14. The World Forum approved the draft programme of work and biennial evaluation (2016-2017) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/112) and asked the secretariat to submit them to the next meeting of the Inland Transport Committee in February 2016. The secretariat presented the confirmed calendar of sessions for the year 2016 (based on WP.29-167-01). The World Forum agreed with the calendar as reproduced in Annex II to this report. The World Forum noted WP.29‑167‑03 on the chairmanships of WP.29.

5. The provisional annotated agenda for the session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1117) was adopted with the amendments below:
Addition of agenda items:
2.4 Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020);
4.2.3 Transposition of WLTP into UN Regulations;
18.3b UN GTR No. 6 (Safety glazing).

6. The list of informal documents is reproduced in Annex I to this report.

14. The World Forum approved the draft programme of work and biennial evaluation (2016-2017) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/112) and asked the secretariat to submit them to the next meeting of the Inland Transport Committee in February 2016. The secretariat presented the confirmed calendar of sessions for the year 2016 (based on WP.29-167-01). The World Forum agreed with the calendar as reproduced in Annex II to this report. The World Forum noted WP.29‑167‑03 on the chairmanships of WP.29.

Summary of UNECE activities related to automated vehicle systems and driving.

16. The secretariat gave a status report to the World Forum on UNECE activities in the area of automated vehicles (WP.29-167-04). He informed WP.29 that (i) GRRF had discussed Automated Commanded Steering Functions (ACSF), Remote Control Parking systems (RCP) and cyber security issues, (ii) GRSG had focused on Event Data Recorders (EDR), (iii) that the amendment to Articles 8 and 39 of the 1968 Vienna Convention of Road Traffic would enter into force on 23 March 2016 and (iv) that WP.1 had established an informal group to deal with automated vehicles and the cooperation with WP.29.

42. The secretariat referred to the status report (WP.29-167-04) of the secretariat on the UNECE activities on vehicle automation. The expert from IMMA stated that L-category vehicles should be taken into account at an early stage for road safety reasons. The expert from Germany noted the work done by the IWG on Automated Commanded Steering Function (ACSF) on L-category vehicles and invited the expert from IMMA to contribute to the activities of the IWG.

18. The secretariat presented the midterm results of the World Forum on the development of UN Regulations and UN GTRs (WP.29-167-06) to make vehicle safer, in the framework of the Decade of Action for Road Safety. WP.29 adopted WP.29-167-06 and requested the secretariat to reproduce it as Annex III to this report and to transmit it to the Inland Transport Committee.

Presentation on new law to govern the establishment of technical regulations in Russia.

72. The representative of the Russian Federation presented WP.29-164-07 on the federal law on standardization. WP.29 noted that it would come into force in 2016.

Proposal to address a possible situation where a whole vehicle type approval is issued based upon an earlier version of a regulation where the latest version of that regulation has been narrowed or requirements of the earlier version have been made optional in the later version.

52. The representative of OICA informed the World Form that the IWG had reviewed the proposal presented by the representative of the Russian Federation (WP.29-167-08) and considered that the issue raised had multiple implications. He added that the IWG, therefore, preferred to address the concerns of the Russian Federation in the above-mentioned question and answer document, in order to ensure that all possible scenarios are duly taken into account.

51. The representative of Japan, on behalf of the co-Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, reported on the work progress made in the subgroup for the 1958 Agreement and the subgroup for Regulation No. 0 (WP.29-167-09). He reported that the subgroup for the 1958 Agreement still had to further review the general guideline document, and had considered some editorial issues and clarified the difference between revision and version. He also reported that the subgroup on Regulation 0 had agreed on almost all issues, except for the definition of vehicle type. He informed WP.29 that the subgroup had agreed to conduct a pre-testing of UN Regulation No. 0. He presented a document with questions and answers (WP.29-167-10), which aimed at promoting the understanding of UN Regulation No. 0 and IWVTA among existing and potential Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement. He sought the consent of WP.29 to extend the mandate of the IWG on IWVTA by fifteen months, until June 2017 (WP.29-167-11). The World Forum endorsed the extended terms of reference and rules of procedures, and agreed to extend the mandate.

50. GRSP noted the progress of work on Revision 3 of the Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1118, paras. 51-55) and that a final text for adoption was expected at the March 2016 session of WP.29. The expert from Japan, ambassador of IWVTA to GRSP, introduced the status report of the IWVTA IWG (WP.29-167-09) and noted the pending issue of UN Regulation No. 14. He finally invited the expert from Australia to find a solution for its inclusion in list A of UN Regulation No. 0.

IWVTA Informal Group agreed to submit the following three informal documents to the 167th WP.29 session.

• “Report to 167th WP.29 session from 19th IWVTA IG meeting” (WP.29-167-09)
• “Draft proposal of a Q&A Document" to explain the UN R0 and IWVTA (WP.29-167-10)
• “Request to extend the mandate of IWVTA Informal Group” (WP.29-167-11)

Proposal of the IWVTA informal group for an explanatory document covering the international whole vehicle type approval.

51. The representative of Japan, on behalf of the co-Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, reported on the work progress made in the subgroup for the 1958 Agreement and the subgroup for Regulation No. 0 (WP.29-167-09). He reported that the subgroup for the 1958 Agreement still had to further review the general guideline document, and had considered some editorial issues and clarified the difference between revision and version. He also reported that the subgroup on Regulation 0 had agreed on almost all issues, except for the definition of vehicle type. He informed WP.29 that the subgroup had agreed to conduct a pre-testing of UN Regulation No. 0. He presented a document with questions and answers (WP.29-167-10), which aimed at promoting the understanding of UN Regulation No. 0 and IWVTA among existing and potential Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement. He sought the consent of WP.29 to extend the mandate of the IWG on IWVTA by fifteen months, until June 2017 (WP.29-167-11). The World Forum endorsed the extended terms of reference and rules of procedures, and agreed to extend the mandate.

IWVTA Informal Group agreed to submit the following three informal documents to the 167th WP.29 session.

• “Report to 167th WP.29 session from 19th IWVTA IG meeting” (WP.29-167-09)
• “Draft proposal of a Q&A Document" to explain the UN R0 and IWVTA (WP.29-167-10)
• “Request to extend the mandate of IWVTA Informal Group” (WP.29-167-11)

Proposal to extend the mandate of the informal working group on the development of the 1958 Agreement and an international whole vehicle type approval system (IWVTA informal group).

51. The representative of Japan, on behalf of the co-Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, reported on the work progress made in the subgroup for the 1958 Agreement and the subgroup for Regulation No. 0 (WP.29-167-09). He reported that the subgroup for the 1958 Agreement still had to further review the general guideline document, and had considered some editorial issues and clarified the difference between revision and version. He also reported that the subgroup on Regulation 0 had agreed on almost all issues, except for the definition of vehicle type. He informed WP.29 that the subgroup had agreed to conduct a pre-testing of UN Regulation No. 0. He presented a document with questions and answers (WP.29-167-10), which aimed at promoting the understanding of UN Regulation No. 0 and IWVTA among existing and potential Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement. He sought the consent of WP.29 to extend the mandate of the IWG on IWVTA by fifteen months, until June 2017 (WP.29-167-11). The World Forum endorsed the extended terms of reference and rules of procedures, and agreed to extend the mandate.

IWVTA Informal Group agreed to submit the following three informal documents to the 167th WP.29 session.

• “Report to 167th WP.29 session from 19th IWVTA IG meeting” (WP.29-167-09)
• “Draft proposal of a Q&A Document" to explain the UN R0 and IWVTA (WP.29-167-10)
• “Request to extend the mandate of IWVTA Informal Group” (WP.29-167-11)

71. WP.29 agreed that agenda items 5.1 to 5.5 should be considered by AC.3.

112. AC.3 also considered WP.29-167-12 from MEMA/CLEPA/JAPIA. The representative of the three organizations made suggestions to define the programme of work, encouraged Contracting Parties to use domestic regulatory processes to communicate and share information for the sake of full transparency and public participation, such as “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” in the United States of America. She also reiterated a recommendation to WP.29 and AC.3 to establish basic criteria to identify priorities to address the development of UN GTRs and identify possible barriers in developing them.

118. AC.3 decided to keep WP.29-167-12, WP.29-167-24 and WP.29-167-30 on the agenda and to form a drafting group with representatives of OICA, CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA, the Chair of AC.3 and other interested parties, to review the trilateral white paper.

Presentation from the PTI informal group on the future development of the 1997 Agreement.

75. The representative of the Netherlands notified the World Forum that the IWG on Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI) had started its work. He noted that the second meeting of the Group would be held on 18 November 2015 and invited the participants of WP.29 to join the meeting.

76. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-chair of the IWG, presented WP.29-167-13 on the development of Agreement Concerning the Adoption of Uniform Conditions for Periodical Technical Inspections of Wheeled Vehicles and the Reciprocal Recognition of such Inspections, done in Vienna on 13 November 1997. He formulated principles for development of the Agreement based on the provisions of the international standards on quality and risk management, that allow improvement of the efficiency and quality of periodical technical inspection, to harmonize requirements and make the agreement attractive to a larger number of countries. It was also noted that the IWG on PTI would consider the principles and requirements for conformity of PTI system, including requirements for its technical and administrative support.

Summary of the status of the proposals for UN Regulation changes adopted during the March 2015 session of WP.29. These adopted regulations entered into force on 8 October 2015 following the statutory waiting period to allow for review by the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement.

99. The secretariat introduced the document WP.29-167-15, listing the proposals adopted by WP.29 at its March 2015 session and the situation of their entry into force.

135. The representative of the Russian Federation informed AC.3 about the progress made by GRRF experts on the Phase 1b of the development of UN GTR No. 16 and that the goal was to complete work by November 2016.

Request from the SLR informal group for confirmation whether the proposed establishment of a resolution on common specifications of light source categories is acceptable. The resolution would provide a list of light sources allowed in lamps. The UN Office of Legal Affairs has stated that a resolution may not be used to amend a regulation, raising a possible question of interpretation. The SLR informal group also asks whether the proposed resolution can be provided only in English.

38. The GRE chair informed WP.29 about the ongoing activities of GRE on simplifying lighting and light-signalling Regulations, bearing in mind the guidance provided by WP.29 and the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs (OLA). The representative of IEC presented WP.29-167-19 recalling the approach proposed for the simplification of light sources regulations and the guidance provided by OLA. He invited WP.29 to reconfirm its earlier mandate (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1112, para. 42) to prepare a repository (resolution) on light sources and asked whether this repository could be in English only. The World Forum reconfirmed the approach for simplification of light source regulations but insisted on the need for the repository to be available in the three official languages English, French and Russian.

Discussion paper concerning the transposition of GTR 15 into a UN Regulation. The paper raises two possible routes: 1) a UN Regulation identical to EU legislation but that would not be not applied (in its entirety as a distinct rule) outside the EU; 2) a “hierarchical” UN Regulation that combines all elements of all emissions thresholds at their most stringent level with lower levels of approval corresponding to regional/national requirements. The EC proposes option 2 as this would allow for a global rule where Contracting Parties could certify systems to standards outside their markets (e.g., Japan could issue approvals to EU standards and vice versa) under the UN Regulation.

44. The representative of the EU presented WP.29-167-20 detailing the following two possible routes for transposing the UN GTR on WLTP into a UN Regulation:

(a) UN Regulation on WLTP would fully reflect EU legislation, whereas non-EU Contracting Parties would need to draft their own national legislation. In this case, the UN Regulation would be drafted so that individual parts of it could be easily referred to in national legislation;

(b) With the second proposed route, a UN Regulation on WLTP would be developed in a hierarchical manner with different levels of stringency. The top level would correspond to the most stringent combination of regional requirements, whereas the levels below would correspond to a specific national or regional legislation in terms of emission limits and region-specific technical and administrative requirements. Non-EU Contracting Parties, such as Japan, having so far different emission legislation could apply the UN Regulation on WLTP. In this case, each Contracting Party applying the UN Regulation on WLTP would only have to accept type approval according to the top level but could also accept those corresponding to its own national or regional level of stringency. The Contracting Parties could issue type approval according to all levels.

45. The representative of the EU highlighted the advantages and drawbacks of each possible route. He expressed the preference of EU for the second option, since it could foster global harmonization at the mid- and long-term and would probably allow the inclusion of the UN Regulation on WLTP into the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA). He sought the view and opinion of WP.29 on the two routes.

46. The representatives of Japan and Switzerland expressed their support for the second route, as it was the best one towards global harmonization despite of its complexity. The representative of OICA also agreed in principle, taking into account the apparent compatibility of route two with IWVTA.

47. WP.29 agreed to transpose the WLTP UN GTR into a UN Regulation according to the second route proposed by the representative of the EU.

48. The representative of Germany, Chair of GRPE, confirmed that GRPE would start work according to the second route at its January 2016 session.

49. The expert from OICA, however, informed WP.29 of the challenges related to route two, given the fact that experts had difficulties in determining worst-case scenarios due to the modular concept of WLTP. The EC representative replied that a hierarchy would only exist between the top level and the regional level alternatives. It was not the intention of route two to introduce hierarchy of testing or of test limits between the regional alternatives. The Chair of GRPE confirmed the complexity of the new UN Regulation following route two. Therefore, GRPE needs to start the work on the transposition of WLTP into a UN Regulation with consideration for the scope and structure.

50. The representative of OICA pointed out that, according to the IWVTA concept, only the highest level of stringency, covering all other levels, would be applicable for universal international whole vehicle type approvals once the new UN Regulation on WLTP is established and included in Annex 4 to UN Regulation No. 0. He, therefore, suggested that this matter needed very careful consideration in order to ensure that the highest level remained feasible in view of the IWVTA development.

Progress report on the development of GTR concerning safety aspects of electric vehicles.

136. The representative of the United States of America reported on the progress of the work by IWG on EVS (WP.29-167-21). He reminded AC.3 that this mandate was unique since four Contracting Parties to the Agreement have sponsored it. He underlined that the IWG faced difficulties on critical issues and areas where research was still ongoing. He explained that these issues include: (i) battery management system functionality, the water immersion test, the long-term fire resistance test, drop and rotation tests, the toxicity and corrosiveness of vented gas, thermal propagation in battery system, vehicle safety requirement during charging and scope expansion to the heavy duty vehicles. He added that, to complete this work and accomplish the original mandate, IWG had split the work into two phases. He explained that the Group would deliver what had been achieved so far in Phase 1 and would include the outcome of long-term research and future improvement in Phase 2. He finally asked AC.3 to grant extension of the mandate of the IWG until December 2016 to confirm the already scheduled work plan of the IWG which consists of three meetings in 2016 to complete Phase 1.

137. AC.3 endorsed the extension of the mandate and requested the secretariat to distribute WP.29-167-21 with an official symbol at its March 2016 session of AC.3.

71. WP.29 agreed that agenda items 5.1 to 5.5 should be considered by AC.3.

Presentation of research conducted by the World Blind Union and National Federation of the Blind in the United States to validate the effectiveness of the proposed minimum sound levels for quiet vehicles at 10 and 20 km/h. The researchers concluded that the proposed sounds levels do not add significantly to the detectability of an approaching vehicle by a blind pedestrian and that internal combustion engine vehicles were detected substantially sooner than quiet vehicles equipped with the proposed acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS).

100. The representative of the World Blind Union introduced WP.29-167-23 and WP.29-167-28 presenting the concerns of his organization on the recent proposal for a new Regulation on QRTV adopted by GRB in September 2015. He kindly requested further consideration related to the provisions on Audible Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sound pressure levels, optional installation of AVAS pause switches and sound emissions when stationary.

WBU study shows that UN levels are too low with the biggest concern being the risk of masking. The background noise applied during testing is an important factor and it often differs from real traffic situations. OICA proposed to design an adequate background sound from real world recordings taken at different spots.

Comments received from OICA, CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA, and Transport Canada with “trilateral group” (EU/USA/Japan) responses.

71. WP.29 agreed that agenda items 5.1 to 5.5 should be considered by AC.3.

110. The representative of the United States of America recalled the discussion on the trilateral white paper submitted by the representatives of Japan, the United States of America and the EU. He informed AC.3 that the original trilateral paper (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/108) had not changed since the June session of AC.3. He added that the comments received on the document were summarized in informal document WP.29-167-24 and that the authors of the trilateral white paper had addressed the comments received. AC.3 started considerations on the responses from the trilateral group to the comments presented in the informal document.

111. The representative of OICA welcomed the responses of the trilateral group to their comments. He suggested that items where mutual agreement existed could be reflected in the final document. He further noted that in practice the 98 Agreement and its UN GTRs do not offer the guarantee that products, complying with the UN GTR, are duly accepted in the markets of Contracting Parties, when the latter have not fully incorporated the UN GTR into their national law, as mandatory or alternative requirement.

118. AC.3 decided to keep WP.29-167-12, WP.29-167-24 and WP.29-167-30 on the agenda and to form a drafting group with representatives of OICA, CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA, the Chair of AC.3 and other interested parties, to review the trilateral white paper.

73. The representative of India presented WP.29-164-25 on the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) that is creating state of the art testing facilities both for vehicle and component certification as well as for vehicle inspection.

93. The representative of CONCAWE presented WP.29-167-27 to express the view of the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) and CONCAWE on the proposal to amend R.E.3 on market fuel quality (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111). She stated that these organizations disagreed with the proposal since it included fuel properties not related to the proper functioning or durability of vehicles or after-treatment systems. She questioned whether R.E.3 was the right place for this purpose. She referred to WP.29-167-26 submitted by the African Refiners Association (ARA) which also supporting this position. She requested WP.29 to withdraw ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111 from the agenda and to continue the work at GRPE to reach consensus for a proposal acceptable to all stakeholders.

94. The Chair of GRPE clarified that GRPE had discussed and considered the concerns of CONCAWE and IPIECA at the last June 2015 session. He mentioned that the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement endorsed the proposal and it had been then submitted to the November 2015 session of WP.29 for further consideration. He doubted that further technical discussion would lead to a consensus. The representatives of the Netherlands, Sweden and EU agreed with the Chair of GRPE and supported the vote on the proposal.

95. The representative of CONCAWE reiterated the position of CONCAWE and IPIECA and strongly disagreed with the need to push the proposal forward. She expressed the fear of stakeholders that including this proposal in the framework of the 1958 Agreement would eventually lead to its introduction into the framework of the 1998 Agreement. The Chair of GRPE responded that given the position of Contracting Parties to the 1998 Agreement, he did not expect proposals to amend Special Resolution No. 1 (S.R.1) under the 1998 Agreement.

96. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111 without objections or abstentions as an amendment to R.E.3.

93. The representative of CONCAWE presented WP.29-167-27 to express the view of the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) and CONCAWE on the proposal to amend R.E.3 on market fuel quality (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111). She stated that these organizations disagreed with the proposal since it included fuel properties not related to the proper functioning or durability of vehicles or after-treatment systems. She questioned whether R.E.3 was the right place for this purpose. She referred to WP.29-167-26 submitted by the African Refiners Association (ARA) which also supporting this position. She requested WP.29 to withdraw ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111 from the agenda and to continue the work at GRPE to reach consensus for a proposal acceptable to all stakeholders.

94. The Chair of GRPE clarified that GRPE had discussed and considered the concerns of CONCAWE and IPIECA at the last June 2015 session. He mentioned that the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement endorsed the proposal and it had been then submitted to the November 2015 session of WP.29 for further consideration. He doubted that further technical discussion would lead to a consensus. The representatives of the Netherlands, Sweden and EU agreed with the Chair of GRPE and supported the vote on the proposal.

95. The representative of CONCAWE reiterated the position of CONCAWE and IPIECA and strongly disagreed with the need to push the proposal forward. She expressed the fear of stakeholders that including this proposal in the framework of the 1958 Agreement would eventually lead to its introduction into the framework of the 1998 Agreement. The Chair of GRPE responded that given the position of Contracting Parties to the 1998 Agreement, he did not expect proposals to amend Special Resolution No. 1 (S.R.1) under the 1998 Agreement.

96. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111 without objections or abstentions as an amendment to R.E.3.

World Blind Union comments opposing the current provisions of the draft UN Regulation on quiet vehicle minimum sound levels, especially with regard to the effectiveness of the AVAS parameters, inclusion of “pause button”, and absence of stationary (“idling”) vehicle sound requirement.

100. The representative of the World Blind Union introduced WP.29-167-23 and WP.29-167-28 presenting the concerns of his organization on the recent proposal for a new Regulation on QRTV adopted by GRB in September 2015. He kindly requested further consideration related to the provisions on Audible Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sound pressure levels, optional installation of AVAS pause switches and sound emissions when stationary.

133. The representative of Germany, Chair of GRPE, reminded AC.3 that UN GTR No. 15 had been adopted in March 2014 (Phase 1a) and since then GRPE had been working on delivering a proposal for the first amendment (Phase 1b). He reported that the IWG on WLTP had submitted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2016/3 corresponding to Phase 1b of its mandate for consideration at the next GRPE session in January 2016. He added that this proposal would be submitted to the June 2016 session of AC.3, if adopted by GRPE in January 2016. He presented WP.29-167-29, submitted by the representatives of Japan and EU as technical sponsors, requesting an extension of the mandate specifically for Phase 2. He informed AC.3 that this document had been endorsed at the last GRPE session in June 2015 and some minor amendments to the document were added.

134. AC.3 adopted WP.29-167-29 so that the IWG on WLTP can start Phase 2 activities immediately. AC.3 requested the secretariat to convert WP.29-167-29 into an official document for the March 2016 session of AC.3.

118. AC.3 decided to keep WP.29-167-12, WP.29-167-24 and WP.29-167-30 on the agenda and to form a drafting group with representatives of OICA, CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA, the Chair of AC.3 and other interested parties, to review the trilateral white paper.

79. The representative of the European Commission (EC) expressed the extreme concern on what media refer to as the Volkswagen (VW) case. She informed WP.29 about the course of action taken by the EC. She reported that the EC had offered to coordinate the flow of information regarding national investigations, and had requested EU Member States (MS) to provide information on measures they planned to undertake or had already undertaken. She added that based on input from MS, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) would develop a common testing method and that the JRC had offered its services to MS who would request it. She informed WP.29 that the EU had already engaged in legislative and regulatory work before the case was revealed, including work on Real Driving Emissions (RDE) and work to reinforce the type approval system (revision of the framework Directive 2007/46/EC).

80. The representative of the United States of America reported that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (WP.29-167-31) had sent two Notices Of Violation (NOV) to VW alleging that vehicles sold in the United States included software that circumvent EPA regulations. He gave details on how the violation was committed, how much the emission level exceeds the limit values and the estimated number of vehicles concerned. He recalled the five key components of the compliance programme of EPA. He added that all manufacturers have been informed that, as a result of these alleged violations, EPA had increased their testing programme. He informed the World Forum about the outstanding collaboration with EPA of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Environment Canada.

81. The representative of Canada added that they also had opened investigations on the issue and were closely collaborating with EPA.

82. The representative of Germany reported that an internal commission had been set up to investigate the VW situation in Germany and Europe. He added that a test procedure had been developed by the German type approval authority, Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), to identify whether a vehicle contained prohibited defeat device systems, including Type 1 tests in laboratories, Type 1 tests replicated on a test track with portable emission measurement systems, variations in the test cycles as well as RDE tests. So far, of the more than 50 tests that had been planned, half have been finalized, and evaluation of the test results was ongoing. He informed WP.29 that KBA decided officially on an additional assignment to the type approval, which will force VW to recall the vehicles. A software update for the vehicles equipped with 1.2L and 2.0L diesel engine and hardware and software update for vehicles equipped with 1.6L diesel engines, which would start in beginning of 2016 would be performed by the manufacturer and be supervised by KBA in Germany. He also informed WP.29 that the recently revealed issue of CO2 emissions was still under investigation. He concluded that these events might have an impact on WP.29, especially since approvals according to UN Regulations Nos. 83 and 101 were concerned.

83. The representatives of the Russian Federation announced the current status of internal activities dealing with the VW situation in the Russian Federation. He noted the importance of international information exchange and also the cooperation of VW with the Russian administration on the situation.

84. The representative of the UK explained his Government’s approach to testing vehicle emissions in response to the VW issue. He said that they had started a test programme investigating a range of Euro 5 and Euro 6 specification vehicles representing top selling products in the UK market from a number of manufacturers. He mentioned that his experts were in close contact with the German authorities to discuss test procedures and to coordinate their programmes where possible. The UK welcomed the European Commission’s coordination activities and involvement of JRC. He stressed that the testing would be done without manufacturer involvement by the UK approval authority (the Vehicle Certification Agency) at independent laboratories and on-road testing, and this could delay results until early 2016. He would provide information to the Working Party as soon as results would be published. He concluded by confirming that VW had engaged constructively with their UK agency handling the recall.

85. The representative of France reported on the initiated test programme which, in total would cover 100 vehicles representative of vehicle fleet in France. These tests were aimed at determining whether the fraud is limited to a few models of the Volkswagen group or if it extends to all models and other manufacturers. France has committed to publishing the test results. The test protocol would be implemented in France by the Union Technique de l’Automobile du motocycle et du Cycle (UTAC) under the control of the French authorities. He concluded that France considers that the VW case was an opportunity to improve the procedure and address past suspicions.

86. The representative of Australia noted that the VW case had revealed a gap in the international regulatory regime and that as it is an international problem, it could only be addressed internationally through a UN Regulation or UN GTR. He sought continued discussion of the issue at WP.29. The representative of Japan expressed his support for this view.

87. The representative of Spain also reported on the intention of his country to test vehicles according to the test procedure defined by Germany.

88. The representative of Italy informed the World Forum that testing had already started in his country in close cooperation with Germany and the European Commission.

89. The representative of OICA recalled that his organization represented the global automobile industry through the various national (or even regional) auto industry associations. He added that in this capacity OICA cooperates with Contracting Parties to develop and clarify regulatory requirements and test procedures so that they are clear, representative, scientific and reproducible. He stated that OICA could not and was not meant to verify whether and how manufacturers comply with the legislative acts, since this is the responsibility of individual manufacturers. He added that the ongoing particular issue should not be used as a pretext to cast suspicion on the entire automotive sector or on a particular technology. He concluded that OICA fully supports the activities in the various countries to solve this important ongoing issue.

90. The World Forum decided to keep this item on its agenda and continue discussions in upcoming sessions.

51. The Secretary reported on the highlights of the 166th and 167th sessions of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1116 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1118).

Updated list of WP.29 activity.

Proposal to correct the omission of front position lamp (color: white) from paragraph 5.13. specifying the color of lights referred to in the regulation in the previous Supplement 8.

On the request of Office of Legal Affairs, this document was issued as Supplement 9 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 74 replacing the proposal for a Corrigendum1 to Supplement 8 to the 01 series as approved by WP.29. at its 167th session.

This is a proposal to introduce a new HID category (D9S) into Regulation No. 99 with dual-level operation, i.e. with two defined wattage values and corresponding luminous flux values. This new category (D9S) is the first light source in R99 that has two defined power levels. When this dual-level light source is used in a headlamp which is being approved according to Regulation No. 98, the testing and approval provisions must be clearly defined in this Regulation to avoid misinterpretation. Therefore, it is proposed to amend the relevant paragraphs of Regulation No. 98 to take into account the multi-level aspects of D9S and possible future multi-level light sources in Regulation No. 99.

Proposal to introduce a new category, ‘D9S’.

Proposal to treat camera-monitor systems the same as rear-view mirrors under UN R26 in view of the amendment to UN R46 to enable the replacement of rear-view mirrors by CMS.

Proposal to insert performance requirements for the mandatory installation of odometers on vehicles.

Proposal clarify the scope and to allow for the type approval of camera-monitor systems installed in place of Class I through IV mirrors.

Proposal as approved by the GRSG during its 108th session to introduce more stringent requirements for rear underrun protection devices..

60. Agenda item 4.7.4, Regulation No. 58, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/85, insert the following amendment to read:
Paragraph 31.4., correct the wording “of to the Regulation” to read “of the Regulation”.

Proposal to ensure that all devices for indirect vision, including exterior cameras, are covered by UN R61.

Proposal as approved by the GRSG to delete provisions regarding the optical display of the status of the vehicle alarm system outside the passenger compartment in order to avoid driver distraction by and/or confusion of such exterior lighting with primary lighting and signaling equipment required under UN R48.

62. The representative of OICA raised concerns on the amendments to Regulations Nos. 97 and 116 on vehicle alarm systems (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/87 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/91). He added that some further amendments to Regulation No. 48 were needed to fully clarify the purpose of these proposals. The representative of the EU saw no need to delay the vote and was in favour of going ahead with the adoption of both documents. The representative of Germany volunteered to prepare, together with the experts from OICA, a proposal for such amendments to Regulation No. 48 for consideration at the next GRE session.

Proposal to introduce mandatory requirements for fire suppression systems for Class III buses and coaches (and optional requirements for other classes) activated upon detection of fire in the engine and/or heater compartment. This proposal also extends the treatment of rear-view mirrors to any camera-monitor systems used in place of rear-view mirrors.

5. Recalling the adoption at the previous GRSG session of a revised proposal for the introduction of automatic fire suppression systems in the engine and/or heater compartment of buses and coaches and its submission to WP.29 for consideration at the November 2015 session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/88), the expert from Sweden introduced GRSG-109-02 and GRSG-109-05 proposing to correct some editorial corrections. GRSG endorsed the proposed corrections.

Proposal to correct the numbering of chapter 18 following the introduction of provisions for automatic valves.

[Postponed until June 2016 session in order to integrate the contents with additional provisions under development within the GRSG.]

Proposal to regulate the discharge direction of pressure relief devices on CNG containers.

[Postponed until June 2016 session in order to integrate the contents with additional provisions under development within the GRSG.]

31. The GRSG chair recalled that GRSG had already adopted at its previous session in May 2015 a new 02 series of amendments proposing provisions on a directional discharge of the pressure relief devices of CNG containers (submitted as ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/90 to the November 2015 session of WP.29). He added that GRSG had just adopted another amendment removing the provisions on welded cylinders and raising again the stringency of Regulation No. 110. Instead of adopting that amendment as a further new series of amendments, GRSG had agreed to remove ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/90 from the WP.29 agenda in November 2015 and to submit a new draft 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 110, incorporating both proposals (directional discharge and removal of welded cylinders) for consideration at the March 2016 session of WP.29.

61. The consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/90 tabled under agenda item 4.7.9 was deferred to the March 2016 session of WP.29 (see para. 31 above).

Proposal as approved by the GRSG to delete provisions regarding the optical display of the status of the vehicle alarm system outside the passenger compartment in order to avoid driver distraction by and/or confusion of such exterior lighting with primary lighting and signaling equipment required under UN R48.

62. The representative of OICA raised concerns on the amendments to Regulations Nos. 97 and 116 on vehicle alarm systems (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/87 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/91). He added that some further amendments to Regulation No. 48 were needed to fully clarify the purpose of these proposals. The representative of the EU saw no need to delay the vote and was in favour of going ahead with the adoption of both documents. The representative of Germany volunteered to prepare, together with the experts from OICA, a proposal for such amendments to Regulation No. 48 for consideration at the next GRE session.

Pursuant to GRPE work on vehicle propulsion system definitions (VPSD informal group; see document WP.29-165-17), this GRSP proposal would update the definition of the acronym “REESS” to refer to “rechargeable electrical energy storage system” across the passive safety regulations and currently proposed texts that make use of this acronym. (REESS had previously referred generically to “rechargeable energy storage systems”.)

Proposal to specify buckle-release color, use of buckle warning lights, and to clarify the installation provisions for “general use” safety-belts (Annex 1B, item 12).

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.

Proposal to align UN R94 with the draft amendment to add camera-monitor systems to UN R46 (i.e., document WP.29/2015/84). Under UN R94, the measurement for the 40% overlap between the vehicle and crash barrier excludes external rear-view mirrors. This proposal would extend the same treatment where the mirror has been replaced by an exterior camera.

Proposal to amend the regulation frontal impacts with a view towards the establishment of a new regulation on frontal impact testing for occupant restraint systems (full width rigid barrier test). The proposal increases the thorax compression criterion (ThCC) stringency to 42 mm (from 50 mm), clarifies vehicle width definition, and amends REESS acronym definition.

Pursuant to GRPE work on vehicle propulsion system definitions (VPSD informal group; see document WP.29-165-17), this proposal would update the definition of the acronym “REESS” to refer to “rechargeable electrical energy storage system” across the passive safety regulations and currently proposed texts that make use of this acronym. (REESS had previously referred generically to “rechargeable energy storage systems”.)

Pursuant to GRPE work on vehicle propulsion system definitions (VPSD informal group; see document WP.29-165-17), this proposal would update the definition of the acronym “REESS” to refer to “rechargeable electrical energy storage system” across the passive safety regulations and currently proposed texts that make use of this acronym. (REESS had previously referred generically to “rechargeable energy storage systems”.)

Proposal from the Bumper Test Area Task Force to revise the procedure for determining the bumper test area under the pedestrian safety regulation. The proposal introduces a “bumper beam” method for determining the test area and includes a 31 December 2017 transition date.

Proposal to correct the unit of the road load coefficient b used in the formula for the calculation of the resistance to progress force.

Proposal to correct the unit of the road load coefficient b used in the formula for the calculation of the resistance to progress force.

Proposal to avoid a redundant correction of the measured engine power of supercharged and turbocharged engines fitted with a self-correcting system for ambient conditions such as temperature and altitude. The current correction factor may yield inaccurate results for such configurations.

Proposal to align the tyre-selection criteria in the CO2 emissions/fuel consumption tests under UN R101 with those for pollutant emissions (UN R83).

UN R107 includes a provision to prevent a folding seat used by the crew from obstructing the view of the exterior rear-view mirror. In light of the proposed amendment to introduce camera-monitor systems into UN R46 (indirect vision), this proposal would extend the same treatment to CMS used in the place of rear view mirrors.

Proposal to establish a new UN Regulation on uniform provisions for the approval of passenger cars with regard to their occupant-restraint system performance in the event of a frontal collision (full width rigid barrier test).

Please note: para. 5.2.8.2. should read 5 liters, not 0.5 liters maximum allowable electrolyte spillage.

69. Agenda item 4.13.1, new Regulation on frontal impact, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/105, insert the following amendment to read:
Paragraph 5.2.8.2, amend the term “0.5 litres” to read “5.0 litres”.

Proposal to increase the stringency of the Thorax Compression Criterion (ThCC) for the Hybrid III 5th female dummy in the passenger seat to 34 mm under the proposed new regulation to test the performance of occupant restraint systems in the event of a frontal collision. The transition date would be 1 September 2020.

136. The representative of the United States of America reported on the progress of the work by IWG on EVS (WP.29-167-21). He reminded AC.3 that this mandate was unique since four Contracting Parties to the Agreement have sponsored it. He underlined that the IWG faced difficulties on critical issues and areas where research was still ongoing. He explained that these issues include: (i) battery management system functionality, the water immersion test, the long-term fire resistance test, drop and rotation tests, the toxicity and corrosiveness of vented gas, thermal propagation in battery system, vehicle safety requirement during charging and scope expansion to the heavy duty vehicles. He added that, to complete this work and accomplish the original mandate, IWG had split the work into two phases. He explained that the Group would deliver what had been achieved so far in Phase 1 and would include the outcome of long-term research and future improvement in Phase 2. He finally asked AC.3 to grant extension of the mandate of the IWG until December 2016 to confirm the already scheduled work plan of the IWG which consists of three meetings in 2016 to complete Phase 1.

137. AC.3 endorsed the extension of the mandate and requested the secretariat to distribute WP.29-167-21 with an official symbol at its March 2016 session of AC.3.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework through which the delegates to the World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and other interested stakeholders can examine the experience with the 1998 Global Agreement and agree on ideas and processes for improvement in its implementation.

110. The representative of the United States of America recalled the discussion on the trilateral white paper submitted by the representatives of Japan, the United States of America and the EU. He informed AC.3 that the original trilateral paper (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/108) had not changed since the June session of AC.3. He added that the comments received on the document were summarized in informal document WP.29-167-24 and that the authors of the trilateral white paper had addressed the comments received. AC.3 started considerations on the responses from the trilateral group to the comments presented in the informal document.

111. The representative of OICA welcomed the responses of the trilateral group to their comments. He suggested that items where mutual agreement existed could be reflected in the final document. He further noted that in practice the 98 Agreement and its UN GTRs do not offer the guarantee that products, complying with the UN GTR, are duly accepted in the markets of Contracting Parties, when the latter have not fully incorporated the UN GTR into their national law, as mandatory or alternative requirement.

Pursuant to the addition of a new speed symbol for forestry tyres, this proposal would add a bonus loads column for A6-rated tyres to Annex 7-Part D. The proposal also corrects the tables concerning “Agricultural implement tyres – Normal section sizes”.

Proposal for a set of uniform terms and definitions to promote consistency across powertrain-related regulations.

97. The Chair of GRPE presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/110 on a new Mutual Resolution on vehicle propulsion system definitions. He underlined that the new Mutual Resolution would serve a basis for harmonization of definitions and terminology in all UN GTRs and UN Regulations. He clarified that the proposed M.R.2 would be further developed and could serve as a repository for definitions.

98. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/110 without objections or abstentions and passed the proposal to AC.3 for voting.

120. The proposed Mutual Resolution No. 2 (M.R.2) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/110) was submitted for consideration and vote, and was adopted on 12 November 2015 by consensus vote of the following Contracting Parties present and voting: Australia, Canada, European Union (voting for Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Turkey and the United States of America.

Proposal from GRPE to provide recommendations for the minimum quality of market fuels (i.e. gasoline and diesel) that should be introduced concurrently with the corresponding emissions standards. They complement the motor vehicle and NRMM pollutant emission standards that a country or a region may be considering to introduce.

93. The representative of CONCAWE presented WP.29-167-27 to express the view of the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) and CONCAWE on the proposal to amend R.E.3 on market fuel quality (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111). She stated that these organizations disagreed with the proposal since it included fuel properties not related to the proper functioning or durability of vehicles or after-treatment systems. She questioned whether R.E.3 was the right place for this purpose. She referred to WP.29-167-26 submitted by the African Refiners Association (ARA) which also supporting this position. She requested WP.29 to withdraw ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111 from the agenda and to continue the work at GRPE to reach consensus for a proposal acceptable to all stakeholders.

94. The Chair of GRPE clarified that GRPE had discussed and considered the concerns of CONCAWE and IPIECA at the last June 2015 session. He mentioned that the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement endorsed the proposal and it had been then submitted to the November 2015 session of WP.29 for further consideration. He doubted that further technical discussion would lead to a consensus. The representatives of the Netherlands, Sweden and EU agreed with the Chair of GRPE and supported the vote on the proposal.

95. The representative of CONCAWE reiterated the position of CONCAWE and IPIECA and strongly disagreed with the need to push the proposal forward. She expressed the fear of stakeholders that including this proposal in the framework of the 1958 Agreement would eventually lead to its introduction into the framework of the 1998 Agreement. The Chair of GRPE responded that given the position of Contracting Parties to the 1998 Agreement, he did not expect proposals to amend Special Resolution No. 1 (S.R.1) under the 1998 Agreement.

96. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/111 without objections or abstentions as an amendment to R.E.3.

14. The World Forum approved the draft programme of work and biennial evaluation (2016-2017) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/112) and asked the secretariat to submit them to the next meeting of the Inland Transport Committee in February 2016. The secretariat presented the confirmed calendar of sessions for the year 2016 (based on WP.29-167-01). The World Forum agreed with the calendar as reproduced in Annex II to this report. The World Forum noted WP.29‑167‑03 on the chairmanships of WP.29.

123. The representative of the EU, on behalf of the Chair of the IWG on Environmental and Propulsion Performance Requirements (EPPR) for L-category vehicles, summarized the work progress of the group. He noted that progress had been made in two of the three priority subjects identified. He announced that EPPR IWG had submitted ECE/TRANS/GRPE/2016/2 on a new UN GTR on evaporative and crankcase emissions for consideration at the next GRPE session in January 2016. He added that this proposal would be submitted to the June 2016 session of AC.3, if adopted by GRPE in January 2016. He underlined that the IWG was already working on a new UN GTR on On-Board Diagnostics systems (OBD) with the intention to submit a first daft at the next GRPE session. He informed AC.3 that work on revising UN GTR No.2 would be resumed in 2016. He recalled the agreement by AC.3 at its last session with the extension of the mandate of the EPPR IWG until December 2020 as reproduced in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/113.

124. The representative of EU announced that Mr. P. Åsman would step down as Chair of EPPR IWG as of 18 November 2015. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Åsman for his commitment and excellent work. He informed AC.3 that Mr. A. Perujo from the Joint Research Centre would be the candidate to replace Mr. Åsman.

125. The representative of IMMA expressed her support for the updated mandate and welcomed Mr. Perujo as the new Chair of EPPR IWG. She thanked Mr. Åsman for the excellent work done and assured AC.3 that IMMA would continue to support the work of EPPR IWG. She recalled the priority on two-wheeled vehicles, whereas progressively other vehicles categories could be considered to be included.

126. AC.3 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/113 and requested the secretariat to convert it into an official AC.3 document.

5. The provisional annotated agenda for the session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1117) was adopted with the amendments below:
Addition of agenda items:
2.4 Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020);
4.2.3 Transposition of WLTP into UN Regulations;
18.3b UN GTR No. 6 (Safety glazing).

6. The list of informal documents is reproduced in Annex I to this report.