The SGS Convention, held on October 12, 2024, in Brussels, brought together employees and franchised companies from across France for an afternoon of key discussions and networking. The event focused on the latest advancements in the technical control of two-wheeled vehicles, an increasingly important issue across Europe.
A highlight of the convention was the participation of Mr. Eduard Fernández, Executive Director of CITA, who engaged in a Q&A session. He provided an overview of CITA and shared updates on European directives affecting vehicle inspections.
Mr. Fernández emphasized that some countries have successfully implemented motorcycle inspection programs, improving safety, vehicle maintenance, and reducing pollution. He also addressed the ongoing revisions to the European directive on vehicle inspections, which aim to expand safety checks, emissions testing, and data-sharing among member states.
The 14th Florence Intermodal Forum, which took place on 11 October 2024 at Villa Schifanoia in Florence, brought together key stakeholders to discuss road safety and the utilization of data generated by connected vehicles for the public good. The event was co-organized by the Florence School of Regulation’s Transport Area, the European Commission's DG MOVE, and DG GROW, and centred around critical questions regarding how vehicle data can be harnessed to enhance road safety across Europe.
Gerhard Müller, the President of CITA, made a significant contribution to the discussion with his presentation, in which he introduced CITA's work and underscored the pivotal role of data access for vehicle inspections. Müller emphasized that data is crucial for evaluating both safety and emissions behaviour in vehicles, which are critical to the development of safer and more environmentally responsible transport systems.
During the subsequent discussion, Müller expanded on key issues regarding data ownership, vehicle automation, and the need for coherent legislation across Europe. He clarified that, generally, drivers own the data generated by their vehicles, not the OEMs. This distinction is important as it reflects a need for clear frameworks to protect drivers' rights while ensuring the responsible use of data in public safety initiatives.
One of Müller’s key messages was the call for at least EU-wide legislation to govern these developments, noting that national-level legislation would be insufficient. With vehicles crossing borders and new technologies rapidly evolving, a unified European approach is necessary to create consistent standards across the EU.
Müller also stressed the need to balance competitiveness with safety. He argued that the better the automated functions of vehicles are, and the safer European vehicles become, the more competitive they will be on the global market. By focusing on safety improvements, European vehicles can not only protect their users but also maintain a strong competitive edge.
Finally, Müller called for European legislation to become more flexible and quicker in its response to the fast pace of technological advancements in modern vehicles. The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and legislation needs to keep up to ensure safety while fostering innovation.
On October 4th, a technical exchange took place in Catania, Italy, organized by FederIspettori who hosted the Finnish association Yksityisten Katsastustoimipaikkojen Liitto ry, presided over by Björn Ziessler. This event underscored the value of international cooperation and shared learning within the vehicle inspection sector, highlighting the fruitful relationship fostered through both associations' membership in the CITA. It is thanks to CITA that such meaningful exchanges become possible, promoting shared standards and collaboration across borders.
The first phase of the exchange involved an in-depth presentation by FederIspettori on the Italian vehicle inspection system, including an honest overview of its critical points and challenges. The event then shifted to the practical side, featuring visits to key inspection facilities in the Catania area. The delegation started by visiting a light vehicle inspection center, followed by a visit to the Motorizzazione Civile of Catania. In the afternoon, the group continued their exploration by visiting a heavy vehicle inspection center, offering a more comprehensive view of how vehicle inspections are managed across different sectors in Italy.
Special thanks go out to all partners who generously made their facilities available for these visits (Regione Sicilia for granting access to the Motorizzazione Civile of Catania, Revauto Srl for the heavy vehicle inspection center, and Centro Revisioni Pit Stop Sorbello for hosting the light vehicle inspection line) and the impeccable organization and hospitality of the Sicily section of FederIspettori.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes, I.P. (IMT, I.P.)'s mission is to exercise technical regulation, licensing, coordination, inspection and planning functions in the field of land and river transport and their respective infrastructures, as well as in the economic aspect of commercial ports and maritime transport sector.
In the field of land transport it’s main activities are:
Authorise public passenger transport services;
Authorise, license and supervise the exercise of land transport and complementary activities, including coordinating the licensing process and the management of platforms and other logistics facilities, under the terms of the applicable legislation;
Certifying land transport professionals and promoting driver licensing, recognising, licensing and supervising the training and examination centers subject to its supervision;
Define the conditions for issuing, revalidating, exchanging and seizing driving licences and professional certificates.
Monitoring the application of social regulations in the field of road transport, as the national authority responsible for implementing the respective control instruments (tachographs);
Approving, homologating and certifying vehicles and equipment used in land transport systems, guaranteeing the required technical and safety standards, licensing the entities involved in the certification and inspection processes;
Promoting technical improvements in road and rail vehicles, with the aim of improving safety and efficiency in the operation of road and rail transport, interoperability and reducing negative environmental impacts.
Ensuring the management of national registers in the transport sector, namely of vehicles, inspection centres, drivers, driving schools, transport companies and complementary activities, public passenger transport services and transport professionals, and railway infrastructures;
Managing the standards and processes of the electronic vehicle identification system;
As the EU prepares for its new institutional mandate, CITA is dedicated to ensuring that emerging vehicle technologies drive a safer, cleaner, and more efficient road transport system. With vehicles playing a crucial role in society and the economy, we are at a pivotal moment to maximize technological advancements while addressing key challenges in road safety and sustainability.
A Regulatory Framework for the Future
The upcoming EU mandate will shape how vehicle technologies influence Europe's transport landscape. CITA calls for a regulatory framework aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Vision Zero, and climate action, focusing on these key areas:
Comprehensive Vehicle Oversight The European Commission must establish necessary structures to provide a coordinated and comprehensive overview of vehicle regulation throughout their legal lifespan. This approach ensures that vehicles remain compliant with safety and environmental standards, from production to end-of-life.
Integrated Decarbonization and Safety Decarbonization efforts must consider road safety and emission controls to protect both people and the environment.
Support for New Technologies A strong regulatory framework is needed to ensure the safe and harmonized implementation of new technologies across the EU.
Fair Access to Vehicle Data Ensuring equitable, cost-free access to vehicle systems and data for essential government functions, including approval and inspection processes.
Risk-Based Vehicle Regulation A smarter approach to regulation should focus on vehicle risks, such as age and condition, ensuring that higher-risk vehicles are prioritized.
Addressing New Transport Modes Regulatory frameworks must incorporate emerging transport modes, such as micromobility, to ensure their safe integration.
Key Priorities for the Next Five Years
Vehicle self-diagnosis systems like ADAS are essential but insufficient for full compliance. In the next mandate, CITA recommends:
Transparency in Electric Vehicle Fleets Develop impartial assessments of electric vehicle batteries, especially their state of health, to ensure fleet electrification progresses responsibly.
Evaluation of Advanced Driving Systems Create reliable, impartial methods to assess ADAS and autonomous systems throughout a vehicle's lifespan to maintain safety standards.
Finalizing the Roadworthiness Package Complete the development of particle and nitrogen oxide emission testing to ensure vehicles meet environmental standards.
CITA is committed to collaborating with policymakers and industry stakeholders to build a regulatory environment that balances innovation with safety and sustainability.
By addressing the critical issues outlined in this manifesto, we believe the next EU mandate can unlock the full potential of new vehicle technologies while making significant strides toward achieving Europe’s sustainability and road safety goals.
Autotest Group EOODis a leader in Bulgaria's automotive inspection industry, dedicated to high standards of vehicle safety and compliance. Annually, they conduct nearly 200,000 technical inspections and are recognized for their meticulous checks on vehicle components and documentation to ensure legal compliance. They operate 18 centers nationwide, featuring online booking and extended hours for customer convenience.
Their commitment to using advanced technology enhances the effectiveness of their inspections. Autotest Group aims to promote road safety and participates in global networks like CITA to stay at the forefront of the industry.
On May 30, 2024, the "Mobility in Slovakia" conference brought together key stakeholders in the field of vehicle testing, approval, and inspection. This significant event, organized by TÜV SÜD in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic, featured active participation from CITA, as well as representatives from Homola, TESTEK, S-EKA, and IRIS-IDENT.
The conference aimed to address the challenges and advancements in vehicle inspection and approval processes, attracting the attention of professionals and organizations deeply involved in this critical field.
CITA President Mr. Gerhard Müller delivered a compelling keynote, emphasizing the importance of vehicle inspection in achieving the ambitious goals of Vision Zero and the European Green Deal. Mr. Müller highlighted how these EU strategies will influence future trends in the automotive industry, stressing that rigorous vehicle inspections are essential to ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.
CITA's active participation extended beyond the keynote, with a detailed presentation by Mr. Eduard Fernández - CITA Executive Director, who discussed the evolving landscape of vehicle inspections and the regulatory changes on the horizon.
The conference agenda included a series of insightful lectures covering a wide range of pertinent topics. Experts discussed cybersecurity in the automotive sector, a critical area as vehicles become increasingly connected and digitalized. The upcoming changes to the Directive on technical inspection of vehicles and the EURO 7 emission standard were also thoroughly examined, providing attendees with valuable insights into future regulatory requirements.
The "Mobility in Slovakia" conference underscored the critical role of PTI in achieving safer roads and a cleaner environment. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, such events are essential for fostering collaboration and innovation to meet the challenges of the future.
Designed as a hybrid event, the 23rd CITA General Assembly, was held on May 16, 2024, at the SPARKS Event Center in Brussels, Belgium.
The assembly was opened by CITA President Mr. Müller, who warmly welcomed the members. The presence of voting members was confirmed, setting the stage for a day of robust discussions and strategic decisions. The provisional agenda was adopted smoothly, followed by the approval of the 22nd GA report, which highlighted last year’s achievements and set the groundwork for this year's agenda.
One of the key points of the assembly was the discussion of the 2023 accounts, which provided a transparent overview of CITA's financial health and paved the way for future initiatives. New members were welcomed into the fold through the voting process, signifying CITA's growing influence and reach.
The assembly featured detailed reports from the various Regional Advisory Groups (RAGs), including Africa, Asia/Austral Asia, Latin America, North America, and Europe. These reports emphasized localized challenges and successes, providing a comprehensive global perspective on vehicle compliance issues. Then discussions were segmented into the different CITA Topic Areas (TAs), focusing on the core issues and future directions of vehicle compliance.
The budget for 2024-2025 was approved, alongside modifications to the Articles of Incorporation, which were critically reviewed and voted upon.
Elections were held for key positions within the Bureau Permanent and among Corporate Members' Representatives, ensuring that CITA's leadership remains dynamic and representative of its diverse membership base.
At the assembly's conclusion, members celebrated Henk Bussink's distinguished career and his retirement after years of dedicated service to CITA and its Bureau Permanent. President Müller presented him with a token of appreciation for his invaluable contributions. Mr. Müller's closing remarks highlighted the assembly's productivity and expressed optimism for the future.
The day concluded with a dinner gathering, providing a perfect opportunity for members to network, discuss the day’s outcomes, and forge new collaborations.
The European Union has enacted Regulation (EU) 2024/1257, a legislative measure aimed at improving the environmental standards for motor vehicles within the member states. This regulation introduces stringent type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and their engines, focusing specifically on emissions and battery durability. The legislation is a part of the broader EU Green Deal initiative, which seeks a climate-neutral, clean, and circular economy by 2050.
Key Points:
Zero Pollution Goal: By 2030, the regulation supports the EU's objective to achieve zero pollution, enhancing air, water, and soil quality by minimizing harmful emissions from vehicles.
Unified Standards: The new regulation consolidates and repeals several older regulations to create a uniform system for emission type-approvals for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles across the EU.
Advanced Technology Integration: The legislation encourages the integration of advanced technologies in vehicles, such as on-board monitoring systems and improved battery performance metrics, to ensure compliance with emissions and durability standards throughout a vehicle's operational life.
Social and Economic Considerations: The regulation also addresses the socio-economic impacts of transitioning to cleaner mobility, emphasizing affordability, the preservation of industry competitiveness, job creation, and workforce skills development.
Market Surveillance and Compliance: Enhanced market surveillance mechanisms are put in place to ensure strict compliance with the regulation, incorporating substantial penalties for non-compliance.
Future Adaptations: The document allows for future amendments to incorporate advances in vehicle technology and emissions science, ensuring the regulation remains relevant and effective.
Automotive Manufacturers: Required to adapt their production lines to meet stricter emissions and battery durability standards.
EU Member States: Must update national regulations and enforcement practices to align with EU standards.
Consumers: Will see a market shift towards more durable and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 represents a step forward in the EU's commitment to environmental sustainability and public health protection. It sets a framework for reducing vehicle emissions and enhancing battery durability, aligning with global environmental goals and technological advancements.
Title: Regulation (EU) 2024/1257
Adopted by: European Parliament and Council
Date of Adoption: 24 April 2024
Implementation Date: 8 May 2024
Relevance: Applicable throughout the European Economic Area (EEA)
The partnership between CITA and VERT® (Verification of Emissions Reduction Technologies) is a strategic alignment of missions that amplifies the efforts to combat environmental and health impacts caused by vehicle emissions.
VERT®, in fact, dedicates itself to promoting the best available technology for emission control, particularly technologies that mitigate ultrafine particle emissions. These particles are known for their significant health hazards and environmental impact, contributing to global warming and respiratory issues.
It sets itself apart by advocating for advanced emission measurement technologies—shifting from traditional particle mass count to particle number measurement. This approach acknowledges the disproportionate impact of ultrafine particles, despite their minimal mass, on health. VERT®'s rigorous standards and certification processes, including the VERT® Label and the VERT® filter list, ensure that only the highest quality emission control technologies are recognized and promoted.
This partnership not only supports traffic pollution reduction programs worldwide but also promotes clean urban mobility solutions.
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