31. The Chair of the informal group on Retrofit Emissions Control devices (REC) reported on the progress made by the group (GRPE-63-29). He reported on solved and on outstanding issues. He addressed the need to deal with different stringency levels in the UN Regulation under preparation. He mentioned that this could be solved by drafting the original version of the UN Regulation and, in parallel, a first series of amendments. This approach would be in line with article 12 of the 1958 agreement. Referring to outstanding issues, he noted that it would be difficult to fulfil the task in the original timeframe and requested an extension of the mandate for another two years.
32. GRPE noted the work progress of the REC informal group. The Chair announced his intention to seek WP.29 consent for an extension of the mandate for another 2 years. GRPE endorsed the proposal to draft the UN Regulation and, in parallel, a first series of amendments. GRPE also agreed that the group should meet in conjunction with its session in June 2012.
The chairman presented his draft progress report for GRPE. He will report that the draft Regulation covers the majority of the issues to be dealt with. Some significant issues still have to be solved in detail, but the direction of the solution is within reach. After today’s decisions a further draft Regulation will be prepared.
It is agreed that retrofit systems shall not interfere with the operation of the original engine and its OEM aftertreatment system. Due to the new solution for the general approach, the provisions on NO2 will have to be re-discussed. Most participants agree on a PN requirement for high efficiency DPFs and this will be including with provisions on secondary emissions, for which an approach has been agreed. The approach for test cycles has been agreed.
The approach agreed at today’s meeting is described in the presentation. This involves starting with only the lower stringency levels and then introducing an 01 series of amendments as soon as possible. Contracting parties may choose to subscribe to only the 01 series of amendments. Other outstanding issues are NOx reagent control and OBD provisions.
The presentation reviews the meetings held and defines the role of the editorial group (UK, CH, NL, D & AECC) as being to implement in the draft Regulation the outcome of discussions in the informal group and comments on the draft text from informal group members, and to identify issues for discussion in the informal group.
The REC group asks GRPE for an extension of its mandate by two years as a result of the time-consuming but necessary discussions on the general approach and other outstanding discussions. It is intended to nevertheless complete the Regulation as soon as possible – it not intended that the full 2 years should be taken. It was agreed that it needs to be clarified whether the existing mandate would allow drafting of the 01 series of amendments.
Schulte proposed that once the extension of the mandate is agreed, an internal time plan (with drafting responsibilities) should be prepared. The group agreed to this proposal. The secretary noted that GRPE should also be asked for a ½ day meeting at the next session. It was agreed that the chairman and Eberhardt would refine the wording of the presentation to GRPE.