84. The Chair of GRSG informed WP.29 about the outcome of discussions in his Group on AECS. He stated that the main issue in discussions was the need to choose from three possible alternatives: (i) limitation of the scope of the UN Regulation to the vehicle while excluding issues on communication network and data transmission mechanisms, (ii) development of several UN Regulations, each one covering a technology class for a specific region, and (iii) development of a UN Regulation that includes three classes of AECS each covering the technologies used in Japan, the Russian Federation and the European Union regions respectively. He informed WP.29 that GRSG had agreed, in principle, to go forward with option (iii), but to continue discussion on option (i).

85. The representative of OICA presented WP.29-164-31. He stressed the importance of the principle of mutual recognition of type approval of the 1958 Agreement. Therefore, he raised his concern on covering vehicle systems and communication standards in different classes, which would prevent by definition the mutual recognition of type approvals not covering the same classes. He suggested limiting the scope of the Regulation to in-vehicle components and excluding communication technology classes specific to each region at this stage. The representative of CLEPA supported the position of OICA.

86. The representative of EU informed WP.29 about the ongoing discussions in the EU.

87. The representative of the Russian Federation, chairing the IWG on AECS, reported on the progress made by his Group. He stressed the need for Contracting Parties to ensure system’s operability in their different regions. He added that the IWG and GRSG would address this concern and try to prevent unnecessary additional requirements. He concluded that the IWG would prepare a progress report on the views of Contracting Parties for consideration at the next session of WP.29.

88. The representative of Japan raised a strong reservation on the consistency of option (iii) with the scope of the 1958 Agreement.

89. The representative of ITU reiterated his offer of cooperation with the IWG.

90. WP.29 agreed to resume discussions on this subject at its March 2015 session awaiting the outcome of the IWG.