23. The Secretary of WP.29 introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-185-01), the calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-185-02) and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2).

24. The representatives of the United States of America and Japan expressed concern with the dates and timing of the November 2022 session of the World Forum and requested that these dates be re-adjusted to enable their full participation at that session. The representative of Japan also expressed concern with the time of WP.29 and GRs sessions in 2022 and requested that timing is decided taking into account world-wide time zones so that most participants attending remotely can attend at suitable hours without extra burden. The Chair of GRVA expressed concerns about the non-confirmed session of GRVA in May 2022. He recalled the importance for GRVA to hold a third session in the year prior to the June 2022 session of WP.29.

25. The secretariat introduced informal document WP.29-185-06, which will form the basis for the 2022 Programme of Work of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and its Subsidiary Bodies. WP.29 noted that the updated list of priorities for GRSP would be provided following the December 2021 session. WP.29 was informed on a scheduled ad-hoc session of AC.2 for final review before the adoption at the March 2022 session of WP.29.

26. The representative of the European Commission introduced informal document WP.29-185-17, proposing a list of priorities from the European Union covering safety and automated/connected vehicles as well as emissions.

27. WP.29 endorsed the revised programme of work as introduced in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2.

The proposed amendments are also available in a consolidated text with tracked changes in pdf format and in docx format.

15. The representatives of Japan, the EU and OICA introduced GRPE-84-08, summarizing the amendments proposed to UN Regulation No. 154. They informed about the proposed modifications leading to proposals to new 02 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/21 and GRPE-84-06 as amended by Addendum 2) and 03 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/22 and GRPE-84-07 as amended by Addendum 3) series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

16. GRPE adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 2 and Addendum 3 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2022 sessions as draft 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 respectively.

17. The representative from OICA added that OICA was expected to submit proposals to amend the original version and 01 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 154 to reflect some of the improvement made in the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 once those proposals adopted by GRPE.

The consolidated text with amendments also available with tracked changes in pdf format and docx format.

15. The representatives of Japan, the EU and OICA introduced GRPE-84-08, summarizing the amendments proposed to UN Regulation No. 154. They informed about the proposed modifications leading to proposals to new 02 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/21 and GRPE-84-06 as amended by Addendum 2) and 03 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/22 and GRPE-84-07 as amended by Addendum 3) series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

16. GRPE adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 2 and Addendum 3 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2022 sessions as draft 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 respectively.

17. The representative from OICA added that OICA was expected to submit proposals to amend the original version and 01 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 154 to reflect some of the improvement made in the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 once those proposals adopted by GRPE.

15. The representatives of Japan, the EU and OICA introduced GRPE-84-08, summarizing the amendments proposed to UN Regulation No. 154. They informed about the proposed modifications leading to proposals to new 02 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/21 and GRPE-84-06 as amended by Addendum 2) and 03 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/22 and GRPE-84-07 as amended by Addendum 3) series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

16. GRPE adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 2 and Addendum 3 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2022 sessions as draft 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 respectively.

17. The representative from OICA added that OICA was expected to submit proposals to amend the original version and 01 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 154 to reflect some of the improvement made in the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 once those proposals adopted by GRPE.

16. The representative from the EC, Chair of the IWG on RDE, introduced updated terms of reference and rules of procedure for the IWG on RDE (GRPE-83-31 as revised during the session) detailing expected activities in the months and years to come. The representative from the US supported the updated approach and highlighted opportunities for alignment. GRPE endorsed the updated document and encouraged the IWG on the ambitious harmonization activities.

17. Consequently, the Chair of the IWG on RDE introduced a revised authorization to develop a new UN GTR on RDE (GRPE-83-32 amended during the session as reflected in Annex VIII to the session report). She detailed that the expected UN GTR would go directly into a more comprehensive phase 2, with wider engagement from all parties. The representative from the USA commended the GRPE process and he added that the USA were working on a rule making that was expecting to use the outcomes from the IWG on RDE and the draft phase 2 UN GTR.

18. GRPE requested the secretariat to submit Annex VIII to WP.29 and AC.3 for consideration and vote at their November 2021 sessions as draft revised authorization to develop a new UN GTR on RDE.

Proposal by the USA, European Union, Japan and the Republic of Korea to request revision of the authorization to develop a future proof global technical regulation of Real Driving Emissions based on Phase 2 work by the RDE informal working group.

16. The representative from the EC, Chair of the IWG on RDE, introduced updated terms of reference and rules of procedure for the IWG on RDE (GRPE-83-31 as revised during the session) detailing expected activities in the months and years to come. The representative from the US supported the updated approach and highlighted opportunities for alignment. GRPE endorsed the updated document and encouraged the IWG on the ambitious harmonization activities.

17. Consequently, the Chair of the IWG on RDE introduced a revised authorization to develop a new UN GTR on RDE (GRPE-83-32 amended during the session as reflected in Annex VIII to the session report). She detailed that the expected UN GTR would go directly into a more comprehensive phase 2, with wider engagement from all parties. The representative from the USA commended the GRPE process and he added that the USA were working on a rule making that was expecting to use the outcomes from the IWG on RDE and the draft phase 2 UN GTR.

18. GRPE requested the secretariat to submit Annex VIII to WP.29 and AC.3 for consideration and vote at their November 2021 sessions as draft revised authorization to develop a new UN GTR on RDE.

17. The Chair of the IWG on RDE introduced the status report of the IWG (GRPE-81-17); mainly focusing on the development of the draft new UN Regulation on RDE submitted to GRPE as ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2020/15 as amended by GRPE-81-16. She also introduced GRPE-81-26 complementing the draft text of the UN Regulation with a template of the data report file that shall be used to gather the data collected during the test and to check some of the trip validity conditions, specifically designed for the RDE tests contained in the draft new UN Regulation. She finally informed GRPE that some elements remained in square brackets as there are still regulatory work going-on at the European which might have an impact on the text proposed and might lead to a postponement to later session of WP.29 if the EU regulatory process is not finalized by then. GRPE noted those considerations.

18. The representative from OICA sought further clarifications on the update to UN Regulation No. 83 needed as a consequence of the new UN Regulations on WLTP and RDE. The expert from the EC stated there was a need to further evaluate the changes for UN Regulation No. 83 also taking the EU legal framework into account. She clarified such assessment was expected to be finalized before the next GRPE session in January 2021, especially with respect to in-service conformity provisions. The representative from Japan agreed the inclusion of in-service conformity into UN Regulation No.83 should be looked after carefully as it could also be part of WLTP provisions.

19. The Chair congratulated the IWG on RDE for the achievements in such limited time frame, getting consensus so that the draft UN regulation reaches full harmonization.

20. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2020/15 and GRPE-81-16 as amended by Addendum 2 to this chair’s notes and complimented by GRPE-81-26 that will be uploaded on the UN Regulation webpage once it is available. GRPE requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 2 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2020 sessions as draft new UN Regulation No. [XXX] on RDE. The representative of the EC informed some elements were left in square brackets waiting for the outcome of local discussions in the region. She indicated that the square bracket would be removed prior to the adoption by WP.29/AC.1.

21. She finally updated GRPE on the latest development and forthcoming plans for the development of a draft new UN GTR on RDE still being discussed with a larger group of stakeholders involved.

22. GRPE noted the request for a meeting room for half a day during the GRPE week in January 2021.

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.

28. The representative of the United States of America reminded GRSP about the framework document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2, endorsed by the World Forum, on priority topics for automated and connected vehicles. He reiterated that crashworthiness remained relevant and that the framework document would be implemented by related topics stemming from the activities of GRSP. The expert from Germany also reiterated the need of developing a document showing passive safety priority topics. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject based on a proposal to be developed by the expert from Germany with the experts from OICA and other concerned parties.

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).

39. The secretariat introduced WP.29-184-15 proposing updates to Table 1 of the Framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2). He explained that the document was developed by AC.2, and that it had been reviewed and completed by GRVA at its tenth session and that it included the last-minute amendments proposed by the IWGs on Validation Method for Automated Driving (VMAD) and Event Data Recorder / Data Storage System for Automated Driving (EDR/DSSAD).

40. The representative of the European Union introduced document WP.29-184-18 tabling proposed changes to the rows on DSSAD and EDR in WP.29-184-15.

41. The World Forum discussed and endorsed the revised Framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2), as amended by WP.29-184-15 and the EDR/DSSAD related amendments in WP.29-184-18, with deadlines for submission of EDR related deliverables to WP.29 reflected in its Table 1 remaining in square brackets. WP.29 requested the secretariat to distribute the revised document with an official symbol for final consideration in November 2021.

22. The secretariat recalled the purpose of WP.29-186-08 drafted by the IWG on FRAV and WP.29-186-09 drafted by the IWG on Validation Methods for Automated Driving (VMAD), that were mandated under the framework document on automated vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2 as amended by ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/151). The Chair of GRVA detailed the content of the two documents and their purpose. He explained that both documents were guidelines that would be suitable for the contracting parties of the 1998 and 1958 Agreements.

23. The representative of the European Commission stated his full support for these informal documents and added that the contained concepts were also taken into consideration for developing the European Union legislation for ADS.

24. The representative of the United States of America clarified that WP.29-186-08 was not mature enough and recommended not to issue it as an official document for the next session.

25. The representative of OICA stated the importance of the work done by GRVA and its informal working groups under the framework document. He welcomed the progress done on the drafting of guidelines for ADS safety. He explained that OICA would welcome proposals from Contracting Parties for ADS regulations based on the guidelines prepared by GRVA.

26. The representative of OICA advised to initiate a review of the UN Regulations and UN GTRs with regards to their fitness for ADS, including driverless systems, as these regulations might refer to drivers.

27. The Chair of GRVA explained that AC.2 discussed the need to review the UN Regulations and UN GTRs and was in the process of setting a coordinated approach.

28. The representative of the European Commission fully recognized the need to review the Vehicle Regulations, which were linked to drivers, to accommodate for automated/autonomous driving.

29. The representative of the United States of America advised that this task could require a phased approach, one phase being the identification of UN Regulations and UN GTRs of relevance and a second phase being the evaluation of the provisions and test requirements that might be linked to drivers.

30. WP.29 requested all GRs to perform a screening of the UN Regulations and UN GTRs of relevance until March 2023 and agreed to resume consideration of a coordinated approach for reporting to AC.2 and WP.29.

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.