59. The Chair of IWG on EVE presented the status report introducing the latest activities of the group (GRPE-80-36). He highlighted the major progress made on battery durability during the last meeting of the IWG on EVE. He requested GRPE to consider GRPE-80-41 as draft request for authorization to develop a new UN GTR on in-vehicle battery durability, as amended in Annex X.

60. The representative from OICA noted that the timeline in GRPE-80-41 had changed to deliver a first draft of the new UN GTR on in-vehicle battery durability and sought further information. The Chair of the IWG on EVE clarified a more aggressive timeline was agreed within the IWG on EVE taking into account the urgency of the issue and also bearing in mind that the topic is new and most provisions would need to start from a blank sheet as there is no precedent and no national legislation on this topic. The representative from OICA confirmed that developing new methods for simplified in-service conformity of battery durability might be challenging. The Chair of the IWG on EVE suggested existing range determination approaches might be used as a proxy for battery deterioration.

61. GRPE adopted the proposal to request authorization for a new UN GTR on in-vehicle battery durability and requested the secretariat to submit Annex X to WP.29 and AC.3 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as draft request for authorization to develop a new UN GTR on in-vehicle battery durability.

62. The Chair of the IWG on EVE finally thanked the secretariat for organizing a meeting with the leadership team of the Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency (GEEE) and the representatives of the Geneva region to initiate joint activities on the method to state energy consumption of EVs.

63. GRPE acknowledged the progress made by IWG on EVE and noted the request for a meeting room for one day during the GRPE week in June 2020.

28. The representative of the United States of America presented WP.29-179-25 proposing the correction of a printing error in the Framework Document on Automated Vehicles. WP.29 requested the secretariat to prepare Revision 2 to the framework document.

22. The secretariat presented, for information, WP.29-181-05, reflecting the advancement evaluation of the activities listed in the Framework Document on Automated/autonomous Vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2).

25. The representative of Japan introduced, on behalf of China, European Union, Japan and the United States of America, WP.29-178-10/Rev.2 containing amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34 – Framework Document on Automated/autonomous Vehicles. He explained that the amendments included editorial amendments as well as a restructured Table 1 containing details on (i) current activities, (ii) expected future activities and (iii) references to the key safety principles mentioned in the document.

26. The representative of the Republic of Korea introduced WP.29-178-19, proposing additional amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34. The representative of Sweden proposed to insert into Table 1 considerations related to para. 4 (j) regarding vehicle inspection. The representative of CITA supported the position of the representative of Sweden.

27. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34 as amended by WP.29-178-10/Rev.2 and requested the secretariat to issue it as a reference document with the symbol ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.1.

151. The Chair of AC.3 introduced the documents that were considered under this agenda item. AC.3 considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/31/Rev.1, aimed at providing an updated overview of the priorities of the Programme of Work of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones taking into account the decisions on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/2 from the 177th WP.29 session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1145, para. 49). AC.3 referred to the discussions on WP.29-178-10/Rev.2, WP.29-178-19, WP.29-178-16/Rev.1, WP.29-178-17/Rev.2 and WP.29-178-18/Rev.1 under agenda item 2.3. Please note that document WP.29-178-17/Rev.2 does not exist. The amended document WP.29-178-17/Rev.1 was reproduced in Annex VI of the session report.

11. AC.2 reviewed and discussed documents WP.29-177-04 and WP.29-177-08. Following discussions among GR Chairs, Japan offered to merge them into a single framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles to be transmitted to WP.29 for discussion (WP.29-177-19).

26. The representative of the European Union introduced WP.29-177-04 focusing on the priorities of work on vehicle automation, allocating the work to the relevant working groups and proposing deadlines and deliverables.

156. The Chair of AC.3 introduced the documents that were considered under this agenda item. AC.3 considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/31, aimed at providing an updated overview of the priorities of the Programme of Work of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones. AC.3 referred to the discussions on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/2 under agenda item 2.3.

157. The Chair of AC.3 proposed that agenda item 17 could be divided into two items: 17.1 on the conventional priority topics in the programme of work of the 1998 Agreement, and 17.2. on priority topics in the programme of work of the 1998 Agreement concerning automated and connected vehicles for consideration.

158. Discussion was inconclusive, and the Chair of AC.3 proposed to prepare and submit an informal document to the fifty-sixth session detailing the proposed changes to the agenda. AC.3 accepted this proposal and deferred continuation of discussions on the matter to the subsequent AC.3 session in June 2019.

24. The representative from EC also presented the draft terms of references for IWG on RDE (GRP-78-24). The timeline has been revised following comments received from WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1139, para. 60), with the updated mandate expiring in January 2021.

25. GRPE endorsed the terms of references for IWG on RDE.

151. The representatives of EuroMed introduced the latest updates on the EU-funded project involving five North African countries (WP.29-176-32): Algeria, Egypt, Libya (currently inactive), Morocco and Tunisia and five Middle East countries: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, State of Palestine, and Syrian Arab Republic (currently inactive). The project had already been introduced at the November 2017 session of WP.29 (WP.29-173-24 and WP.29-173-25). The project had been recently extended until 2022.

152. The EuroMed project had identified thirteen agreements, including the three vehicle agreements administered by WP.29 on which the work is focusing on. The resulting accessions to the UN agreements are progressing slowly, as administrative reform in the project countries is time consuming.

153. The EuroMed representative highlighted the added value of collaboration with OICA and CITA and was looking forward to a strengthened collaboration with IMMA.

154. IMMA expressed support for the initiative and was looking forward to a closer collaboration with the EuroMed project.

155. The EuroMed representative reported on the implantation progress of the 1958 and 1997 agreements, objects of the work held in the region, and highlighted the collaborations between technical services in Europe and in the EuroMed countries. The representatives of Morocco, Israel, Jordan, Algeria, Tunisia and the State of Palestine (statement delivered by the representative of EuroMed) presented their national situation on vehicle certification and PTI (Informal Documents WP.29-176-33 to 38).

156. The representative of EuroMed presented the draft Road Maps on the accession to and implementation of the United Nations 1958 and 1997 Agreements (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/163).

157. The representative of USA noted that the 1998 Agreement is lacking in the EuroMed report that is focusing mainly on the implementation of the 1958 and 1997 Agreements. He wondered if information on the 1998 Agreement could also be added to the EuroMed report.

158. The Secretary of WP.29 emphasized that all three vehicle agreements were treated on an equal footing in the World Forum and that roadmaps to accede the three agreements have been prepared by the EuroMed team and the secretariat (WP.29-176-08 and WP.29-176-26). The secretariat then presented document WP.29-176-13, the draft Road Map for accession to and implementation of the United Nations 1998 Agreement, which could become an integral part of the Road Maps publication.

159. The representative of EuroMed confirmed that their scope of work only included the 1958 and 1997 Agreements and that they would seek consent for including information on acceding to the 1998 Agreement (WP.29-176-13) in their Road Maps publication from the responsible department of the European Commission.

160. WP.29 welcomed a complete Road Maps publication, covering all three agreements.

161. The representative of CITA thanked EuroMed for the activities held in the region and for the example that such project represents for other countries in the world.

162. The Chair of WP.29 was pleased with the project outcomes and praised such initiatives as best practice examples that could be replicated in other developing regions.

Update of document WP.29/2018/80.

155. The representative of the European Union presented the informal document WP.29-175-32, which is a revised version of the document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/80 that requests authorization to develop a new UN GTR on Global RDE. She highlighted the importance of this request, both technically and politically, with emissions control strategies now being globally developed by vehicle manufacturers.

156. The timeline to develop the new UN GTR on Global RDE is ambitious due to the urgency to tackle the topic in a harmonized, coordinated approach. The process will be opened to all contracting parties interested in developing or improving their own national regulatory procedures.

157. The representatives of Japan and of the Republic of Korea supported the document and expressed the wish to participate to the IWG on Global RDE.

158. The representative of the United States of America expressed his support for GRPE to begin exploring a harmonized test procedure on RDE, as soon as possible, through the work of an IWG on Global RDE.

159. He expressed his support of a data-driven approach that would be inclusive of input from all the contracting parties, and that it would not be pre-determined that the European RDE is the only approach which should be considered.

160. The representative of the United States of America expressed his belief that more time will be needed to be able to consider all inputs from all contracting parties.

161. The representative of the United States of America stated that this work could lead to a UN GTR, though he did not believe that it was necessary at this time to make this decision. He added that an IWG should be formed to explore the development of a harmonized RDE methodology, and at a future meeting of WP.29/AC.3 it could be decided, based on a more inclusive input from the contracting parties, if a UN GTR under the 1998 Agreement would be the appropriate approach.

162. The representative of the United States of America stated that if AC.3 decided to move forward with the development of a UN GTR on Global RDE, the United States of America would participate in the early stages of the development. However, if the process was neither data-driven nor inclusive of input from all contracting parties to the 1998 Agreement, the United States of America would consider exercising the right as a contracting party to make clear that it would not support the eventual adoption of a UN GTR for this new methodology.

163. AC.3 took into consideration the comments of the representative of the United States of America and granted authorization to develop a UN GTR on Global RDE. The request for authorization to develop a new UN GTR on Global RDE is reproduced in Annex V of this report.

164. The Chair of GRPE congratulated all the parties who showed interest in participating in the development of a UN GTR on Global RDE, and encouraged others to join. He stated that the decision to develop a UN GTR on Global RDE represented an important milestone for GRPE activities, as existing United Nations emission’s regulations would be strengthened so as to ensure the adequate operation of state-of-the-art emission control systems in normal conditions of use.

165. He emphasized that the development of a harmonized real driving emissions test procedure would centralize expertise and resources for improved emissions measurement. This would also support significant economies of scale across the automotive sector.

129. AC.3 resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 aimed at providing an overview of the priorities of the Programme of Work (PoW) of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones.

130. The representative of Japan explained that in view of the decision taken by WP.29 under agenda item 2.3 (see para. 33 above) document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 had to be amended. Therefore, he introduced the informal documents WP.29-175-28 and WP.29-175-29, tabled jointly with the representative of the European Union, to provide an update of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34. He added that both documents had incorporated the feedbacks received so far from the contracting parties concerning: (a) the existing working groups (informal document WP.29-175-28) and (b) the new priorities assigned (informal document WP.29-175-29) to the working group dedicated for automated/autonomous connected vehicles (GRVA) and to GRSG.

131. The representative of the United States of America suggested that a precise revision should be undertaken by all contracting parties to identify their priorities and to reflect on any element. The representative of China recalled his comments (informal document WP.29-175-08) to AC.3 on the noted GRVA. The representative of OICA confirmed that, in principle, the informal document WP.29-175-29 met the expectations of his organization, even though due to its late submission there was need for a more in-depth evaluation by his members. However, he recommended that, due to the limited resources available, it was advisable to concentrate efforts on developing a higher level of automation instead of already existing ones (e.g. longitudinal control for the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)).

132. The representative of the United Kingdom, Chair of the former GRRF, suggested that the informal documents WP.29-175-29 and WP.29-175-08 would be among the documents that he intended to send to interested parties prior to the GRVA session in September 2018, to have a thorough discussion on the priorities of this group. He added that the deliberations, on these documents made by his group, would be annexed to the report of GRVA of the September 2018 session or be a stand-alone document for revision to the November session of AC.3. He finally recommended informal documents WP.29-175-29 and WP.29-175-08 to be considered as live documents, as well as the informal document WP.29-175-28 which should be kept as a separate document for the clarity of all interested parties. Finally, AC.3 endorsed the recommendation of the representative of the United Kingdom and requested the secretariat to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 as a reference, awaiting the deliberations of GRVA and feedbacks from interested parties.

59. The Chair recalled the information by the secretariat (GRSG-115-02) on the decision of WP.29 to convert GRRF into GRVA and to reallocate certain tasks of GRRF to other GRs. He added that AC.3 also recommended that GRSG resume consideration on the Event Data Recorder (EDR) which aims to cover conventional vehicles and especially automated/autonomous vehicles (see WP.29-175-29). Thus, GRSG noted that GRVA already considered developing new provisions for Data Storage System for Automated Driving (DSSAD). The expert from OICA welcomed the proposal to go forward with a new UN GTR on EDR. He added that in the near future, a long list of parallel activities would be added on the agendas of different GRs on similar devices but with different functions (software) and/or level of stringencies (e.g. for cybersecurity). He concluded that the type approval process of automated vehicle systems would result in a different system than the one for conventional vehicles. He questioned the need to nominate a new GRSG ambassador on vehicle automation who would ensure a good future exchange of views and coordination under this new agenda item.

60. GRSG agreed to re-insert an item on EDR in the agenda of its next session, subject to the decision by WP.29/AC.3 in November 2018. The Chair invited all contracting parties to the 1998 Agreement to consider their possible technical sponsorship for a new UN GTR on EDR. He also volunteered to seek the advice of WP.29 on the need to nominate an ambassador on vehicle automation for each GR.

51. The Chair of GRVA introduced WP.29-176-28 which sets out the priority areas on which GRVA should focus. He explained that the document was based on WP.29-175-29 submitted jointly by Japan and the European Union. He reminded the World Forum of his consultation with the WP.29 delegations and explained that document WP.29-176-28 was an attempt to summarize the responses into strategic issues. He described several detailed topics such as cyber security and automated steering where discussions were well advanced but also mentioned ongoing discussions on the functional requirements of automated vehicles and consideration of a new approach to assessing their performance. He invited delegates to provide comments on his proposed list by mid-December 2018.

6. The Chair recalled that he had initiated an informal consultation over the summer 2018 to collect the list of items that Contracting Parties would wish to be addressed by GRVA. The Chair presented GRVA-01-33 containing the responses received together with those provided in WP.29-175-08 and WP.29-175-29, some 40 items in total. He proposed classifying the items into work streams to facilitate the participation of subject experts, e.g. Data management, Sensors (spatial awareness), Functional requirements, New assessment procedures and “other items”. The GRVA experts confirmed that the document contained all input received.

7. The expert from China offered suggestions on the structure, work programme and meeting arrangements of GRVA (reproduced in GRVA-01-32).

8. The expert from AAPC stated that they would like to support the work done under this agenda item, he suggested assessment criteria to be considered when working on priorities for GRVA.

9. The expert from the United States of America introduced GRVA-01-03 proposing some considerations relevant for the work of GRVA under the 1998 Agreement. The expert from ITU reported on their experience in the Task Force on Cyber Security and Over-the-Air issues (TF CS/OTA) and highlighted the need for assistance from contracting parties when drafting documents to ensure the appropriateness of texts drafted to address specificities of the 1998 Agreement (and the context of self-certification). The expert from Germany, Co-Chair of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Automated Commanded Steering Function (ACSF), recalled the ambition of his group to draft technical requirements suitable for use under both the 1958 and the 1998 Agreements.

10. The expert from the Russian Federation presented GRVA-01-05 with their proposal for priorities. He recalled that decisions on priorities can only be made by the Executive Committee (AC. 3) for items to be handled under the 1998 Agreement. He also recalled the need for a technical sponsor for activities under the 1998 Agreement.

11. The expert from OICA presented GRVA-01-28 with information on the priorities of the industry that would require regulatory activities from GRVA. He regretted that the IWG on ACSF were not drafting provisions for so called Hands-off Lane Keeping Systems as SAE Level 2 even though this technology was already sold in some markets, e.g. in the United States of America. The Co-Chair of the IWG on ACSF and the expert from the Netherlands clarified that the IWG on ACSF considered hand off systems as Level 3 systems and not as Level 2. The Chair noted the differences between the priorities reported in GRVA-01-28 by OICA and those communicated by most of the manufacturers in their media statements. In response the expert from OICA prepared a revised document (GRVA-01-28-Rev.1) but was unable to demonstrate the technological and market priorities questions raised by GRVA. The expert from OICA also presented considerations on possible coordination of work between the subsidiary bodies (GRs) of WP.29. He suggested the nomination of GR Ambassadors on the model of IWVTA Ambassadors.

12. The expert from UITP stated the need to first address the safety of automated shared fleets for use by public transport systems.

13. The expert from ITU stated the need for GRVA to define a cluster around communication, including Platooning.

14. The expert from CLEPA insisted on the need to finalize the work on Automated Commanded Steering Function (ACSF).

15. The expert from GTB presented GRVA-01-06 with considerations on lighting and light-signalling for automated driving systems, highlighting the wish to work on this at the Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling (GRE). The expert from the Russian Federation suggested to explore ways to address this issue in the context of the Horizontal Regulation discussions. He mentioned that the presentation had already been made at WP.29. The expert from GTB also raised the question of coordination between GRs on automation as the expert from OICA had done. The expert from Japan recalled that WP.29 agreed to discuss coordination issues on automation. GRVA agreed that coordination issues would naturally be discussed at WP.29.

16. The expert from China introduced GRVA-01-16,

17. GRVA agreed that the items listed in GRVA-01-33 and the classification proposed should be reviewed at the next session under agenda item 4.

18. GRVA reviewed WP.29 informal documents WP.29-175-08 and WP.29-175-29 referred by WP.29 to GRVA as well as the list of items noted in the provisional agenda. GRVA had an extensive discussion on each item. The expert from OICA stated that the ongoing work was adequate to address industry priorities. The experts received clarifications on the meaning of each item by the proposal authors. They exchanged views on the priority that could be assigned to each item as well as the potential necessity to start regulatory activities (or not). GRVA concluded that GRVA is able (from the point of view of knowledge and expertise) to address each item in the list (GRVA-01-39) reproduced in Annex II to this report and was ready to fulfil its mandate as defined by WP.29 and/or AC.3. GRVA agreed to consider other items and possibly extend this list in the coming sessions.

This version of the programme developed by Japan and the European Union supersedes the previous versions and substitutes for planned formal document WP.29/2018/78.

129. AC.3 resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 aimed at providing an overview of the priorities of the Programme of Work (PoW) of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones.

130. The representative of Japan explained that in view of the decision taken by WP.29 under agenda item 2.3 (see para. 33 above) document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 had to be amended. Therefore, he introduced the informal documents WP.29-175-28 and WP.29-175-29, tabled jointly with the representative of the European Union, to provide an update of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34. He added that both documents had incorporated the feedbacks received so far from the contracting parties concerning: (a) the existing working groups (informal document WP.29-175-28) and (b) the new priorities assigned (informal document WP.29-175-29) to the working group dedicated for automated/autonomous connected vehicles (GRVA) and to GRSG.

131. The representative of the United States of America suggested that a precise revision should be undertaken by all contracting parties to identify their priorities and to reflect on any element. The representative of China recalled his comments (informal document WP.29-175-08) to AC.3 on the noted GRVA. The representative of OICA confirmed that, in principle, the informal document WP.29-175-29 met the expectations of his organization, even though due to its late submission there was need for a more in-depth evaluation by his members. However, he recommended that, due to the limited resources available, it was advisable to concentrate efforts on developing a higher level of automation instead of already existing ones (e.g. longitudinal control for the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)).

132. The representative of the United Kingdom, Chair of the former GRRF, suggested that the informal documents WP.29-175-29 and WP.29-175-08 would be among the documents that he intended to send to interested parties prior to the GRVA session in September 2018, to have a thorough discussion on the priorities of this group. He added that the deliberations, on these documents made by his group, would be annexed to the report of GRVA of the September 2018 session or be a stand-alone document for revision to the November session of AC.3. He finally recommended informal documents WP.29-175-29 and WP.29-175-08 to be considered as live documents, as well as the informal document WP.29-175-28 which should be kept as a separate document for the clarity of all interested parties. Finally, AC.3 endorsed the recommendation of the representative of the United Kingdom and requested the secretariat to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 as a reference, awaiting the deliberations of GRVA and feedbacks from interested parties.

Proposal to establish a WP.29 program to develop a UN GTR specifying a methodology for determining the real driving emissions of light-duty vehicles based on the European RDE methodology appropriately adapted for specific regional traffic conditions and boundaries.

155. The representative of the European Union presented the informal document WP.29-175-32, which is a revised version of the document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/80 that requests authorization to develop a new UN GTR on Global RDE. She highlighted the importance of this request, both technically and politically, with emissions control strategies now being globally developed by vehicle manufacturers.

156. The timeline to develop the new UN GTR on Global RDE is ambitious due to the urgency to tackle the topic in a harmonized, coordinated approach. The process will be opened to all contracting parties interested in developing or improving their own national regulatory procedures.

157. The representatives of Japan and of the Republic of Korea supported the document and expressed the wish to participate to the IWG on Global RDE.

158. The representative of the United States of America expressed his support for GRPE to begin exploring a harmonized test procedure on RDE, as soon as possible, through the work of an IWG on Global RDE.

159. He expressed his support of a data-driven approach that would be inclusive of input from all the contracting parties, and that it would not be pre-determined that the European RDE is the only approach which should be considered.

160. The representative of the United States of America expressed his belief that more time will be needed to be able to consider all inputs from all contracting parties.

161. The representative of the United States of America stated that this work could lead to a UN GTR, though he did not believe that it was necessary at this time to make this decision. He added that an IWG should be formed to explore the development of a harmonized RDE methodology, and at a future meeting of WP.29/AC.3 it could be decided, based on a more inclusive input from the contracting parties, if a UN GTR under the 1998 Agreement would be the appropriate approach.

162. The representative of the United States of America stated that if AC.3 decided to move forward with the development of a UN GTR on Global RDE, the United States of America would participate in the early stages of the development. However, if the process was neither data-driven nor inclusive of input from all contracting parties to the 1998 Agreement, the United States of America would consider exercising the right as a contracting party to make clear that it would not support the eventual adoption of a UN GTR for this new methodology.

163. AC.3 took into consideration the comments of the representative of the United States of America and granted authorization to develop a UN GTR on Global RDE. The request for authorization to develop a new UN GTR on Global RDE is reproduced in Annex V of this report.

164. The Chair of GRPE congratulated all the parties who showed interest in participating in the development of a UN GTR on Global RDE, and encouraged others to join. He stated that the decision to develop a UN GTR on Global RDE represented an important milestone for GRPE activities, as existing United Nations emission’s regulations would be strengthened so as to ensure the adequate operation of state-of-the-art emission control systems in normal conditions of use.

165. He emphasized that the development of a harmonized real driving emissions test procedure would centralize expertise and resources for improved emissions measurement. This would also support significant economies of scale across the automotive sector.

126. Submitted for consideration and vote, the request (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/79) of the European Union to list in the Compendium of Candidates for UN GTRs, the European Union Regulations Nos. 2017/1151 and 2017/1154 on Real Driving Emissions (RDE), was passed on 20 June 2018 by an affirmative vote of Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, South Africa and the United States of America.

Proposal of minor corrections to the draft Amendment 1 to GTR 19 (WP.29/2018/73).

20. GRPE endorsed ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/73/Add.1 submitted for formal adoption at the June 2018 session of the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3).

124. Submitted for consideration and vote, the proposal for amendment 1 to UN GTR No. 19 (Evaporative Test emission procedures for the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures (EVAP WLTP) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/73, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/74 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/44) was adopted on 20 June 2018 by consensus of vote of the following contracting parties present and voting: Australia, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and South Africa.

125. The representatives from Canada and the United States of America abstained from voting.

Proposal of subjects for work from the EU and Japan.

139. AC.3 resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 aimed at providing an overview of the priority of the Programme of Work (PoW) of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones.

140. The representative of ETRTO indicated that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 was already outdated and suggested that it be amended.

141. The representative from OICA introduced WP.29-174-08/Rev.1 underlining that clarification was needed for the development of a UN GTR on Event Data Recorders (EDR), since EDRs need to be clearly distinguished from Data Storage Systems for Automated Driving (DSSAD), from a regulatory point of view. He explained that in EDRs, data such as vehicle speed, speed reduction, service brake, etc., is only recorded when triggered in the event of an accident, and EDRs can be applicable in conventional and automated vehicles to understand the conditions surrounding an accident. On the other hand, he stated, the DSSAD is necessary to support the vehicle information on automated driving, namely that data stored in these devices reflects whether the automated driving system is on or off, whether there is a transition demand from the system to the driver or does the driver ask the system to take over, does the driver take over, is there a minimum risk manoeuvre being executed, etc. He explained that this data might have to be registered any time and over a period of time in order to trace the behaviour of the autonomous vehicle, in other words whether the driver or the system was responsible for its actions. He emphasized that DSSADs are not relevant for conventional vehicles but only for automated vehicles with levels of automation three, four and five.

142. The representative of OICA also stated that clarification is needed on the priority area identified as Driver Availability Recognition, namely the level of automation that the system would be applicable for, in order to secure consistency with other documents developed in this context that link the system applicability to level three and higher automation.

143. The representative of OICA expressed support for the remaining items of the PoW (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34), in accordance with the comments provided in WP.29-174-08/Rev.1, except for the Longitudinal Control item, stating that the example given in the PoW refers to systems that are by definition level one, which as such would not require a new regulation to be developed. He noted that if the PoW refers to longitudinal control levels three and above, the issue should be handled under the item Framework Regulation on automated/autonomous vehicles level 3-5.

144. The representative of the European Union presented WP.29-174-18, jointly prepared by Japan and the European Union, which contains the seven priority areas of work on automated driving. The document proposes a distribution of activities among working parties, time horizon for their initiation and/or finalization as well as additional clarifications concerning the tentative steps to be taken.

145. The representative of the United States of America thanked the representatives of Japan and the European Union for their joint efforts to identity additional priorities, with approaches and possible timeframes to initiate the work. She stated that due to the importance of the work identified in the PoW for governments and industry stakeholders, the United States of America would review the document with the proposed regulatory approaches with national stakeholders and provide constructive comments at the next session of the World Forum.

146. Upon request for clarification from the representative of the United States of America, AC.3 experts explained that the “framework regulation” mentioned in the document was intended to contain provisions applicable to automated and autonomous vehicles in the context of both self-certification and type approval systems, supporting harmonization at global level.

147. The Chair of AC.3 proposed to defer discussions on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/34 to the fifty-third session of AC.3, which was scheduled to be held on 20 June 2018, and to develop for that session a document as a basis for further deliberations on the PoW.

159. The representative of the European Union presented WP.29-174-09, proposing a work item called Global Real Driving Emissions (RDE). He proposed that the existing RDE European legislation would be included in the Compendium of candidates. He also proposed the creation of an IWG on RDE and to discuss organizational details at the June 2018 session of GRPE. AC.3 invited the representative of the European Union to prepare an official proposal for formal adoption at the June 2018 session.

160. The representative of Japan, Co-Chair of the IWG on WLTP, mentioned the Japanese plan for RDE as presented during the last GRPE session of January 2018 (GRPE-76-18). He added that the legal text was expected to be published in March 2018 with a potential entry into force in October 2022.

161. He presented WP.29-174-17 proposing amendments to WP.29-174-09. He suggested that Japan could co-sponsor such activities.

162. The representative of Germany welcomed the initiative to work on the global harmonization of RDE. He wondered whether the RDE provision should be inserted in UN GTR No. 15 or in a new UN GTR.

163. The representative of the Republic of Korea also welcomed the initiative to work on RDE at the World Forum. He announced that his country would be willing to co-sponsor this work, involving its Ministry of Environment.

164. The representative of the Netherlands, Chair of GRPE, also welcomed the initiative to work on RDE at the World Forum. He invited all CPs to support the harmonization of RDE provisions with flexible positions, for example on the boundary conditions of the test. He suggested that contracting parties consider the possibility to include harmonized RDE provisions in a new GTR.

Proposal of a consolidated revision of UN R96 to align the UN Regulation with Regulation (EU) 2016/162 concerning gaseous and particulate pollutant emission limits and type-approval for internal combustion engines for non-road mobile machinery.

32. The expert from EC presented (GRPE-76-15) introducing ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2018/3 with a proposal for a draft 05 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 96 to harmonize it with the new European Union Regulation (2016/1628) on Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) with some corrections by GRPE-76-12. GRPE adopted the proposal as amended (GRPE-76-12) and requested the secretariat to submit ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2018/3 and Annex IX (to the session report) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2018 sessions as draft 05 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 96.

122. The representative of the European Union introduced WP.29-173-20 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/144) aimed at providing an overview of the priority of the programme of work of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones. She finally invited AC.3 to provide more details on new UN GTR activities. The representative of the United States of America underlined that especially for the development of new UN GTRs, sponsors should be assigned. The representative from OICA agreed with most of the proposed subjects, but underlined that:

1. Harmonisation is crucial, but issues on the same subjects already being developed in the framework of the 1958 Agreement should continue to be conducted in parallel;
2. Clarification was needed for the development of a UN GTR on Event Data Recorders (EDR); OICA supported this, but pointed out that there was a difference between EDR and data storage systems for automated vehicles and that the scope of the proposal should be clarified;
3. Clarification of the exact objectives would be welcome on the proposals, especially the one on driver recognition systems.

123. AC.3 agreed in principle on the content of WP.29-173-20 and requested the secretariat to distribute it with an official symbol at its March 2018 session for final revision and endorsement.

124. The representative of Japan stated that, regarding a next step for this agenda, the highly automated driving issue should be discussed not only under the 1958 Agreement but also under the 1998 Agreement, and that there is high possibility for this item to become a new UN GTR activity according to the programme of work.

156. The Chair of AC.3 introduced the documents that were considered under this agenda item. AC.3 considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/31, aimed at providing an updated overview of the priorities of the Programme of Work of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones. AC.3 referred to the discussions on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/2 under agenda item 2.3.

157. The Chair of AC.3 proposed that agenda item 17 could be divided into two items: 17.1 on the conventional priority topics in the programme of work of the 1998 Agreement, and 17.2. on priority topics in the programme of work of the 1998 Agreement concerning automated and connected vehicles for consideration.

158. Discussion was inconclusive, and the Chair of AC.3 proposed to prepare and submit an informal document to the fifty-sixth session detailing the proposed changes to the agenda. AC.3 accepted this proposal and deferred continuation of discussions on the matter to the subsequent AC.3 session in June 2019.

33. Upon the request of WP.29, GRB considered the Draft General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107) prepared by IWG IWVTA. The expert from OICA pinpointed provision 6.1 (in square brackets) which stipulated that “a Contracting Party may apply additional national provisions for vehicle characteristics not covered by the scope of a UN Regulation”. According the expert, this provision seemed to be counterproductive for the harmonization of vehicle Regulations and should be clarified. The Chair invited GRB experts to consider the Draft Guidelines and to submit their comments, if any, to the secretariat and/or to IWG IWVTA by 20 October 2017.

56. Upon the request of the World Forum and the IWG on IWVTA, GRSG considered the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1). GRSG endorsed the guideline documents and recommended the IWG on IWVTA to consider further amendments as reflected in GRSG-113-40.

52. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, presented the Draft General Guidelines for United Nation regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1). These guidelines aim to streamline future work in the subsidiary bodies, to clarify the procedures following Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and to ensure “good regulatory practice” by providing clarifications to avoid divergence in the understanding of Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and the application of UN Regulations. The World Forum noted the intention of the IWG on IWVTA to further consider a number of amendments recommended by Contracting Parties and by the Working Parties for consideration at the next sessions of WP.29.

53. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1, as amended below:

“Paragraph 6.1., shall be deleted.
Remove all square brackets in the document, and keep the proposed text.”

53 bis. The representative of the Russian Federation noted that the proposal to delete item 6.1. would require additional elaboration verifying legal consequences, therefore the Russian Federation reserved its position on the issue.

49. GRSG noted the adoption by WP.29/AC.1 of UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and its expected date of entry into force on 19 July 2018. GRSG also noted the adoption by WP.29 of (i) the explanation document on UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109), (ii) the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1 as amended by para. 53 of the report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135) and (iii) the “Question&Answer” document on Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131).

Joint EU/Japan/US proposal for the program of work, segmented into

• Existing GTRs – High priority
• Existing GTRs – Low priority
• Existing GTRs – No activities identified for PoW, and
• New priorities
.

126. The representative of the EU introduced WP.29-172-31, jointly prepared by US, Japan and EU, which aimed at providing an overview of the priority of the programme of work, listing priorities for future work in view of the development of new UN GTRs as well as ongoing work on amendments to the existing ones. The representative of the United States of America stated that at a later stage he would be in the position to provide more detailed comments to the document since he was waiting from his administration a list of priorities focused on national needs. The representative from OICA underlined that clarification was needed as to the scope of a UN GTR on Event Data Recorders (EDR) since EDR should not be confused with data storage for automated vehicles. The representative of China informed AC.3 about their activities on automated and connected vehicles, on development of a national standard on intelligent and connected vehicles (ICV) and to provide further information at the next sessions. She finally announced the availability of her country to participate to future activities focused on the development of UN GTRs on autonomous driving.

127. AC.3 requested chairs of working groups and Contracting Party representatives to provide their feedback on WP.29-172-31 by 15 August 2017, to allow the secretariat to distribute it with an official symbol at it November 2017 session.

Proposal to clarify transitional provisions including clarification of the definition and treatment of Supplements to UN Regulations.

58. The representative of Japan, on behalf of the Chair of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA), presented the draft General Guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/2017/53). He underlined that the aim of the document is to streamline the future work in the subsidiary bodies, to clarify the procedures following Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and to ensure “good regulatory practice” by providing clarifications to avoid divergence in the understanding of Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and the application of UN Regulations. He informed the World Forum that the IWG on IWVTA had considered the proposed amendments in WP.29-171-13. He concluded that all amendments agreed by the IWG had been reproduced in WP.29-171-24. He informed WP.29 that the forthcoming meeting of the IWG would be held in Madrid on 16 June 2017. The representative of the Russian Federation raised a study reservation on the revised text. The Chair of WP.29 invited all delegates to send their comments on WP.29-171-24 to the Secretary of the IWG on IWVTA by mid of June 2017 at the latest.

59. WP.29 agreed to resume, at its June 2017 session, consideration of ECE/TRANS/2017/53 as reproduced in WP.29-171-24 and to approve it at the November 2017 session when Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement entered into force.

Proposals for amendments to Regulations Nos. 4, 6, 7, 19, 23, 38, 48, 50, 77, 87, 91, 98, 112, 113, 119, 123 to clarify requirements for light sources in lighting and light-signalling Regulations listed in Annex 4 to UN Regulation No. 0. The proposed UN R0 on whole vehicle type approval requires submission of approval certificates for components and systems. Vehicle manufacturers work directly with UN R48 approvals, but lamp and device approvals are generally handled by lighting suppliers. UN R48 includes provisions for listing approvals of lighting units, but not for approvals of light sources (presently UN R37, R99, and R128). This set of proposed amendments introduces provisions for light-source approvals under the device regulations.

74. The World Forum also noted EU proposals for amendments to Regulations Nos. 4, 6, 7, 19, 23, 38, 48, 50, 77, 87, 91, 98, 112, 113, 119, 123, with the aim to clarify requirements for light sources in lighting and light-signalling Regulations listed in Annex 4 to UN Regulation No. 0 (IWVTA) (WP.29-171-03). The World Forum requested GRE to consider these proposals at its forthcoming session in April 2017.