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International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

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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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24Oct

CITA RAG Africa Conference 2024

The CITA RAG Africa Conference 2024, held on October 22-23 in Nairobi - Kenya, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving the African vehicle fleet. Organized by CITA in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the event focused on road safety, sustainability, and reducing vehicle emissions.

Day 1: Shaping the Future of African Mobility
The conference opened with remarks from CITA President Gerhard Müller, UNEP’s Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, and Kenyan officials. A roundtable discussion explored PTI models for Africa, featuring experts like CITA’s Technical Vice President Pascal Buekenhoudt and IWG’s Dries van Tonder. The panel emphasized the need for tailored solutions that align with Africa's unique vehicle market.

Institutional representatives from UNEP, UNECA, and UNECE shared global perspectives on sustainable mobility, while African speakers, including Kenya’s NTSA Deputy Director Joel Akomo, discussed local challenges. Key sessions highlighted road safety in Uganda and vehicle inspection systems in Egypt and Sierra Leone.

Day 2: Focus on Emissions and Regional Solutions
The second day featured case studies on vehicle emissions testing from Kampala and Delhi. Presenters Kharim Kibuuka and Anirudh Narla shared insights into how targeted policies can address emissions challenges. A panel on harmonizing vehicle standards across Africa followed, with discussions led by regional representatives from the East African Community and Northern Corridor.

Country-specific measures to improve vehicle fleets were shared by representatives from Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya. Private sector involvement was highlighted in presentations by Isuzu East Africa and Maridady Motors, underscoring the importance of collaboration between governments and businesses.

A Path Forward for African Mobility
The CITA RAG Africa Conference 2024 successfully brought together diverse perspectives to drive improvements in African transportation. As participants concluded with a visit to the NTSA Likoni Road Inspection Centre, the collective commitment to a safer, cleaner vehicle fleet across the continent was clear, setting the stage for continued progress.

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15Oct

SGS Convention Highlights

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.

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14Oct

The 14th Florence Intermodal Forum: Road Safety

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.

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07Oct

A Technical Exchange Between Finnish and Italian PTI Associations

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.

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17Sep

CITA EU Manifesto for a Sustainable and Safer Road Transport Future

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Integrated Decarbonization and Safety
    Decarbonization efforts must consider road safety and emission controls to protect both people and the environment.
  3. Support for New Technologies
    A strong regulatory framework is needed to ensure the safe and harmonized implementation of new technologies across the EU.
  4. Fair Access to Vehicle Data
    Ensuring equitable, cost-free access to vehicle systems and data for essential government functions, including approval and inspection processes.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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16Sep

FSD celebrates 20th anniversary

Last week, on 12 September 2024, FSD Fahrzeugsystemdaten GmbH - Zentrale Stelle marked its 20th anniversary in Radeberg, Germany, with a symposium titled "The Modern Main Inspection and New Vehicle Technologies." The event gathered key figures from the automotive inspection sector to discuss the impact of new vehicle technologies on periodic technical inspection (PTI).

Notable attendees included Richard Damm from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), State Secretary Fröhlich from the Saxon State Ministry of Economic Affairs, managers from major testing organizations, German OEMs, academic representatives, and international delegates from Luxembourg and South Korea, including the Director of KAVIC.

A highlight was the participation of CITA President Gerhard MÜLLER, who delivered a speech on the global importance of PTI, emphasizing the need for international collaboration in adapting to advanced vehicle technologies. The CITA Executive Director Eduard FERNÁNDEZ was also in attendance, reinforcing the organization's role in shaping the future of global inspection standards.

The symposium explored innovations like electric vehicles and autonomous systems, showcasing FSD’s leadership in developing data-driven solutions for evolving vehicle inspections. As technology advances, FSD remains a key player in ensuring road safety and compliance.

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12Sep

CITA hosted a Benin Delegation for Training on PTI and EVs

On 12 September 2024, CITA welcomed a delegation of six senior officials from Benin's Ministry of Transport, accompanied by two experts, to its Brussels facility for training on Periodic Technical Inspections (PTI) and future hybrid/electric vehicle inspections.

Led by Mr. Olivier Pletinckx, CITA's Technical Manager, the training focused on the evolving challenges of inspecting electric vehicles and ensuring their roadworthiness. The delegation is currently pursuing a Master II in Road Safety (DUSRA) at Université Gustave Eiffel in Aix-Marseille, France, and this program extended their academic learning with practical insights into modern vehicle inspection protocols.

This initiative underscores Benin's commitment to improving road safety and adapting to new vehicle technologies, while highlighting CITA’s role in fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing in the transport sector.

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15Jul

Evaluating the Impact of PTI on Road Safety and Economy in Turkey (1990-2022)

The Institute for Economic Research and Consulting GmbH recently published a detailed study evaluating the efficacy of Periodic Technical Inspections (PTI) on road safety and economic outcomes in Turkey, covering data from 1990 to 2022. This comprehensive analysis, spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Schulz and his team, delves into the multifaceted impacts of PTIs, employing robust datasets and econometric models to provide insightful conclusions.

Aim and Scope / The primary objective of the study is to ascertain the effectiveness of PTIs in enhancing road safety and mitigating economic losses associated with traffic accidents in Turkey. By leveraging extensive datasets and various analytical methods, the study offers a thorough examination of how periodic vehicle inspections contribute to reducing road accidents and improving economic outcomes.

Methodology / The study employs four distinct methods to evaluate the impact of PTIs:

  • Literature Analysis: A comprehensive review of existing research on the relationship between vehicle inspections and road safety.
  • Visual Analysis: Examination of trend developments over time to identify any significant changes.
  • Autoregressive Processes: Analysis to detect patterns and shifts in the data.
  • Chow Test: Statistical verification of structural breaks in the dataset, particularly around significant policy changes such as the introduction of PTIs in 2008.

Key Findings / The study's literature analysis reveals a generally positive correlation between PTIs and improved road safety. Significant reductions in accidents and fatalities have been observed in regions implementing stringent vehicle inspection regimes. Notably, the analysis of PTI implementation in Turkey indicates a structural break in 2008, suggesting that the introduction of PTIs significantly altered the trajectory of road safety metrics. On average, the share of deaths related to fatal accidents is 0.03766. With this, 5,033 deaths could be avoided. The share of injuries per fatal accident is, on average, 1.6429, which means that 219,498 injuries could be avoided.

Trend Analysis / From 1990 to 2022, the dataset provides a comprehensive overview of road traffic accidents, fatalities, and injuries in Turkey. The analysis indicates a marked reduction in fatalities and injuries post-2008, despite an initial increase in the number of accidents. This paradoxical trend underscores the efficacy of PTIs in mitigating the severity of accidents.

Economic Impact / The economic analysis within the study highlights significant cost savings attributed to the implementation of PTIs. The average annual savings amount to approximately 1.5 billion TL, with total savings from 2008 to 2022 estimated at 22.48 billion TL. These savings underscore the economic viability of PTIs, reinforcing their role in reducing the financial burden of road accidents on society.

Regression Analysis and Chow Test / The regression models demonstrate strong relationships between the implementation of PTIs and improvements in traffic safety. The Chow test confirms the presence of a structural break in 2008, validating the significant impact of PTIs on road safety metrics in Turkey.

Conclusions and Recommendations / The study concludes that PTIs have been highly effective in improving road safety and delivering substantial economic benefits in Turkey.

Key recommendations include:

  • Enhanced PTI Frequency and Coverage: Increasing the frequency and coverage of PTIs to capture and mitigate vehicle deficiencies more effectively.
  • Integration with Other Safety Measures: Incorporating PTIs into a broader road safety strategy that includes driver education, infrastructure improvements, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
  • Longitudinal Studies: Conducting further research to track the long-term effects of PTIs on road safety and economic factors.
  • Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking Türkiye's PTI practices against other countries with similar traffic conditions to refine and improve inspection protocols.
  • Policy Adaptation: Updating PTI criteria and techniques to address new safety challenges and technological advancements in automotive design.

Future Implications / The success of the PTI program in Turkey suggests its continued importance in maintaining and enhancing road safety. Ongoing adaptation and integration with other safety measures will be crucial in sustaining and building on the improvements achieved thus far.

For more detailed information, the full study can be downloaded here.

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