42. The expert from France, Chair of the IWG on ECRS, introduced the status report of the progress of his group (GRSP-53-22). He informed GRSP that the IWG would finalize a proposal concerning the Phase 2 of the UN Regulation by the December 2013 session of GRSP and introduced a draft proposal for information (GRSP-53-21). He clarified that this phase would: (i) incorporate non-integral CRS (using adult safety-belts), (ii) revision of the test pulse for frontal impact and (iii) review the application of injury criteria related to Q dummies. He finally sought guidance from GRSP for the development of the Phase 3, namely the necessary upgrade of UN Regulation No. 44 and the introduction of transitional provisions to withdraw ISOFIX provisions from this last.

43. The expert from CI expressed his preference for a unique UN Regulation focused on i-size CRS type and to phase out UN Regulation No. 44. The expert from OICA raised concerns on consumer information since the current and future vehicle fleet and its owner manuals would still refer to UN Regulation No. 44. The expert from Germany suggested that a list showing compatibility of current vehicles with i-size CRS would be provided to consumers. Moreover, he added that he was in favor of bringing all provisions in one UN Regulation, otherwise the decision of keeping non-ISOFIX provisions in UN Regulation No. 44 and those ISOFIX in UN Regulation on ECRS would mislead consumer choice. The expert from France stressed that the introduction of the i-size CRS would not degrade safety even in this transition period; on the contrary the use of ECRS in the new car assessment program (NCAP) would be an incentive for manufacturers to adapt vehicles to i-size CRS. Finally, GRSP agreed to resume consideration of the development of Phase 3 at its December 2013 session.