33. GRB was informed that WP.29, at its March and June 2016 sessions, had had a discussion on the performance of automotive systems, in particular the ones relying on software, in conditions other than those tested during the type approval test procedures (WP.29-168-15 and WP.29-169-13). WP.29 had requested its subsidiary Working Parties to give feedback on the issue. GRB invited its experts to provide comments and decided to revert to this matter at the next session.

38. The representative of the United Kingdom informed the World Forum about a discussion that took place at GRRF in the context of IWVTA (WP.29-168-15) and, separately, on the issue of the performance of automotive systems in conditions other than those tested according to the regulated test procedures. He added that there are inherent risks that some systems, especially those relying on software (e.g. TPMS and AEBS) could be designed to work only in the limited conditions corresponding to those tested rather than in all the relevant driving conditions. He sought guidance from WP.29 and concluded by proposing that the new regulation on TPMS systems could serve as a case study to inform future consideration by the working party. The representative of the European Union supported such an approach.

39. WP.29 agreed to refer the document WP.29-168-15 to all GRs to receive feedback and agreed that, in the meantime, GRRF continues to address this matter.

57. The Secretary of GRRF reported to the follow-up to the decision of WP.29 at its March 2016 session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1120, para. 38): (i) discussion of GRRF in the framework of IWVTA (WP.29-168-15), (ii) the performance of automotive systems (e.g. Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems) in conditions other than those tested according to the regulated test procedures. He informed GRSP that some safety systems, especially those relying on software, could possibly be designed to only work in limited conditions corresponding to those tested rather than in all the relevant driving conditions. GRSP did not provide any feedback on this subject and agreed to remove the item from the agenda of the next sessions.

62. Referring to the decision of WP.29 at its March 2016 session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1120, para. 38), the Secretary of GRRF reported on a discussion that took place at GRRF in the context of IWVTA (WP.29-168-15) and on the issue of the performance of automotive systems (e.g. Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems) in conditions other than those tested according to the regulated test procedures. He added that some safety systems, especially those relying on software, could be designed to only work in limited conditions corresponding to those tested rather than in all the relevant driving conditions.

63. GRSG noted the information and agreed on the need to discuss in the Working Parties subsidiary to the World Forum the possible risks of such systems. However, GRSG was of the opinion that type approval authorities should rely on the test provisions of the UN Regulations in force and should not perform a “fishing expedition” during the type approval procedure.

67. The Secretary informed GRRF, as recommended by WP.29, about discussions that took place at WP.29 in March and June 2016 on the performance of automotive systems (especially those relying on software) in conditions other than those tested according to the regulated test procedures. He presented WP.29-168-15 and WP.29-169-13 and highlighted some parts of the documents (a) providing some examples showing the relevance of the question and compelling experts to be vigilant when reviewing, amending or drafting technical regulations, (b) listing existing regulatory instruments available to experts when drafting regulations applicable for such software-based systems.

68. The Chair of GRRF stated the importance of being vigilant to this matter and encouraged experts to keep it in mind when reviewing, amending or drafting technical regulations.