24. The expert from AAPC recalled GRBP-77-23 from the previous GRBP session and presented GRBP-78-33 with modifications to the rolling resistance values for LT-marked tyres. According to him, for reasons of safety and durability, some heavy-duty pickup trucks in a specific geographical region require LT-marked C3 tyres with performance characteristics suited to their use in rough terrains and for industrial/agricultural purposes which result in rolling resistance values higher than specified for C3 tyres in general. Therefore, he proposed to make an exception for such LT-marked C3 tyres in the rolling resistance tables.

25. The experts from France, ETRTO and OICA pointed out the need to study the proposal in more detail. Some experts feared that the requested exception for one region may have global implications. GRBP invited AAPC to liaise with the interested experts with a view to bringing more elements into consideration at the next session.

25. The expert from the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) briefly introduced GRBP-77-23 and requested that time be allocated for discussion at the next session. He pointed out that several Middle Eastern countries outside the 1958 Agreement implement national and regional requirements based on UN Regulation No. 117. In the region, specialized pickup trucks are used in oil fields, mining, agriculture, forestry and other rough terrains for heavy tasks. According to the expert, for safety and durability reasons, these vehicles require suitable tyres where the vehicle mass and tyre combinations do not permit compliance with the rolling resistance limits of UN Regulation No. 117. GRBP invited GRBP experts to provide feedback and agreed to address this issue in detail at the next session.