1. The Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) held its fifty-sixth session in Geneva from 9 to 12 December 2014, chaired by Mr. Nha Nguyen (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) (TRANS/WP.29/690, Amend.1 and Amend.2): Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Czech Republic; China; France; Germany; Hungary; India; Italy; Japan; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Republic of Korea; Russian Federation; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland and United States of America. An expert from the European Commission (EC) participated. Experts from the following non-governmental organizations participated: Consumers International (CI); European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA); International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA); the Foundation for the Automobile and Society (FIA Foundation); Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) and International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).

2. The informal documents distributed during the session are listed in Annex I of the session report.

3. GRSP considered and adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/14 and Add.1) proposed for the fifty-sixth session with the new agenda items 22(g) to 22(i), 23 and 24 as well as the running order (GRSP-56-02). The list of GRSP informal working groups is contained in Annex IX to the session report.

GRSP-56-02 | Running order of the agenda of the 56th GRSP session

GRSP/2014/14 | Annotated provisional agenda for the 56th GRSP session

GRSP/2014/14/Add.1 | Addendum to the annotated provisional agenda for the 56th GRSP session Addition of new document references to the agenda.

4. The expert from Germany, on behalf of the Chair of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on the UN Global Technical Regulation (UN GTR) No. 7 – Phase 2, informed GRSP about the work progress of the IWG (GRSP-56-04). He clarified that the IWG had defined a short list of candidate injury criteria to be used in the test of the UN GTR Phase 2. He added that the test pulse had been defined and that good repeatability and reproducibility of the biomechanical rear impact dummy (bioRID) had been achieved. He concluded that a full set of drawings and specifications of the dummy would be incorporated in the draft Addendum 1 of the Mutual Resolution No. 1 (M.R.1), along with the draft amendment to the UN GTR by the December 2015 session of GRSP. The expert from Japan added the presentation of the expert from Germany by introducing the status report of the IWG (GRSP-56-05).

GRSP-56-04 | Progress report of the informal working group on phase 2 of GTR No. 7 Update on the work concerning head restraint height measurement, dynamic test for rear impacts, BioRID II dummy certification and R&R, GTR "whiplash" injury criteria, and introduction of the BioRID test tool into the Mutual Resolution 1 compendium.

GRSP-56-05 | Draft 6th progress report of the informal group on Phase 2 of GTR No. 7

5. Concerning the height of head restraints, the expert from the Netherlands reminded GRSP that a proposal with new thresholds had been submitted last year (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2013/17) and that the new measurement method agreed by the IWG was guaranteeing good repeatability. The expert from OICA argued that the new test method by itself was reducing the measured height of the head restraints by about 30 mm and that the additional severity due to the new thresholds referenced in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2013/17 needed further justification. The expert from India was of the opinion that an anthropometry study should be carried out to investigate the consequences of increased height of head restraints.

GRSP/2013/17 | Proposal for Amendment 1 to GTR No. 7 Proposal to specify a head restraint height between 720 mm and 830 mm pursuant to the work on phase 2 of GTR No. 7 which includes a new method for measuring the effective height of head restraints.

6. Finally, GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this agenda subject at its May 2015 session on the basis of the outcome of work of the IWG.

7. The expert from Germany, co-Chair of the IWG on pedestrian safety, reported on the progress of work of the IWG on UN GTR No. 9 – Phase 2 to incorporate the flexible pedestrian legform impactor (FlexPLI). The expert from the United States of America informed the group that the process of transposition of the UN GTR Phase 1 would start when the notice of proposed regulation making (NPRM) is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. He added that the cost/benefit analysis for the Phase 1 and 2 of the UN GTR is expected to be completed by summer 2015. He announced that once the analysis is finalized his delegation would be ready to define its position for the Phase 2. The expert from Germany reminded that the mandate of the IWG had been extended by the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1112, para. 117) until November 2015. He announced that a draft addendum to the M.R.1 would be submitted by the IWG to the May 2015 session of GRSP.

8. The expert from EC introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/17 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/30, submitted by the Task Force on Bumper Test Area (TF-BTA), a subgroup of the Informal Working Group on global technical regulation No. 9 – Phase 2, and proposing an amendment to the provisions of the bumper test. He explained that the current provisions allow the area to be narrower than intended in the provisions of the UN GTR. He added that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/17 was proposing a new method by introducing a practical determination of angle surfaces, to be tested with the FlexPLI, by using a corner gauge. Moreover, he explained that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/30 was proposing the introduction of the definition of rigid bumper beam in the test area in addition to the above-mentioned new test method. He finally informed GRSP that a test report on research conducted by EC on this issue was available. The expert from Japan gave a presentation (GRSP-56-03) to support ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/17. The expert from Korea presented GRSP-56-20 supporting ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/30. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-56-30, supporting the new method as proposed by ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/17, because the test is less sensitive to specific design features and it could be performed without disassembling parts. Moreover, GRSP discussed GRSP-56-38 and GRSP-56-39, superseding respectively ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/17 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/30.

GRSP-56-03 | Japan comments on the proposals of the Task Force-Bumper Test Area

GRSP-56-20 | Clarification of relaxation area(s) for flexible lower legform to bumper test Request for clarifications on the application of relaxation areas under UN Regulation No. 127.

GRSP-56-30 | UN GTR No. 9 (Pedestrian safety) - Effects of bumper test area determination using the old vs. the new method

GRSP-56-38 | Proposal to amend the draft amendment to GTR No. 9 on the bumper test area Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal does not take into account potentially harmful hard structures such as bumper beams that may lie behind the outer contour or front fascia extending beyond the defined bumper corners as consensus within the task force could not be reached.

GRSP-56-39 | Proposal to amend the draft amendment to GTR No. 9 on the bumper test area Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force, submitted as an alternative to the proposal in document GRSP/2014/17 as amended by document GRSP-56-38, to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal includes a “bumper beam” determination method.

GRSP/2014/17 | Proposal for amendments to global technical regulation No. 9 Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal does not take into account potentially harmful hard structures such as bumper beams that may lie behind the outer contour or front fascia extending beyond the defined bumper corners as consensus within the task force could not be reached.

GRSP/2014/30 | Proposal for amendments to global technical regulation No. 9 Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force, submitted as an alternative to the proposal in document GRSP/2014/17, to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal includes a "bumper beam" determination method.

9. GRSP endorsed GRSP-56-39, but did not support GRSP-56-38. The secretariat was requested to distribute GRSP-56-39 with an official symbol for consideration at its May 2015 session. It was agreed that this proposal would be discussed further by the Contracting Parties under the 1998 Agreement and by GRSP at its next session as a full package with: (i) an updated draft proposal of Phase 2 of the UN GTR (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/15) and (ii) an updated final report of the IWG (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/16).

GRSP-56-38 | Proposal to amend the draft amendment to GTR No. 9 on the bumper test area Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal does not take into account potentially harmful hard structures such as bumper beams that may lie behind the outer contour or front fascia extending beyond the defined bumper corners as consensus within the task force could not be reached.

GRSP-56-39 | Proposal to amend the draft amendment to GTR No. 9 on the bumper test area Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force, submitted as an alternative to the proposal in document GRSP/2014/17 as amended by document GRSP-56-38, to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal includes a “bumper beam” determination method.

GRSP/2014/15 | Draft Amendment 2 to Global Technical Regulation No. 9 Draft of the amendment to introduce the Flex PLI lower legform impactor and related test procedures into the GTR on pedestrian safety protection, including the new bumper test area specifications.

GRSP/2014/16 | Fifth progress report of the informal group on Phase 2 of GTR No. 9

10. Finally, the expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-56-21 for information only. He explained that pedestrian safety was a relevant road safety issue in his country, causing more than 2000 casualties each year and stated the availability of his delegation to prepare proposals concerning tests of active devices to further improve vehicle performances.

GRSP-56-21 | Clarification of test methods for active devices in pedestrian protection Request for clarification of test procedures for active pedestrian protection devices (such as active hood, pedestrian airbag).

11. GRSP agreed to defer discussion on this agenda item to its next sessions awaiting the outcome of the cost/benefit analysis and the transposition process of the UN GTR Phase 1 into the legislation of the United States of America.

GRSP/2012/2 | Final progress report on the proposal to develop amendment 2 to GTR 9 Review of the work behind the proposal to clarify GTR 9, in particular concerning the definition of the headform testing/contact area for measurement purposes.

GRSP/2014/2 | Proposal for amendment to Phase 1 to global technical regulation No. 9 Proposal to clarify provisions on the headform tests of UN GTR No. 9.

GRSP/2014/5 | Proposal for amendment to draft Phase 2 to global technical regulation No. 9 (Pedestrian safety) Proposal to clarify provisions of the headform tests of UN GTR No. 9.

12. The expert from Australia recalled GRSP about the decision of AC.3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1112, para. 83) to adopt a new Addendum 2 to the M.R.1 to include specifications on the 50th percentile World Side Impact Dummy (WorldSID), by referring them to the corresponding ISO standard (as a temporary solution) awaiting the availability of the full set of drawings from ISO. The Chair of GRSP informed GRSP that the goal of the IWG on harmonization of side impact dummies was to convene at the beginning of 2015 to incorporate the specifications of that dummy in the M.R.1. However, he added that the work of the IWG would continue to incorporate the specifications of the fifth percentile dummy. Finally, GRSP noted WP.29-164-26, distributed at the November 2015 session of WP.29, providing an update on the cooperation of WP.29 secretariat with ISO, concerning the accessibility of ISO standards to the experts of subsidiary bodies of WP.29.

WP.29-164-26 | Use of private standards in Regulations managed by WP.29 - Best practices

13. The Chair of GRSP, co-Chair of the IWG on Electric Vehicle Safety (EVS), reported on the progress of work of the IWG. He informed GRSP that the most recent meeting of the IWG was held in Seoul (18-20 November 2014) and that experts continued to share research data and the progress of the nine Task Force teams:

1. Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (REESS),
2. in-use test protocol,
3. Cell/Module/System test,
4. state of charge of batteries (SOC),
5. fire resistance,
6. protection against water intrusion,
7. electrolyte leakage,
8. low electric energy, and
9. inclusion of other vehicle classes.

He added that experts from contracting parties and the industry provided update on their research on Li-ion batteries, specifically on the on-going research in the United States of America. He clarified that it was critical to provide such research data and a justification to develop UN GTR requirements. He also recalled GRSP that WP.29 at its June 2014 session, agreed to extend the mandate of the IWG until December 2015 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1110, para. 99). Finally, he announced that the next meeting of the IWG is scheduled for March 2015 and that the group was expected to submit a draft UN GTR to the December 2015 session of GRSP.

14. GRSP noted the decision taken by the World Forum during the June 2014 session to refer back to GRSP ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/34 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1110, para. 52) to further consider the minimum number of ISOFIX anchorages. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-56-11-Rev.1, amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/34, superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/18 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2013/15 and addressing the widest range of possible vehicle types and configurations. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/34 as amended by Annex II to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 14.

GRSP-56-11/Rev.1 | Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments to Regulation No. 14 (revised) In June 2014, WP.29 returned a proposal (document WP.29/2014/34) to introduce provisions for ISOFIX positions in convertibles and vehicles with one seating position per row due to concerns over clarity. Given the complexity of this topic, OICA has decided to address specific elements separately. This proposal addresses the use of top tethers in child restraint systems and proposes to retain the "i-size" term and definition endorsed by GRSP.

GRSP/2013/15 | Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments to Regulation No. 14 The current text of UN R14 requires the installation of two ISOFIX anchorages in a vehicle. Vehicles with only one seat row are exempted from this requirement. This proposal introduces provisions for at least one set of ISOFIX anchorages in vehicles having only one seat row or having several seat rows with only one seat per row.

GRSP/2014/18 | Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments to Regulation No. 14 Germany submitted a proposal that would require at least one set of ISOFIX anchorages in single-row vehicles (which are currently exempted under UN R14). This proposal (superseding GRSP-55-31) would set a minimum R-point criteria for requiring the ISOFIX anchorages and thus exempt vehicles with R-points below this minimum height. The purpose is to exempt sport vehicles not intended to carry small children requiring child seats from the ISOFIX requirement.

WP.29/2014/34 | Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments to Regulation No. 14 Proposal to introduce provisions for ISOFIX in convertible cars, to exempt vehicles with one seating position per row from the ISOFIX provisions of UN R14 and to correct an editorial error in Supplement 4 to the 07 series of the regulation, as adopted by the Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) at its 54th session. The proposal is based on documents GRSP/2013/18 amended and GRSP/2013/4 as amended by GRSP-54-19-Rev.2, both documents reproduced as amended in Annex III to the GRSP session report.

15. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-56-32, improving the provisions concerning vehicle of category M1 having only one seat row and introducing a new definition of “bucket seat”. The expert from EC stated that this last definition needed further discussion. The expert from Japan in principle disagreed on the proposed limit of 140 for the power to mass ratio index to exempt vehicles, exceeding that value, from having ISOFIX positions. Finally, GRSP requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-56-32 with an official symbol at its May 2015 session.

GRSP-56-32 | Proposal for the 08 series of amendments to Regulation No. 14 Proposal to exclude "bucket seats" from the ISOFIX requirements as well as vehicles with only one seating position (by applying the regulation only to vehicles with more than one seating position). The proposal also exempts certain vehicle/seating configurations from ISOFIX requirements, addressing cases where the vehicle design and purpose mitigate against the use of such child restraints and ISOFIX systems.

16. The expert from CLEPA introduced GRSP-56-10 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/27) aimed at clarifying the provisions for dynamic testing of rear seat system and advanced restraint system approval. The expert from France stressed the need to update the test provisions to verify displacement of rear occupants wearing safety-belts equipped with load limiters. He informed GRSP that the New Car Assessment Programme was defining similar provisions by using the fifth percentile female dummy. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2015 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-56-10 with an official symbol.

GRSP-56-10 | Revised proposal for Supplement 6 to the 06 series of amendments to Regulation No. 16 Revised CLEPA proposal to clarify dynamic testing, rear seat system, advanced restraint system approval, and transitional provisions. This proposal supersedes document GRSP/2014/27.

GRSP/2014/27 | Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 06 series of amendments to Regulation No. 16 CLEPA proposal to clarify dynamic testing, rear seat system approval and transitional provisions.

17. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-56-14, complemented by GRSP-56-16 reproducing a consolidated text of the amendments proposed [in document GRSP-56-14]. He explained that the proposal was needed to verify which seating positions would allow the installation of the universal booster child restraint system (CRS) proposed by the draft 01 series of amendments to the UN Regulation No. 129 (Enhanced Child Restraint Systems) (see para. 33 below). He clarified that the proposal was aimed at introducing physical [testing], computer simulation or any other means [acceptable to a type-approval authority] to assess [compliance with the child-restraint fixture installation requirements]. The expert from CLEPA introduced GRSP-56-35 to clarify the dimensions of ISOFIX anchorages of the proposed fixture. The expert from OICA argued that GRSP-56-35 could lead to misinterpretation since UN Regulation No. 16 is not dealing with ISOFIX anchorage provisions. The expert from EC noted that the required information on ISOFIX installation (see Annex 17, Appendix 3, tables 1-3 of the UN Regulation No. 16) could be misleading for consumers. The expert from France clarified that the introduction of booster cushion was aimed at improving comfort rather than safety and that the IWG designed provisions for a universal system of this type of CRS as per other CRS. GRSP agreed to refer GRSP-56-14, GRSP-56-16 and GRSP-56-35 to the IWG on CRS for further discussion and agreed to resume consideration on this subject at its May 2015 session.

GRSP-56-14 | Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 16 Proposal to introduce provisions concerning universal child booster seating positions.

GRSP-56-16 | Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 06 series of amendments to Regulation No. 16 (Consolidated version) Proposal to introduce provisions concerning universal child booster seating positions with the amendments shown within the text of the regulation, incorporating the amendments proposed in document GRSP/2014/14.

GRSP-56-35 | Regulation No. 16 - ISOFIX fixture

18. GRSP noted GRSP-56-42 (for information only) tabled by the expert from Korea and aimed at introducing the mandatory fitting of safety-belt reminders also for rear seats. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2015 session and to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2012/25 in the agenda for possible discussion at its next sessions.

GRSP-56-42 | Proposal for mandatory installation of seat-belt reminders in rear seating positions Argument in favor of extending provisions for seat-belt reminders to the rear seating positions, particularly to respond to low seat-belt use by rear occupants and the associated higher rates of death and injury in accidents.

GRSP/2012/25 | Proposal for Supplement 3 to the 06 series of amendments to Regulation No. 16 Pursuant to discussions from the 44th GRSP session, the secretariat has drafted this proposal to consolidate the transitional provisions of UN R16 as a basis for a discussion on simplifying and correcting the current text of the regulation.

19. GRSP resumed consideration on a proposal tabled by the expert from CLEPA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/19), introducing provisions to define the moment of inertia of the luggage impact test. GRSP adopted the proposal and requested the secretariat to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as draft Supplement 3 to the 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 17.

GRSP/2014/19 | Proposal for Supplement 3 to the 08 series of amendments to Regulation No. 17 Proposal to define the moment of intertia in the luggage-impact test as “0.3 ± 0.05 kgm2 (around all 3 principal axis of inertia of the luggage blocks)”. UN R17 presently lacks such a definition, resulting in variations in trajectory and behavior of the luggage cubes before and after impact.

20. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/20 proposing the prohibition of side-facing seats for any N category of vehicle. The expert from OICA argued that the proposed amendment would also ban some special purpose vehicles which so far did not create safety issue and offered his cooperation to revise the proposal. GRSP noted that the issue was focused on the corresponding EU Directive rather than UN Regulation No. 17 provisions. Accordingly, the expert from Germany withdrew the proposal and GRSP agreed to remove this subject from the agenda of the May 2015 session.

GRSP/2014/20 | Proposal for Supplement 3 to the 08 series of amendments to Regulation No. 17 Proposal to extend the prohibition against the installation of side-facing seats to all categories of commercial vehicles (N).

21. GRSP considered and adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/21, correcting an error in the UN Regulation No. 17. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as part of draft Supplement 3 to the 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 17 (see para. 19 above).

GRSP/2014/21 | Proposal for Supplement 3 to the 08 series of amendments to Regulation No. 17 Proposal by the secretariat to correct a reference to UN R25 to refer to the 04 series of amendments rather than to the 03 series of amendments.

22. Referring to the discussion under agenda item 7 (see para. 16), the expert from the Netherlands introduced GRSP-56-07, proposing a possible amendment to cover the issue of occupant displacement due to the presence of safety-belt load limiters installed on seats other than front seats. He announced the intention to submit a new proposal on this subject for the May 2015 session of GRSP.

GRSP-56-07 | Proposal to amend UN Regulation No. 17 Proposal to expand the application area of the energy absorption criteria for seating in order to facilitate the optimization of seat-belt load limiters by allowing limited occupant contact with these seat areas.

23. GRSP agreed to defer discussion on this agenda item at its May 2015 session based on the outcome of a research on helmets announced by the expert from Germany.

24. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/4, introducing requirements to ensure that, during a pendulum impact test, the cab should remain safely attached to the chassis frame. GRSP adopted the proposal, as amended by Annex III to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as draft Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 29.

GRSP/2014/4 | Proposal for Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 29 Proposal to require that the vehicle cab remain attached to the vehicle frame by at least three mounting points following the pendulum test.

25. GRSP considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/29 tabled by the expert from Germany, aimed at clarifying existing test requirements when a pendulum is used as an impactor. GRSP adopted the proposal, as amended by Annex III to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as part of draft Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 29 (see para. 24. above).

GRSP/2014/29 | Draft supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 29 The 03 series of amendment introduced a new Test C into UN Regulation No. 29. This proposal adds specifications for the test rig in the case where a pendulum impactor is used (as is already prescribed for Tests A and B. To improve the repeatability of the test, the submission further proposes to place the cab on a horizontal surface and to fix the pendulum with a required angle of 20° of impact against the cab to be tested.

26. The expert from Spain introduced GRSP-56-06, to improve dynamic test provisions for CRS and to cope with the presence of load limiters on safety belts used to fix CRS. The expert from EC raised a study reservation and GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2015 session. In the meantime, the secretariat was requested to distribute GRSP-56-06 with an official symbol at the next session of GRSP.

GRSP-56-06 | Proposal for Supplement 10 to the 04 series of amendments to Regulation No. 44 Text prepared by the UN R44 Technical Services Group to clarify the regulation, including test failure parameters, CRS displacement or locking systems, seat installation color coding systems, and use of load limiting devices. The test procedure would be modified, including an increase in the applied load to exceed the maximum allowed resistance to permit sliding of the strap through the quick adjuster and through rigid parts, increased tolerances related thereto, deletion of the option for shorter shift (deemed unnecessary since it is a test on the strap, not on the complete component), and modification of drawings to improve consistency with the text.

27. GRSP considered GRSP-56-26, tabled by the expert from CLEPA, aimed at updating the references to the European standard on toxicity and flammability of materials used to manufacture CRS. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2015 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-56-26 with an official symbol.

GRSP-56-26 | Proposal for Supplement 10 to the 04 series of amendments to Regulation No. 44 Proposal to amend the toxicity and flammability declarations via references to EN71 (European safety standards).

28. GRSP considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/25, tabled by the expert from Germany to avoid any misinterpretation of the provisions for the installation of side-facing seats in vehicles of category M3. GRSP adopted the proposal, not amended, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as draft Supplement 1 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 80.

GRSP/2014/25 | Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 80 Proposal to amend the scope and clarify the transitional provisions to avoid misinterpretations for the installation of side-facing seats in category M3 vehicles. The proposal exempts vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes from the prohibition on side-facing seat provided the seat meet conditions specified in the 03 series of amendments to the Regulation.

29. The expert from France, Chair of the frontal impact (FI) IWG, introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/22 to align the UN Regulation No. 94 with the provisions of new draft UN Regulation (full-width frontal collision) on the protection of older occupants. The proposal received comments from the expert from Germany who proposed to keep the current neck injury criteria. Finally, the expert from France proposed GRSP-56-15-Rev.2, amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/22. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2015 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-56-15-Rev.2 with an official symbol.

GRSP-56-15/Rev.2 | Proposal to amend the draft 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 94 (revised) Further refinements to UN R94 frontal impact regulation in light of the new regulation on frontal impacts and occupant restraint systems currently pending approval.

GRSP/2014/22 | Proposal for 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 94 Proposal as revised during the 55th GRSP session (superseding document GRSP/2014/06) incorporating changes to UN R94 in light of the development of the new regulation concerning protection in frontal collisions with focus on the restraint system, especially to improve the protection of older occupants.

30. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/24 without amendment, aimed at resolving inconsistencies in Annex 5 of the UN Regulation, by deleting its Appendix 3. GRSP requested the secretariat to submit ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/24 to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as draft Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 95.

GRSP/2014/24 | Proposal for Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 95 Proposal by the GRSP secretariat to delete Appendix 3 (examination of the mobile impact barrier) to Annex 5 of UN R95. Appendix 3 was rendered redundant by the 02 series of amendments to the regulation (which introduced the EEVC mobile deformable barrier).

31. The expert from Germany introduced GRSP-56-17 and GRSP-56-18 aimed at clarifying the provisions for connectors of electric vehicles. GRSP adopted both proposals, as reproduced in Annex IV to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit GRSP-56-17 and GRSP-56-18 to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions, respectively as: (i) draft Supplement 4 to the 01 series of amendments and as (ii) draft Supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 100.

GRSP-56-17 | Proposal for Supplement 4 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 100 Editorial improvements to the text and introduction of provisions allowing for the separation of connectors (including the vehicle inlet) without the use of tools under prescribed conditions.

GRSP-56-18 | Proposal for Supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 100 Editorial improvements to the text and introduction of provisions allowing for the separation of connectors (including the vehicle inlet) without the use of tools under prescribed conditions.

32. Referring to the decision held under agenda item 3(a) (see paragraphs 8. and 9.), GRSP endorsed in principle GRSP-56-41 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/31, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/32 and GRSP-56-40), introducing the new bumper test method and the definition of bumper beam. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2015 session to define proper transitional provisions and decide whether to adopt the proposal either as a new series of amendments or as a supplement. Finally, the secretariat was requested to distribute GRSP-56-41 with an official symbol at the next session of GRSP.

GRSP-56-40 | Proposal to amend the draft Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 127 Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force, pursuant to discussions within GRSP, to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal does not take into account potentially harmful hard structures such as bumper beams that may lie behind the outer contour or front fascia extending beyond the defined bumper corners as consensus within the task force could not be reached. Presented as a Supplement, the proposal includes a September 2017 transition date in case GRSP determines that the changes should be put into a new series of amendments rather than as a supplement.

GRSP-56-41 | Proposal to amend the draft Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 127 Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force, pursuant to discussions within GRSP, submitted as an alternative to the proposal in document GRSP/2014/31 as amended by document GRSP-56-40, to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal includes a “bumper beam” determination method. The proposal also includes a September 2017 transition date in the event that the GRSP determines that the proposal should be treated as a new series of amendments rather than as a Supplement.

GRSP/2014/31 | Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 127 Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal does not take into account potentially harmful hard structures such as bumper beams that may lie behind the outer contour or front fascia extending beyond the defined bumper corners as consensus within the task force could not be reached. Presented as a Supplement, the proposal includes a September 2017 transition date in case GRSP determines that the changes should be put into a new series of amendments rather than as a supplement.

GRSP/2014/32 | Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 127 Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force, submitted as an alternative to the proposal in document GRSP/2014/31, to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. This proposal corrects shortcomings in the current definitions which could lead to a narrower test area than intended (leading to less effective pedestrian protection). This proposal includes a “bumper beam” determination method. The proposal also includes a September 2017 transition date in the event that the GRSP determines that the proposal should be treated as a new series of amendments rather than as a Supplement.

33. The expert from France, Chair of the IWG on Enhanced Child Restraint Systems (ECRS), introduced: (i) a presentation to show the main content of the draft 01 series of amendments incorporating provisions for booster seats (GRSP-56-28), (ii) the draft proposal (GRSP-56-08 superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/28) and (iii) the consolidated version of the UN Regulation, incorporating the proposed amendments (GRSP-56-09). The expert from OICA proposed to reduce the height of the measuring device, to evaluate a universal booster cushion, from 910 mm to 830 mm. He explained that this last value would be less restrictive for vehicle design. The expert from EC informed GRSP that a research test report on child abdominal injuries would be published soon. Accordingly, he raised a study reservation to consider the above-mentioned outcome of research and to complete the assessment of GRSP-56-08. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2015 session to consider and adopt, as a whole, draft 01 series of amendments and the parallel amendments to UN Regulation No. 16 (see para. 17). Finally, the secretariat was requested to distribute GRSP-56-08 with an official symbol at the next GRSP session.

GRSP-56-08 | Revised proposal for the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 129 Revised amendment to introduce all the modifications needed in UN Regulation No. 129 (Enhanced Child Restraint System (ECRS)) that were suggested by the experts of the informal working group on Child Restraint Systems (IWG CRS) to extend the scope of this Regulation to Non-Integral child restraint systems (“Universal Booster” or “Specific to vehicle Booster”) (Phase 2 of the UN Regulation).

GRSP-56-09 | Proposal for the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 129 (Consolidated version) Revised amendment, including track changes, to introduce all the modifications needed in UN Regulation No. 129 (Enhanced Child Restraint System (ECRS)) that were suggested by the experts of the informal working group on Child Restraint Systems (IWG CRS) to extend the scope of this Regulation to Non-Integral child restraint systems (“Universal Booster” or “Specific to vehicle Booster”) (Phase 2 of the UN Regulation).

GRSP-56-28 | Enhanced Child Restraint Systems (Regulation No. 129) - Booster Seats and Booster Cushions Report on the phase 2 development (regarding universal booster seats and cushions) of UN Regulation No. 129.

GRSP/2014/28 | Proposal for the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 129 Amendment to introduce all the modifications needed in UN Regulation No. 129 (Enhanced Child Restraint System (ECRS)) that were suggested by the experts of the informal working group on Child Restraint Systems (IWG CRS) to extend the scope of this Regulation to Non-Integral child restraint systems (“Universal Booster” or “Specific to vehicle Booster”) (Phase 2 of the UN Regulation).

34. The expert from France informed GRSP that, for the time being, the IWG does not have the resources to provide a corresponding Addendum to the M.R.1. to include drawings and specifications of the Q dummies, due to their number and complexity. He explained that the IWG likely would reallocate resources in the future to cover this issue. Finally, he asked for a one year extension of mandate of the IWG to develop Phase 3 of the UN Regulation (covering CRS using adult safety-belts to restrain children). The expert from Germany underlined that the initial purpose of the UN Regulation, to incorporate for better clarity all provisions concerning universal ISOFIX, had been compromised by covering a number of different CRS categories. Finally, GRSP agreed to seek the endorsement of WP.29 to extend the mandate of the IWG until December 2015.

35. GRSP considered and adopted GRSP-56-31-Rev.1, to prevent installation of y-shaped straps on forward facing CRS, as reproduced in Annex V of the GRSP session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their March 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 4 to the UN Regulation No. 129 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/43).

GRSP-56-31/Rev.1 | Proposal for Supplement 4 to Regulation No. 129 Proposal to prohibit the use of Y-shaped belt on forward-facing child restraint system. This proposal aligns UN R129 with provisions already in UN R44.

36. The experts from CLEPA and CI introduced respectively GRSP-56-24 and GRSP-56-27, as a draft brochure for a coordinated information campaign on UN Regulation No. 129. The expert from Germany announced that a similar initiative would be published soon in his country. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject on the basis of a possible common text agreed by interested parties.

GRSP-56-24/Rev.1 | UN Regulation No. 129 (i-Size UN Regulation): An important step towards an enhanced child protection in crashes Fact sheet on UN R129 including comparison with UN R44.

GRSP-56-27 | Enhanced Child Restraint Systems (Regulation No. 129) - Draft brochure Question and answer brochure on the i-size child restraint systems regulation.

37. The expert from France, Chair of the Frontal Impact IWG, introduced the latest draft amendments of his group (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/23) to the draft UN Regulation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/10) on frontal impact with focus on the restraint system, with a thorax compression criterion (ThCC) of 42 mm. He also introduced GRSP-56-36, showing three possible solutions to implement a ThCC of 34 mm for the Hybrid III fifth percentile female dummy as requested by the expert from Japan. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-56-13-Rev.1 endorsing 42 mm criterion because more balanced to protect both young and elderly people. He added that if a decision would be taken by GRSP to endorse 34 mm, this should be introduced at a later stage as a new series of amendments. The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-56-23-Rev.2 aimed at supporting a ThCC of 34 mm and stated that this value was evidence based for its feasibility. The expert from Sweden stated that she was not in the position to support one of the two values. The expert from Italy was in favour of 42 mm because the ThCC of 34 mm criterion needed further investigation. The expert from EU announced that a test programme (sponsored by the European Union) would start at the beginning of 2015 to investigate on this issue. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2015 session on the basis of revised proposals to be submitted by the expert from France (including GRSP-56-13-Rev.1 and GRSP-56-23-Rev.2).

GRSP-56-13/Rev.1 | Proposal for amendments to the draft UN Regulation on occupant restraint systems in frontal impacts (revised) Further refinements to the proposed new regulation on frontal impact protection in relation to occupant restraint systems (document GRSP/2014/10 amended by doument GRSP/2014/23) prepared by the Informal Group on Frontal Impact. These amendments concern provisions on the position of the front passenger.

GRSP-56-23/Rev.2 | Draft new 01 series of amendments of Regulation No. [X] concerning approval of the Full Width Rigid Barrier test (revised) Proposal from Japan to outline a 01 series of amendments to the draft new UN Regulation with regard to the Full Width Rigid Barrier test. This proposal would enable Contracting Parties to apply this Regulation with a Thorax Compression Criterion (ThCC) of 34 mm for the Hybrid III 5th female dummy on the passenger seat in the event that both the 00 series draft new regulation and the 01 series amendments are adopted concurrently.

GRSP-56-36 | Hybrid III 5th percentile adult female performance requirements Thorax compression criterion (ThCC) under the draft new regulation on frontal impact protection and occupant restraint systems.

GRSP/2014/10 | Draft new Regulation on the protection of the occupants in the event of a frontal collision with a focus on the restraint system Text prepared by the Informal Working Group on Frontal Impact (IWG FI) as an outcome of discussions of the Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) at its fifty-fourth session (ECE/TRANS/WP29/GRSP/54, para. 23) on developing a separate new Regulation on frontal impact focusing on requirements for restraint systems. .

GRSP/2014/23 | Proposal of amendments to the draft new Regulation on frontal impact protection focused on occupant restraints Text prepared by the Informal Working Group on Frontal Impact (IWG FI) to introduce necessary modifications to the draft UN Regulation on frontal impact focusing on requirements for restraint systems (GRSP/2014/10).

38. The expert from Germany, Chair of the IWG on Rechargeable Energy Storage System (REESS), introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/26 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/11 and proposing a draft UN Regulation on safety requirements with respect to the electric power train of vehicles of categories L with a maximum design speed exceeding 6 km/h. The expert from IMMA proposed some amendments (GRSP-56-01) superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/26. Finally, GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/11 as amended by Annex VI to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as a new draft UN Regulation on electric vehicles of category L.

GRSP-56-01 | Proposal for corrections to the draft regulation on electric motorcycle safety Corrections proposed to document GRSP/2014/26 which introduced amendments to the draft regulation as presented in document GRSG/2014/11.

GRSP/2014/11 | Draft Regulation on electric vehicles of category L Draft text for a new UN regulation on the safety of electric motorcycles and related vehicles.

GRSP/2014/26 | Proposal for amendments to the draft new Regulation on electric motorcycle safety Text prepared by the Informal Working Group of Rechargeable Energy Storage System (IWG REESS) to resolve open issues concerning the draft new UN Regulation on L-category vehicle electric powertrains (document GRSP/2014/11).

39. GRSP noted GRSP-56-19, tabled by the expert from the Netherlands to clarify that the adjustment device for the height of the effective upper anchorage (introduced recently for buses) might be part of the anchorage or of the safety-belt requirements. The expert from Spain underlined that these systems should be type approved according to UN Regulation No. 44 if they are intended to restrain children. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2015 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-56-19 with an official symbol.

GRSP-56-19 | Proposal for collective amendments to Regulations Nos. 14 and 16 Proposal to clarify the text related to the recently expanded height requirements for the effective upper belt anchorage (Supplement 4 to the 07 series of amendments to Regulation No. 14).

40. In compliance with Rule 37 of the Rules of Procedure (TRANS/WP.29/690 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/690/Amend.1), GRSP called for the election of officers. The representatives of the Contracting Parties, present and voting, elected unanimously Mr. N. Nguyen (United States of America) as Chair and Mr. J.W. Lee (Republic of Korea) as Vice-Chair for the sessions of GRSP scheduled in the year 2015.

41. GRSP agreed to defer discussion on this subject to its May 2015 session, due the lack of time and to keep GRSP-56-22, GRSP-56-29 and GRSP-56-34 as a reference in the agenda of the next session.

GRSP-56-22 | Information on Japanese National activities regarding Hydrogen Fuel Cell Motorcycles Japan is developing national legislation to prescribe requirements for the body, hydrogen storage containers and their specific components, batteries etc. of hydrogen fuel-cell powered motorcycles.

GRSP-56-29 | Euro NCAP results for heavy quadricycles Presentation on occupant protection tests of selected L7 category vehicles (e.g., very light, limited maximum speed road vehicles that do not require a driver's license to operate).

GRSP-56-34 | Korea NCAP update

42. GRSP agreed to submit GRSP-51-03 to the March 2015 session of WP.29, as the contribution of GRSP to a living informal document of the World Forum (permanently appended in its website) gathering acronyms of UN Regulations and UN GTRs.

GRSP-51-03 | Abbreviations and Acronyms used in the UN Regulations of GRSP During the 50th session of GRSP, the chairperson had requested participants to prepare a list with abbreviations used in the UN regulations under GRSP. EC had volunteered to carry out this task and it was agreed that the list would be submitted to GRSP as an informal document.

43. The secretariat reported on the activities of the IWG on IWVTA and its subgroups. The expert from Japan, GRSP ambassador to IWVTA introduced WP.29-164-22-Rev.1, providing an outline of the latest update of draft UN Regulation No. 0 that would be annexed to the Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement. The expert from Australia informed GRSP about the difficulties to transpose UN Regulation No. 14 into the national legislation of his country, due to the conflict of its upper tether provisions with those of the corresponding Australian Design Rule (ADR). The expert from Germany recognized the relevance of UN Regulation No. 14 for the IWVTA and encouraged to find a solution on this issue by the May 2015 session of GRSP.

WP.29-164-22/Rev.1 | UN Regulation No. 0 Second draft - Uniform provisions concerning International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA): revised Background presentation on the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval regulation.

44. The Secretary reported on the highlights of the 163rd and 164th sessions of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1110 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1112).

WP.29/1110 | Report of the World Forum/WP.29 on its 163rd session Reports of the meetings of the World Forum, 1958 Agreement, 1997 Agreement, and 1998 Global Agreement Contracting Parties held in Geneva during June 24-27.

WP.29/1112 | Report of the World Forum/WP.29 on its 164th session

45. GRSP received no comments from experts on this subject and decided to remove it from the agenda of its May 2015 session.

46. The expert from Germany introduced GRSP-56-37 to inform GRSP on the activity concerning the terms of reference and the work plan for the IWG to harmonize the specifications of the three-dimensional H-point machine.

GRSP-56-37 | Report of the informal working group on the harmonisation of the specifications of the 3-D H-point machine

47. The secretariat informed GRSP of a workshop on ITS held on 17–18 November in Brussels and co-organized by UNECE and the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport of Belgium. GRSP noted that the goal of the workshop was to discuss how technology could be better used to create a driving and transportation culture that contributes to safe, efficient and sustainable mobility in the coming years. GRSP agreed to keep this item in the agenda of its future sessions for exchange of information.

48. The expert from Australia introduced GRSP-56-33 (superseding GRSP-56-12), to clarify the scope of the UN Regulation. GRSP adopted the proposal as reproduced in Annex VII of this report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 1 to the new UN Regulation on Pole Side Impact.

GRSP-56-12 | Proposal for Supplement 1 and for Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to the UN Regulation on Pole Side Impact The scope of the new Global Technical Regulation on Pole Side Impact includes vehicles of category N1 (limited to GVM < 3.5 t) and vehicles of category M1 (without mass limit). However, the vehicle fleet includes a small number of M1 vehicles with a GVW > 3.5t which are based on vehicles of category N2, N3, M2 or M3. Therefore, OICA proposes to limit the scope of the GTR to both M1 and N1 vehicles under 3.5 t maximum vehicle mass in order to alleviate burdens on manufacturers producing M1 variants based on N2, N3, M2, or M3 vehicles.

GRSP-56-33 | Proposal for Supplement 1 to the UN Regulation on Pole Side Impact in its original version and to the 01 series of amendments The scope of the new Global Technical Regulation on Pole Side Impact includes vehicles of category N1 (limited to GVM < 3.5 t) and vehicles of category M1 (without mass limit). However, the vehicle fleet includes a small number of M1 vehicles with a GVW > 3.5t which are based on vehicles of category N2, N3, M2 or M3. Based on the OICA proposal (document GRSP-56-12) and ensuing discussions, Australia proposes to limit the scope of the GTR to both M1 vehicles under 3.5 t maximum vehicle mass and to certain N1 vehicles based on geometric measurements.

49. GRSP considered and adopted GRSP-56-25 to correct information provided by a label permanently affixed on hydrogen containers, as reproduced in Annex VIII to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 1 to the new UN Regulation on hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles (HFCV).

GRSP-56-25 | Proposal of amendments to the UN Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Vehicles Proposal to include "MFP" in the labeling requirement for hydrogen containers. MFP refers to the maximum allowable container pressure under normal use.

50. Learning that Ms. M. Versailles (United States of America) would no longer participate in future sessions of GRSP, the group acknowledged her as an excellent Chair of GRSP during the three years of her mandate. GRSP also learned that Mr. V. Salnikov (Russian Federation) would no longer attend in future sessions of GRSP, the group thanked him for his valuable contributions over more than twenty years of work with the GRSP. The group wished both of them all the best in their future activities.