16. The experts from Germany and TF AVSR tabled a proposal for vehicles that may be operated by driver support features, automated driving features or by an Automated Driving System (ADS) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2022/14 and GRE-87-11). Having delivered remarks on the proposal and in view of ongoing activities in other Working Parties (GRs), in particular the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) guidance on screening UN Regulations (GRVA-14-54/Rev.1), GRE agreed to revert to this issue at the next session.
30. The representative of France, Co-Chair of the Task Force (TF) on the Fitness for ADS of GRVA Regulations and Global Technical Regulations (FADS), presented the status report of the Group (GRVA-17-29). He detailed the context and the purpose of the work done, he introduced the final report of the first phase of activities, (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2023/18). He detailed the proposed next phases for the group.
31. The representative of Japan inquired why the group proposed to start amending UN Regulations Nos. 13, 13-H and 79 for dual mode vehicles, as it had not been needed for ALKS.
32. The representative of the United States of America recalled that the purpose of the group, in its first phase, was to identify the obstacles in UN Global Technical Regulations (GTRs) and UN Regulations for ADS and that the purpose of the second phase would be to remove these obstacles. He recalled that the IWG on FRAV did not provide a definition for dual mode vehicles.
33. The representative of ITU clarified that dual modes vehicles were vehicles with the possibility for Transition of Control (ToC).
34. The representative of France mentioned that vehicles equipped with an Automated Valet Parking feature would also be understood as dual mode vehicles.
35. The representatives of Canada and the United States of America cautioned on the use of the term dual mode.
36. GRVA recalled that the term was used in the guidance provided in informal document GRVA-14-54/Rev.1 when these activities were initiated, but was indeed not part of the guidelines and regulations under the scope of GRVA.
37. GRVA agreed that the TF on FADS would prioritize its activities by reviewing UN Regulations Nos. 13-H, 13 and 79, focusing on vehicles equipped both with an ADS and normal equipment for manual driving.
38. GRVA endorsed the report of the group (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2023/18).
54. The expert from France introduced GRVA-14-36, informing GRVA on the work done by the Task Force (TF) on the fitness of GRVA UN Regulations and UN GTRs for ADS. He thanked the expert from China for the collaboration on this topic. The expert from the Netherlands presented GRVA-14-41, reporting on the GRSG activities on this topic and asking for guidance to GRVA. The expert from Germany informed on the GRSP activities on this topic.
55. GRVA discussed GRVA-14-54, prepared by the Secretary on the basis of input received, and proposing guidance to the GRs dealing with the screening of UN Regulations and UN GTRs. The proposal received comments from the experts from China, France (GRVA-14-53), Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the Russian Federation as well as from OICA (GRVA-14-56). GRVA confirmed that ALKS was not in the scope of this screening. GRVA endorsed GRVA-14-54/Rev.1 with guidance for the experts from all GRs, involved in these activities. GRVA requested the Chair to inform AC.2 about this coordination between the GRs.
102. The Co-Chair of the GRVA’s Task force on The Fitness for Automated Driving Systems of UN Regulations and UN GTRs (FADS), representative from France, introduced GRPE-87-34. The Chair highlighted the need to create a dedicated task force within GRPE to initiate this extensive and needed activity. The representative from OICA showed support to the creation of a dedicated task force but asked key questions on the future on emissions testing and ADS, such as if there would be still internal combustion engines in the future or if emission tests would still be carried on dynamometer for vehicles fitted with ADS. He agreed to consult internally on the best way forward and to identify potentially interested people to join such task force.
103. The representative from the Netherlands supported the creation of a task force and agreed to consult internally to identify potentially available resources to help perform this very extensive task. The representative from South Africa, highlighted that some national stakeholders might be interested to be involved in this activity, and agreed to consult internally. The representatives from France and the UK were supportive to create a task force.
104. The representative from the US sought further details on the role and responsibilities of potentially interested parties. The GRVA secretary referred to GRVA-14-54-Rev.1 to provide guidelines for expected activities of the task force.
105. The Chair invited the task force to hold a first kick-off meeting in the same timeline as the next GRPE session in April 2023.