7. The representative of the United States of America, Dr. James C. Owens, Deputy Administrator of NHTSA extended greetings to WP.29 delegates on behalf of the Transportation Secretary of the United States of America, and thanked Director Li for enabling his participation at the session by videoconference.

8. In his address (WP.29-182-20), he highlighted the work of the World Forum, its global reach and the resulting worldwide impact on vehicle and pedestrian safety, emphasizing the unique position of WP.29 to build a coalition around efforts to improve the safety of all road traffic participants by bringing countries together to share their knowledge, their expertise, and their perspectives.

9. The Deputy Administrator stated that automated vehicle technologies hold the promise to help prevent fatal crashes, save lives, and reduce the severity of the crashes that do occur, and that the United States of America is accelerating innovation and facilitating the smooth deployment of automated driving systems (ADS).

10. He highlighted that NHTSA rulemaking processes are based on the principles of sound science, transparency and inclusive and open consultative processes, explaining that NHTSA has yet to issue performance standards for ADS technologies as they are still very new, rapidly evolving and not fully understood – as such unsuitable for being the subject matter of performance standards and regulations.

11. Mr. Owens emphasized that all motor vehicles are subject to an existing standard in the United States as a result of which they cannot create an unreasonable risk to safety. He stressed however that implementing performance standards prematurely on developing technologies may limit their potential to improve safety performance of vehicles and could lead to unexpected negative consequences of their applications.

12. He underlined that performance standards if implemented prematurely will hamper innovation, limit testing in different environments, and ultimately serve as an unwarranted barrier to trade. The auto industry is global in nature and has significant impact everywhere. Promising lifesaving technology should be allowed to develop and reach its potential and should not be constrained by trade barriers.

13. The Deputy Administrator advised WP.29 to consider NHTSAs approach in the development of a globally harmonized technical regulatory framework, concluding by reiterating the commitment of the United States of America to continued collaboration on activities of the World Forum.

14. A question and answer session ensued with questions addressed to the Deputy Administrator by representatives from Germany, Canada and the European Commission.