1. The Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) held its first session from 25 to 28 September 2018 in Geneva. Experts from the following countries participated in the work, following Rule 1 of the Rules of Procedure of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1): Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russian Federation, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) and the United States of America. An expert from the European Commission (EC) also participated. Experts from the following non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations participated: the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), European Association for Electric Mobility (AVERE), Bureau International Permanent des Associations de Vendeurs et Rechappeurs de Pneu (BIPAVER), International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA), European Garage Equipment Association (EGEA), European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO), Federation of European Manufacturers of Friction Materials (FEMFM), Fédération International de l’Automobile (FIA), International Automotive Lighting and Light-Signalling Expert Group (GTB), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Road Union (IRU), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA).

2. The first session of GRVA was opened by the GRVA Secretary. The Secretary of WP.29 informed GRVA about the Inland Transport Committee request (ECE/TRANS/274, para. 52) and about the decisions of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1139, para. 33) on the Working Party on Brakes and Running Gear and GRVA. The secretariat invited the experts of GRVA to elect a Chair for the first session of GRVA. The expert from the United States of America requested the strict application of Rule 37 of the Rules of Procedures and to proceed with the vote at the end of the week. The Secretary asked whether he should chair until the end of the session, until the election takes place, or whether GRVA should choose a Chair. GRVA decided that the first GRVA session shall be chaired by Mr. B. Frost (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).