21/05/2025
New tests and more frequent checks: revisions could soon change
Nicoletta Ferrini
On 24 April, the European Commission presented a proposal for a law that could introduce new rules and procedures in the inspection system.
An annual overhaul for all vehicles, cars but also vans, over ten years old, but also new testing procedures that take into account the current composition of the market with more and more electrically powered vehicles and often equipped with advanced and interconnected devices: these, in short, are the most significant interventions proposed by the European Commission to update the regulations governing the overhaul system in Europe. This was discussed at the 30th edition of Autopromotec - the biennial exhibition dedicated to the automotive aftermarket (Bologna, 21-24 May 2025) during the conference “The future of PTI in Europe”.
A few days after its presentation on 24 April, the measure suggested by the European Commission has not failed to arouse not only interest, but also some perplexity regarding the impact on the activity of revision centres, which would probably be forced to invest in new equipment and would certainly be affected by an increase in workshop traffic. Revision times and costs would also increase for many motorists. Suffice it to say that the average age of cars in Italy in 2024 was almost 13 years (data UNRAE).
But the legislation, as mentioned, would also intervene by adapting the test procedures. In his speech at Autopromotec, Pete Bradley of ASA highlighted the advisability of updating the current regulations dating back to 2014 and of including in this feel test procedures in line with the evolving market scenario. In this sense, Emiliano Pasin of AICA pointed out the opportunity to give attention to electronic safety systems Adas. It also puts the spotlight on emission analysis, as highlighted by Lauretta Rubino of Vert, and suspension testing, which, according to Jordi Brunet of AFIBA, was neglected in the current legislation. Finally, Frank Beaujeaun of ASA outlined the advantages and opportunities of a digitised and interconnected inspection process: simplified procedures, greater interoperability, improved governance and more consistent protection against falsification of vehicle data.
A few days after its presentation on 24 April, the measure suggested by the European Commission has not failed to arouse not only interest, but also some perplexity regarding the impact on the activity of revision centres, which would probably be forced to invest in new equipment and would certainly be affected by an increase in workshop traffic. Revision times and costs would also increase for many motorists. Suffice it to say that the average age of cars in Italy in 2024 was almost 13 years (data UNRAE).
But the legislation, as mentioned, would also intervene by adapting the test procedures. In his speech at Autopromotec, Pete Bradley of ASA highlighted the advisability of updating the current regulations dating back to 2014 and of including in this feel test procedures in line with the evolving market scenario. In this sense, Emiliano Pasin of AICA pointed out the opportunity to give attention to electronic safety systems Adas. It also puts the spotlight on emission analysis, as highlighted by Lauretta Rubino of Vert, and suspension testing, which, according to Jordi Brunet of AFIBA, was neglected in the current legislation. Finally, Frank Beaujeaun of ASA outlined the advantages and opportunities of a digitised and interconnected inspection process: simplified procedures, greater interoperability, improved governance and more consistent protection against falsification of vehicle data.
