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International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

ITC
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 Müller, 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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20Feb

CITA’s Role in the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety

The Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, themed "Commit to Life," convened in Marrakech, Morocco, from February 18 to 20, 2025. Hosted by the Government of Morocco and the World Health Organization, this pivotal event brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to accelerate efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of halving global road deaths by 2030.

CITA’s Commitment to Road Safety

As a key stakeholder in vehicle safety and compliance, CITA played a significant role in the conference, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to ensuring safer vehicles and roads. Representatives from CITA included:

  • Gerhard Müller, CITA President
  • Lothar Geilen, CITA Vice President – Treasurer
  • Geert Konings, Member of the Bureau Permanent
  • Eduard Fernández, CITA Executive Director

CITA actively engaged in discussions focused on vehicle safety, inspection programs, and technological advancements that can contribute to reducing road fatalities. Through high-level dialogues with global road safety leaders, CITA reinforced the importance of PTI, vehicle compliance policies, and harmonized safety regulations to ensure that vehicles on the road meet high safety standards.

The conference served as an essential platform for CITA to exchange insights with governmental bodies, international organizations, and industry experts, emphasizing the role of technical vehicle inspections and regulatory frameworks in achieving sustainable road safety solutions.

CITA & Global NCAP Parallel Session

One of the key highlights of CITA’s participation was the parallel session organized in collaboration with Global NCAP - a UK-registered charity dedicated to democratizing vehicle safety. The session, titled "Opportunities to Improve Vehicle Safety at a Time of Rising Motorization and Technology Transition," took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 15:00 to 16:30. Moderated by Eduard Fernández, CITA Executive Director, the session featured insights from:

  • Siti Zaharah Ishak, Director General of the Malaysian Institute for Road Safety Research (MIROS)
  • Carla Hoorweg, Chief Executive Officer at the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP)
  • Gerhard Müller, President of CITA
  • Stephanie Leonard, Global Head of Government & regulatory Affairs; TOM TOM
  • Omar Sentissi, President of the Moroccan Federation of Vehicle Inspection Centers
  • Meera Naran, Road Safety Campaigner
  • Walter Nissler, Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility Innovation and Technology

The session delved into the challenges and opportunities presented by increasing global motorization and the rapid evolution of vehicle technologies. Discussions emphasized the critical need for robust vehicle inspection protocols, the implementation of comprehensive safety standards, and the promotion of international collaboration to enhance road safety. Panelists highlighted that, despite technological advancements, ensuring vehicle safety requires continuous vigilance, regulatory updates, and public awareness.

CITA’s active participation in the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety reaffirmed its dedication to global road safety initiatives. Through collaborative efforts, advocacy, and expertise in vehicle inspection and compliance, CITA continues to play a vital role in shaping policies that contribute to safer roads worldwide, aligning with the broader objectives of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.

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13Feb

CITA’s Participation at the 87th ITC Annual Session

The 87th session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC), held from 11 to 14 February 2025 in Geneva, served as a pivotal event in shaping the future of sustainable transport. CITA proudly participated, represented by its President, Gerhard Müller, and Executive Director, Eduard Fernández, with additional contribution from Christoph Nolte of the CITA Bureau Permanent.

On Tuesday, 11 February, Gerhard Müller delivered a compelling speech during the High-level Policy Segment on "Success and Challenges for Inland Transport on the Road to 2030." His address highlighted the transformative impact of ITC's conventions and regulatory frameworks on making transport more efficient and sustainable. He emphasized that far from stifling innovation, regulations foster standardization and harmonization, which are crucial for global transport decarbonization efforts.

Müller underscored the need for reliable indicators of vehicle energy consumption, essential for shaping effective CO2 emission policies. He also stressed the importance of transparency, particularly in the used electric vehicle market, advocating for independent assessments of battery health to build consumer trust. His message concluded with a reaffirmation of CITA's commitment to supporting regulatory bodies in these critical areas.

Christoph Nolte also took the stage during the session, contributing valuable perspectives on transport sustainability.

The following day, Wednesday, 12 February, Eduard Fernández participated as a panelist in the ITC Symposium entitled "Towards the Global Decade for Sustainable Transport: A Strategic Future Perspective of the ITC." This symposium, aligned with the upcoming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport starting in 2026, aimed to integrate ITC's strategic accomplishments and foster a forward-looking dialogue on transport's role in sustainable development.

Fernández engaged in discussions focusing on connectivity, decarbonization, and transport safety—key pillars for the Decade of Sustainable Transport. His insights on leveraging regulatory frameworks to enhance sustainability and safety in inland transport were well-received, highlighting CITA's expertise in vehicle regulatory compliance and its strategic vision for the future.

CITA's active involvement in the 87th ITC session underscores its dedication to advancing global transport sustainability. CITA continues to influence critical discussions on regulatory harmonization, decarbonization, and safety, reinforcing its role as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of inland transport.

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26Feb

86th session of the ITC

The 86th session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC), themed "Taking ambitious climate action – Moving towards decarbonised inland transport by 2050," was held from February 20 to 23, 2024, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This session covered various important topics related to inland transport, including climate action towards decarbonizing inland transport by 2050, road safety, and the implementation of the ITC strategy until 2030.

The session began with opening statements from notable figures like Ms. Hannie Meesters, ITC Chair, and H.E. Ms. Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of UNECE. It included keynote speeches from international representatives, including the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management from the Netherlands and the Secretary of Transportation from the United States, emphasizing global commitment to decarbonization.

Panel discussions delved into national visions for decarbonized transport, with speakers from various countries sharing their policy ambitions and strategies. An expert panel discussed perspectives beyond government, including insights from UNFCCC and the International Road Federation. The agenda also highlighted the synergies between climate change mitigation and urban development, and the role of international cooperation and intergovernmental support in achieving these goals. The session underscored the urgency and collaborative effort required to transform inland transport systems by 2050, aligning with climate action and sustainability goals.

This session of the ITC was also marked by the participation of the CITA Bureau Permanent, with a speech from Mr. Gerhard Müller, President of CITA. Mr. Müller emphasized the critical role of social acceptance and transparency in the decarbonization of road transport. He highlighted the importance of providing citizens with accurate and reliable information about the performance and status of hybrid and electric vehicles to avoid frustration and meet expectations.

CITA president pointed out the discrepancy between theoretical and actual fuel consumption values and the need for reliable indicators for policy-making. He stressed the importance of an impartial assessment of the batteries' state of health to ensure fair trade and prevent environmental issues related to the disposal of worn batteries. His speech underlined CITA's support for efforts towards a decarbonized vehicle fleet, echoing the session's theme of ambitious climate action.

For more detailed information on the session, please visit the UNECE website​​.

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22Feb

The 85th plenary session of ITC

The UNECE Inland Transport Committee (ITC) is celebrating its 85th plenary session this week (21 to 24 February 2023) in Geneva, under the general theme: “Actions of the inland transport sector to join the global fight against climate change”.

This theme provide an opportunity to reflect on the unique assets of the Committee, highlighting its value added and underlining its future potential in curbing greenhouse gas emissions trends from inland transport in a disaster-hit global economy due to the impacts of climate change regionally and globally.

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