatories below call on EU institutions to take an ambitious and future-oriented position on Euro 7 including for exhaust and non-exhaust, i.e. evaporative and refuelling systems, brakes and tyres; as well as for reagent quality requirements and the durability of batteries, without undue delay.

Signatories