Norwegian request for GRRF comments on protection of steering gear and attachment to heavy vehicle frames. In a collision in Norway, the steering gear detached from the vehicle frame following a frontal collision such that the driver could no longer control the vehicle. Norway seeks input on strengthening the protection of steering gear in order to avoid such a situation.

Analysis of a fatal crash event involving a van the lost its grip on the ice-covered road surface, crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with an estate car of approximately the same weight, fully laden with passengers. The investigation showed that the back of the rear seat was severely deformed, despite being reinforced and well within the regulatory strength requirements described in UN-ECE R17.

Input concerning two-phased development of the new UN Regulation.

Interpretation question on the provision “With the exception of retro-reflectors, a lamp even bearing an approval mark is deemed not to be present when it cannot be made to operate by the sole installation of a light source and/or a fuse.”

A simulation study demonstrates that introducing an enhanced crash structure can reduce driver seating position intrusion by up to 60 percent in low overlap frontal collisions. The study was validated by a reference group of 50-60 participants from manufacturers and public administrations. The report on crashworthiness of buses calls for new regulations requiring minimum energy levels that bus frontal structures shall withstand in collision to protect the driver, front underrun protection similar to UN R 93 for trucks, and standardized ways of testing. During 2013–2022, 216 bus drivers were killed and 1243 seriously injured in Europe, with two-thirds in front impact collisions. Norway intends to propose a Taskforce at GRSP in May/June 2026 to develop safety regulations for improved crash safety for buses.

The document presents Norway’s electrification progress for light duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy duty vehicles (HDVs). Norway has 994,000 electric LDVs and 5,300 electric HDVs from a total fleet of 3.4 million LDVs and 73,000 HDVs. In April 2026, EV market share reached 98.6 percent with 107 municipalities achieving 100 percent market share. The document reports EVs represent 2-7 percent of registered vehicle fires, with fossil fuelled vehicles accounting for up to 90 percent. Research findings indicate battery degradation is driven by operating conditions, with cold climate introducing dual effects and battery management systems being key durability drivers.