Draft Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure of the GRSG informal working group on the behaviour of M2 and M3 general construction in case of fire event (BMFE) pursuant to discussions held since the last GRSG session.

Progress report on the effort to improve the behaviour of M₂ and M₃ general construction of buses in case of fire events.

Proposal to add a drawing and text to clarify which requirements apply to which parts of the windscreen wiper.

Proposal to delete the reference to abrasion requirements in Annex 3, paragraph 6.4.1.3. since abrasion resistance is not relevant in the assessment of resistance to weathering.

Status report of the BMFE informal working group.

Proposal to introduce electromagnetic specifications for the approval of an electronic device, such as a transponder — even without the traditional functionality of a mechanical key — under UN R62 via reference to UN R10 on electromagnetic compatibility (as is the case under UN R116). This proposal relates to document GRSG/2018/15 adopted during the previous GRSG session and subsequently adopted by WP.29 during its March 2019 session (document WP.29/2019/8)..

Presentation on new national legislation that defines a new vehicle category, “urban shuttle”. The legislation skirts the current M category definitions by defining an urban shuttle as having a total capacity to carry between nine and 16 passengers plus a driver with seating for 4-5 passengers. As such, France intends to propose national type approvals for such vehicles with a view to address driverless versions in future legislation.

Presentation on the status of the informal working group on bus management of fire events (BMFE).

“Arrêté du 6 mai 2019 définissant les conditions d’homologation, d’exploitation et de circulation des navettes urbaines”

UN R39 allows for odometer units in miles. This proposal would clarify requirements for systems that can switch the odometer units between kilometers and miles to ensure that only one unit of measurement for total distance is used at a time.

Amendment to include the unit of odometer measurement in the display to resolve concerns over dual-mode systems.

Proposal to amend paragraph 2.5. with the aim to revise the definition of “glass-plastics”.

Proposal to correct misalignment between GRSG/2022/10 as amended and adopted by the 123rd GRSG session and subsequently submitted for adoption by WP.29 during its November 2O22 session with document GRSG-123-15/Rev.1 as discussed and agreed during the 123rd GRSG session.

Proposal for editorial corrections to Annexes 2a and 2b.

Editorial correction to the French version of the Regulation.

In order to evaluate the conformity to « particular specifications » for devices operation under different test conditions, is there an intention to perform the test on a combined testing bench including different systems to evaluate if the final operationability
including interactions with other devices is ensured or only testing of separate components is sufficient to demonstrate conformity due to complexity of some electronic architectures

Proposal to correct editorial changes to the ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2024/102

Proposal to amend UN R73 on Lateral Protection Devices, amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2024/38. The proposal adds safety requirements including a new definition of Blind Spot Information System referencing UN R151. Key modifications lower the minimum height of the lower edge of LPD from 550 mm to 450 mm for most vehicles, while maintaining 550 mm for vehicles with axle distance exceeding 6.5 m. The proposal includes transitional provisions and references GRSG-113-13. Japan and France submitted this based on traffic accident data showing reduced fatalities with lower LPD height requirements.

Proposal to clarify the time unit for the equation of the sinusoidal acceleration specifies in part 6.“VerificationProcedures”

Proposal to amend UN Regulation No. 39 (Speedometer and odometer) to introduce software update references and identification. New provisions add definitions regarding Software Identification Number, refer to Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), Annex 7, paragraph 2. Modifications address production definitively discontinued, software updates for registered vehicles, hardware and software information provision, vehicle approval for differentiating software versions, and additional information regarding software identification. The proposal references ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1175, paragraph 37, and incorporates provisions from R.E.3 Annex 7 to define R39SWIN as dedicated identifier representing type-approval relevant software information.

The document describes automated shuttles as vehicles designed for public transport with autonomy by design, typically with fewer than 10 seats, constructed like Class A buses, and often limited in maximum speed or bidirectional. Automated shuttles are deployed globally and already comply with most technical requirements for M₂/M₃ vehicles except some UN R107 requirements and bidirectional aspects. Current UN vehicle categories are incompatible with shuttles: M₁ does not have provisions for standing passengers, and shuttles cannot be granted approvals to most UN Regulations because they have fewer than 10 seats. Three options for categorization are presented: a new category M₄, a new class of M₂/M₃ (Class C), or redefinition of M₂/M₃ Class A. A workshop is proposed for 4 December in Paris to determine whether an international category or class is necessary.

France submitted this proposal to clarify the provisions for bumpers of vehicle types complying with the performances requirements specified in the new UN Regulation on pedestrian protection. This document is based on informal document GRSG-101-24.

France submitted this document which modifies informal document GRSG-101-25.

Text prepared by the European Commission, France and Germany to provide a specific area in buses of Class I, allowing a child to remain seated in his/her pram or pushchair.

Proposal to allow for the use of natural gas refrigeration systems to vehicles propelled by natural gas (CNG or LNG). This proposal addresses a new, environmentally friendly natural gas fuelled refrigeration system for trucks with refrigerated loads that already are propelled by natural gas. Currently paragraph 18.1.7.1 allows heating systems to be fitted on vehicles to heat the passenger compartment and/or the load area of a vehicle, however, the same provision omits cooling systems that are used on trucks for the carriage of loads requiring refrigeration.

Proposal to reduce the administrative burden in obtaining approvals for electrical cables according to UN Regulation No. 118. The experts from Finland, France and Germany agreed that the change from ISO 6722:2006 to ISO 6722-2011 does not impact the degree of safety and, therefore, the test reports or approvals established under the older version of the ISO standard shall remain valid.

Proposal to improve and clarify provisions concerning the approval of interior materials, cables and insulation materials. The proposaladds new requirements for cable sleeves and conduits, modifies vertical testing requirements under Annex 8 to allow testing of small test samples and to clarify their fixation to the specimen holder., and adds a new Annex 10 on provisions for testing of electrical cables.

Proposal to introduce provisions for cargo-compartment refrigeration systems connected to the compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG) system(s).

Proposal to exempt all heaters located outside the passenger compartment and using water as a transfer medium from the requirements of the annexes on air quality and temperature. The current text only exempts combustion heaters.

Proposal to clarify the test requirements in alignment with the French text of the regulation by amending paragraph 5.10 to read “There shall be no protruding parts, sharp edges, etc. near the installed tank likely to increase the risk of damage on the tank in the event a collision to the front, the side or the rear of the vehicle.” (Modified text in bold)