18. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2013/3, amended by GRB-57-01, proposing the use of a “Deceleration Calculator” software for the deceleration test method in the test procedure for measuring rolling resistance. He informed GRB about the variant of data processing in the rolling resistance deceleration test method basing on the dω/dt formula. He underlined that this variant was used as an alternative to the existing data processing stipulated in UN Regulation No. 117, not affecting the existing test methods, and that it fully matches ISO 28580 and the procedures of Annex 6 of UN Regulation No. 117. The “Deceleration calculator” is a mathematical tool providing high accuracy [σ < 0.001%; R2 > 0.999] of development in the experimental data. The concept dω/dt was incorporated into standard GOST R 52102.1 He also introduced GRB-57-25 to provide a background history on the development of legislation on rolling resistance and made a practical demonstration of the proposed “Calculator”.

19. GRB recommended that experts start using the proposed calculator and to provide comments at its September 2013 session. The expert from the Russian Federation was recommended to provide, in the meantime, further background information on the algorithms of the calculator and on both proposals (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2013/3 and GRB-57-01), as well as demonstration at the next session of GRRF for an exchange of views.

15. GRB resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/11, amended by GRB-57-03. The expert from EC expressed reservation on the term of differential lock that could lead to misconception. GRB endorsed the reservation of the expert from EC and agreed to inform GRRF.

17. Referring to the report of the Working Party on Brakes and Running Gear (GRRF) (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/72, paras. 25 and 32-34), GRB considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2012/54 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2011/55, proposing to add specific performance requirements for C2 snow tyres and amending the definition of the measuring rim for C1, C2 and C3 tyres. GRB endorsed ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2012/55 without amendment, scheduled to be considered by WP.29 and AC.1 at their November 2012 sessions. Concerning ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2012/54, GRB considered GRB-56-15 tabled by the expert from Germany, proposing to introduce the inscription “M+S” or “M.S” or “M&S” only in combination with the “Alpine” symbol on a mandatory basis, if the tyre be classified as a “snow tyre for use in severe snow conditions”. Accordingly, GRB endorsed ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2012/54, as amended by Annex III to this report and agreed to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration at their November 2012 sessions as draft Supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments, subject to a final review by GRRF at its September 2012 session.

18. The expert from ETRTO introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/10 aligning the text of Annex 6 of the UN Regulation to ISO Standard 28580. GRB adopted the proposal not amended and agreed to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration at their March 2013 session as draft Supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 117, also subject to a final review by GRRF at its September 2012 session (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2012/18).

19. The expert from ETRTO proposed to amend the snow test method for C3 tyres (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/11). However, GRB argued that some of the proposed amendments could conflict with the recommended introduction of blocking differential on driven axle as increasing repeatability in the test. GRB agreed to resume consideration of the proposal at its next session on the basis of an official document submitted to the March 2013 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1, incorporating possible changes (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2012/19) agreed by GRRF at its September 2012 session.

20. The expert from the Netherlands introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/15 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/18 updating the test track provisions to ISO 10844:2011. The expert from ETRTO introduced similar amendments (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/9) but without transitional provisions. GRB agreed that the introduction of new provisions for the test track should refer to a new series of amendments of the UN Regulation. Following the suggestion of the Chair and Vice-Chair, GRB considered GRB-56-20 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/15, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/18 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/9) drafted in accordance with ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1044/Rev.1 “Guidelines on the scope, administrative provisions and alternative requirements in Regulations annexed to the 1958 Agreement”. GRB requested the secretariat to distribute GRB-56-20 with an official symbol at its February 2013 session and agreed to refer to it as a basis to continue discussion on this subject.

21. Finally, GRB considered GRB-56-02 tabled by the expert from the Russian Federation aimed at providing detailed elaboration of the concept of tyre deceleration (dω/dt) in the test technology. The secretariat was requested to distribute it with an official symbol at its February 2013 session, pending the clarification of the reference to the “deceleration calculator” mentioned in the proposal.

36. The expert from OICA introduced GRB-57-04 (amending WP.29-157-06) on design/control principles of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to harmonize minimum guidelines tabled by the informal working group on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). GRB invited all experts to provide their comments to the expert from OICA by the end of February 2013.

7. GRB resumed consideration on vehicle categories and their limit values on the basis of an existing database in China, Japan and EC. The expert from Japan introduced again GRB-56-05 and then GRB-57-22 explaining that according to the monitoring database in his country, the best fitting threshold for vehicle categories N2 and M3particularly should be 135 kW of power mass ratio (PMR). He continued that this value would encompass properly downsized vehicles that have a high impact on noise emissions from the vehicle fleets in Asian countries. He urged finding a compromise on vehicle categories and the adoption of a concrete proposal of the 03 series of amendments to the UN Regulation (i.e. ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/7). He stated that the introduction of additional sound emission provisions (ASEP) was much awaited in Japan. The expert from China gave two presentations (GRB-57-05 and GRB-57-06), to introduce possible compromise solutions (GRB-57-07) focusing on design characteristics as well as on PMR. The expert from OICA expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the expert from China to find convergence on the vehicle classification and introduced a possible compromise solution (GRB-57-19). The expert from Germany recalled that GRB started discussion with the agreement of developing a proposal for amendments focused on performance criteria rather than on design requirements. Moreover, he added that the allowance of 1 dBA for vehicles with direct injection diesel engines no longer justified. Finally, he recommended simplifying classes and subclasses, to avoid cumbersome vehicle classification thresholds that could hamper technical progress.

7. GRB resumed consideration on vehicle categories and their limit values on the basis of an existing database in China, Japan and EC. The expert from Japan introduced again GRB-56-05 and then GRB-57-22 explaining that according to the monitoring database in his country, the best fitting threshold for vehicle categories N2 and M3particularly should be 135 kW of power mass ratio (PMR). He continued that this value would encompass properly downsized vehicles that have a high impact on noise emissions from the vehicle fleets in Asian countries. He urged finding a compromise on vehicle categories and the adoption of a concrete proposal of the 03 series of amendments to the UN Regulation (i.e. ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/7). He stated that the introduction of additional sound emission provisions (ASEP) was much awaited in Japan. The expert from China gave two presentations (GRB-57-05 and GRB-57-06), to introduce possible compromise solutions (GRB-57-07) focusing on design characteristics as well as on PMR. The expert from OICA expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the expert from China to find convergence on the vehicle classification and introduced a possible compromise solution (GRB-57-19). The expert from Germany recalled that GRB started discussion with the agreement of developing a proposal for amendments focused on performance criteria rather than on design requirements. Moreover, he added that the allowance of 1 dBA for vehicles with direct injection diesel engines no longer justified. Finally, he recommended simplifying classes and subclasses, to avoid cumbersome vehicle classification thresholds that could hamper technical progress.

7. GRB resumed consideration on vehicle categories and their limit values on the basis of an existing database in China, Japan and EC. The expert from Japan introduced again GRB-56-05 and then GRB-57-22 explaining that according to the monitoring database in his country, the best fitting threshold for vehicle categories N2 and M3particularly should be 135 kW of power mass ratio (PMR). He continued that this value would encompass properly downsized vehicles that have a high impact on noise emissions from the vehicle fleets in Asian countries. He urged finding a compromise on vehicle categories and the adoption of a concrete proposal of the 03 series of amendments to the UN Regulation (i.e. ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/7). He stated that the introduction of additional sound emission provisions (ASEP) was much awaited in Japan. The expert from China gave two presentations (GRB-57-05 and GRB-57-06), to introduce possible compromise solutions (GRB-57-07) focusing on design characteristics as well as on PMR. The expert from OICA expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the expert from China to find convergence on the vehicle classification and introduced a possible compromise solution (GRB-57-19). The expert from Germany recalled that GRB started discussion with the agreement of developing a proposal for amendments focused on performance criteria rather than on design requirements. Moreover, he added that the allowance of 1 dBA for vehicles with direct injection diesel engines no longer justified. Finally, he recommended simplifying classes and subclasses, to avoid cumbersome vehicle classification thresholds that could hamper technical progress.

10. GRB agreed to establish a group of interested experts on vehicle noise, led by the expert from EC, with the main goal of (i) finalizing a common proposal on vehicle classification (including subcategories) and (ii) update a proposal of 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51 aiming at maintaining consistency with the EU legislation proposal. The schedule of the first meeting of the group was agreed for 19 April 2013, tentatively in Brussels. Finally, GRB agreed to keep as reference in the agenda of the next session informal documents GRB-54-03, GRB-57-07, GRB-57-19 and GRB-57-23 and to resume discussion on the basis of the outcome of the meeting of the group of interested experts.

30. The expert from the Russian Federation gave a presentation (GRB-57-26) to introduce revised proposals (GRB-57-08, GRB-57-09, GRB-57-10 and GRB-57-11) superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/12. The expert from OICA raised a study reservation on GRB-57-08, aimed at specifying how to test road tractors with or without semitrailers and to refer them to the off-road category of vehicle. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject on the basis of a revised proposal tabled by the Russian expert from Russia in cooperation with the experts from France and OICA.

30. The expert from the Russian Federation gave a presentation (GRB-57-26) to introduce revised proposals (GRB-57-08, GRB-57-09, GRB-57-10 and GRB-57-11) superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/12. The expert from OICA raised a study reservation on GRB-57-08, aimed at specifying how to test road tractors with or without semitrailers and to refer them to the off-road category of vehicle. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject on the basis of a revised proposal tabled by the Russian expert from Russia in cooperation with the experts from France and OICA.

30. The expert from the Russian Federation gave a presentation (GRB-57-26) to introduce revised proposals (GRB-57-08, GRB-57-09, GRB-57-10 and GRB-57-11) superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/12. The expert from OICA raised a study reservation on GRB-57-08, aimed at specifying how to test road tractors with or without semitrailers and to refer them to the off-road category of vehicle. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject on the basis of a revised proposal tabled by the Russian expert from Russia in cooperation with the experts from France and OICA.

30. The expert from the Russian Federation gave a presentation (GRB-57-26) to introduce revised proposals (GRB-57-08, GRB-57-09, GRB-57-10 and GRB-57-11) superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/12. The expert from OICA raised a study reservation on GRB-57-08, aimed at specifying how to test road tractors with or without semitrailers and to refer them to the off-road category of vehicle. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject on the basis of a revised proposal tabled by the Russian expert from Russia in cooperation with the experts from France and OICA.

29. The experts from IMMA and OICA introduced GRB-57-12 and GRB-57-18, listing the current acronyms and abbreviation in UN Regulations under the responsibilities of GRB. GRB agreed to resume discussion at its September 2013 session on the basis of informal documents provided by the expert from CLEPA concerning UN Regulations Nos. 59 and 28, and by the expert from EC concerning QRTV.

6. The expert from China introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2013/4 and GRB-57-13 proposing amendments to improve the test method of the 02 series of amendments to the UN Regulation. The expert from OICA questioned the opportunity of introducing amendments to the 02 series of amendments, taking into account that the latter one would be superseded in a short time by the 03 series of amendments. He finally proposed that draft amendments of method B, concerning Annexes 9 and 10 of the UN Regulation introduced by ECE/TRANS/P29/GRB/2013/4, would be discussed at the next ISO Working Group 42 meeting in April, because affecting the measurement procedure of method B reproduced in Standard ISO 362-1:2007. The expert from ISO agreed on this approach. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its September 2013 session on the basis of a proposal jointly revised by the experts from China, ISO and OICA.

23. The expert from EC introduced GRB-57-14, fostering the development of ASEP provisions for UN Regulations Nos. 9, 63 and 92. He added that his requested was motivated by the upcoming development of EU legislation on vehicle category L. GRB agreed to resume consideration on this agenda item on the basis of a proposed road map to cover this issue tabled by the expert from IMMA. In the meantime, experts were invited to send their comments to the expert from IMMA as support in the development of this proposal.

27. The expert from EC, secretary of the informal working group on Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTV), introduced the status report of the second meeting of QRTV (GRB-57-29) and announced that the Notice of Proposed of Rulemaking (NPRM) of the United States of America (US) on minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles was published on 9 January 2013, including a draft environmental assessment study. He informed GRB that the next meeting of QRTV would be held from 16 to 18 April 2013 in Brussels. He also introduced GRB-57-15 to propose the development of a “sound emission profiling test” for QRTV to match safety and environmental needs and support the positive impact on traffic noise introduced by the deployment of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). He invited GRB experts to assess the feasibility of this proposal in which the main objective would be the profiling of vehicle noise up to a speed of 30 km/h.

28. The Chair of GRB underlined the opportunity given by the publication of the NPRM to provide the US authorities with comments by GRB. The expert from the Netherlands expressed concerns on how the audible vehicle alerting system (AVAS) installed on QRTV could negatively affect the environment. He also expressed concerns on how the installation of such devices would probably shift the responsibility of the driver to vulnerable road users such as visually impaired people. As a general comment to the NPRM, GRB agreed that the development of the UN Global Technical Regulation on QRTV (that would also be based on the NPRM and on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/6), should be environmentally friendly and coherent with vehicle noise levels worldwide including ASEP provisions. Finally, the Chair of GRB invited all experts to provide comments on the NPRM directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). GRB agreed to resume discussion at its September 2013 session on the basis of the outcome of the informal working group.

24. The expert from OICA introduced GRB-57-16, proposing the concept of extension and revision of approvals into UN Regulations Nos. 28, 51, 59 and 117. As suggested by the Chair of GRB, it was agreed to list this item on the agenda of the Administrative Committee for the Coordination of Work of WP.29 (WP.29/AC.2) at its March 2013 session, due to its implication for the entire range of UN Regulations annexed to the 1958 Agreement. Finally, GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its September 2013 session and invited its experts to provide comments to the expert from OICA in time to prepare an official proposal for that session.

5. Concerning the updating of the requirements on the noise test track from ISO 10844:1994 to ISO 10844:2011, GRB agreed on aligning the UN Regulation with the decision taken for UN Regulation No. 117 on this subject (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/16) (see also paras. 16 and 17). Accordingly, the expert from OICA withdrew GRB-57-20 and it was agreed to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/16 for reference. Finally, GRB agreed to defer discussion at its September 2013 session on the basis of a revised consolidated proposal of 03 series of amendments to the UN Regulation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/8) including a new proposal for transitional provisions (GRB-57-17), ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/17 and the provisions of Supplement 8 to the 02 series of amendments (see para. 10).

7. The expert from OICA, secretary of the group of interested expert on vehicle noise, introduced GRB-58-04 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/8, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/16 and GRB-56-12) as a result of discussions in the last meeting of his group held in Brussels on 4 July 2013. The expert from EC, Chair, of the same group clarified that GRB-58-04 was an attempt to merge the provisions of the proposal of the Parliament and the Council of the EU1 with the current proposal of 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51 and including additional aspects concerning the Chinese and Japanese markets, which were beyond the scope of the European Union legislation. He added that the outcome of discussions that would follow within GRB would be transmitted to the EU legislators with the aim of harmonizing the proposal with the draft 03 series of amendments. The expert from Japan proposed GRB-58-15 proposing the removal from GRB-58-04 of specifications on audible vehicle alerting system (AVAS) which is still in the process of development in the framework of activities of the UN GTR on Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTV). The expert from Japan, Vice-Chair of the QRTV informal working group (IWG), also on behalf of the Chair of the IWG, reported similar concerns and request. The experts from China, the Republic of Korea and OICA supported these remarks. GRB endorsed the proposal made by the expert from Japan by suspending the discussion on AVAS provisions. GRB agreed to incorporate the results of discussion, including those of agenda item 3(b) (see paras. 10 and 11) into GRB-58-17-Rev.1., superseding GRB-58-04. It was noted that provisions still pending or suspended, were placed in square brackets in this document. The Chair of GRB clarified that GRB-58-17-Rev.1 would remain, on an informal basis, as a platform of discussion between the experts from GRB and EU in the group of interested experts on vehicle noise. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject on the basis of the outcome of next meetings of the group of interested experts scheduled for the first week of November 2013 and for the second week of January 2014 (both in Brussels).

10. GRB resumed consideration on vehicle categories and their limit values on the basis of the proposal drafted by the group of interested experts (GRB-58-04). The expert from Japan gave a presentation (GRB-58-14) on light vehicles of category N1. Accordingly, he introduced GRB-58-06-Rev.1 amending GRB-58-04. The experts from France and Germany supported the proposal (GRB-58-06-Rev.1), which was incorporated into GRB-58-17-Rev.1 after the discussion. The expert from China partially supported the proposal from Japan. However, he showed in GRB-58-10 that the position of the engine is more relevant for vehicle categories M1 and N1 with a GVW ≤ 2.5 t, with the engine on the front axle and a rear axle drive. He underlined that these kinds of vehicles for these technical reasons produce a higher noise emission and suggested higher limit values (GRB-58-08). He also urged the need of vehicles categorization through their GVW instead of power mass ratio (GRB-58-09), aiming at provisions encompassing vehicle fleets at global level. The expert from France suggested clarifying the correspondence of the proposed vehicle classifications tabled by the expert from China and those proposed in GRB-58-04. The expert from the Netherland expressed concern that the proposals prepared by the expert from China could introduce design restrictions. The expert from Germany proposed further study in the framework of the interested group of experts on the basis of more data provided by the expert from China. He also suggested a three steps approach in finding a common agreement on: (i) vehicle category and subcategory, (ii) measurement method and finally on (iii) limits that eventually could match different scenarios.

11. GRB reproduced the whole discussion on the draft 03 series of amendments in GRB-58-17-Rev.1 as a basis of discussion of the informal group of experts and agreed to resume consideration on this subject at its January 2014 session (see para. 7 above). GRB also agreed to simplify the agenda of the next session by keeping as reference only GRB-58-08, GRB-58-09, GRB-58-10, GRB-58-14 and GRB-58-17-Rev.1.

29. The experts from IMMA and OICA introduced GRB-57-12 and GRB-57-18, listing the current acronyms and abbreviation in UN Regulations under the responsibilities of GRB. GRB agreed to resume discussion at its September 2013 session on the basis of informal documents provided by the expert from CLEPA concerning UN Regulations Nos. 59 and 28, and by the expert from EC concerning QRTV.

7. GRB resumed consideration on vehicle categories and their limit values on the basis of an existing database in China, Japan and EC. The expert from Japan introduced again GRB-56-05 and then GRB-57-22 explaining that according to the monitoring database in his country, the best fitting threshold for vehicle categories N2 and M3particularly should be 135 kW of power mass ratio (PMR). He continued that this value would encompass properly downsized vehicles that have a high impact on noise emissions from the vehicle fleets in Asian countries. He urged finding a compromise on vehicle categories and the adoption of a concrete proposal of the 03 series of amendments to the UN Regulation (i.e. ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/7). He stated that the introduction of additional sound emission provisions (ASEP) was much awaited in Japan. The expert from China gave two presentations (GRB-57-05 and GRB-57-06), to introduce possible compromise solutions (GRB-57-07) focusing on design characteristics as well as on PMR. The expert from OICA expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the expert from China to find convergence on the vehicle classification and introduced a possible compromise solution (GRB-57-19). The expert from Germany recalled that GRB started discussion with the agreement of developing a proposal for amendments focused on performance criteria rather than on design requirements. Moreover, he added that the allowance of 1 dBA for vehicles with direct injection diesel engines no longer justified. Finally, he recommended simplifying classes and subclasses, to avoid cumbersome vehicle classification thresholds that could hamper technical progress.

10. GRB agreed to establish a group of interested experts on vehicle noise, led by the expert from EC, with the main goal of (i) finalizing a common proposal on vehicle classification (including subcategories) and (ii) update a proposal of 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51 aiming at maintaining consistency with the EU legislation proposal. The schedule of the first meeting of the group was agreed for 19 April 2013, tentatively in Brussels. Finally, GRB agreed to keep as reference in the agenda of the next session informal documents GRB-54-03, GRB-57-07, GRB-57-19 and GRB-57-23 and to resume discussion on the basis of the outcome of the meeting of the group of interested experts.

5. Concerning the updating of the requirements on the noise test track from ISO 10844:1994 to ISO 10844:2011, GRB agreed on aligning the UN Regulation with the decision taken for UN Regulation No. 117 on this subject (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/16) (see also paras. 16 and 17). Accordingly, the expert from OICA withdrew GRB-57-20 and it was agreed to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/16 for reference. Finally, GRB agreed to defer discussion at its September 2013 session on the basis of a revised consolidated proposal of 03 series of amendments to the UN Regulation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/8) including a new proposal for transitional provisions (GRB-57-17), ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/17 and the provisions of Supplement 8 to the 02 series of amendments (see para. 10).

3. GRB resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/5, tabled by the expert from the Russian Federation, providing harmonizing definitions on vehicle type concerning noise, the terms noise and sound. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced comments (GRB-57-21) to the concerns raised by the expert from IMMA to his proposal during the September 2012 session of GRB. The expert from IMMA recalled his reservation (GRB-56-08) to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/5 and announced the provisions of further information for the September 2013 session of GRB. Accordingly, GRB agreed to resume discussion on this proposal at its next session on the basis of detailed information provided by the experts concerned.

7. GRB resumed consideration on vehicle categories and their limit values on the basis of an existing database in China, Japan and EC. The expert from Japan introduced again GRB-56-05 and then GRB-57-22 explaining that according to the monitoring database in his country, the best fitting threshold for vehicle categories N2 and M3particularly should be 135 kW of power mass ratio (PMR). He continued that this value would encompass properly downsized vehicles that have a high impact on noise emissions from the vehicle fleets in Asian countries. He urged finding a compromise on vehicle categories and the adoption of a concrete proposal of the 03 series of amendments to the UN Regulation (i.e. ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/7). He stated that the introduction of additional sound emission provisions (ASEP) was much awaited in Japan. The expert from China gave two presentations (GRB-57-05 and GRB-57-06), to introduce possible compromise solutions (GRB-57-07) focusing on design characteristics as well as on PMR. The expert from OICA expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the expert from China to find convergence on the vehicle classification and introduced a possible compromise solution (GRB-57-19). The expert from Germany recalled that GRB started discussion with the agreement of developing a proposal for amendments focused on performance criteria rather than on design requirements. Moreover, he added that the allowance of 1 dBA for vehicles with direct injection diesel engines no longer justified. Finally, he recommended simplifying classes and subclasses, to avoid cumbersome vehicle classification thresholds that could hamper technical progress.

9. The expert from Switzerland introduced an analysis of the Swiss database based on vehicle noise tests (GRB-57-23) conducted in conformity to the 02 series of amendments to the UN Regulation and on limit values proposed by the experts from Germany, Japan and EC. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its September 2013 session and recommended experts to provide detailed comments.

10. GRB agreed to establish a group of interested experts on vehicle noise, led by the expert from EC, with the main goal of (i) finalizing a common proposal on vehicle classification (including subcategories) and (ii) update a proposal of 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51 aiming at maintaining consistency with the EU legislation proposal. The schedule of the first meeting of the group was agreed for 19 April 2013, tentatively in Brussels. Finally, GRB agreed to keep as reference in the agenda of the next session informal documents GRB-54-03, GRB-57-07, GRB-57-19 and GRB-57-23 and to resume discussion on the basis of the outcome of the meeting of the group of interested experts.

35. The expert from EC introduced GRB-57-24, showing the need to candidate UN Regulations, under the responsibility of GRB, applicable to IWVTA. GRB agreed to candidate UN Regulations Nos. 28 and 51 excluding UN Regulation No. 117 in view of possibly developing a UN Regulation by GRRF covering the installation of tyres on vehicles.

18. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2013/3, amended by GRB-57-01, proposing the use of a “Deceleration Calculator” software for the deceleration test method in the test procedure for measuring rolling resistance. He informed GRB about the variant of data processing in the rolling resistance deceleration test method basing on the dω/dt formula. He underlined that this variant was used as an alternative to the existing data processing stipulated in UN Regulation No. 117, not affecting the existing test methods, and that it fully matches ISO 28580 and the procedures of Annex 6 of UN Regulation No. 117. The “Deceleration calculator” is a mathematical tool providing high accuracy [σ < 0.001%; R2 > 0.999] of development in the experimental data. The concept dω/dt was incorporated into standard GOST R 52102.1 He also introduced GRB-57-25 to provide a background history on the development of legislation on rolling resistance and made a practical demonstration of the proposed “Calculator”.

19. GRB recommended that experts start using the proposed calculator and to provide comments at its September 2013 session. The expert from the Russian Federation was recommended to provide, in the meantime, further background information on the algorithms of the calculator and on both proposals (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2013/3 and GRB-57-01), as well as demonstration at the next session of GRRF for an exchange of views.

30. The expert from the Russian Federation gave a presentation (GRB-57-26) to introduce revised proposals (GRB-57-08, GRB-57-09, GRB-57-10 and GRB-57-11) superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/12. The expert from OICA raised a study reservation on GRB-57-08, aimed at specifying how to test road tractors with or without semitrailers and to refer them to the off-road category of vehicle. GRB agreed to resume discussion on this subject on the basis of a revised proposal tabled by the Russian expert from Russia in cooperation with the experts from France and OICA.

12. The expert from CLEPA introduced a proposal (GRB-57-27) for amendments to the UN Regulation aimed at introducing ASEP provisions. GRB agreed to defer discussion on this subject to its September 2013 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRB-57-27 with an official symbol at that session.

10. The expert from CLEPA introduced GRB-54-09 proposing the inclusion of the additional sound emission provisions (ASEP) also into Regulation No. 59. The proposal received comments from GRB experts, such as the deletion of the proposed tolerance of 4 dB(A), unless technical rationales are provided for justification. GRB agreed to resume discussion at its February 2012 session on the basis of a revised proposal tabled by the expert from CLEPA.

13. The expert from CLEPA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2013/8 amended by GRB-58-05 and aimed at introducing ASEP provisions. The expert from the Russian Federation suggested that the text of the proposal should be aligned with the corresponding ASEP provisions of the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51. GRB agreed to defer discussion on this subject to its January 2013 session awaiting a new official proposal at that session, aligned to a revised proposal on ASEP provisions of UN Regulation No. 51. It was also agreed to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2013/8 and GRB-58-05 as references in the agenda of the next meeting.

8. The EC expert informed GRB through a presentation (GRB-57-28) on the work progress of the European Union (EU) institutions on the EC proposal on vehicle noise. He showed that the European Parliament, at its plenary session, improved the EC proposal with the possibility of rounding the noise measurement values and using lower test acceleration (2 m/s2). He announced a further update for the September 2013 session of GRB and invited other Contracting Parties to provide information on the implementation of new noise limits at their national/regional level.

27. The expert from EC, secretary of the informal working group on Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTV), introduced the status report of the second meeting of QRTV (GRB-57-29) and announced that the Notice of Proposed of Rulemaking (NPRM) of the United States of America (US) on minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles was published on 9 January 2013, including a draft environmental assessment study. He informed GRB that the next meeting of QRTV would be held from 16 to 18 April 2013 in Brussels. He also introduced GRB-57-15 to propose the development of a “sound emission profiling test” for QRTV to match safety and environmental needs and support the positive impact on traffic noise introduced by the deployment of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). He invited GRB experts to assess the feasibility of this proposal in which the main objective would be the profiling of vehicle noise up to a speed of 30 km/h.

28. The Chair of GRB underlined the opportunity given by the publication of the NPRM to provide the US authorities with comments by GRB. The expert from the Netherlands expressed concerns on how the audible vehicle alerting system (AVAS) installed on QRTV could negatively affect the environment. He also expressed concerns on how the installation of such devices would probably shift the responsibility of the driver to vulnerable road users such as visually impaired people. As a general comment to the NPRM, GRB agreed that the development of the UN Global Technical Regulation on QRTV (that would also be based on the NPRM and on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2012/6), should be environmentally friendly and coherent with vehicle noise levels worldwide including ASEP provisions. Finally, the Chair of GRB invited all experts to provide comments on the NPRM directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). GRB agreed to resume discussion at its September 2013 session on the basis of the outcome of the informal working group.