5. Recalling the discussion at the previous GRSG session, the expert from Sweden introduced a revised proposal for the introduction of automatic fire suppression systems in the engine and/or heater compartment of buses and coaches (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6/Rev.1). The expert from OICA raised concerns and presented GRSG-108-45 proposing further improvements to the revised text. The expert from Hungary introduced GRSG-108-10 on statistical information about fires in different categories and classes of buses and coaches.

6. Following a controversial discussion on the scope of the new test requirement for automatic fire suppression systems, GRSG agreed to go forward with the following compromise stages: (i) to agree during the current session on the mandatory installation of such systems on vehicles of Class III (as a Supplement to the 06 series of amendments) taking into account the transitional provisions (i.e. June 2018 for new types of vehicles and June 2019 for all existing types) as reflected in GRSG-108-51 and (ii) to reach a consensus at the forthcoming session of GRSG on the mandatory installation of automatic fire suppression systems on vehicles of Classes I and II. Thus, GRSG already committed to the following dates for the transitional provisions of stage (ii) mentioned above: at the latest 2020 for new types and 2022 for all types.

7. Finally, GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6/Rev.1, as amended as reproduced in GRSG-108-51, and requested the secretariat to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their November 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 4 to the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 107.

6. The expert from Sweden gave a presentation (GRSG-107-32) justifying the amendments list in GRSG-107-25 to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6 on the subject of introducing fire suppression systems for buses and coaches. GRSG noted GRSG-107-13, tabled by the expert from Germany, proposing to limit the mandatory fitting of fire suppression systems to buses of category M3, Class III only. The expert from the Netherlands expressed concerns on safety and fire risks of all categories of buses and coaches using Natural Gas (NG) and/or hydrogen in their propulsion system. Thus he introduced GRSG-107-33 to complement the proposal from Sweden and cover all categories of NG and/or Hydrogen-fuelled vehicles. The experts from France, Poland, Russian Federation, Switzerland and Turkey also preferred to cover all Classes while the experts from Italy and the Czech Republic endorsed the proposal from Germany. The expert from EC noted that the proposal would imply relevant costs for the industry and that this aspect should be further explored. The expert from OICA argued that the proposal from Sweden was outside the scope of UN Regulation No. 107 and listed a series of concerns in GRSG-107-14 proposing, amongst others, the optional installation of the fire suppression system. Finally, GRSG agreed to resume consideration on this subject at its May 2015 session and invited interested experts to send their comments to the expert from Sweden in due time to allow him to submit a revised official proposal, taking into account the possibility of a new specialized regulation.

10. Recalling her presentation at the previous GRSG session (GRSG-105-32), the expert from Sweden introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6 proposing new test requirements for automatic fire suppression systems in the engine and/or heater compartment of buses and coaches. GRSG welcomed the document and noted general support. Following the discussion on the scope and purpose of the new requirements, GRSG agreed to have a final review of this subject at its next session in October 2014. In this respect, the Chair invited all experts to reflect on the possible adoption of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6 as optional requirements through a Supplement to the 06 series of amendments or as mandatory requirements through a new series of amendments together with appropriate transitional provisions, including amendments to the markings.

13. The expert from Sweden gave a presentation (GRSG-105-32) justifying the new test requirements for automatic fire suppression systems in the engine compartment of buses and coaches (GRSG-105-08). GRSG welcomed the proposal and noted general support. Following the discussion, GRSG agreed to have a detailed consideration of the proposal at its next session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSG-105-08 with an official symbol.