34. The expert from Germany introduced GRSG-126-04, to express support for the proposal from the International Association of the Body and Trailer Building Industry (CLCCR) of assisting driven axles on trailers (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/5). He also informed GRSG about the investigation of the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) in his country on the influence that driven trailers can have on the driving dynamics of combinations compared to non-driven trailers. He added that BASt had concluded that driven trailers did not negatively impact on vehicle safety in certain conditions. Therefore, he stated that these kinds of axles can distribute and use energy storage more efficiently. The experts from CLEPA and OICA supported the CLCCR proposal and expected coordination between the different working groups to introduce type approvals for this new type of trailer. The expert from France supported the proposal and suggested targeting different combinations of these trailers. GRSG agreed to resume discussion on this agenda item at its April 2024 session based on a revised proposal from CLCCR. At the same time, the Chair was requested to report the highlights of the session to the November 2024 session of WP.29 and to seek guidance on a coordinated activity with other working groups.

35. The experts from CLEPA and OICA introduced GRSG-126-39 (GRVA-17-37) introducing consideration on the categorization of automated vehicles. The secretary of the Working Group on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) announced that GRVA was ready to cooperate with GRSG on new categories of vehicles and was seeking the best way to start this activity. He also announced a workshop on this subject before end of the year by the GRVA secretariat. The Chair of GRSG suggested establishing a TF on this subject and the expert from OICA volunteered as TF secretary. At the same time, he suggested a Co-Chair from CPs of the 1998 Agreement since S.R.1 would be amended.