18. The World Forum recalled the oral report of the Chair of GRPE given during the 162nd session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1108, paras. 26-31) and approved the report.

Expert groups meeting during the week of the 68th GRPE session in January 2014.

Informal group meeting schedule for the January 2014 GRPE session.

3. GRPE adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/1, Adds.1 and 2), as consolidated in GRPE-68-02. GRPE also noted GRPE-68-01-Rev.2, on the organization of GRPE informal working group meetings.

3. GRPE adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/1, Adds.1 and 2), as consolidated in GRPE-68-02. GRPE also noted GRPE-68-01-Rev.2, on the organization of GRPE informal working group meetings.

Report of the expert group (WLTP-DHC informal group) on their development of the driving test cycle for the Global Technical Regulation on light-duty vehicle emissions and fuel consumption (World Harmonized Light-duty vehicle Test Procedures).

14. The GRPE Chair recalled that the WLTP UN GTR (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/27) is scheduled to be considered by WP.29 in March 2014, jointly with the technical report on this activity (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/28). He noted that the technical report is referencing the detailed reports on the activities of the WLTP subgroups on the Development of the Harmonized Cycle (DHC) and the Development of the Test Procedure (DTP) (GRPE-68-03 and GRPE-68-04). GRPE endorsed GRPE-68-03 and GRPE-68-04.

GRPE working document GRPE/2013/13 and Informal document GRPE-67-04-Rev.1 were introduced. Status of document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/27 on WP29 Website has to be checked (IG WLTP).

Heinz Steven gave a short overview of the detailed Technical Reports on DHC (GRPE-68-03 ) and DTP (GRPE-68-04).

Draft technical report prepared by the expert subgroup on the development of the WLTP driving test procedure intended to accompany the draft global technical regulation on light-duty vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. The document explains the development of a test procedure intended to represent typical driving characteristics around the world.

14. The GRPE Chair recalled that the WLTP UN GTR (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/27) is scheduled to be considered by WP.29 in March 2014, jointly with the technical report on this activity (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/28). He noted that the technical report is referencing the detailed reports on the activities of the WLTP subgroups on the Development of the Harmonized Cycle (DHC) and the Development of the Test Procedure (DTP) (GRPE-68-03 and GRPE-68-04). GRPE endorsed GRPE-68-03 and GRPE-68-04.

GRPE working document GRPE/2013/13 and Informal document GRPE-67-04-Rev.1 were introduced. Status of document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/27 on WP29 Website has to be checked (IG WLTP).

Heinz Steven gave a short overview of the detailed Technical Reports on DHC (GRPE-68-03 ) and DTP (GRPE-68-04).

Administrative information concerning the GRPE session.

5. The secretariat introduced GRPE-68-05, announcing that the next ordinary GRPE session would take place on 2-6 June 2014 and recalling that the deadline for the submission of official working documents is 7 March 2014. The Chairs and secretaries of informal working groups were invited to approach the secretariat to define the calendar of meetings of informal working groups for the June 2014 GRPE session.

Report on items of relevance to GRPE (vehicle pollution and propulsion) from the June 2013 (160th WP.29) and November 2013 (161st WP.29) World Forum sessions.

6. Introducing GRPE-68-06, the secretariat informed GRPE about items discussed in the 160th and 161st sessions of the World Forum (held in June 2013 and November 2013) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1104 and Add.1, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1106).

Proposal for clarifications to the European Commission proposal (document GRPE/2104/2) to align the requirements of Regulation No. 83 with those of European Union Regulation (EC) Nos. 715/2007, 692/2008, 566/2011, 459/2012 and 630/2012.

20. The expert from OICA introduced GRPE-68-07-Rev.1, proposing to modify ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2 in order to avoid misinterpretations in the practical implementation of the UN Regulation. GRPE-68-07-Rev.1 contains modifications regarding the inclusion of: i) pure electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the table on the application of test requirements for type approval and extensions; ii) requirements of UN Regulation No. 85 in UN Regulation No. 83; iii) aspects related with real driving conditions (currently being discussed in the EU); iv) a limit of validity of type-approvals clause and v) the concept of H2NG flex fuel vehicles. It also addresses the requirements for daytime running lamps and for vehicles equipped with compression-ignition engines. The expert from OICA underlined that GRPE-68-07-Rev.1 addresses the concerns on H2NG flex fuel vehicles raised by the experts from Germany and France.

21. The expert from Japan supported GRPE-68-07-Rev.1. The expert from the EC agreed to remove the references to the hydrogen and natural gas (H2NG) fuel from ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2. The expert from Italy agreed with this solution, but he also underlined the need to consider H2NG in future developments of UN Regulation No. 83 and other regulatory texts. Following a comment by the expert from the United Kingdom, a reference to vehicles required to be equipped with daytime running lamps, originally included in the OICA proposal (amending section 3.2.7. of Annex 4a), was removed from GRPE-68-07-Rev.1.

22. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2, as amended by GRPE-68-08 and GRPE-68-07-Rev.1 (without the amendment of section 3.2.7. of Annex 4a), requesting the secretariat to combine these modifications and submit the resulting text to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their June 2014 sessions as the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83.

Corrigendum to the text prepared by the European Commission to align the requirements of Regulation No. 83 with those of European Union Regulation (EC) Nos. 715/2007, 692/2008, 566/2011, 459/2012 and 630/2012.

18. The expert from the EC introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2 and a corrigendum contained in GRPE-68-08, outlining a proposal to amend UN Regulation No. 83 in order to align its requirements with those of the European Union Regulation (EC) Nos. 715/2007, 692/2008, 566/2011, 459/2012 and 630/2012.

19. The expert from Germany stressed the need to combine safety-related provisions on H2NG flex fuel vehicles with the provisions included in the proposal. The expert from France supported this statement. She underlined that, while Europe has a whole vehicle type approval procedure in place and capable to ensure that the safety issues are also taken into consideration, this is not the case in Contracting Parties that are not subject to the European homologation procedure.

22. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2, as amended by GRPE-68-08 and GRPE-68-07-Rev.1 (without the amendment of section 3.2.7. of Annex 4a), requesting the secretariat to combine these modifications and submit the resulting text to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their June 2014 sessions as the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83.

Proposal to enable continued type approval of engines meeting earlier versions of UN R96 provided that the engines in question are intended for markets applying such levels earlier of regulatory stringency.

41. The expert from EUROMOT introduced GRPE-68-09, containing a proposal to amend UN Regulation No. 96. This aims to allow the engine manufacturers to obtain approvals, even in Contracting Parties that apply more recent series of amendments, for engines that need to be marketed in Contracting Parties applying previous series of amendments. He clarified that this is in line with the provisions of UN Regulation No. 49.

42. The experts from Italy and the United Kingdom supported the proposal.

43. GRPE requested the secretariat to distribute GRPE-68-09 as an official document for consideration at the GRPE session of June 2014.

Summary of results from research by the Russian Federation into non-exhaust particle emissions from motor vehicles.

46. Having recalled the submission of GRPE-65-20, WP.29-160-39 and WP.29-161-22 on tyre and brake wear and vehicle indoor air quality, the expert from the Russian Federation introduced GRPE-68-10. He argued that the estimates about tyre and brake wear presented in it are significantly higher than the limits set by the Euro 6 pollutant emission regulations. He underlined that the importance of tyre and brake wear estimated in it is significantly higher than earlier estimates on the subject. He provided insights on the impact of the estimations of the contents of particulate matter within vehicles and in the outdoor air in urban driving conditions, and concluded that increased attention to the equipment of vehicles with instruments improving the indoor air quality needs to be taken into consideration.

26. Recalling the submission of GRPE-65-20, WP.29-160-39, WP.29-161-22 and GRPE-68-10 on tyre and brake wear and vehicle indoor air quality, the expert from the Russian Federation introduced GRPE-69-03 with further test and research results. He underlined the evidence that tyre wear would contribute to air pollution not only with solid particulates but also with gaseous pollutants. He announced that, to address this issue, the standard GOST R 51206-2015 on cabin air filters and purifiers was under development.

Background information gathered in Korea to support the proposal for a new regulation to protect vehicle users with regard to harmful airborne chemical compounds originating from the materials used in vehicle interiors.

65. Having recalled the WP.29 decision to seek more information on VIAQ before taking decisions upon the development of a UN GTR on the subject (as reported under agenda item 2), the GRPE Chair announced that the VIAQ expert from Korea wished to share a presentation on the subject (GRPE-68-11). Unfortunately, he could not attend this session. GRPE agreed to postpone the introduction of GRPE-68-11 to its next session, in June 2014, maintaining this item on the agenda.

Amendment proposal to add test procedures for heavy-duty hybrid vehicles to the global technical regulation on eavy-duty road vehicle emissions (WHDC).

31. [The HDH Chair] focused on the draft amendment to UN GTR No. 4 (GRPE-68-12) by providing details on the definitions, the concept of hybrid powertrain family, the approach considered, the content of Annex 8 (hardware in the loop simulation method) and 9 (powertrains method), as well as amendments aligning UN GTR No. 4 with UN GTR No. 11. The endorsement of GRPE was needed on this last point, since this is beyond the original HDH mandate.

Draft of the Electric Vehicle Regulatory Reference Guide concerning worldwide environmental regulations submitted to the GRPE by the EVE informal working group chair.

55. The secretary of the informal group on EVE introduced GRPE-68-22, reporting on recent meetings and providing information on the draft regulatory reference guide (GRPE-68-13). He focused on the recommendations that are contained in the guide, explaining that they concern the vehicle range and energy consumption testing, the method of calculation for energy consumption and CO₂ emissions (including the impact of upstream losses), battery performance and durability, battery recycling. He acknowledged that the recommendation on the method estimating upstream energy use and CO₂ emissions is currently the most controversial subject. Reporting on the meeting between EVE and WLTP leadership groups, he mentioned that the expert from the EC offered to suggest solution aiming to ensure that the EVE and the WLTP activities will not lead to the duplication of work. He concluded by summarizing the schedule of forthcoming meetings and requested the secretariat to reserve a room for a meeting during the June 2014 GRPE session.

56. The Chair of GRPE suggested some alternatives concerning the development of the regulatory work with an impact for electric vehicles: i) maintaining the existing structure, with two informal working groups: ii) combine the WLTP and EVE groups; or iii) restructure the reporting hierarchy of the groups, with the EVE reporting to WLTP for issues related with the WLTP UN GTR and to GRPE directly for all other issues. He considered also that future regulatory instruments may need to be developed under the current WLTP regulatory framework or as part of other UN Regulations and UN GTRs.

57. Having expressed concerns about the controversies regarding the method of stating upstream energy use and CO₂ emissions, the Chair of GRPE invited Contracting Parties to seek an agreement on this topic. He recalled that, should these controversies remain unsolved at the EVE and GRPE levels, they will need to be considered by WP.29 and AC.3.

1. Mr. Michael Olechiw, Chair of the informal working group, welcomed participants to the meeting. Mr. Olechiw outlined the primary goal for the meeting, which was to continue discussing the recommendations included in draft 3 of the EV Reference Guide (EVE-08-03). He clarified that the intent was not to finalize the Guide during the 8th EVE meeting, but to agree on draft 3 (with some minor revisions) to be submitted as an informal document to the GRPE’s 68th session (GRPE-68-13). Contracting parties and industry would then have until February 3rd, 2014 to submit comments. The objective is to finalize the Guide during the 9th EVE meeting on February 17-18th in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Report of the working group developing emissions and fuel economy test procedures for heavy-duty hybrid vehicles to the 68th session of the Working Party on Pollution and Energy.

30. The Chair and the secretary of the HDH group introduced GRPE-68-14 on the HDH work progress. The HDH Chair summarized the fifteenth and sixteenth group meetings. Having explained the status of validation test programmes, he announced that the validation expected to be completed by the end of March 2014. Following an overview of the remaining open issues, having confirmed that the official submission of the text amending UN GTR No. 4 is expected for June 2014 session of GRPE and having expressed his confidence about the possibility to meet this deadline, he announced that there is a risk of not being able to do so if the validation fails, or if the open issues not solved to the satisfaction of the group. In this case, an extension of the HDH informal working group mandate will be requested at the June 2014 GRPE session.

Report covering the reactivation of the WLTP (light vehicle emissions GTR) informal working group and its work on “Phase 1b” aimed at refining the original GTR currently pending adoption before the World Forum.

16. The Chair of the WLTP introduced the status report of the group (GRPE-68-15). He explained that the Chair and the Drafting Coordinator are experts from the European Union, the Vice-Chair and a Technical Secretary are experts from Japan, and a second Technical Secretary representing OICA. He explained that the group is currently structured as a subgroup on E-Lab and task forces addressing emerging open issues. Having outlined parallel activities being carried out in the EU, he invited Contracting Parties to provide feedback on these subjects by mid-February 2014, in order to update the list of issues that need to be addressed by the WLTP group. He concluded informing GRPE about the next meetings of the group and requested the secretariat to reserve a room for a meeting to be held during the June 2014 GRPE session.

Recommendations by AECC, CLEPA, EUROMOT, and OICA for minimum quality attributes of market fuels (i.e. gasoline and diesel) to be introduced “in parallel, and at the same time, to complement the level of motor vehicle and non-road mobile machinery pollutant emission standards that a country or region may be considering to introduce”.

Revised recommendations by AECC, CLEPA, EUROMOT, and OICA, pursuant to discussions during the GRPE-68 session, for minimum quality attributes of market fuels (i.e. gasoline and diesel) to be introduced “in parallel, and at the same time, to complement the level of motor vehicle and non-road mobile machinery pollutant emission standards that a country or region may be considering to introduce”.

60. On behalf of AECC, CLEPA, EUROMOT and OICA, the expert from OICA introduced GRPE-68-16-Rev.1, containing recommendations, for inclusion in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) and Special Resolution No. 1 concerning the common definitions of vehicle categories, masses and dimensions (S.R.1) on the minimum quality of gasoline and diesel fuels that are expected to be introduced contextually with increasingly stringent limits of motor vehicle and non-road mobile machinery pollutant emissions. He recalled that the recommendations includes several annexes on the emission levels allowed by different series of amendments to UN Regulations, the correspondence with European emission standards, and the explanation of the importance of the parameters introduced in the recommendations with respect to pollutant emission reduction strategies. He concluded by expressing the willingness of AECC, CLEPA, EUROMOT and OICA to discuss the recommendation with other stakeholders.

61. The expert from Italy expressed his support for this proposal and requested to maintain the subject on the GRPE agenda. The expert from the USA expressed his support for the consideration of vehicles and fuels as a system when looking at strategies for the reduction of pollutant emissions. Both the experts from Italy and the USA expressed the need to involve other stakeholders in the discussion.

62. GRPE invited all stakeholders to contribute to assure progress on this topic. The expert from OICA welcomed this decision. GRPE also welcomed the proposal of the expert from Sweden to present the activities of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), a global effort to treat short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon, methane and many hydrofluorocarbons to protect human health and the environment in the next GRPE session.

38. The expert from OICA recalled the purpose of GRPE-68-16-Rev.1. She reported on ongoing discussions and an update at GRPE at its January 2015 session.

Updated proposal for the second phase amendments to the retrofit emission control devices regulation from the REC informal working group.

Further updated proposal for the second phase amendments to the retrofit emission control devices regulation from the REC informal working group.

Pursuant to GRPE 68th session discussions, further updated proposal for the second phase amendments to the retrofit emission control devices regulation from the REC informal working group.

35. The Chair of the REC group illustrated ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/4, as updated by GRPE-68-17-Rev.2, containing a proposal for the 01 series of amendments to the UN Regulation on REC. This includes a revision in the definitions of the REC devices, stricter limit values (reduction levels) for REC systems, transitional provisions for the type approval of REC systems that meet the requirements of the REC Regulation in its original form, as well as a revision of the test sequence for particulate reduction and the equivalence matrix for the UN Regulation No. 49 standard series.

36. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/4, as amended in the informal document GRPE-68-17-Rev.2, and requested the secretariat to submit the resulting proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration at their June 2014 sessions as the 01 series of amendments to the UN Regulation on REC.

Request for guidance from Germany on the possible further development of the regulation on replacement catalytic converters pursuant to the findings of a German study. The request particularly asks whether the regulation should require improved durability and emissions performance and whether a working group should be established to develop specific proposals. The document includes the findings on the emission performance of approved pollution control devices under the current UN R103.

28. The expert from Germany introduced GRPE-68-18, illustrating recent findings on the emission performance of approved replacement pollution control devices. He showed that the performance of the devices currently available on the market can vary to a high extent and sought guidance from GRPE on the preparation of a proposal to amend UN Regulation No. 103.

29. The experts from the EC, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland welcomed the contribution from Germany, agreeing that this subject requires further investigation. The experts from France and Spain also underlined some difficulties in the applications of UN Regulation No. 103. GRPE agreed with the initiative announced by the expert from Germany to submit a proposal for the setup of an informal working group tackling this issue in the June 2014 GRPE session.

15. The expert from Germany recalled its intervention during the previous GRPE session about the emission performance of approved replacement pollution control devices (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/68, paras. 28-29 and GRPE-68-18). He announced that, given EU internal constrains, this subject had not progressed and he proposed to postpone the discussion of this item at a later stage. GRPE agreed with this proposal.

Report to the GRPE on the project to standardize WP.29 terms used in reference to vehicle propulsion systems.

58. The secretary of the VPSD informal working group introduced GRPE-68-19, on the work progress, and informed GRPE about current open issues and discussion items. She clarified that the informal working group agreed on the development schedule for the framework system of definitions of vehicles, powertrains, energy converters and energy storage systems to be introduced as annexes to R.E.3 and S.R.1. A draft is expected to be circulated in the June 2014 session of GRPE. An official document shall be submitted in January 2015, and WP.29 consideration is foreseen for June 2015.

59. GRPE acknowledged the progress made by the group and agreed to submit to WP.29 the request for an extension of its mandate to June 2015

Review by the Particle Measurement Program expert group of research on airborne particles from non-exhaust sources, especially particulates from brake friction materials and tires. The PMP group is evaluating whether such non-exhaust particulates represent an appropriate and feasible concern for further consideration as a possible regulatory issue.

45. The Chair of the PMP provided an overview of the latest activities of the informal working group, focusing primarily on emissions of sub 23 nm particles and particles from tyre and brake wear. He focused first on sub 23 nm particles (GRPE-68-21), reporting that the PMP informal working group does not see an urgent need to revise the current measurement cut-off size of 23 nm. He mentioned that the literature review on the emission of particles from tyre and brake wear (GRPE-68-20) has been completed. He cautioned about the numerous measurement techniques, the important differences between light and heavy duty vehicles, the importance of driving conditions and the lack of a clear definition of non-exhaust emissions. Overall, he reported that exhaust and non-exhaust sources are estimated to contribute almost equally to total traffic-related PM₁₀ emissions. The relative contribution of non-exhaust sources is expected to increase in the coming years due to the tendency of decreasing exhaust emissions. He provided information on the mass and number size distributions, the chemical characterization of particles from tyre and brake wear, providing estimations of the emission factors applicable to them. He underlined that brake particles are always linked to the vehicles, while particles from tyre wear result from the interaction of the vehicle and the road. Having mentioned current research activities being carried out by the industry, he concluded that knowledge at present is not sufficient in these areas and several open questions remain. He warned that, should the PMP meeting keep working on tyre and brake wear, it will be necessary to revise the mandate of the informal working group, since this is currently limited to the literature work presented at this GRPE session.

Review of main issues concerning the measurement of sub-23 nm particles in vehicle exhaust, including work on NRMM vehicles.

45. The Chair of the PMP provided an overview of the latest activities of the informal working group, focusing primarily on emissions of sub 23 nm particles and particles from tyre and brake wear. He focused first on sub 23 nm particles (GRPE-68-21), reporting that the PMP informal working group does not see an urgent need to revise the current measurement cut-off size of 23 nm. He mentioned that the literature review on the emission of particles from tyre and brake wear (GRPE-68-20) has been completed. He cautioned about the numerous measurement techniques, the important differences between light and heavy duty vehicles, the importance of driving conditions and the lack of a clear definition of non-exhaust emissions. Overall, he reported that exhaust and non-exhaust sources are estimated to contribute almost equally to total traffic-related PM₁₀ emissions. The relative contribution of non-exhaust sources is expected to increase in the coming years due to the tendency of decreasing exhaust emissions. He provided information on the mass and number size distributions, the chemical characterization of particles from tyre and brake wear, providing estimations of the emission factors applicable to them. He underlined that brake particles are always linked to the vehicles, while particles from tyre wear result from the interaction of the vehicle and the road. Having mentioned current research activities being carried out by the industry, he concluded that knowledge at present is not sufficient in these areas and several open questions remain. He warned that, should the PMP meeting keep working on tyre and brake wear, it will be necessary to revise the mandate of the informal working group, since this is currently limited to the literature work presented at this GRPE session.

Progress report on activities concerning environmental issues related to electric vehicles.

55. The secretary of the informal group on EVE introduced GRPE-68-22, reporting on recent meetings and providing information on the draft regulatory reference guide (GRPE-68-13). He focused on the recommendations that are contained in the guide, explaining that they concern the vehicle range and energy consumption testing, the method of calculation for energy consumption and CO₂ emissions (including the impact of upstream losses), battery performance and durability, battery recycling. He acknowledged that the recommendation on the method estimating upstream energy use and CO₂ emissions is currently the most controversial subject. Reporting on the meeting between EVE and WLTP leadership groups, he mentioned that the expert from the EC offered to suggest solution aiming to ensure that the EVE and the WLTP activities will not lead to the duplication of work. He concluded by summarizing the schedule of forthcoming meetings and requested the secretariat to reserve a room for a meeting during the June 2014 GRPE session.

56. The Chair of GRPE suggested some alternatives concerning the development of the regulatory work with an impact for electric vehicles: i) maintaining the existing structure, with two informal working groups: ii) combine the WLTP and EVE groups; or iii) restructure the reporting hierarchy of the groups, with the EVE reporting to WLTP for issues related with the WLTP UN GTR and to GRPE directly for all other issues. He considered also that future regulatory instruments may need to be developed under the current WLTP regulatory framework or as part of other UN Regulations and UN GTRs.

57. Having expressed concerns about the controversies regarding the method of stating upstream energy use and CO₂ emissions, the Chair of GRPE invited Contracting Parties to seek an agreement on this topic. He recalled that, should these controversies remain unsolved at the EVE and GRPE levels, they will need to be considered by WP.29 and AC.3.

Status report on the group’s current activities, including work on a new regulation covering heavy-duty dual-fuel retrofit systems.

48. The Chair of the informal working group on GFV reported on the work progress made by the group (GRPE-68-23), mentioning the recent meetings that led to the adoption of GFV-related texts in 2013 by WP.29. He recalled the decision to develop a new UN Regulation for heavy duty dual fuel retrofit, providing information on the recent development of this task and reporting that an informal document on the subject is expected for the June 2014 GRPE session. Official consideration by GRPE is currently scheduled for January 2015, and WP.29 consideration for June 2015. A task force for the retrofit of heavy duty dual fuel has already been established. Issues recently discussed include the scope of the text, the concept of families, aspects related with the need for the type approval of retrofitted dual fuel engines. The question of using the retrofit notations with or without the presence of substantial modification to the emission strategies of heavy duty engines has been discussed in detail. An agreement to maintain the retrofit wording also for modifications with substantial effects on emission strategies has been reached with OICA. Future activities will focus on the consideration of fundamental principles, the liability of original equipment manufacturers after the engine conversion, and the research of solutions to address other open issues. The GFV Chair concluded by requesting the secretariat to reserve a room for a brief meeting during the June 2014 GRPE session.

49. GRPE acknowledged the progress made by the group.

Status report on the group’s activities to develop amendments to GTR No. 2 on motorcycle emissions and new global technical regulations concerning L-category vehicle propulsion systems. The group’s priority interests include targets include evaporative emissions and on-board diagnostics testing, followed by tests for tailpipe emissions after cold start. Other interests include tailpipe emissions test at (increased) idle / free acceleration; emission test of crankcase gases; durability testing of pollution control devices; and measurement of CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, electric energy consumption and electric range determination; procedures to measure power and torque for propulsion technologies fitted on L-category vehicles; and uniform measurement of maximum design vehicle speed and/or power for restricted L-category vehicles.

50. Introducing GRPE-68-24, the Chair of the EPPR informal working group informed GRPE about recent meetings. He listed the topics that need to be addressed by the informal working group, clarifying that the initial focus of the work on two wheelers and that the evaporative emissions test and on-board diagnostics environmental verification tests are the current priorities. He reported that a draft text addressing evaporative emissions is expected to be ready in April 2014. On OBD, he reported that, even if a draft text is expected by April 2014, the complexity of this subject may lead to the postponement of some of the aspects to a later stage. He concluded by outlining the schedule of future meetings and requested the secretariat to reserve a room for a brief meeting during the June 2014 GRPE session.

51. The expert from IMMA expressed his support for the choices made on the prioritization of the group. The expert from Italy also expressed his appreciation for the choice to focus initially on two wheelers.

52. GRPE acknowledged the progress of the group.

3. GRPE adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/1, Adds.1 and 2), as consolidated in GRPE-68-02. GRPE also noted GRPE-68-01-Rev.2, on the organization of GRPE informal working group meetings.

3. GRPE adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/1, Adds.1 and 2), as consolidated in GRPE-68-02. GRPE also noted GRPE-68-01-Rev.2, on the organization of GRPE informal working group meetings.

3. GRPE adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/1, Adds.1 and 2), as consolidated in GRPE-68-02. GRPE also noted GRPE-68-01-Rev.2, on the organization of GRPE informal working group meetings.

Text prepared by the European Commission to align the requirements of Regulation No. 83 with those of European Union Regulation (EC) Nos. 715/2007, 692/2008, 566/2011, 459/2012 and 630/2012. It updates the text of document GRPE/2013/11, including additional definitions on: vehicle power, engine and vehicle characteristics, information concerning the conduct of tests (namely for power and torque), the specifications of new reference fuels (E10 and B7), the type approval communication of test results for bi fuel vehicles, and clarifications on OBD threshold limits.

18. The expert from the EC introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2 and a corrigendum contained in GRPE-68-08, outlining a proposal to amend UN Regulation No. 83 in order to align its requirements with those of the European Union Regulation (EC) Nos. 715/2007, 692/2008, 566/2011, 459/2012 and 630/2012.

19. The expert from Germany stressed the need to combine safety-related provisions on H2NG flex fuel vehicles with the provisions included in the proposal. The expert from France supported this statement. She underlined that, while Europe has a whole vehicle type approval procedure in place and capable to ensure that the safety issues are also taken into consideration, this is not the case in Contracting Parties that are not subject to the European homologation procedure.

20. The expert from OICA introduced GRPE-68-07-Rev.1, proposing to modify ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2 in order to avoid misinterpretations in the practical implementation of the UN Regulation. GRPE-68-07-Rev.1 contains modifications regarding the inclusion of: i) pure electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the table on the application of test requirements for type approval and extensions; ii) requirements of UN Regulation No. 85 in UN Regulation No. 83; iii) aspects related with real driving conditions (currently being discussed in the EU); iv) a limit of validity of type-approvals clause and v) the concept of H2NG flex fuel vehicles. It also addresses the requirements for daytime running lamps and for vehicles equipped with compression-ignition engines. The expert from OICA underlined that GRPE-68-07-Rev.1 addresses the concerns on H2NG flex fuel vehicles raised by the experts from Germany and France.

21. The expert from Japan supported GRPE-68-07-Rev.1. The expert from the EC agreed to remove the references to the hydrogen and natural gas (H2NG) fuel from ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2. The expert from Italy agreed with this solution, but he also underlined the need to consider H2NG in future developments of UN Regulation No. 83 and other regulatory texts. Following a comment by the expert from the United Kingdom, a reference to vehicles required to be equipped with daytime running lamps, originally included in the OICA proposal (amending section 3.2.7. of Annex 4a), was removed from GRPE-68-07-Rev.1.

22. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2, as amended by GRPE-68-08 and GRPE-68-07-Rev.1 (without the amendment of section 3.2.7. of Annex 4a), requesting the secretariat to combine these modifications and submit the resulting text to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their June 2014 sessions as the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83.

23. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/9, updating the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) requirements in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2 (07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83). He also explained that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/8 contains similar changes for the 06 series of amendments. The expert from CLEPA mentioned that the consequences of these proposals are currently being scrutinized. The expert from the EC expressed the need to analyse the proposals in further detail, also stating that the position of all stakeholders affected by these modifications needs to be taken into account. The expert from Germany also expressed concerns on the content of the proposals. The expert from OICA sought the GRPE advice for their future consideration. GRPE endorsed the invitation by the expert from the EC to consider ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/8 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/9 in an expert meeting with interested stakeholders with the aim to find a compromise. GRPE also requested the expert from the EC to provide information on the development of this discussion in the June 2014 session of GRPE.

26. The expert from the EC introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/5, a proposal to align the requirements of UN Regulation No. 101 with the latest changes in the regulatory framework of the European Union in relation to the specifications of new reference fuels E10 and B7, explaining that this is related with the provisions of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2.

Text prepared by OICA to align the regulation with the full requirements for vehicles that meet “special social needs” under the regulatory framework of the European Union.

24. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/3, a proposal to amend the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83 in order to align the emission requirements for “social needs” vehicles (currently based on M vehicles) with those enforced in the EU (also contemplating N₁, class 3 limits), also clarifying the need to amend the footnote to the table with emission limits. Introducing ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/7, he also outlined a proposal for complementary modifications to the 06 series of amendments of UN Regulation No. 83 to clarify its compatibility with the scope of UN Regulation No. 49.

25. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/3, amended as follows:

Page 2, Table 1, the text of note 2, amend “special social needs” to read “specific social needs”.

GRPE also adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/7, not amended. GRPE requested the secretariat to combine the modifications adopted to a single proposal and to submit the resulting text to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their June 2014 session as Supplement 4 to the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83. Following the consideration by expert from the Netherlands on the need to exclude vehicles with specific social needs from the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83, GRPE invited the EC, the Netherlands and OICA to consider the submission of a proposal for an amendment addressing this aspect in the June 2014 session of GRPE.

Proposal prepared by the REC expert group for the 01 series of amendments to the UN Regulation on uniform provisions concerning the approval of Retrofit Emission Control devices for heavy-duty vehicles. The text includes a revision in the definitions of the REC devices, stricter limit values (reduction levels) for REC systems and transitional provisions for the sale of REC systems that meet the requirements of the REC Regulation in its original form. To assure coherence with the change in the definitions, the text also includes a revision of the test sequence for particulate reduction and the equivalence matrix for the Regulation No. 49 Standard series.

35. The Chair of the REC group illustrated ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/4, as updated by GRPE-68-17-Rev.2, containing a proposal for the 01 series of amendments to the UN Regulation on REC. This includes a revision in the definitions of the REC devices, stricter limit values (reduction levels) for REC systems, transitional provisions for the type approval of REC systems that meet the requirements of the REC Regulation in its original form, as well as a revision of the test sequence for particulate reduction and the equivalence matrix for the UN Regulation No. 49 standard series.

36. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/4, as amended in the informal document GRPE-68-17-Rev.2, and requested the secretariat to submit the resulting proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration at their June 2014 sessions as the 01 series of amendments to the UN Regulation on REC.

Text prepared by the European Commission to align the requirements of UN Regulation No. 101 with the latest changes in the regulatory framework of the European Union in relation to the specifications of new reference fuels E10 and B7.

26. The expert from the EC introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/5, a proposal to align the requirements of UN Regulation No. 101 with the latest changes in the regulatory framework of the European Union in relation to the specifications of new reference fuels E10 and B7, explaining that this is related with the provisions of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2.

27. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/5, not amended, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their June 2014 sessions as Supplement 4 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 101.

As the Euro VI standards for heavy duty vehicles become mandatory throughout the European Union, manufacturers may adapt their certification processes to take account of the extended scope of Euro VI compared to Euro V. In order to prevent inconsistencies that could affect the ability to offer all vehicles for export, it is proposed to carry back this scope amendment retrospectively to the 05 series of amendments.

Since Euro VI will be fully implemented in the EU from 31 December 2013, this amendment has no effect on EU Approvals or equivalences.

37. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/6, a proposal aiming to align the scope of the 05 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 49 with that of the 06 series.

38. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/6, not amended, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration at their June 2014 sessions as Supplement 7 to the 05 series of amendments to Regulation No. 49.

When the scope of Euro VI legislation in the EU was extended downwards to 2,380 kg, the vehicles which are so approved were not exempted from light duty approvals. As the measurement of CO2 emissions and fuel/energy consumption is covered by UN Regulation No. 101, this proposal would add an exemption clause in UN Regulation No. 83 to take into account this overlap with light-duty vehicle requirements.

24. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/3, a proposal to amend the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83 in order to align the emission requirements for “social needs” vehicles (currently based on M vehicles) with those enforced in the EU (also contemplating N₁, class 3 limits), also clarifying the need to amend the footnote to the table with emission limits. Introducing ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/7, he also outlined a proposal for complementary modifications to the 06 series of amendments of UN Regulation No. 83 to clarify its compatibility with the scope of UN Regulation No. 49.

25. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/3, amended as follows:

Page 2, Table 1, the text of note 2, amend “special social needs” to read “specific social needs”.

GRPE also adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/7, not amended. GRPE requested the secretariat to combine the modifications adopted to a single proposal and to submit the resulting text to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their June 2014 session as Supplement 4 to the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83. Following the consideration by expert from the Netherlands on the need to exclude vehicles with specific social needs from the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83, GRPE invited the EC, the Netherlands and OICA to consider the submission of a proposal for an amendment addressing this aspect in the June 2014 session of GRPE.

Proposal for a series of amendments to update the on-board diagnostics (OBD) requirements in line with technological progress, including changes in ISO standards.

23. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/9, updating the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) requirements in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2 (07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83). He also explained that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/8 contains similar changes for the 06 series of amendments. The expert from CLEPA mentioned that the consequences of these proposals are currently being scrutinized. The expert from the EC expressed the need to analyse the proposals in further detail, also stating that the position of all stakeholders affected by these modifications needs to be taken into account. The expert from Germany also expressed concerns on the content of the proposals. The expert from OICA sought the GRPE advice for their future consideration. GRPE endorsed the invitation by the expert from the EC to consider ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/8 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/9 in an expert meeting with interested stakeholders with the aim to find a compromise. GRPE also requested the expert from the EC to provide information on the development of this discussion in the June 2014 session of GRPE.

Proposal for a series of amendments to update the on-board diagnostics (OBD) requirements in line with technological progress, including changes in ISO standards.

23. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/9, updating the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) requirements in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/2 (07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83). He also explained that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/8 contains similar changes for the 06 series of amendments. The expert from CLEPA mentioned that the consequences of these proposals are currently being scrutinized. The expert from the EC expressed the need to analyse the proposals in further detail, also stating that the position of all stakeholders affected by these modifications needs to be taken into account. The expert from Germany also expressed concerns on the content of the proposals. The expert from OICA sought the GRPE advice for their future consideration. GRPE endorsed the invitation by the expert from the EC to consider ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/8 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2014/9 in an expert meeting with interested stakeholders with the aim to find a compromise. GRPE also requested the expert from the EC to provide information on the development of this discussion in the June 2014 session of GRPE.