12. The expert from the Netherlands presented a study (GRB-62-09 and Add.1) on noise emission from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tyres of a specific size which were found to be around 1 dB(A) lower than the one from replacement tyres of the same size. The expert, thus, proposed to further reduce the limit values for OEM tyres in the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-11 and Add.1).

13. The expert from Switzerland expressed his support for the general direction of the Dutch proposal. The experts from Germany and EC were of the view that, at this stage, it would be premature to tighten the tyre noise limits of Regulation No. 117. The expert from France called for a holistic approach to this issue. The experts from ETRTO and OICA expressed doubts about the representativeness of the tyre sample used in the Dutch study. The expert from ETRTO also delivered comments on the proposal for amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-17). Finally, GRB invited all experts to further study the Dutch proposal and decided to revert to this issue at the next session.

12. The expert from the Netherlands presented a study (GRB-62-09 and Add.1) on noise emission from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tyres of a specific size which were found to be around 1 dB(A) lower than the one from replacement tyres of the same size. The expert, thus, proposed to further reduce the limit values for OEM tyres in the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-11 and Add.1).

13. The expert from Switzerland expressed his support for the general direction of the Dutch proposal. The experts from Germany and EC were of the view that, at this stage, it would be premature to tighten the tyre noise limits of Regulation No. 117. The expert from France called for a holistic approach to this issue. The experts from ETRTO and OICA expressed doubts about the representativeness of the tyre sample used in the Dutch study. The expert from ETRTO also delivered comments on the proposal for amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-17). Finally, GRB invited all experts to further study the Dutch proposal and decided to revert to this issue at the next session.

10. The expert from the Netherlands presented several videos demonstrating tyre-rolling noise from trucks on a quiet road surface and recalled his proposal to reduce the limit values for tyres in Regulation No. 117. The expert from EC pointed out that, at this stage, EC could not express any opinion on this proposal and that internal discussions among EU member States should first be planned and held on the issue. The expert from the Netherlands informed GRB that his country had already sent a proposal to this extent to EC and the European Parliament.

10. The expert from the Netherlands presented several videos demonstrating tyre-rolling noise from trucks on a quiet road surface and recalled his proposal to reduce the limit values for tyres in Regulation No. 117. The expert from EC pointed out that, at this stage, EC could not express any opinion on this proposal and that internal discussions among EU member States should first be planned and held on the issue. The expert from the Netherlands informed GRB that his country had already sent a proposal to this extent to EC and the European Parliament.

12. The expert from the Netherlands recalled their earlier study on tyre performance (GRB-62-11 and Add.1) and presented the outcome of a new study on this subject. In addition to tyre noise, the new study addressed rolling resistance and wet grip for tyres sold in 2013-2016 in the Netherlands. According to the expert, the results had demonstrated a consistent trend for better performance in all aspects and tyre classes. Therefore, he proposed to tighten the limit values in the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-11-Rev.1 and Add.1).

13. The expert from ETRTO made a reservation about the sampling of tyres in the Dutch study and drew the attention of GRB to the fact that the limit values in the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 had been introduced only in 2012 and that the transitional periods to comply with these limits were still ongoing. The expert from the Russian Federation argued in favour of setting new target values well in advance, in order to give the industry sufficient time to prepare for their introduction. The experts from Germany and OICA recalled the past experience in noise Regulations and pointed out that only tightening the tyre noise limits would not necessarily improve the real situation on the streets. The Chair shared their views and called for a more holistic approach prior to taking a decision.

14. GRB noted that the same proposals had been raised by the Netherlands at the EU level and that internal EU discussions were under way. GRB was of the view that the Working Party on Braking and Running Gear (GRRF), which also deals with Regulation No. 117, should be informed about the Dutch proposals. The expert from the Netherlands expressed his willingness to present the issue to GRRF. Finally, GRB agreed to revert to this subject at one of its future session, based on GRRF and EU deliberations.

12. The expert from the Netherlands recalled their earlier study on tyre performance (GRB-62-11 and Add.1) and presented the outcome of a new study on this subject. In addition to tyre noise, the new study addressed rolling resistance and wet grip for tyres sold in 2013-2016 in the Netherlands. According to the expert, the results had demonstrated a consistent trend for better performance in all aspects and tyre classes. Therefore, he proposed to tighten the limit values in the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-11-Rev.1 and Add.1).

13. The expert from ETRTO made a reservation about the sampling of tyres in the Dutch study and drew the attention of GRB to the fact that the limit values in the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 had been introduced only in 2012 and that the transitional periods to comply with these limits were still ongoing. The expert from the Russian Federation argued in favour of setting new target values well in advance, in order to give the industry sufficient time to prepare for their introduction. The experts from Germany and OICA recalled the past experience in noise Regulations and pointed out that only tightening the tyre noise limits would not necessarily improve the real situation on the streets. The Chair shared their views and called for a more holistic approach prior to taking a decision.

14. GRB noted that the same proposals had been raised by the Netherlands at the EU level and that internal EU discussions were under way. GRB was of the view that the Working Party on Braking and Running Gear (GRRF), which also deals with Regulation No. 117, should be informed about the Dutch proposals. The expert from the Netherlands expressed his willingness to present the issue to GRRF. Finally, GRB agreed to revert to this subject at one of its future session, based on GRRF and EU deliberations.

15. The expert from the Netherlands provided an overview of their research projects on tyres and proposed a two-stage tightening of the tyre limits for the rolling resistance coefficient, wet grip index and rolling sound emissions (GRB-66-01 and Add.1, GRB-66-03). He also highlighted the importance of keeping the correct tyre pressure for fuel efficiency and pointed out shortcomings of the EU system for labelling tyres.

16. The expert from ETRTO was of the view that the selections of tyres in the Dutch studies was not representative enough for the European market and volunteered to submit to the next GRB session a more comprehensive analysis. The expert from OICA supported the ETRTO view and proposal. He further introduced the results of a recent study of C1 summer tyres (GRB-66-22) according to which no tyre was performing equally well in rolling sound and handling. The expert from Germany acknowledged the progress achieved in rolling sound and pointed out the need to find a compromise for the three tyre parameters in question. He also agreed that the tyre labelling system would need to be improved.

17. The Chair was of the view that amending the limit values in Regulation No. 117 would first require a general agreement of all stakeholders, including the Working Party on Brakes and Running Gear (GRRF). Finally, GRB decided to continue the discussion at the next session.

15. The expert from ETRTO assessed the latest proposals from the Netherlands for stricter tyre noise limits, as presented at the sixty-sixth session of GRB (GRB-67-08). He pointed out some limitations in the data subset used in the Dutch study and questioned the methodology used to derive the new proposed limits from the data subset. The expert from the Netherlands replied to the ETRTO comments (GRB-67-18).

16. The experts from Germany and OICA pointed out that the Dutch study had been based on tyre labels which might be incorrect. The expert from the Russian Federation drew the attention of GRB to the need for a holistic approach to the tyre rolling noise in the system “tyre/road surface”. The Chair noted two different approaches for tyre selection by the Netherlands and ETRTO: the Dutch study focused on the most popular tyres of several brands covering about 90 per cent of the market, while ETRTO was concerned about a much wider selection of brands to ensure market choice.

17. GRB invited the Netherlands, ETRTO and other stakeholders to work together with the aim to undertake a holistic study of tyres on the market. Finally, GRB agreed to resume the discussion at the next session.

15. The expert from ETRTO assessed the latest proposals from the Netherlands for stricter tyre noise limits, as presented at the sixty-sixth session of GRB (GRB-67-08). He pointed out some limitations in the data subset used in the Dutch study and questioned the methodology used to derive the new proposed limits from the data subset. The expert from the Netherlands replied to the ETRTO comments (GRB-67-18).

16. The experts from Germany and OICA pointed out that the Dutch study had been based on tyre labels which might be incorrect. The expert from the Russian Federation drew the attention of GRB to the need for a holistic approach to the tyre rolling noise in the system “tyre/road surface”. The Chair noted two different approaches for tyre selection by the Netherlands and ETRTO: the Dutch study focused on the most popular tyres of several brands covering about 90 per cent of the market, while ETRTO was concerned about a much wider selection of brands to ensure market choice.

17. GRB invited the Netherlands, ETRTO and other stakeholders to work together with the aim to undertake a holistic study of tyres on the market. Finally, GRB agreed to resume the discussion at the next session.

11. The expert from the Netherlands recalled his earlier proposals on strengthening the tyre noise limits and reported on new developments in this field (GRB-68-27), including a proposal for the new European Regulation on General Safety. Finally, he sought consent of GRB for transforming GRB-66-03, which had proposed stricter noise limits, into a working document for the next session of GRB. The experts of Norway and CAETS generally supported the idea of reducing noise limits in UN Regulation No. 117. The expert of ETRTO recalled their comments presented at the previous session (GRB-67-08). The expert from EC pointed out that the proposal for the new European Regulation was still under discussion. For this reason, the Chair felt that it would be premature to submit an official document with the new tyres limits to the next session.

11. The expert from the Netherlands recalled his earlier proposals on strengthening the tyre noise limits and reported on new developments in this field (GRB-68-27), including a proposal for the new European Regulation on General Safety. Finally, he sought consent of GRB for transforming GRB-66-03, which had proposed stricter noise limits, into a working document for the next session of GRB. The experts of Norway and CAETS generally supported the idea of reducing noise limits in UN Regulation No. 117. The expert of ETRTO recalled their comments presented at the previous session (GRB-67-08). The expert from EC pointed out that the proposal for the new European Regulation was still under discussion. For this reason, the Chair felt that it would be premature to submit an official document with the new tyres limits to the next session.