Proposal to align UN R43 with provisions in GTR 6 concerning the exemption of possible opaque obscuration areas from Zone I of the test area on the windscreen of M₂, M₃ and N categories of vehicles. This proposal updates and supersedes document GRSG/2023/7.

Proposal to introduce performance and testing specifications for deployable pedestrian protection systems (DPPS).

Proposal to align UN R43 with provisions in GTR 6 concerning the exemption of possible opaque obscuration areas from Zone I of the test area on the windscreen of M₂, M₃ and N categories of vehicles.

Proposal to align UN R122 to technological progress concerning the use of radiation warmers in electric vehicles. The radiation warmer is expected to increase energy efficiency of EV and is also able to prevent the sharp reduction of All Electric Range (AER).

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced the progress report (GRSP-72-11) of Informal Working Group on Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG DPPS). He informed GRSP that the following issues had been resolved by IWG: (a) detection area definition, (b) numerical simulation for Head Impact Time (HIT) against Wrap Around Distance (WAD) information (linear regression), (c) head test area marking with un-deployed DPPS and (d) overshooting phase (dynamic testing). He added that discussion was ongoing on a new wording in the preamble and a final agreement on HIT. He introduced the text of the proposed amendment to the preamble (GRSP-72-08) and the amendment to the text of the regulation (GRP-72-09 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2022/2). Finally, he informed GRSP that the final report of IWG would be submitted to the May 2023 session of GRSP.

6. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on the draft Amendment 3 to UN GTR No. 9 on DPPS at its May 2023 session, based on a consolidated text of the amendments (preamble and text of the regulation combined) and on a final report of IWG on DPPS. GRSP requested its experts to provide feedback on GRSP-72-08 and GRSP-72-09 to the expert from the Republic of Korea before the deadline for submission of official documents (20 February 2023) of its May 2023 session.

Proposal by by the experts of the Informal Working Group (IWG) of the Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG-DPPS)

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced the progress report (GRSP-72-11) of Informal Working Group on Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG DPPS). He informed GRSP that the following issues had been resolved by IWG: (a) detection area definition, (b) numerical simulation for Head Impact Time (HIT) against Wrap Around Distance (WAD) information (linear regression), (c) head test area marking with un-deployed DPPS and (d) overshooting phase (dynamic testing). He added that discussion was ongoing on a new wording in the preamble and a final agreement on HIT. He introduced the text of the proposed amendment to the preamble (GRSP-72-08) and the amendment to the text of the regulation (GRP-72-09 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2022/2). Finally, he informed GRSP that the final report of IWG would be submitted to the May 2023 session of GRSP.

6. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on the draft Amendment 3 to UN GTR No. 9 on DPPS at its May 2023 session, based on a consolidated text of the amendments (preamble and text of the regulation combined) and on a final report of IWG on DPPS. GRSP requested its experts to provide feedback on GRSP-72-08 and GRSP-72-09 to the expert from the Republic of Korea before the deadline for submission of official documents (20 February 2023) of its May 2023 session.

Text prepared by the experts of the Informal Working Group (IWG) of the Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG- DPPS). proposal aims to revise ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2022/02.

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced the progress report (GRSP-72-11) of Informal Working Group on Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG DPPS). He informed GRSP that the following issues had been resolved by IWG: (a) detection area definition, (b) numerical simulation for Head Impact Time (HIT) against Wrap Around Distance (WAD) information (linear regression), (c) head test area marking with un-deployed DPPS and (d) overshooting phase (dynamic testing). He added that discussion was ongoing on a new wording in the preamble and a final agreement on HIT. He introduced the text of the proposed amendment to the preamble (GRSP-72-08) and the amendment to the text of the regulation (GRP-72-09 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2022/2). Finally, he informed GRSP that the final report of IWG would be submitted to the May 2023 session of GRSP.

6. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on the draft Amendment 3 to UN GTR No. 9 on DPPS at its May 2023 session, based on a consolidated text of the amendments (preamble and text of the regulation combined) and on a final report of IWG on DPPS. GRSP requested its experts to provide feedback on GRSP-72-08 and GRSP-72-09 to the expert from the Republic of Korea before the deadline for submission of official documents (20 February 2023) of its May 2023 session.

Proposal to introduce a new definition for “radiant warmer”, to exclude such devices from the definition of “electric heater”, and to add a new safety requirement that such warmers must turn off immediately if there is contact with a vehicle occupant’s skin.

41. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced a presentation (GRSG-124-05) to explain a proposal of amendment to the UN Regulation (GRSG-124-04) to allow the use of a new technology (radiation warmer) as a heating system to maximize the energy efficiency of electric vehicles. The GRSG Chair requested experts to provide comments to the proposal that could, in future, also encompass other propulsion system like hydrogen. GRSG agreed to resume discussion at its March 2023 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSG-124-04 with an official symbol. The expert from OICA announced a proposal (GRSG-124-36) concerning hydrogen combustion heaters that was distributed after the session.

Proposes to clarify that the indicators, their identifications and the identifications of controls need not be illuminated, when it is bright enough outside of the vehicle, such as when daytime running lamps are operated.

27. GRSG considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/26, tabled by the expert from the Republic of Korea to clarify that the indicators, the identification of indicators and the identification of controls need not be illuminated, when it is bright enough outside of the vehicle, such as when daytime running lamps are operated. The expert from OICA introduced GRSG-124-19 to improve the text of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/26. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/26 as amended by annex IV to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 6 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 121, for consideration and vote at the March 2023 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

68. The Vice-Chair introduced GRPE-86-41 as his main takeaways from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) workshop that took place earlier during the week. The representative from Japan introduced GRPE-86-17, the representative from the Russian Federation introduced GRPE-86-19, the representative from the US introduced GRPE-86-40 and the representative from CLEPA introduced GRPE-86-38 on their respective positions with respect to the inclusion of LCA in GRPE activities and the creation of a dedicated IWG to work on the topic.

69. The representative from the European Commission supported the creation of an IWG on LCA, highlighting that the conditions are not yet met to plan to deliver on a UN GTR. Finalization of ToRs, scope and timing of the activities would be considered during the first meeting of the IWG on LCA and introduced for adoption during the next session of GRPE.

70. The representative from the UK supported LCA to be considered by GRPE and to initiate an IWG on the topic. He highlighted the need to have a clear view on the aims, targets and objectives of the IWG. He also was not supportive of any regulatory deliverables at this stage, and that a mutual resolution, for example, could be drafted once a complete LCA picture has been finalized. He concluded that new expertise from outside of GRPE would be needed.

71. The representative from Sweden thanked Japan and the Republic of Korea for the initiative and supported the creation of a dedicated IWG. He also shared his view that regulatory provisions should not be aimed in a first step, and that the IWG should initially focus on information sharing and deliver a resolution.

72. The representative from Switzerland also supported the initiative as an essential activity for GRPE and showed his willingness to be involved. He also stressed on the importance of looking at air quality, water and soil LCA impacts on top of GHG which is the primary target of the IWG on LCA.

73. The Chair indicated that the draft ToRs, as shown in GRPE-86-18-Rev.1, would be discussed during the first meeting of the IWG on LCA and the next session of GRPE.

74. GRPE agreed to create a new IWG on LCA and to include LCA in the GRPE list of priorities.

75. The representative from Japan indicated that Japan would be happy to host the first IWG meeting expected in October 2022, thought a hybrid meeting configuration, with the support of the secretariat. He indicated the draft ToR would be discussed during the meeting. The secretariat offered its support to organize the first meeting of the IWG on LCA.

Presentation on the development of an amendment

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-71-26, which is the progress report of IWG-Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (DPPS). He confirmed that the Phase 1 IWG would include: (a) detection area definition, (b) rationales and justifications for this phase to be included in the preamble, (c) deployed position and test method, (d) optional dynamic test, (e) numerical simulation for Head Impact Time (HIT) against Wrap Around Distance (WAD) information, (f) linear regression/optional linear regression, (g) head test area marking with un-deployed or with DPPS and original equipment manufacturers choice. He also added that a clear position from all contracting parties would be required as soon as possible. Moreover, he introduced the proposal of amendments (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2022/2) and he suggested an extension of the IWG mandate for one year to complete the planned work. Finally, he informed GRSP that the final report of IWG would be submitted to the December 2022 session of GRSP.

6. GRSP agreed to seek endorsement from WP.29 at its June 2022 session to extend the mandate of the UN GTR 9, IWG DPPS until November 2023.

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.