7. Japan presented their analysis and proposal for gearshift points based on the driving database (document DHC-09-03). They proposed fixed gearshift points based on vehicle speed and acceleration in the cycle. Mr Steven commented that the conclusion that gearshift point was independent of the number of gear ratios was influenced by the vast majority of the 157 vehicles in the database having 5-speed gearboxes. Mr Haniu noted that the gearshift points for the 4-speed and 6-speed gearboxes were well within the 5-speed gearshift ranges. Mr Steven also noted that the proposed Light Duty Commercial Vehicle gearshift points were at lower speeds than for passenger cars and that this was not representative for higher power to mass ration goods vehicles.

8. Clutch disengagement points on decelerations were based on typical vehicle speeds at 1000rpm in the gear selected, with the remainder of the deceleration being completed with the clutch disengaged.

9. OICA noted that at certain points in the cycle with the proposed gearshift points vehicles were required to accelerate in second gear from very low vehicle speed. This would necessitate slipping the clutch in most cases which would adversely effect repeatability. The vice chair noted that this would be reviewed based on experience in validation 1 and that “troughs” in the cycle trace could be “lopped” (increased to a slightly higher speed) if necessary.

10. It was agreed that alternative gearshift point proposals were welcome and that these could be trialled alongside the Japanese proposal in validation phase 1.

11. Japan proposed that, in the absence of data, first gear should be selected 5 seconds prior to pull-away for consistency with existing test cycles. OICA felt that this was not representative. It was agreed that an alternative proposal would be welcome, but that the 5 second period would be retained until such a proposal had been considered.

12. Mr Ichikawa noted that comments had been received from India on the documents and draft cycle and would be circulated to the group. The vice chair noted India’s comments related in particular to the ability of low power vehicles to follow the cycle, these vehicles may need to be exempted from Medium and High phases, and potentially require an alternative Low speed phase. India also requested that their gear shift data be considered in developing gearshift points (they commented that gearshift behaviour differed in India due to the prevalence of 4-speed gearboxes).