OEMs

CITA International Conference & 24th GA in Istanbul


We are thrilled to announce the upcoming CITA International Conference and 24th General Assembly, set to take place from May 6-8, 2025, in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey. Hosted by TÜVTÜRK, this landmark event will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders from around the globe, gathering under the theme: “Forging Global Alliances for Safer Roads and a Greener Future.”

The CITA International Conference has long been a nexus for innovation and collaboration in the vehicle inspection and road safety sectors. This year, attendees will engage with pressing issues shaping the future of transportation, discussing vital topics that underscore CITA’s commitment to advancing safer, more sustainable mobility.

Event Highlights
The conference will explore key topics influencing the trajectory of vehicle inspection, road safety, and environmental sustainability:

  • Opportunities and Challenges in LMICs: Unique perspectives and strategies for enhancing vehicle inspection and safety standards in low- and middle-income countries.
  • New Technologies & Data Management: The role of cutting-edge technologies and data management in revolutionizing vehicle inspection processes.
  • Environmental Protection: Measures and innovations aimed at reducing emissions and supporting cleaner transportation solutions.
  • Advanced Inspection Procedures: Enhanced inspection methodologies to increase road safety and ensure compliance.
  • Growth and Impact of Electric Powertrains: Analyzing the surge of electric vehicles and their influence on vehicle inspection protocols.
  • Decarbonization: Collaborative approaches for reducing carbon emissions in the automotive sector.
  • Vehicle Approval: Updates and developments in vehicle approval and compliance.

On the morning of May 6, CITA members will convene for the 24th General Assembly, an exclusive session dedicated to shaping CITA’s future initiatives and strengthening its network.

Registration & Special Offers
Don't miss your chance to participate in this global gathering. Registration is open until April 25, 2025, with an Early Bird discount available until January 17, 2025. Attendees can benefit from special rates at the Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel, the official conference venue, providing a convenient and comfortable stay in the heart of Istanbul.

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities
The CITA International Conference is the ideal platform for organizations looking to showcase their brand to an international audience. Our sponsorship and exhibition programs provide unique opportunities for visibility, networking, and advancing the cause of safer, greener transportation. Companies interested in partnering with us are encouraged to explore these programs and join us in making this event a transformative experience.

Join us in Istanbul to contribute to the global dialogue on road safety, sustainability, and technological advancements in vehicle inspection. Together, we can forge alliances that make roads safer and support a cleaner, more sustainable future.


Protecting Public Interest in the Used Car Market


On November 5, 2024, CITA, in collaboration with carVertical, hosted an enlightening webinar titled “How does the protection of the public interest shape used car market transparency?”. Led by carVertical’s Head of Communications, Matas Buzelis, the event addressed critical issues surrounding odometer fraud, a common and costly problem that artificially inflates car values. Citing recent data, carVertical highlighted the financial impact of odometer manipulation across Europe, with buyers in some countries overpaying by up to 25% for tampered vehicles.

The speaker discussed carVertical’s “Market Transparency Index,” a signature tool that leverages millions of vehicle history reports to rank and compare transparency levels across several countries. The index evaluates critical factors such as odometer fraud rates, historical damage records, import data, and average vehicle age, which are crucial for consumers to make informed decisions and avoid scams.

Cross-border car trade, which offers consumers a wider selection of vehicles and competitive prices, was also explored. However, it was noted that this trend can lead to increased fraud due to inconsistent data exchange between countries. carVertical highlighted the importance of robust digital data and collaborative efforts among institutions to mitigate these risks and safeguard consumers.


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.