Presentation on the development of an amendment

76. GRVA received an oral report from the expert from the Republic of Korea regarding the development of an amendment proposal to UN Global Technical Regulation (GTR) No. 8 (GRVA-12-13).

77. GRVA noted that following discussions, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2022/12 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/34 were withdrawn by the experts from Canada and the Republic of Korea, respectively.

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-70-19, which is the progress report of IWG-DPPS. He explained that the IWG Phase 1 would include numerical simulation for head impact time (HIT) against the vehicle in case of deployable systems and a marker in the preamble for generic approach to be developed in the next phase. He also informed that the expert from Japan had proposed a sentence about an equivalent method (physical or alternative numerical simulation) to the numerical simulation to be agreed by Contracting Parties. GRSP, agreed, that the request by Japan to allow optional alternatives could be temporarily resolved by including the statement in the preamble (Part A) in brackets. This would give contracting parties further time for consideration and a final decision on removing the brackets could be made when the draft amendment would be reviewed at the May 2022 session of GRSP. Moreover, GRSP agreed that the IWG-DPPS should finish its work under the current mandate given by AC.3 without becoming occupied by other important but at this point irrelevant issues and distracted with side discussions.

32. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-70-15 showing a crash safety scenario of autonomous vehicles based on the results of a survey. He concluded that consumers expect the crash safety performance of autonomous vehicles to be equivalent to or more advanced than the current level, considering the traffic situation and market expectations. GRSP agreed that there was no need to make a decision on questions raised by the expert from Republic of Korea on safety issues related to autonomous vehicles and that these should first be considered by the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) and its subgroups.

Proposal to pursue development of methods for life cycle assessment (LCA) as an overall assessment from production to use and disposal as a means to substantially reduce CO2 emissions.

24. The representative of Japan introduced GRPE-84-05-Rev.1, submitted by Japan and Korea, proposing to introduce Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of vehicles into the GRPE list of priorities. The representative of the Russian Federation acknowledged the proposal from Japan and Korea and added that this important topic should be looking at the impact of different technologies on greenhouse gas emissions, and also natural resources and economic expansion. He added that the Russian Federation has more than 15 years’ experience on the topic of LCA of vehicles and the Russian Federation would be happy to participate in such activities if GRPE decided to add this topic to its priority. The representative of Sweden also supported the proposal.

25. The representative of the US recognized the importance of LCA in the activities of GRPE, and highlighted that there might be similarities with the IWG on EVE activity on a “method for stating energy consumption” where the EVE group was faced with a scope going beyond the expertise and capabilities of their members. He asked for some measures to be taken before the LCA activity start, to make sure that the relevant experts would be involved in the activity. The Chair agreed with the need to widen the expertise present in GRPE to be able to tackle this subject in a relevant manner.

26. The representative from the European Commission (EC) required some time for an internal consultation with other services from the EC, informing GRPE that LCA was outside of the remit of experts from the EC attending GRPE. He therefore required to revisit this topic in the next session of GRPE in January 2022.

27. The secretariat informed GRPE about the recent interest from the latest Commission session on the topic of circularity and circular economy and welcomed activities related to this topic.

28. The Chair proposed to include this topic in the list of GRPE priorities given the support provided. The representative of the EC suggested to include the topic in square brackets. GRPE agreed to this proposal and to revisit the topic in forthcoming sessions of GRPE. The representative of OICA supported the initiative and to participate in future activities on the topic.

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.

6. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-69-20, providing the progress report of the Informal Working Group on Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG-DPPS). He confirmed his previous statement at the December 2020 session of GRSP that due to the limitation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IWG had still open issues and the finalization of a proposal would be expected by May 2022 session of GRSP. Accordingly, he requested the extension of the mandate until November 2022. In the meantime, he requested the official position of Contracting Parties on applying the numerical simulation method to the proposed requirements to the UN Regulation/UN GTR. He explained that this would constitute the core proposed amendments and in the case of a negative response of CPs this would have a negative effect on the work performed so far by the IWG. GRSP endorsed the request of the expert from the Republic of Korea to extend the mandate of the IWG to seek endorsement of WP.29 and AC.3 at their June 2021 sessions. Moreover, GRSP requested experts of C.P.s of both 1958 and 1998 Agreements to provide an answer to the Chair of the IWG concerning the simulation method by the December 2021 session of GRSP at the latest. The expert from United States of America announced her participation in the next IWG meeting.

Proposal to align requirements with technological progress to address steering systems with low steering gear ratios.

95. The expert from Korea, technical sponsor to the amendment to UN GTR No. 8 (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/99), introduced GRVA-09-36 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/34, a revised proposal for amendment to UN GTR No. 8 aimed at accommodating new types of steering equipment, low gear systems, not being able to reach the 270 degree request in the sine with dwell test.

96. The expert from Canada expressed reservation with the revised proposal as it would still open the door to safety issues. He explained that the last paragraph of the amendment proposal should only belong to the test procedure and not to the requirement. He explained that this was up to the test facility or manufacturer to perform the test to reach the maximum operable steering angle without overshoot and not for the regulation to accommodate such overshooting risk with a tolerance.

97. GRVA requested the expert from Canada to work together with the expert from Korea so that progress could be achieved until the next session.

83. The expert from Korea, technical sponsor to the amendment to UN GTR No. 8 (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/99), recalled the purpose of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/34 (as amended by GRVA-09-36), a revised proposal for amendment to UN GTR No. 8 aimed at accommodating new types of steering equipment, low gear systems, not being able to reach the 270 degrees request in the sine with dwell test.

84. GRVA noted the oral report from the expert from the Republic of Korea on their consultations with Canada and OICA regarding the amendment proposal to UN GTR No. 8.

85. The expert from Canada provided oral comments on the amendment proposal to the GTR, that the secretariat reproduced in GRVA-11-41.

86. GRVA agreed to resume consideration of this item at its next session.

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-68-14, providing the progress report of the Informal Working Group on Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG-DPPS). He explained that due to the limitation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IWG had still open issues and the finalization of a proposal would be expected by May 2022 session of GRSP.

29. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-68-06, concerning the Korean New Car Assessment Programme results on Micro-Mobility/Quadricycles (L7 Category vehicles). He suggested that it would be difficult to introduce new impact test requirements for L7 vehicles to ensure crash safety at same level equivalent of small passenger vehicles at this stage. He confirmed that Micro-Mobility can comply with other requirements such as door latch, seat strength, safety-belt anchorages and electrical safety after impact. He concluded that GRSP should consider developing requirements for major components of Micro-Mobility as a first step and wished to start cooperation with Japan and with IMMA on overall Micro-Mobility safety. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2021 session.

23. The expert from the Republic of Korea, Chair of IWG on Panoramic Sunroof Glazing (PSG), and the expert from Germany, Secretary of the IWG on PSG, introduced document GRSG-119-30, which contained a report on activities of the IWG since May 2015 until expiry of its mandate in April 2020. The activities of the IWG on PSG concluded with the development of a draft new Mutual Resolution No. [4] (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2020/3), which was developed to address the risk of breakage of panoramic sunroof glazing during normal usage in vehicles and to seek solutions.

24. The expert from German, Secretary of the IWG on PSG, introduced the proposal for a new Mutual Resolution No. [4] (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2020/3), which sets limits for the ceramic printed design area of panoramic sunroof glazing.

25. GRSG endorsed ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2020/3, the proposal for a draft Mutual Resolution No. [4] and agreed to submit it for consideration and vote to WP.29 and WP.29/AC.3 at their March 2021 sessions.

26. GRSG thanked the participants of the IWG on PSG for the work carried out throughout the groups mandate. The Chair of the IWG on PSG thanked, the Co-Chair, the Secretary as well as all experts who took part in the work of the group and congratulated on the milestones achieved.

17. The expert from Germany presented GRVA-07-63, introducing ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/32 with a proposal for amendments to UN Regulation No. [157] (ALKS), aimed at increasing the maximum speed (from 60 km/h to 130 km/h) for ALKS. She also introduced a second proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/33) aimed at introducing provisions for ALKS performing lane changes. The experts from Austria, China, Denmark, European Commission, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Republic or Korea, Sweden and UK were rather supportive. They provided ideas and technical comments to improve the proposals. The expert from Switzerland opposed to the proposed speed increase (up to 130 km/h), stating that it would be counterproductive and as Switzerland was reviewing traffic rules based on the adopted 60 km/h. The experts from Japan, Canada and USA did not support the proposals and referred to FDAV as the reference document guiding the work of GRVA on automation. The expert from SAFE stated the need for a clear roadmap, mentioned the challenges for the Technical Services and the Approval Authorities with regards to Level 3 technologies and supported the comments from the European Commission regarding the need for a Regulation addressing Automation on motorways.

18. It was recalled that the expert from UK was working on a proposal for provisions for lane change during the minimum risk manoeuvre.

19. The expert from OICA presented GRVA-07-26, introducing a proposal for amendments to UN Regulation No. [157] (GRVA-07-31), aimed at extending the scope of the Regulation to heavy vehicles. They recalled that these vehicle categories were already in the scope of the activities of the former IWG on Automatically Commanded Steering Function (ACSF), which drafted UN Regulation No. [157].

20. GRVA noted that its work priorities on automation were defined by WP.29 in the FDAV. GRVA also noted that a number of Contracting Parties were willing to work on amendments to UN Regulation No. [157] and therefore decided to consult the Administrative Committee for the coordination of work (AC.2).

21. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced GRVA-07-07, highlighting some inconsistencies between the different parts of UN Regulation No. [157]. He mentioned discrepancies on the use of the term “system”. He questioned the need for Appendix 3 to Annex 4. He then introduced amendment proposal GRVA-07-06 on behalf of the European Commission and the Russian Federation. The expert from OICA responded to the proposal (GRVA-07-59). He also briefly introduced GRVA-07-30, proposing editorial changes to the Regulation and GRVA-07-21 with substantial amendments to the Regulations.

22. The Chair mentioned other informal documents (GRVA-07-27, GRVA-07-45, GRVA-07-56, GRVA-07-62 and GRVA-07-66), proposing amendments to UN Regulation No. [157] and invited the stakeholders to prepare a consolidated document with amendment proposals that could generate consensus at GRVA. Interested parties developed GRVA-07-69-Rev.1.

23. GRVA adopted the amendment proposals marked in green and yellow in GRVA-07-69-Rev.1 (see Annex III of the session report). GRVA requested the secretariat to correct the abbreviations, as appropriate, and to submit it without the text in read as supplement to UN Regulation No. [157], for consideration and vote by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) its Administrative Committee for the 1958 Agreement (AC.1) at their March 2021 sessions.

24. Following the interpretation request by the expert from France (GRVA-07-39), GRVA agreed that ALKS should in principle detect “approaching emergency vehicles” as per traffic rules, noting that a definition of approaching emergency vehicles as well as other clarifications should be developed as soon as possible.

Republic of Korea views on the amendment contents based on research regarding definition of the head test area.

21. GRSP noted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/9, prepared by the experts of the Drafting Task Force to align the UN Regulation with the revised General Safety Regulation of the European Union that would enlarge the head impact zone to include the windscreen area, and would introduce adaptations and clarifications to the existing requirements as well as appropriate transitional provisions. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced a presentation (GRSP-67-11), showing test results from simulation and from which, he would propose different test requirements. GRSP agreed to resume consideration on this subject on the basis of a revised text to be prepared by the experts of the Drafting Task Force.

Proposal to introduce provisions for recently developed steering systems that have significantly lower steering gear ratios (i.e. quick steering characteristics).

59. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/34 proposed in accordance with ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/99 that provides the authorization to develop an amendment to UN Global Technical Regulation (UN GTR) No. 8. The experts from the USA inquired how the amendment to UN GTR No.8 would solve the issue raised. The expert from the Republic of Korea recalled the context of the proposal, addressing new steering systems with low gear rations. The expert from OICA recalled that this technical discussion took already place under the 1958 Agreement. The expert from Canada offered comments (GRVA-07-64) and questioned the need for a tolerance. He stated the need to verify the impact on safety of such proposal. The experts from the USA and the Netherlands advised to start future activities of this nature under the 1998 Agreement, first.

60. GRVA agreed to resume discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/34 (or on a revised proposal) and on the report corresponding to this amendment at its next session.

95. The expert from Korea, technical sponsor to the amendment to UN GTR No. 8 (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/99), introduced GRVA-09-36 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/34, a revised proposal for amendment to UN GTR No. 8 aimed at accommodating new types of steering equipment, low gear systems, not being able to reach the 270 degree request in the sine with dwell test.

96. The expert from Canada expressed reservation with the revised proposal as it would still open the door to safety issues. He explained that the last paragraph of the amendment proposal should only belong to the test procedure and not to the requirement. He explained that this was up to the test facility or manufacturer to perform the test to reach the maximum operable steering angle without overshoot and not for the regulation to accommodate such overshooting risk with a tolerance.

97. GRVA requested the expert from Canada to work together with the expert from Korea so that progress could be achieved until the next session.

GRVA agreed to resume consideration of this agenda item dealing with UN GTR No. 8 (ESC) at its September 2021 session.

83. The expert from Korea, technical sponsor to the amendment to UN GTR No. 8 (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/99), recalled the purpose of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/34 (as amended by GRVA-09-36), a revised proposal for amendment to UN GTR No. 8 aimed at accommodating new types of steering equipment, low gear systems, not being able to reach the 270 degrees request in the sine with dwell test.

84. GRVA noted the oral report from the expert from the Republic of Korea on their consultations with Canada and OICA regarding the amendment proposal to UN GTR No. 8.

85. The expert from Canada provided oral comments on the amendment proposal to the GTR, that the secretariat reproduced in GRVA-11-41.

86. GRVA agreed to resume consideration of this item at its next session.