Paris, Tuesday, February 17, 2026: OICA (the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers) today celebrates a double milestone: the 200th session of its Technical Committee and the 70th anniversary of the Committee’s creation.

The Committee was established in 1956 to support the implementation of the forthcoming 1958 Agreement of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

This agreement was formally titled the “Agreement concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be fitted and/or be used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these Prescriptions”.

The 1958 Agreement was built on two key pillars:
• Harmonization of international technical requirements (UN Regulations)
• Reciprocal recognition of type approvals among Contracting Parties

Since then, the OICA Technical Committee has been a cornerstone of international regulatory cooperation for the global automotive industry.

The Technical Committee has structured expert groups and technical workstreams – some of which trace their origins back to OICA’s founding in 1919 – ensuring a rigorous, consistent, and collective industry contribution to major developments in global vehicle regulation.

These activities led not only to the 1958 Agreement, but also to its extended revision and to the more harmonized 1998 global agreement.

At a time of rapid sector transformation – marked by electrification, software defined vehicles, automated driving, and growing cybersecurity demands – regulatory harmonization remains a strategic enabler. It supports safe innovation, reduces market fragmentation, and strengthens consumer trust.

François Roudier, OICA Secretary General, said:“Regulation is the backbone of the auto industry. Behind every visible technological advance there are years of demanding technical cooperation. This 200th session of OICA’s Technical Committee honours all those who, for 70 years, have advanced an international vision of vehicle safety, innovation, and interoperability. It has taken hundreds of thousands of working hours to regulate every component of the vehicle you drive.”

On this occasion, OICA expresses its appreciation to UNECE, to all experts, national member associations, public authorities, and partner organisations whose contributions have shaped this collective effort. OICA reaffirms its commitment to internationally harmonized, pragmatic, and forward looking regulation.

About OICA
Founded in 1919, OICA is the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, bringing together 37 national trade associations from Europe, Americas, Asia and Africa. OICA represents global manufacturers in institutional and regulatory discussions, notably within the United Nations (UNECE/WP.29), and promotes harmonization of technical regulations, road safety, and sustainable mobility worldwide. OICA also coordinates the international calendar of major motor and mobility shows and supports the global exchange of statistical and economic information.

Press contact:
Rumeur Publique – oica@rumeurpublique.fr
Tony Todd – +33 6 37 60 01 09