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International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

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13Jun

New Scientific Publication Highlights the Ongoing Threat of Excess Vehicle Emissions

CITA is pleased to announce the publication of the article “Excess Pollution from Vehicles - A Review and Outlook on Emission Controls, Testing, Malfunctions, Tampering, and Cheating” in the peer-reviewed journal Sustainability, published by MDPI.

This comprehensive review, co-authored by Mr. Pascal Buekenhoudt, CITA Vice President – Technical Affairs, appears as part of the Special Issue Optimising Air Quality and Health Benefits of Transport Decarbonisation and is available online.

The publication explores the enduring relevance of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and their environmental impact, emphasizing that ICEVs will remain dominant in many global regions well beyond 2050. It highlights four critical issues hindering emission reduction goals:

  • Cheating by manufacturers (e.g., defeat devices)
  • Tampering by vehicle owners
  • Malfunctioning emission controls
  • Inadequate in-service emission testing programs

Drawing from 228 sources, the study stresses the importance of robust and modernized in-service testing (such as Periodic Test and Repair programs), targeted detection of high emitters, and the enforcement of regulations that minimize manipulation and ensure real-world compliance. Among its findings:

  • Emission control deactivation (especially in diesel vehicles) can increase pollutants by factors of 3 to 100.
  • A small percentage of vehicles causes a disproportionate amount of excess pollution.
  • Periodic Test and Repair (PTR) programs can reduce fleet-wide emissions by up to 15%, but effectiveness varies greatly depending on design and enforcement.

This article calls for updated regulatory approaches, better emission monitoring tools (e.g., remote sensing), and enhanced inspection protocols to prevent tampering and uphold air quality standards - aligning strongly with CITA’s mission to ensure road safety and environmental integrity through effective vehicle inspection systems.

Sustainability is an international, open-access journal published semimonthly by MDPI, a pioneer in scholarly publishing based in Switzerland.

For professionals, regulators, and stakeholders involved in emissions control and vehicle inspection, this publication offers valuable insights into future challenges and opportunities.

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11Jun

CITA Highlights Safety in a Changing Vehicle Landscape

On 10 June 2025, CITA hosted an exclusive high-level conference under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Themed “The Roadworthiness Package and the Challenge of Coping with Vehicle Technology,” the event brought together EU policymakers, technical experts, and automotive industry leaders to address how PTI can remain relevant in an era of rapid technological transformation.

Held in Brussels, the conference emphasized the urgent need to adapt regulatory frameworks and inspection methods to ensure continued vehicle safety and environmental compliance, especially with the proliferation of electric vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and complex on-board electronics.

Opening Remarks
The conference opened with a compelling speech by Gerhard Müller, President of CITA, who underlined the critical role of PTI in guaranteeing road safety amid the growing digitalization and automation of vehicles. He highlighted the shared responsibility of institutions, manufacturers, and inspection bodies in maintaining vehicle compliance throughout its life cycle.

Stanisław Bukowiec, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Poland, reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to advancing road safety in Europe and praised the cooperation between national governments and international organizations such as CITA.

Expert Presentations
The technical session began with four in-depth presentations:

  • PTI in Poland – Dr. Łukasz Mórawski (ITS)
    Dr. Mórawski presented a comprehensive overview of the Polish PTI framework, covering inspection procedures, vehicle inspector qualifications, the role of CEPiK (Poland’s vehicle and driver registry), and digital tools like mObywatel 2.0. He emphasized the decentralized yet rigorously supervised nature of Polish inspections, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and data integration.
  • Challenges of Individual Used Vehicle Imports – Tobiasz Mościcki (ITS)
    Mr. Mościcki examined the difficulties faced during the registration of used vehicles imported from other EU countries due to inconsistent documentation and classification. He advocated for harmonized EU standards and legal clarity for vehicle inspectors, underlining the gap between the ambitions of the Roadworthiness Package and practical realities.
  • IT Solutions for PTI Centers – Aleksander Ćwiszewski (UNIMETAL Sp. z o.o.)
    Mr. Ćwiszewski showcased advanced digital tools that streamline operations at PTI centers. His presentation featured integrated inspection systems, data encryption protocols, automated calibration tools, and iSKP—a Polish IT platform ensuring seamless data exchange with governmental systems like CEPiK. These innovations promise increased efficiency, transparency, and legal compliance.
  • The Inspection of ADAS Systems – Olivier Pletinckx (CITA)
    Mr. Pletinckx introduced the current work of the CITA ADAS Task Force, presenting multiple technical concepts for assessing ADAS performance during PTI without needing direct access to vehicle ECUs. Concepts ranged from static inspection methods (GTÜ, DEKRA) to dynamic scenario-based approaches (FSD, KÜS, MAHA, DÜRR-KOTSA). Each model was assessed on feasibility, cost, test time, and integration potential—emphasizing the need for standardization and statistical validation.

An engaging debate session followed, with participation from representatives of the Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Producers (SDCM). The discussion centered on legislative harmonization, data access, and future-proofing PTI methods.

CITA President Gerhard Müller concluded the event by reiterating the need for coordinated EU action to ensure that vehicle inspections evolve alongside technology. He expressed appreciation for the Polish Presidency’s support and encouraged further research and cooperation across borders.

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04Jun

CITA Workshop in Tokyo: New Technologies in Vehicle Inspection

On 28 May 2025, the CITA community gathered in Tokyo, Japan, for a high-level workshop focused on New Technologies and Vehicle Inspection. The event was hosted by the Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC) in conjunction with the 39th meeting of the Informal Working Group on Periodical Technical Inspection (IWG on PTI), under the auspices of UNECE.

Adapting Vehicle Inspection to Technological Advancements

As vehicle technologies continue evolving toward greater automation and connectivity, the workshop provided a timely platform to address how these advancements impact roadworthiness and inspection regimes worldwide. Discussions emphasized the growing need to ensure vehicle performance remains reliable throughout a vehicle’s life cycle—even as vehicles are increasingly operated across borders and under diverse regulatory frameworks.

CITA Executive Director Eduard Fernández moderated the session, guiding a series of insightful presentations that drew from both global perspectives and national experiences.

Key Highlights from the Agenda:

  • Mr. Takizawa Fumiya (NALTEC) opened with an overview of Japan’s regulatory approach to automotive safety and its response to advanced technologies.
  • Mr. François Guichard (UNECE) presented the vision of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), emphasizing the global dimension of vehicle compliance.
  • Experts from KOTSA (Korea Transportation Safety Authority) shared recent developments in Korea:
    • Mr. Sang Woong Park discussed cross-border cooperation with Mongolia.
    • Mr. Ki Seong Noh outlined updates to Korea’s PTI system.
    • Mr. Yong Kook Kim presented on diagnostic tool development for vehicle inspection.
  • Mr. Alejandro Checa (CITA Technical Director) explored the limitations of on-board diagnostics and the need for comprehensive risk analysis to support effective inspection practices.
  • Mrs. Melissa Archer (UNECE) concluded with updates on the SCUV project and SCUNV Informal Working Group activities, offering insights into future directions for used vehicle regulation.

The following day, participants had the opportunity to visit a state-of-the-art inspection facility, hosted by CITA member NALTEC, to witness firsthand how Japan integrates technology into PTI practices.

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30May

CITA NewsRelease – May 2025

We are pleased to announce that the May 2025 edition of the CITA NewsRelease is now available for download.

This edition includes updates on the 24th CITA General Assembly and International Conference in Istanbul, our views on the EC’s Industrial Action Plan, summaries of key events such as the “Future of Mobility” at the European Parliament, recent and upcoming CITA webinars, regional conferences, and much more.

You will also find news on our newest members and contributions from across the CITA community.

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23May

2025 EReg and EUCARIS Annual Meetings & Conference

From 19 to 22 May 2025, CITA was honored to participate in the joint Annual Meetings and Conference of EReg (Association of European Vehicle and Driver Registration Authorities) and EUCARIS (European Car and Driving Licence Information System), held in the city of Split, Croatia. This significant event brought together representatives from vehicle and driving licence registration authorities, IT systems experts, transport safety organizations, and mobility policy leaders from across Europe.

The four-day conference was a vibrant platform for presentations, discussions, knowledge exchange, and social networking, fostering collaboration and insight-sharing across borders. Hosted within the frameworks of EReg and EUCARIS—two critical networks focused on the effective exchange of vehicle and driver data—the event showcased innovative projects, regulatory developments, and strategic cooperation on mobility and transport safety.

On the final day of the event, CITA President Gerhard Müller delivered a presentation entitled: "Data to keep vehicles safe and clean: the sovereign cases of roadside and periodical inspection." In his address, Mr. Müller emphasized the vital role of trusted, sovereign data in supporting the efficiency and integrity of both roadside inspections and periodic vehicle inspections. He highlighted how properly governed data can reinforce efforts to maintain high levels of vehicle safety, environmental compliance, and cross-border collaboration.

His presentation aligned perfectly with the broader goals of EReg and EUCARIS—to improve public services and road safety through international cooperation, and to ensure that data exchange serves public interest in a secure, effective, and privacy-conscious way.

CITA’s active participation in this event reaffirms its commitment to international partnerships and policy dialogue. As the global voice for organizations involved in vehicle compliance and inspection, CITA continues to work closely with networks like EReg and EUCARIS to advance shared objectives in the fields of vehicle regulation, data interoperability, and road safety enforcement.

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19May

CITA 24th GA : New Members and Leadership Renewed

On 6 May 2025, within the prestigious framework of the CITA International Conference hosted by TÜV TÜRK, the 24th General Assembly of CITA took place in Istanbul. The event marked an important milestone in the association's continued mission to improve road safety and environmental protection through vehicle compliance.

New Members Join the CITA Community
A highlight of the Assembly was the formal admission of new CITA members, reflecting the organization's expanding global reach and influence. The following organizations were officially welcomed into the CITA family (listed in alphabetical order):

  • AUTOTEST GROUP EODD
  • AVILOO
  • CAPATEST
  • CONTROLAUTO
  • DKT
  • EMIRATES GENERAL TRANSPORT AND SERVICE COMPANY
  • Færdselsstyrelsen
  • KNESTEL
  • INSTITUTO DA MOBILIDADE E DOS TRANSPORTES
  • MASVIK
  • PINJA
  • ROHDE AND SCHWARZ
  • SCALE MT
  • VTEQ ( upgraded membership category in Full Corporate Member)
  • ZEMIC

Changes in the CITA Bureau Permanent
Significant updates were made to the CITA Bureau Permanent (BP), the executive body of the organization. Two new members were elected:

  • Mr. Marian Rybiansky, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of TESTEK a.s., and Chairman of the CITA Task Force on Brakes
  • Mr. Jungsoo Park, Deputy General Manager at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority

Additionally, Mr. Marcin Barankiewicz was elected by the corporate members as the new Corporate Member Representative in the CITA Bureau Permanent. Mr. George Petelet was reconfirmed as the Corporate Member Deputy Representative.

Marian Rybiansky
Jungsoo Park
Marcin Barankiewicz

The Assembly also marked a leadership transition, as Mr. Lothar Geilen, a valued CITA Board member since 2013 and Vice President Treasurer since 2017, stepped down due to retirement. CITA expressed its deep gratitude for his years of dedicated service.

Taking up the role of CITA Vice President Treasurer is Mrs. Ferose Oaten, reaffirming her commitment and leadership within the organization.

Composition of the New CITA Bureau Permanent
The new composition of the CITA Bureau Permanent following the 24th General Assembly is as follows:

  • Gerhard Müller – CITA President
  • Aitor Retes – CITA Vice President General Secretary
  • Ferose Oaten – CITA Vice President Treasurer (re-elected)
  • Pascal Buekenhoudt – CITA Vice President Technical Affairs (re-elected)
  • Geert Konings
  • Christoph Nolte (re-elected)
  • Jungsoo Park
  • Marian Rybiansky
  • Jorge Soriano (re-elected)
  • Teemu Toivanen – Public Member Representative
New CITA Bureau Permanent

CITA Activity Reports Presented
During the General Assembly, members also had the opportunity to review and discuss several reports highlighting CITA’s recent activities, strategic initiatives, and technical developments. These presentations, made by leaders of CITA RAGs and Topic Areas, underscored the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the vehicle compliance and road safety sectors.

The Assembly reaffirmed CITA’s role as a leading voice in the vehicle compliance sector, with renewed leadership and a growing, diverse membership ready to tackle global mobility challenges.

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14May

CITA Conference 2025: Forging Global Alliances in Istanbul

From May 6–8, 2025, Istanbul welcomed delegates from around the world for the CITA International Conference, hosted with exceptional professionalism and warmth by TÜV TÜRK. This year’s theme, “Forging Global Alliances for Safer Roads and a Greener Future,” framed three days of insightful dialogue, global cooperation, and technical exchange at a pivotal time for the roadworthiness and vehicle compliance community.

The event commenced with the 24th CITA General Assembly, held on May 6, where CITA President Gerhard Müller opened the proceedings by warmly welcoming CITA members and global delegates.

He highlighted the critical need for continued action toward road safety and vehicle environmental compliance, especially as the world approaches the mid-term mark of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030. In his words, “We must continue to emphasize the role of vehicle compliance to make our roads safer and cleaner”.

A focused article on the Assembly will follow.

The opening of the international conference on May 7 featured a high-level Plenary Session 1 with welcoming addresses by:

  • Gerhard Müller, CITA President
  • Kemal Ören, CEO of TÜV TÜRK
  • Patrick Fruth, CEO of TÜV SÜD Division Mobility
  • Murat Baştor, General Manager, Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure​

Their collective messages emphasized international collaboration, regulatory consistency, and the role of innovation in transforming mobility for safety and sustainability.

President Müller extended heartfelt thanks to the host TÜV TÜRK, particularly COO Koray Özcan, whose contributions were instrumental. Gratitude was also extended to the sponsors: Diamond sponsor COSBER, Silver sponsors MAHA and DEKRA, and event supporters VTEQ and Midtronics.

Following the opening plenary, Plenary Sessions 2 and 3 explored the Turkish PTI success story and featured impactful keynote speeches.

Experts such as Peter Szatmari (EU Commission DG MOVE), Richard Damm (KBA), Walter Nissler (BMK), and Spiros Voyadzis (PFD) discussed the evolving legislative landscape, technology’s role in inspections, and international cooperation on used vehicles​.

Plenary Session 4, held on the afternoon of May 7, focused on the theme "How PTI is Perceived?" and was structured as a dynamic panel discussion. The session, framed by Eduard Fernández - CITA Executive Director, saw Mervyn Edwards (TRL) presenting the relationship between vehicle defects identified in periodic inspections and those found in collision analyses. Session's panelists included Guillermo Magaz (AECA-ITV), Richard Goebelt (TÜV-Verband), and Mervyn Edwards (TRL), who provided a range of perspectives on public perception, data reliability, and regulatory approaches.

Throughout the conference, attendees also engaged in focused split sessions on:

  • Vehicle compliance in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) - Leaded by: Ferose Oaten, AVTS
  • New technologies and data management - Leaded by: Fred Blüthner, FSD
  • Environmental protection - Leaded by: Thomas Ost, DEKRA
  • Inspection procedures and methods - Leaded by: Olivier Pletinckx, CITA
  • Electric powertrains - Leaded by: Víctor Salvachúa, APPLUS ITEUVE
  • Decarbonization - Leaded by: Eduard Fernández, CITA
  • Vehicle approval - Leaded by: Alejandro Checa, CITA

These sessions facilitated cross-border learning and highlighted CITA’s vital role as a global platform for advancing vehicle inspection standards.

On the final day, Plenary Session 5 brought the conference to a close with a summary of the key outcomes from all technical split sessions. This comprehensive wrap-up, followed by closing remarks from President Gerhard Müller, who praised the collaborative spirit and reaffirmed CITA’s commitment to independent, fair, and modern vehicle inspections.

He noted, “We are not only a fraction of the solution, but more than that, we are a precondition” for safer roads and cleaner air​.

He once again extended sincere appreciation to TÜV TÜRK, the event sponsors, the speakers, and the CITA office team, recognizing their indispensable role in the success of the event.

As CITA continues to expand its impact, the 2025 Conference in Istanbul stood as a powerful reminder of the importance of international cooperation, innovation, and commitment in creating safer and more sustainable transport systems worldwide.

We thank all who joined us in Istanbul and look forward to our continued work together.

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30Apr

A new CITA member: DKT

DKT is the vehicle identification and registration specialist! DKT is a manufacturer of vehicle license plates and vehicle identification systems.

DKT is focusing on smart electronic vehicle ID solutions with RFID/NFC technology along with ALPR Camera systems for smart PTI enforcement.

A further business field is vehicle data management and registration software.

Please visit their website

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24Apr

“SoH: Why Are We Still Talking About Battery Standards?”

On April 23, 2025, CITA hosted a members-only webinar exploring a crucial and timely topic in the evolution of electric mobility: the state of health (SoH) of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the pressing need for standardized, independent assessments. The session brought together leading experts to unpack the technical, regulatory, and societal implications of battery SoH evaluation—an increasingly vital component in ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable e-mobility.

The webinar featured insightful presentations by:

  • Martin Dillinger, Expert Alternative Drivetrains, TÜV Rheinland
  • Manuel Hagemann, Technical Expert, TÜV NORD
  • Markus Gregor, Technical Expert EV Battery, TÜV SÜD
  • Robin Zalwert, Head of Sustainable Mobility, TÜV-Verband

Each speaker offered a unique perspective on the evolving standards and methods for independently assessing battery health, setting the stage for an engaging discussion and Q&A session.

As highlighted throughout the webinar, the lack of harmonized standards for battery SoH remains a critical barrier to building trust in second-hand EV markets and ensuring the effectiveness of periodic technical inspections. Attendees were reminded of a compelling statistic from the TÜV Mobility Study 2024: 62% of car owners would trust battery condition assessments only if conducted by independent testing organizations.

The webinar underscored the complexity of evaluating SoH, especially given the discrepancies between OEM-specific readouts and independent testing. Presentations showcased how software updates, usage patterns, and manufacturer-defined metrics can obscure true battery condition, reinforcing the necessity for neutral, transparent assessment protocols.

The program offered a comprehensive overview, including:

  • Objectives and implications of the German SoH-Merkblatt (MB FZMO 767:2024) – a technical guideline supporting independent SoH determination, emphasizing reproducibility, neutrality, and quality assurance.
  • Differences between OEM-based and third-party SoH evaluations, highlighting the challenges of trust, data access, and result comparability.
  • Evaluation criteria for neutrality and independence, advocating for standardized methodologies and legally safeguarded data access.
  • Updates on GTR 22 – the upcoming Global Technical Regulation establishing durability benchmarks and minimum performance requirements for battery energy and range, pivotal for EURO 7 implementation.

Participants left with a clear message: independent, standardized SoH assessments are not just a technical necessity—they are the cornerstone of sustainable, transparent, and circular EV markets.

CITA extends its thanks to all presenters and participants, and looks forward to continuing the conversation on advancing battery health standards and best practices.

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23Apr

CITA Participates in AECA-ITV’s Event to Promote Safer Urban Mobility

Madrid, Spain – April 21, 2025. CITA was proud to participate in the AECA-ITV event titled “Los VMP en el entorno urbano: regulación para una convivencia segura,” held in Madrid on April 21, 2025. Organized by AECA-ITV, this event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the safety and regulation of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), including electric scooters, in urban environments.

Representing CITA, Mr. Eduard Fernández, Executive Director, took part in this important exchange of ideas around vehicle safety, sustainable mobility, and the importance of developing consistent technical inspection procedures for PMVs.

At the heart of the event was the presentation of CONVIVE - Control Visual e Inspección del Vehículo de Movilidad Personal - a new proposal by AECA-ITV aimed at establishing regular technical inspections for PMVs. The proposed inspection system focuses on ensuring safe speeds, effective braking systems, and the proper condition of batteries and wiring, with the ultimate goal of reducing accidents and enhancing public safety.

Mr. Fernández expressed CITA’s full support for initiatives like CONVIVE that prioritize evidence-based approaches to road safety. He emphasized the need for collaboration between international bodies, local governments, and technical experts to build mobility systems that are both safe and sustainable.

CITA commends AECA-ITV for leading this vital conversation and looks forward to further cooperation in promoting technical inspection systems that adapt to the evolving landscape of urban mobility.

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