1. The Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) held its seventieth session virtually from 6 to 10 December 2021 in Geneva. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Martin Koubek (United States of America). Experts from the following countries participated in the work following Rule 1(a) of the Rules of Procedure of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1): Australia, Canada, China, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. The European Commission (EC) participated. Experts from the following non-governmental organizations participated: American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), Consumers International (CI), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), EuroMed Transport Support Project, Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA), Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) and World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International and Towards Zero Foundation.

2. Annex I of the session report lists the informal documents distributed during the session.

3. GRSP considered and adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/17) proposed for the seventieth session, the running order (GRSP-70-10-Rev.2), virtual meeting guidelines (GRSP-70-08) and the annotations (GRSP-70-16-Rev.2). GRSP informal working groups are listed in annex VIII of the session report.

GRSP-70-08 | GRSP-70: Virtual meeting participation guidelines (Webex)

GRSP-70-10/Rev2 | Running order of GRSP 70th session

GRSP-70-16/Rev.2 | GRSP-70: Updated annotated provisional agenda for the December 2021 session

GRSP/2021/17 | GRSP: Annotated provisional agenda for the 70th (December 2021) session

4. The expert from the United States opened the discussion by giving a brief summary on the status of the discussions. Germany’s expert continued by introducing GRSP-70-33 and GRSP-70-36 on the results of the meetings of the informal Task Force on amendment 3. The expert from the United States of America iterated that the majority of the group members understood that draft Amendment 3 was a clarification of the practice already in place in Japan, the Republic of Korea and the European Union, and, while in the United States of America transposing UN GTR No. 9 to compliance testing was still under development and rulemaking not yet started. Finally, GRSP noted that the Task Force had not reached an agreement by the time of the December 2021 session of GRSP. Therefore, GRSP was not able to recommend amendment 3 to the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3) at this time. It was further noted that the work of the informal Task Force was suspended and that once the informal working group on deployable pedestrian protection system (IWG-DPPS) would finalized its work, another IWG should be established to solve the remaining issues of the UN GTR. Finally, GRSP noted that sharing of information would continue at the level of GRSP experts and that further instructions may be expected by AC.3 at its March 2022 session.

GRSP-70-33 | GTR 9: Status report of the technical group on Amendment 3

GRSP-70-36 | TF GTR9: Status report

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-70-19, which is the progress report of IWG-DPPS. He explained that the IWG Phase 1 would include numerical simulation for head impact time (HIT) against the vehicle in case of deployable systems and a marker in the preamble for generic approach to be developed in the next phase. He also informed that the expert from Japan had proposed a sentence about an equivalent method (physical or alternative numerical simulation) to the numerical simulation to be agreed by Contracting Parties. GRSP, agreed, that the request by Japan to allow optional alternatives could be temporarily resolved by including the statement in the preamble (Part A) in brackets. This would give contracting parties further time for consideration and a final decision on removing the brackets could be made when the draft amendment would be reviewed at the May 2022 session of GRSP. Moreover, GRSP agreed that the IWG-DPPS should finish its work under the current mandate given by AC.3 without becoming occupied by other important but at this point irrelevant issues and distracted with side discussions.

GRSP-70-19 | IWG Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (DPPS); Status report

6. The IWG Chair, on behalf of the co-sponsors (Japan, Republic of Korea, United States of America and European Union and the) informed GRSP about the work progress of IWG on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV) on UN GTR No. 13, Phase 2 by referring to GRSP-70-35. GRSP noted that IWG requested an extension of the mandate until December 2022. GRSP endorsed the IWG request to seek endorsement by AC.3 at its March 2022 session.

GRSP-70-35 | IWG HFCV: Summary report

7. The IWG Chair, on behalf of the co-sponsors (China, Japan, United States of America and the European Union) and all members of IWG GTR No. 20, Phase 2 reported on the progress of the IWG meeting by referring to GRSP-70-37.

GRSP-70-37 | Summary Report of the Electric Vehicle Safety informal group

8. GRSP noted the proposal tabled by expert from the Netherlands ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/18 as amended by GRSP-70-31 to introduce requirements for post-crash electrical safety as was agreed for UN Regulation No. 94 (Frontal collision). GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/18 as amended by Annex II to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 05 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 12 (Steering mechanism) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and to the Administrative Committee of the 1958 Agreement (AC.1).

GRSP-70-31 | UN R12: Proposal for 05 series of amendments Proposal to introduce provisions for post-crash electrical safety to align with GTR 20 on electric vehicle safety.

GRSP-70-31 | UN R12: Proposal for 05 series of amendments Proposal to introduce provisions for post-crash electrical safety to align with GTR 20 on electric vehicle safety.

GRSP/2021/18 | UN R12: Proposal for the 05 series of amendments Proposal to align UN R12 with the provisions of GTR 20 on post-crash electrical safety and the administrative provisions of Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement. The amendments only impact the approval of vehicles with an electric power train operating at high voltage.

GRSP/2021/18 | UN R12: Proposal for the 05 series of amendments Proposal to align UN R12 with the provisions of GTR 20 on post-crash electrical safety and the administrative provisions of Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement. The amendments only impact the approval of vehicles with an electric power train operating at high voltage.

9. The expert from Spain introduced GRSP ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/20 in a presentation (GRSP-70-03), updating drawings of fixtures of booster seats to allow the seats to be designed in combination with a support leg as anti-rotational systems. The proposal caused concern with GRSP experts for the effects on UN Regulation No. 145 (ISOFIX anchorage systems, ISOFIX top tether anchorages and i-Size) and real-world crashes. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on a revised version of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/20 (UN Regulation No. 16), at its May 2022 session with more evidence of the crash situation in real vehicles, in side impact and offset configuration.

GRSP-70-03 | UN R16: Supporting explanation for document GRSP/2021/20

GRSP/2021/20 | UN R16: Proposal for Supplement 4 to the 08 series of amendments Proposal to update the drawings of the child restraint booster seat volumes to allow the possibility of a support leg.

10. The expert from CLEPA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/25 in a presentation (GRSP-70-18), amending the existing support leg volume to improve the compatibility between the support leg volume and the Child Restraint Fixtures used for assessing the external dimensions of an Enhanced Child Restraint System. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on a revised version of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/25 (UN Regulation No.16), at its May 2022 session requesting more evidence in real crash.

GRSP-70-18 | UN R16: Presentation on the proposal to improve compatibility between support leg volume and ISO/R2 & ISO/F2X volumes Presentation on amend R129 and R16 with modification to GRSP/2021/25 & GRSP/2021/26

GRSP/2021/25 | UN R16: Proposal for Supplement 4 to the 08 series of amendments Proposal to amend the current support leg volume to improve the compatibility between the support leg volume and the Child Restraint Fixtures used for assessing the external dimensions of an ECRS.

11. The expert from Japan introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/19 on the safety-belts of seat positions equipped with the lower ISOFIX anchorages. He also introduced presentation GRSP-70-32 highlighting that the maximum values of pelvis acceleration and lap belt force of rear dummies were larger than those of front dummies. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-70-25 showing that data from the expert of Japan showed that for booster seats secured by both safety-belt and ISOFIX could cause slack in the belt system which leads to increased dummy loadings. Therefore, he suggested that booster seats with ISOFIX attachments should be type approved according to UN Regulation No. 129 as “specific to vehicle” and not as “universal” or “i-Size”. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on the proposal at its May 2022 session.

GRSP-70-25 | UN R16: Discussion on proposal for amendments Discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP .29/GRSP/2021/19

GRSP-70-32 | Sled Test Results of Small Female Dummy

GRSP/2021/19 | UN R16: Proposal for the 09 series of amendments Proposal to address safety-belt slippage up to the neck and submarining in ISOFIX-attached child booster seats.

12. GRSP resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15, on frontal airbag in rear seats. The expert from EC informed GRSP that the present European Union legislation was incompatible with the presence of the above-mentioned airbags and that EU was in the process of updating it. However, he encouraged experts to seek a solution independent of this revision process. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on the basis of a possible revised proposal as announced by the expert from OICA, in order to limit the proposal to vehicle specific child restraint systems.

GRSP/2019/15 | UN R16: Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments and for Supplement 1 to 08 series of amendments Proposal to introduce an optional (on the choice of the manufacturer) test procedure for frontal airbags in combination with rearward facing child restraint systems in the rear seat to demonstrate that no deactivation of the airbag is needed.

13. The expert from Finland introduced GRSP-70-06 and GRSP-70-07 justifying the introduction of three-points safety-belts on buses. The expert from the Netherlands supported the initiative. The expert from EC stated that he was open to consider the proposal but would like to see the initiative paired with safety belt reminders to ensure maximum benefit. The expert from Sweden supported the initiative from Finland. However, she asked for more about negative consequences, especially about occupant evacuation. The expert from OICA supported the need for accident data from other regions and review them carefully before drawing conclusions; he also noted that it would be useful to review the UN Regulation No. 80 requirements before deleting the possibility of two point-belts, which would have huge consequences. GRSP finally agreed to resume discussion on the proposal of the expert from Finland on the basis of broader data at its next sessions.

GRSP-70-06 | Three-point safety belts in buses and coaches

GRSP-70-07 | Estimate of the cost and impact of three-point seat belts in buses in Finland

14. The expert from Norway introduced a proposal of amendments (GRSP-70-27) to improve the test procedure for protection for the occupants against the displacement of luggage. He clarified that the proposal stemmed from findings of a report (GRSP-69-02) of the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) on a high-speed frontal road-collision, introduced at the May 2021 session of GRSP. The expert from CLEPA argued that there was no evidence that seat-strength improvement would prevent situations like those shown by the expert from Norway and that the problem seemed more related to submarining. The expert from the Netherlands added that the accident shown occurred at high speed. He underlined that the problem was a mismatch between UN Regulation No. 14 and 17, because it does not cover the situation when an occupant is seating in the rear centre position and there was luggage in the boot. The expert from OICA also stressed the very high severity of this particular accident and that, since the current UN Regulation No. 17 requirements were introduced, real world data do not seem to indicate problems; he also suggested to understand better this specific issue and to collect more evidence. GRSP agreed to resume consideration at its next sessions on the basis of GRSP-70-27 and accident data and keep GRSP-70-27 as an informal document for the May 2022 session.

GRSP-69-02 | Report on a Head-On Collision between a Passenger Car and a Van in Norway on 20 Oct 2019 Analysis of a fatal crash event involving a van the lost its grip on the ice-covered road surface, crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with an estate car of approximately the same weight, fully laden with passengers. The investigation showed that the back of the rear seat was severely deformed, despite being reinforced and well within the regulatory strength requirements described in UN-ECE R17.

GRSP-70-27 | UN R17: Proposal for the 11 series of amendments Proposal to introduce requirements to position test dummies in the rear seating positions, including a 50th percentile male ATD in the middle position, under the dynamic test.

15. The expert from OICA withdrew ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/12 and GRSP agreed to remove this subject (height of head restraints/low roof construction) from the agenda of the next sessions.

GRSP/2020/12 | UN R17: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 10 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the test procedure for the height of head restraints in the case of vehicles having a low roof construction.

16. The expert from Italy, Chair of the ad-hoc group on safety helmets introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/24 amended by GRSP-70-14, in a presentation (GRSP-70-28) to address specific requirements for the type approval of helmet accessories defined by the ad-hoc group. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/24, as amended by (GRSP-70-14) annex III to this report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal, as draft Supplement 2 to the 06 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 22 (Protective helmets), for consideration and vote at the June 2022 session of WP.29 and to AC.1.

GRSP-70-14 | UN R22: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the 06 series of amendments Proposal by the experts from the Ad Hoc Group of Interested Experts on Accessories for Protective Helmets to introduce some corrigendum

GRSP-70-28 | UN R22 and helmet accessories: Status report

GRSP/2021/24 | UN R22: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the 06 series of amendments Proposal from the Ad Hoc Group on Safety Helmets (Special Interest Group on Accessories for Protective Helmets) to enable the type approval of helmet accessories sold as separate units.

17. GRSP adopted GRSP-70-26, as reproduced in annex IV to the report, to update cross references to other UN Regulations. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal, as draft Supplement 2 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 100, for consideration and vote at the June 2022 session of WP.29 and to the AC.1.

GRSP-70-26 | UN R100: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 03 series of amendments

18. The expert from EC on behalf of the of the drafting Task Force withdrew GRSP-70-12 and GRSP-70-13 and introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. He explained that the proposal aimed to introduce specific provisions in the UN Regulation that were aligned with the new provisions set out in the revised General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. He also introduced GRSP-70-20 as a consolidated revision of the proposal and GRSP-70-21-Rev.1, which included only the amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28 as amended by annex V to the report (GRSP-70-21-Rev.1). The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 127 (Pedestrian safety) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and to the AC.1.

GRSP-70-12 | UN R127: Proposal for 03 series of amendments Revised ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28

GRSP-70-13 | UN R127: Proposal for amendments to 03 series of amendments

GRSP-70-20 | UN R127: Proposal for 03 series of amendments Proposal by the experts from OICA to add some further suggestions to GRSP-70-12

GRSP-70-21/Rev.1 | UN R127: Proposals for 03 series of amendments Revised proposal prepared by the secretariat pursuant to discussion of GRSP/2021/28, proposing to align UN R127 with provisions set out in the revised General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 that will apply in the European Union in accordance with the proposed transitional provisions. The proposal also covers a specific provision on optional monitoring of headform contact with A-pillars, windscreen header and cowl and proposes inconsequential adaptations and clarifications to the existing requirements.

GRSP/2021/28 | UN R127: Proposal for the 03 series of amendments Proposal to align UN R127 with provisions set out in the revised General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 that will apply in the European Union in accordance with the proposed transitional provisions. The proposal also covers a specific provision on optional monitoring of headform contact with A-pillars, windscreen header and cowl and proposes inconsequential adaptations and clarifications to the existing requirements

19. The expert from Germany introduced GRSP-70-17 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/18), concerning new provisions to cope with Adjustable Ride Height Suspension System (ARHSS). GRSP agreed to distribute GRSP-70-17 with an official symbol at its May 2022 session, as draft 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 127.

GRSP-70-17 | UN R127: Proposal for the 03 series of amendments

GRSP/2019/18 | UN R127: Proposal for Supplement 2 the 00 series of amendments, Supplement 2 to the 01 series of amendments and Supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments Proposal to ensure pedestrian protection across the vehicle height variations that may be produced by an active suspension system.

20. The expert from Spain on behalf of the Technical Services Group (TSG) on UN Regulation No. 129 introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/7 as amended by GRSP-70-05, aimed at clarifying the head containment assessment for side impact testing. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/7 as amended by annex VI (GRSP-70-05) to the report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 7 to the 03 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 129 for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and to AC.1.

GRSP-70-05 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 7 to the 03 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the head containment assessment for side impact testing.

GRSP/2021/7 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 03 series of amendments Clarifies how to assess the head containment. Increases the time frame for the assessment of the head containment criteria from the current period of 0 to 80 ms into the full duration of the entire test

21. Referring to the decision taken under agenda item 6 (see paragraph 10 above) on a parallel proposal submitted by the expert from CLEPA, GRSP agreed to resume discussion on a revised version of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/26, on the extension of the support-leg, at its May 2022 session and requested more evidence of real crash data.

GRSP/2021/26 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 7 to the 03 series of amendments Proposal to amend the current support leg volume to improve the compatibility between the support leg volume and the Child Restraint Fixtures used for assessing the external dimensions of an Enhanced Child Restraint System (ECRS).

22. The expert from CLEPA introduced presentation GRSP-70-22 to explain the effect of chin-to-chest contact of dummies during type approval testing and potential solutions. GRSP endorsed in principle, as a pragmatic solution, the proposal from the expert from CLEPA that introduced the neck tension force limits based on measured type-approval monitoring data as proposed in GRSP-68-05. GRSP requested to continue sharing information at its May 2022 session on this subject awaiting an official proposal from the expert from CLEPA based on GRSP-68-05.

GRSP-68-05 | UN R129: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal for amendments to the injury assessment criteria for frontal and rear impact to specify limit values for tension force and flexion moment measured in the upper neck of the Q0, Q1 and Q1.5 dummies.

GRSP-70-22 | UN R129: Neck Limits; Effect of Chin-to-Chest contact and potential solutions

23. The expert from the Netherlands introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/21, aimed at introducing requirements for post-crash electrical safety in the event of a pole side impact collision, as was agreed for UN Regulation No. 94 (Frontal collision) and proposed for UN Regulation No. 12 (see paragraph 8 above). GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/21, deleting the square brackets in paragraph 11.7. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 135 (Pole Side Impact (PSI)) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and to the AC.1.

GRSP/2021/21 | UN R135: Proposal for the 02 series of amendments Proposal to align UN R135 with the provisions of GTR 20 on post-crash electrical safety and the administrative provisions of Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement. The proposed amendments only relate to vehicles with an electric power train operating at high voltage.

24. The expert from IMMA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/22, aimed at updating the requirements for electric vehicles of category L by aligning them to UN GTR No. 20. He also added that the proposal was including new optional requirements to enable the mounting of removable Rechargeable Electric Energy Storage System (REESS) in any orientation, that would enable safe deployment of swappable batteries. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/22 as amended by annex VII to the report (GRSP-70-24). The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 136 (Electric vehicle L) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-70-24 | UN R136: Proposal for 01 series of amendments Correction to the numbering of the explanatory notes to the new definition “specific voltage condition” in paragraph 2.47.

GRSP/2021/22 | UN R138: Proposal for the 01 series of amendments Proposal to update provisions in line with the 03 series of amendments to UN R100. The proposal also introduces new optional requirements to enable the mounting of removable REESS in any orientation in order to enable safe deployment of swappable batteries.

25. GRSP noted that removable REESS approval did not seem to cover replacement units. Following the request of the expert from EC, GRSP asked experts from contracting parties to reflect on whether or not this should be facilitated in the future and to report at the next GRSP sessions. The Chair stated that he would bring this issue to the attention of the IWG for GTR 20 (Electric Vehicle Safety).

26. GRSP resumed consideration of a proposal tabled by the expert from the Netherland (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/23), aimed at clarifying the requirements for the adjustment of the passenger seat back when installing the Hybrid-III 5th percentile female dummy. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/23, not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 4 to the 01 series of amendment and as draft Supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 137 (Frontal impact with focus on restraint systems) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP/2021/23 | UN R137: Proposal for Supplement 4 to the 01 series of amendments and Supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments Proposal to clarify requirements for the adjustment of the passenger seat back when installing the Hybrid-III 5th percentile female dummy.

27. The expert from the Netherland introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/27 aimed at correcting the vehicle type definition in this UN Regulation. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/27 not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 2 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 145 for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP/2021/27 | UN R145: Proposal for Supplement 2 Proposal to correct the vehicle type definition.

28. GRSP resumed consideration of a proposal tabled by the expert from Germany (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/29), aimed at extending the condition of the necessity of an influence on the results of the impact test to all criteria. GRSP agreed to revise ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/29, through a small drafting group of interested experts and resume consideration on a revised proposal on this subject at its May 2022 session.

GRSP/2021/29 | UN R153: Proposal for Supplement 2 Proposal to clarify the conditions under which variations of a vehicle can be covered under a single vehicle type without having to apply for a separate approval for another type. The proposal amends certain current provisions that explicitly state that differences will only cause a new type of vehicle if the differences affect the results of the impact test and clarifies the application of this principle across the regulation.

29. GRSP noted that addendum 1 to Mutual Resolution No. 1 (Specifications for the Construction, Preparation and Certification of the 50th percentile male Biofidelic Rear Impact Dummy, anthropomorphic test Device (BioRID-II UN)) had been adopted at the November 2021 sessions of WP.29 and AC.3. GRSP recommended that experts who were developing similar addenda for the specifications of other dummies (e.g Q dummies) should use the above-mentioned addendum 1 developed by the expert from the United Kingdom as a blueprint.

30. GRSP considered the informal evaluation of the ad hoc group of experts of the technical merits of study from Sweden on female occupants. The expert from Sweden explained that the ad hoc group was trying to have a better identification and understanding of the problem, therefore she proposed the establishment of an informal working group and provided terms of reference in GRSP-70-01. The expert from the United States of America informed GRSP that she had participated in only the first meeting of the ad hoc group because the ad hoc group had not complied with the mandate given by WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1159, paras. 22 and 58), i.e., collect and review data to determine if there is a merit to Sweden’s claim. GRSP agreed that the ad hoc group of experts could continue to review existing research/share ongoing research and if GRSP determines that there is enough evidence to address this issue, an IWG may be established.

GRSP-70-01 | Proposal to establish an informal working group on sex and size neutral crash safety

31. The expert from Spain, on behalf of IWG on safer transport of children in buses and coaches informed GRSP on the progress (GRSP-70-02). She confirmed that the group was examining different configurations of testing and Child Restraint Systems (CRS) fittings in M3 (e.g. seating position, Q dummies with or without CRS, types of CRS) considering bus requirements. She also confirmed that built-in CRS had been considered but their use as a solution could conflict with structural modification of buses. GRSP agreed to resume consideration on this subject at its May 2022 session.

GRSP-70-02 | Status Report of the Informal Working Group on Safer Transport of Children in Buses and Coaches

32. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-70-15 showing a crash safety scenario of autonomous vehicles based on the results of a survey. He concluded that consumers expect the crash safety performance of autonomous vehicles to be equivalent to or more advanced than the current level, considering the traffic situation and market expectations. GRSP agreed that there was no need to make a decision on questions raised by the expert from Republic of Korea on safety issues related to autonomous vehicles and that these should first be considered by the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) and its subgroups.

GRSP-70-15 | Crash Safety of Autonomous Vehicles Based on a Survey Result

33. No new information was provided under this agenda item.

34. Following the request of the Chair of WP.29 at the June 2021 session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1159, paragraph 35–38) to discuss the draft programme of work (PoW) of WP.29, GRSP considered the PoW of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies. GRSP agreed that status of priorities of GRSP (contained in GRSP-70-11) did not need to be updated until the next submission of priorities in December 2022, since this reflects plans for 2021, and that the document does not need updating every time GRSP made progress on an issue. Moreover, GRSP agreed that GRSP-70-11 accurately reflects the 2021 priorities submitted by GRSP to WP.29.

GRSP-70-11 | Programme of Work of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and its Subsidiary Bodies

35. In compliance with Rule 37 of the Rules of Procedure (TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1), GRSP called for the election of officers. The representatives of the contracting parties, present and voting, unanimously elected Mr. M. Koubek (United States of America) as Chair and Mr. H. G. Kim (Republic of Korea) as Vice-Chair for the sessions of GRSP scheduled in the year 2022.

36. The expert from CLEPA reiterated his request to all non-European Union contracting parties to report their intention to apply the new transitional provision in UN Regulation No. 44 (Child Restraint Systems) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/111, Supplement 18 to the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 44) adopted at the November 2020 session of WP.29, which allowed contracting parties to no longer accept approvals according to that UN Regulation as from 1 September 2023. The expert from EC, clarified that all European Union member States would have the possibility to implement this expiry date with a year of delay to deplete CRS already in stock. Finally, GRSP requested non-European Union Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement to report their intention to continue/discontinue sales after 1 September 2023 of CRS type approved according to UN Regulation No. 44.

37. The expert from EC introduced a study (GRSP-70-23) to review and assess the appropriateness of crash pulses found in the current European Union legislation. Therefore, he stated that it would be needed to identify potential amendments to regulations and assess the potential benefits as well as any (unintended) consequences. He informed that accident data are limited and real-world issue could therefore not defined. At this stage, there is lack of concrete cost-effective data and EC will not follow up the modification of pulses for the time being. He clarified that the European Commission was obliged to evaluate vehicle safety by July 2027 (Article 14 of General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144) and would take this research into account at that time. GRSP suggested sharing the same presentation with the Working Party on General Safety (GRSG). Notably, the expert from EC recommended ensured consistency of UN Regulation No 67 (LPG) and 110 (CNG) as covered by this research, with UN Regulation No 134 / GTR No 13 (hydrogen safety).

GRSP-70-23 | EC study to review the appropriateness of crash pulses used in current EU legislation

38. The expert from Japan, ambassador of IWVTA, explained that the amendments to General Guidelines for Transitional Provision clarifies that the contracting parties may and shall continue to grant type approvals to the previous series, and that this amendment had been adopted as Revision 3 at the 2021 March session of WP.29. He added that a second item discussed in IWG was regarding the proposal for the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 0, amending annex 4. He clarified that the proposed amendment to annex 4 (listing the UN Regulations that apply to UN Regulation No. 0), added UN Regulation No. 154 (WLTP) and new UN Regulations Nos. 161, 162 and 163, and reflected a new series amendments to existing UN Regulations (i.e.: UN Regulation No. 95). He reported that the amendment had been adopted at the November 2021 session of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/84). Moreover, he reported that at the last IWVTA IWG meeting, held in November 2021, it was noted that the 04 series lacked transitional provisions and for this reason a supplement incorporating them would be proposed at the March 2022 session of WP.29. He announced that a proposal for the 05 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 0, updating annex 4 was underway, and it was expected that an informal document would be submitted to the June 2022 session of WP.29. Finally, he informed GRSP that IWG was studying improvement measures to promote IWVTA approval, for example, discussing a process to better inform of the actual minimum requirements applicable in the various Contracting Parties for possible inclusion in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/343 on the status of the 1958 Agreement and its UN Regulations.

39. The expert from Finland, on behalf of the IWG on Database for Exchange of Approval documentation (DETA) introduced the proposal for extension of DETA to improve the use of the Unique Identifier (UI) for UN Regulations (GRSP-70-04). He also added that the UI would be available at the end of next year due to software adaptation. GRSP for the time being noted that the use of UI could not be applied to UN Regulations Nos. 22, 44 and 129. He clarified that for these UN Regulations enforcement authority needed type approval data at hand to comply with enforcement controls.

GRSP-70-04 | Proposal for extension of DETA to improve the use of the Unique Identifier for UN Regulations

40. The Secretary reported on the highlights (GRSP-70-09-Rev.1) of the 184th (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1159) and 185th (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1161) sessions.

GRSP-70-09/Rev1 | Highlights of WP29 June and November 2021 sessions

41. No new information was provided under this agenda item.

42. No new information was provided under this agenda item.

43. The expert from EuroNCAP introduced GRSP-70-30, on a scenario of the current situation in this issue and the road map for a child presence detection protocol developed by his organization. The expert from the United States of America informed GRSP that the proposed bill of the President of her country on vehicle safety would encourage global cooperation on this topic. GRSP agreed to continue discussion on the issue of children left in cars by sharing data and the outcome of research at its future sessions.

GRSP-70-30 | Euro NCAP Child Presence Detection

44. GRSP noted through informal document GRSP-70-29 that since 1999, over 2,300 lateral impact barriers produced (used by Technical Services for type approval testing) had a parameter (front plate elongation break requirement) not in compliance with the requirement requested by UN Regulation No. 95. GRSP requested its experts to investigate and report to its May 2022 session on the consequences of non-compliance of the barriers which may have led to non-compliance to UN Regulation No. 95 of 20 years of vehicle production.

GRSP-70-29 | UN R95: Front Plate Elongation Requirement Review

45. GRSP noted that WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1161, para. 154) was expecting a review by GRs of a proposal for a framework document on vehicle whole-life compliance (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/148), which should be finalized before the WP.29 March 2022 session. GRSP endorsed the framework without amendment (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/148).

46. GRSP agreed on the main decision list GRSP-69-34-Rev.3, as reproduced in annex IX to this report, taken during the session for approval by the silence procedure of 72 hours by the participating delegations to the session as part of the special procedures established for the COVID-19 pandemic period (ECE/EX/2020/L.12).

GRSP-70-34/Rev.3 | Decisions submitted to silence procedure following formal GRSP 70 meetings with remote participation

47. GRSP noted that Ms. Mary Versailles, from the United States of America and former Chair of GRSP, plans to retire and would no longer attend the sessions. GRSP appreciated her commitment and contribution to global vehicle safety during her many years of leadership and active participation in the sessions of GRSP and other groups of WP.29. GRSP wished Ms. Versailles a long and happy retirement and recognized her successful career with a long applause.

48. GRSP also noted that Mr. Kurt Pfister from Switzerland would retire from the service and no longer attend the sessions. GRSP commended the commitment of Mr. Pfister and his contribution to global vehicle safety during his years of active participation in the sessions. GRSP wished Mr. Pfister all the best in his future activities and recognized his successful career with a long applause.

49. GRSP noted that its seventieth session was scheduled to be held in Geneva from 9 May (2.30 p.m.) to 13 May (12.30 p.m.) 2022. GRSP noted that the deadline for the submission of official documents to the secretariat is 11 February 2022, twelve weeks prior to the session. GRSP is expected to follow a proposal (GRSP-70-38) of provisional agenda.

GRSP-70-38 | Provisional agenda for the 71st (May 2022) GRSP session