UN R51 Vehicle Noise

8. The expert from ISO presented revised proposals that introduced into Regulation No. 51 an option of indoor testing, according to standard ISO 362-3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/3). This proposal received comments from the experts of China, France (GRB-67-11), Germany, Netherlands, Russian Federation (GRB-67-01), Sweden and OICA. Following an in-depth discussion, GRB adopted the proposals, as amended (Annex II of the session report), and requested the secretariat to submit them to the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and to the Administrative Committee (AC.1) for consideration and vote at their June 2018 sessions as a draft Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51.

175th WP.29 session (18-22 Jun 2018)

UN R92 Motorcycle RESS

29. The expert from Germany presented an overview of issues with noise emissions of non-original replacement exhaust silencer systems (NORESS) for L-category vehicles (GRB-67-03), as well as a possible solution in the form of a Supplement 3 to the 01 series to UN Regulation No. 92 (GRB-67-02). Following a brief exchange of views, GRB generally supported the approach and agreed that the proposed modifications should become a new series of amendments. GRB experts were invited to transmit their comments, if any, directly to the expert of Germany, so that he would be able to submit an official document for consideration at the next session.

68th GRB session (12-14 Sep 2018)

10. The expert from Germany presented a new series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 92 which introduce requirements for non-original replacement exhaust silencing systems (NORESS). GRB adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2019 sessions as a draft 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 92.

UN R9 Three-Wheeled Cycle Noise

UN R41 Motorcycle Noise

UN R92 Motorcycle RESS

29. The expert from Germany presented an overview of issues with noise emissions of non-original replacement exhaust silencer systems (NORESS) for L-category vehicles (GRB-67-03), as well as a possible solution in the form of a Supplement 3 to the 01 series to UN Regulation No. 92 (GRB-67-02). Following a brief exchange of views, GRB generally supported the approach and agreed that the proposed modifications should become a new series of amendments. GRB experts were invited to transmit their comments, if any, directly to the expert of Germany, so that he would be able to submit an official document for consideration at the next session.

UN R9 Three-Wheeled Cycle Noise

28. The expert from EC presented updated amendments for a new series of amendments to Regulation No. 9 with the aim to introduce ASEP requirements for L4 and L5 category vehicles with the power-to-mass ratio (PMR) of more than 50 W/kg (GRB-67-04). The expert of IMMA was of the view that the industry would need much longer transitional periods for implementing the amendments. The secretariat pointed out that the references to standard ISO 10844 should be updated. GRB invited the expert from EC to update the proposals and submit them as an official document for consideration at the next session.

68th GRB session (12-14 Sep 2018)

3. The expert from the European Commission proposed to introduce additional sound emission provisions (ASEP) for L4 and L5 category vehicles with the power-to-mass ratio (PMR) of more than 50 W/kg (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/7 and GRB-68-22). GRB adopted the proposals, as amended (Annex II), and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and to the Administrative Committee (AC.1) for consideration and vote at their March 2019 sessions as draft 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 9.

26. The secretariat reported on the highlights of the 173rd session of WP.29.

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

9. GRB recalled the amendment proposals to Regulation No. 51 adopted at the previous session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7) and addressed the pending issue on whether or not the adopted proposals would require a new series of amendments and/or transitional provisions. The experts from the Informal Working Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (IWG ASEP) and from OICA presented their views (GRB-67-14 and GRB-67-06). GRB agreed that the adopted proposals should become a new Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51 and be accompanied with the following transitional provision (a new paragraph 11.9.):

“11.9.

Until 18 months after the date of entry into force of the Supplement 3, it shall not apply to extensions of existing approvals, originally granted prior to the date of entry into force of Supplement 3.”

10. GRB requested the secretariat to issue, as soon as possible, an addendum to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7 with the above text, thus allowing Contracting Parties to prepare for its consideration at the forthcoming session of WP.29 in March 2018.

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

12. The expert from China presented suggestions for further development of Regulation No. 51 (GRB-67-07). The expert from France, Chair of IWG ASEP, pointed out that IWG ASEP would try to accommodate these suggestions.

UN R117 Tire Noise, Wet Adhesion, and Rolling Resistance

15. The expert from ETRTO assessed the latest proposals from the Netherlands for stricter tyre noise limits, as presented at the sixty-sixth session of GRB (GRB-67-08). He pointed out some limitations in the data subset used in the Dutch study and questioned the methodology used to derive the new proposed limits from the data subset. The expert from the Netherlands replied to the ETRTO comments (GRB-67-18).

16. The experts from Germany and OICA pointed out that the Dutch study had been based on tyre labels which might be incorrect. The expert from the Russian Federation drew the attention of GRB to the need for a holistic approach to the tyre rolling noise in the system “tyre/road surface”. The Chair noted two different approaches for tyre selection by the Netherlands and ETRTO: the Dutch study focused on the most popular tyres of several brands covering about 90 per cent of the market, while ETRTO was concerned about a much wider selection of brands to ensure market choice.

17. GRB invited the Netherlands, ETRTO and other stakeholders to work together with the aim to undertake a holistic study of tyres on the market. Finally, GRB agreed to resume the discussion at the next session.

62nd GRB session (1-3 Sep 2015)

12. The expert from the Netherlands presented a study (GRB-62-09 and Add.1) on noise emission from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tyres of a specific size which were found to be around 1 dB(A) lower than the one from replacement tyres of the same size. The expert, thus, proposed to further reduce the limit values for OEM tyres in the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-11 and Add.1).

13. The expert from Switzerland expressed his support for the general direction of the Dutch proposal. The experts from Germany and EC were of the view that, at this stage, it would be premature to tighten the tyre noise limits of Regulation No. 117. The expert from France called for a holistic approach to this issue. The experts from ETRTO and OICA expressed doubts about the representativeness of the tyre sample used in the Dutch study. The expert from ETRTO also delivered comments on the proposal for amendments to Regulation No. 117 (GRB-62-17). Finally, GRB invited all experts to further study the Dutch proposal and decided to revert to this issue at the next session.

66th GRB session (4-6 Sep 2017)

15. The expert from the Netherlands provided an overview of their research projects on tyres and proposed a two-stage tightening of the tyre limits for the rolling resistance coefficient, wet grip index and rolling sound emissions (GRB-66-01 and Add.1, GRB-66-03). He also highlighted the importance of keeping the correct tyre pressure for fuel efficiency and pointed out shortcomings of the EU system for labelling tyres.

16. The expert from ETRTO was of the view that the selections of tyres in the Dutch studies was not representative enough for the European market and volunteered to submit to the next GRB session a more comprehensive analysis. The expert from OICA supported the ETRTO view and proposal. He further introduced the results of a recent study of C1 summer tyres (GRB-66-22) according to which no tyre was performing equally well in rolling sound and handling. The expert from Germany acknowledged the progress achieved in rolling sound and pointed out the need to find a compromise for the three tyre parameters in question. He also agreed that the tyre labelling system would need to be improved.

UN R138 Quiet Road Transport Vehicles

18. The expert from OICA proposed to clarify the application of the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 138 (GRB-67-09). The experts from China, France, Germany, OICA and WBU commented on the proposal. The secretariat pointed out that it had already rectified the text of paragraph 6.2.6. which had been incorrectly reproduced in a revised consolidated version published on the WP.29 website (E/ECE/324/Rev.2/Add.137/Rev.1 − E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2/Add.137/Rev.1). GRB invited OICA to take into account the comments received and to prepare an official document for consideration at the next session. GRB also requested that the earlier OICA proposals for transitional provisions (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2017/7) be included into this new document.

69th GRB session (23-25 Jan 2019)

15. The expert from OICA presented a revised proposal with the aim to clarify the scope and some provisions of UN Regulation No. 138 (GRB-69-06). GRB adopted the proposal, as laid down in Annex II and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2019 sessions as a draft Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 138.

UN R165 Reversing Warning

19. On behalf of the Task Force on Reversing Alarm (TF-RA), the expert from Japan reported on the TF-RA activities. In particular, he mentioned that TF-RA would soon distribute a simple questionnaire among GRB experts with a view to collecting information on national practices with respect to reversing alarms. Based on future responses, TF-TA would draft a new Regulation. The expert from Switzerland suggested that “reversing alarm” should be replaced with “acoustic warning” in the title of a new Regulation.

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

8. The expert from ISO presented revised proposals that introduced into Regulation No. 51 an option of indoor testing, according to standard ISO 362-3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/3). This proposal received comments from the experts of China, France (GRB-67-11), Germany, Netherlands, Russian Federation (GRB-67-01), Sweden and OICA. Following an in-depth discussion, GRB adopted the proposals, as amended (Annex II of the session report), and requested the secretariat to submit them to the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and to the Administrative Committee (AC.1) for consideration and vote at their June 2018 sessions as a draft Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51.

UN R41 Motorcycle Noise

7. The expert of IMMA withdrew GRB-67-12.

UN R41 Motorcycle Noise

UN R63 Moped Noise

4. The expert from EC reported on the progress of the study on Euro 5 sound level limits of L-category vehicles (GRB-67-13), including a cost-benefit analysis (CBA). According to him, the study identified a potential for reducing sound limits of L-category vehicles. The expert of IMMA was of the view that the study did not properly address a wide variety of vehicles and that lowering the sound limits for type approval would not solve the main issue: single vehicles creating a high noise level (GRB-67-16-Rev.1).

5. The experts from Germany, Netherlands and Spain posed questions about the study assumptions and pointed out that the proposed policy measures would not tackle illegal aftermarket products (silencers) that were the heart of the problem. The Chair invited EC to take into consideration the comments received and to work closely with Contracting Parties, IMMA and other stakeholders with a view to proposing tangible solutions.

21. No new information was reported under this item.

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

9. GRB recalled the amendment proposals to Regulation No. 51 adopted at the previous session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7) and addressed the pending issue on whether or not the adopted proposals would require a new series of amendments and/or transitional provisions. The experts from the Informal Working Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (IWG ASEP) and from OICA presented their views (GRB-67-14 and GRB-67-06). GRB agreed that the adopted proposals should become a new Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51 and be accompanied with the following transitional provision (a new paragraph 11.9.):

“11.9.

Until 18 months after the date of entry into force of the Supplement 3, it shall not apply to extensions of existing approvals, originally granted prior to the date of entry into force of Supplement 3.”

10. GRB requested the secretariat to issue, as soon as possible, an addendum to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7 with the above text, thus allowing Contracting Parties to prepare for its consideration at the forthcoming session of WP.29 in March 2018.

174th WP.29 session (12-16 Mar 2018)

53. In particular, the GRB chair mentioned that GRB had adopted amendment proposals to Regulation No. 51 which would introduce an option of indoor testing, according to standard ISO 362-3, upon understanding that the Type Approval Authority could always mandate an outdoor test for verification. He further pointed out that GRB had addressed the pending issue of transitional provisions for the earlier amendment proposals to Regulation No. 51 which had been submitted to the March 2018 session of WP.29 as ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7. GRB had agreed that these proposals should be introduced as a Supplement with an 18-month transitional period and requested the secretariat to issue an addendum to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7.

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

13. On behalf of IWG ASEP, the expert from France presented their status report to GRB (GRB-67-15-Rev.1) and invited all GRB experts to participate in the work of IWG ASEP.

UN R41 Motorcycle Noise

UN R63 Moped Noise

4. The expert from EC reported on the progress of the study on Euro 5 sound level limits of L-category vehicles (GRB-67-13), including a cost-benefit analysis (CBA). According to him, the study identified a potential for reducing sound limits of L-category vehicles. The expert of IMMA was of the view that the study did not properly address a wide variety of vehicles and that lowering the sound limits for type approval would not solve the main issue: single vehicles creating a high noise level (GRB-67-16-Rev.1).

5. The experts from Germany, Netherlands and Spain posed questions about the study assumptions and pointed out that the proposed policy measures would not tackle illegal aftermarket products (silencers) that were the heart of the problem. The Chair invited EC to take into consideration the comments received and to work closely with Contracting Parties, IMMA and other stakeholders with a view to proposing tangible solutions.

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

11. The expert from OICA proposed amendments to Regulation No. 51 with the aim to ensure transparency during the type approval process in situations where the manufacturer could either use mechanical or electronic devices to control the gear shift, or take measures to avoid accelerations greater than 2.0 m/s² (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/2 and GRB-67-17). The proposal received questions and/or comments from the experts of China, France, Germany, Japan and ISO. GRB adopted the proposals, as contained in Annex III to the session report, and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2018 sessions as a draft Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51.

175th WP.29 session (18-22 Jun 2018)

68th GRB session (12-14 Sep 2018)

5. The expert from the Informal Working Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (IWG ASEP) proposed amendments aimed at updating and revising Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/10). GRB adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2019 sessions as a draft Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51, subject to the following modifications:

Page 2, lines 2 and 3, for Figure 3c read Figure 4c.

Page 3, table, row 3, last column, for l_veh read l.

UN R117 Tire Noise, Wet Adhesion, and Rolling Resistance

15. The expert from ETRTO assessed the latest proposals from the Netherlands for stricter tyre noise limits, as presented at the sixty-sixth session of GRB (GRB-67-08). He pointed out some limitations in the data subset used in the Dutch study and questioned the methodology used to derive the new proposed limits from the data subset. The expert from the Netherlands replied to the ETRTO comments (GRB-67-18).

16. The experts from Germany and OICA pointed out that the Dutch study had been based on tyre labels which might be incorrect. The expert from the Russian Federation drew the attention of GRB to the need for a holistic approach to the tyre rolling noise in the system “tyre/road surface”. The Chair noted two different approaches for tyre selection by the Netherlands and ETRTO: the Dutch study focused on the most popular tyres of several brands covering about 90 per cent of the market, while ETRTO was concerned about a much wider selection of brands to ensure market choice.

17. GRB invited the Netherlands, ETRTO and other stakeholders to work together with the aim to undertake a holistic study of tyres on the market. Finally, GRB agreed to resume the discussion at the next session.

66th GRB session (4-6 Sep 2017)

15. The expert from the Netherlands provided an overview of their research projects on tyres and proposed a two-stage tightening of the tyre limits for the rolling resistance coefficient, wet grip index and rolling sound emissions (GRB-66-01 and Add.1, GRB-66-03). He also highlighted the importance of keeping the correct tyre pressure for fuel efficiency and pointed out shortcomings of the EU system for labelling tyres.

16. The expert from ETRTO was of the view that the selections of tyres in the Dutch studies was not representative enough for the European market and volunteered to submit to the next GRB session a more comprehensive analysis. The expert from OICA supported the ETRTO view and proposal. He further introduced the results of a recent study of C1 summer tyres (GRB-66-22) according to which no tyre was performing equally well in rolling sound and handling. The expert from Germany acknowledged the progress achieved in rolling sound and pointed out the need to find a compromise for the three tyre parameters in question. He also agreed that the tyre labelling system would need to be improved.

17. The Chair was of the view that amending the limit values in Regulation No. 117 would first require a general agreement of all stakeholders, including the Working Party on Brakes and Running Gear (GRRF). Finally, GRB decided to continue the discussion at the next session.

Road Surface Labeling

22. The expert from the Netherlands presented an update of the project on labelling road surfaces (GRB-67-19), based on the following criteria: skid resistance, noise reduction, rolling resistance and lifespan. GRB recalled its view that labelling road surfaces could only be introduced as a non-legally binding document, e.g. a recommendation or resolution, and its intention to find the most appropriate body to adopt such a document. In this context, the Chair informed GRB about the AC.2 considerations of this issue, at its November 2017 session. The secretariat further reported that the Working Party on Road Transport (SC.1), at its September 2017 session, had indicated that the project was beyond the SC.1 Terms of Reference. The Chair invited the Netherlands, in cooperation with the Chair, secretariat and other interested parties, to draft a recommendation or resolution for consideration at the next session of GRB.

65th GRB session (15-17 Feb 2017)

24. The expert from the Netherlands presented a project on labelling road surfaces (GRB-65-20, GRB-65-21, GRB-65-22 and Add.1) based on four criteria: skid resistance, noise reduction, rolling resistance and lifespan. According to the expert, labelling road surfaces could contribute to road safety, public health, sustainability and economics. GRB noted that the scope of the 1958 and the 1998 Agreements (wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts thereof) does not cover road surfaces and, therefore, no legally binding regulatory decisions could be taken at the WP.29, AC.1 or AC.3 levels. This does not preclude, however, adopting a Recommendation or Resolution on the issue. GRB welcomed the presentation and reiterated the importance of a holistic approach to sound emissions in the system ‘tyre-road surface’. Finally, GRB agreed to keep this item on the agenda and looked forward to new presentations on activities conducted at the national level in the field of road surfaces.

66th GRB session (4-6 Sep 2017)

25. The expert from the Netherlands presented a project on labelling road surfaces (GRB-66-05 and Add.1) based on the following criteria: skid resistance, noise reduction, rolling resistance and lifespan. He pointed out that labelling road surfaces could contribute to road safety, public health, sustainability and economies. GRB noted that the project mainly addressed passenger cars and that for trucks a solution would still be found.

26. GRB thanked the expert for the presentation and recalled its earlier considerations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/63, para. 24) that labelling road surfaces could only be introduced as a non-legally binding document, such as a recommendation or resolution. The expert from the Netherlands wondered whether a new annex to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) could be an appropriate place for that purpose. GRB also noted that WP.29 and its other subsidiary bodies, like GRRF and GRSG, as well as the Working Party on Road Transport (SC.1) might be interested in pursuing the project and should be consulted. GRB invited its experts to send their contributions, if any, to the expert from the Netherlands and to develop for the next session clear ideas on how to proceed. In the interim, the Chair was requested to brief the Administrative Committee for the Coordination of Work (WP.29/AC.2) on the GRB considerations.

2. GRB considered and adopted the agenda. The list of informal documents is contained in Annex I of the session report. The list of GRB informal groups is reproduced in Annex IV.

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

11. The expert from OICA proposed amendments to Regulation No. 51 with the aim to ensure transparency during the type approval process in situations where the manufacturer could either use mechanical or electronic devices to control the gear shift, or take measures to avoid accelerations greater than 2.0 m/s² (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/2 and GRB-67-17). The proposal received questions and/or comments from the experts of China, France, Germany, Japan and ISO. GRB adopted the proposals, as contained in Annex III to the session report, and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2018 sessions as a draft Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51.

175th WP.29 session (18-22 Jun 2018)

68th GRB session (12-14 Sep 2018)

5. The expert from the Informal Working Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (IWG ASEP) proposed amendments aimed at updating and revising Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/10). GRB adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2019 sessions as a draft Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51, subject to the following modifications:

Page 2, lines 2 and 3, for Figure 3c read Figure 4c.

Page 3, table, row 3, last column, for l_veh read l.

5th ASEP II session (7-9 Nov 2017)

UN R51 Vehicle Noise

8. The expert from ISO presented revised proposals that introduced into Regulation No. 51 an option of indoor testing, according to standard ISO 362-3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/3). This proposal received comments from the experts of China, France (GRB-67-11), Germany, Netherlands, Russian Federation (GRB-67-01), Sweden and OICA. Following an in-depth discussion, GRB adopted the proposals, as amended (Annex II of the session report), and requested the secretariat to submit them to the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and to the Administrative Committee (AC.1) for consideration and vote at their June 2018 sessions as a draft Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51.

66th GRB session (4-6 Sep 2017)

11. The expert from ISO proposed to introduce an option of indoor testing, according to standard ISO 362-3, in Annex 3 to Regulation No. 51 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2017/8). This proposal received comments from the experts of France, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and OICA. GRB decided to revert to the proposals at the next session and invited all experts to study the document and to send their questions and comments to ISO.

175th WP.29 session (18-22 Jun 2018)

UN R63 Moped Noise

14. The expert from EC introduced revised amendments on powered cycles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2018/4). GRB adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2018 sessions as a draft Supplement 4 to the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 63.

66th GRB session (4-6 Sep 2017)

14. The expert from EC introduced draft amendments on powered cycles (GRB-66-09). GRB noted that these proposals would first be endorsed at the EU level and then officially submitted to the next session of GRB. The Chair invited experts to provide their comments to the expert from EC.

175th WP.29 session (18-22 Jun 2018)