This submission from the International
Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) proposes to improve UN R107 provisions concerning the accessibility of pushchairs or prams in coaches and buses.

This proposal aims at providing a simple solution applicable to all automatic functions, avoiding the repetition for all automatic systems of the exercise initiated with document GRSG/2011/06 for headlamps.

Proposal from OICA to amend UN R46 in order to permit approvals of new generation “frameless” interior mirrors having no housing or holder. The current language assumes all mirrors are enclosed in housings and therefore excludes approval testing of these new-techology mirrors.

Text prepared by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) to introduce the concept of “revision of approvals” in the UN Regulations under the responsibility of the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG).

Proposal to clarify the transitional provisions of the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 46, including provisions for extensions of approvals to the 03 series of amendments,for approval of devices to the 02 series, and provisions for aftermarket devices.

Proposal to clarify the transitional provisions of the 04 series of amendments to Regulation No. 46, including provisions for extensions to approvals to the 04 series of amendments, for approval of devices to the 02 series, and provisions for aftermarket devices. It assumes approval of document GRSG/2013/18 on the 03 series transition provisions.

Text proposing to clarify the current transitional provisions of UN Regulation No. 107. The proposal aims to ensure the validity of the preceding series of amendments to UN R107 for vehicles not impacted by the 05 series (mandating temperature alarm systems in certain bus compartments not directly visible to bus occupants).

Proposal to introduce, for special cases, adjustments to the coordinates of the ocular points used to check compliance with the required field of vision provided by the rear-view mirrors.. The proposal would align the definition of the “driver’s ocular points” with that of Regulation No. 125 (forward vision) as also used in EC Directive 2003/97/EC as amended by Directive 2005/27/EC. This document is based on informal document GRSG-105-19.

Alternative from OICA to the proposal offered by Germany (document GRSG/2013/27 which is expected to be updated and presented as GRSG/2014/18) to introduce more stringent requirements for rear underrun protection devices.

Proposal to adapt the provisions for multi-function displays to technological progress. In principle, current displays can convey more information to the driver, including levels of severity or importance, while the current text was written when technologies were less flexible. As a result, the current provisions risk impeding the use of beneficial multi-function tell-tales. This text is based on informal document GRSG-105-21.

Proposal to avoid imposing administrative burdens on small glazing that is not required for the driver’s forward or rearward field of vision.

Proposal to align the text of UN R105 with that adopted by the Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (WP.15) on the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), edition 2015.

Proposal to update the reference to ISO 6722 in the cable test (i.e. replace the reference to IS0 6722 paragraph 12 with a reference to ISO 6722-1:2011 paragraph 5.22).

The newly introduced systems to detect excessive temperatures and/or smoke enable the driver to act immediately to ensure the safety of the passengers. This implies the possibility of braking, stopping, or some other response which could impact other road users. Therefore, this proposal would require the hazard warning lights to be activated (which will require consideration by the WP.29 Working Party on Lighting and Light-signalling Equipment). The proposal also proposes transitional provisions for the implementation of the new requirements.

UN R116 specifies operating voltages and voltage limits. Current technology and intelligent battery management systems allow for precise control and definition of these parameters. This includes “intelligent” operating ranges in order to optimize energy management (CO2 emission reduction). Fixed operating voltage ranges are therefore unnecessary or even may hinder efforts for CO2 emission reduction in the future. This proposal would allow varying operating voltage ranges according to the battery technology used to remove this restriction impact such advanced designs.

Proposal to clarify that fully integrated surveillance mirrors may be mounted below 2 metres in cases where they are integrated in a housing including one or more Class II or III mirrors.

Proposal to mandate fire suppression systems on vehicles of Classes I and II as a new 07 series of amendments to UN R107. It is mainly based on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6/Rev.1, amended as reproduced in GRSG-108-51, submitted to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their November 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 4 to the 06 series of amendments to Regulation No. 107 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2015/88).

Pursuant to the proposal to enable the use of autonomous compressed natural gas (CNG) heaters for the purpose of heating the engine coolant under UN R110, this proposal would require that the alarm system and fire suppression system (required through paragraph 7.5.1.5. as amended by Supplement 4 to 06 series of amendments) be activated as soon as the heater is in function and even if the engine is not operational.

Proposal to enable the use of autonomous CNG heaters for the heating of engines before the vehicle is in service.

Proposal to define an exemption for handles from “residual/survival space” intrusion requirements for vehicle spaces not intended for occupants. Handles and handholds used to assist passengers in entering and exiting a bus are located outside of passenger seating and standing areas where OICA argues that they do not present a danger; however, the current rollover testing provisions could result in their inclusion in the area defined as “residual/survival space” where any intrusion is prohibited.

At its fifty-ninth session, GRSP approved a proposal for the 07 series of amendments to UN R16 to mandate safety belt reminders for all vehicle seats. This proposal aligns provisions in UN R121 with the changes to UN R16:
a) the term “seat belt” is replaced by “safety belt”,
b) the symbol for safety belt, defined in item 21 of Table 1 in the Regulation, may be displayed in different colours to convey different meanings. Therefore, the existing footnote ¹⁸ has been added to item 21, and
c) this symbol may be replaced by different symbols for seats other than those of the front row. Therefore, a new footnote ²² is added to item 21. This proposal does not change any of the technical requirements of UN R121.

Proposal to align UN R121 with the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 16:

1. the term “seat belt” is replaced by “safety belt”,
2. the symbol for safety belt, defined in item 21 of Table 1 in the Regulation, may be displayed in different colours to convey different meanings. Therefore, the existing footnote 18 has been added to item 21, and
3. this symbol may be replaced by different symbols for seats other than those of the front row. Therefore, a new footnote 22 is added to item 21.

This proposal also aligns UN R121 with ISO 2575 per ISO Resolution 664 allowing for use of the diesel engine glow plug symbol with non-diesel technologies that (also) assist engine starting at low temperatures. The current text of the Regulation focuses on diesel engine glow plugs that assist in starting the engine at low temperatures.

Proposal to align UN R43 with GTR 6 and UN R125 with regard to the aiming positions of the driver’s eyes. This proposal corrects inconsistencies introduced during the transposition of GTR 6 into UN R43.

Proposal to clarify that footnote ¹⁸ of Table 1 applies to telltale no. 1 (Master lighting switch) when it is combined with telltale no. 19 (Position, side marker, and/or end-outline marker lamps). Footnote ¹⁸ states, “Symbol may be shown in other colours than specified in column 5 in order to convey different meanings according to the general colour coding as proposed in paragraph 5. of ISO 2575-2004.”

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)

Alternative solution from OICA to the German proposal GRSG/2017/16 regarding visibility/access requirements for PRV/PRD-related components in order to improve maintenance and reduce the risk of critical failures of pressure relief devices. The proposal also proposes amending provisions of the ageing test in Annex 15 in response to concerns over failures of rubber hoses.

Proposal pursuant to discussions on the application of footnote ¹⁸ under Table 1 concerning tell-tale symbols and the use of colours to convey different meanings. ISO standard 2575-2004, para. 5.1. allows for the use of different colours to convey a change in the operating condition. This proposal would remove the current footnote ¹⁸ text and application of the footnote to telltales 2, 9-12, and 19 pending a decision on the proposal to apply a revised footnote to the master lighting switch (tell-tale 1). Paragraph 5.4.1.1. of UN R121 references ISO 2575-2004 which was developed to simplify the application of UN R121 when colour changes are adopted in other UN Regulations; however, OICA submits that the footnote which references ISO 2575-2004 in relation to specific lighting devices or systems creates a degree of confusion. (If approved, this proposal would likely impact Supplement 3 to the 01 series rather than Supplement 2 given that WP.29 at its November 2017 session adopted the proposal to add a telltale and symbols for “Accident Emergency Call System (AECS)” and to align UN R121 with the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 16 as Supplement 2 to the 01 series.)

Proposal to clarify that overlays may only be used to convey “safety-related rearward vision information.” The proposal addresses confusion regarding circumstances under which the provision of information through overlays is permissible. The proposal also amends the French text. The overall proposal aims to make clear that overlays may convey safety information regarding the rearward environment of the vehicle and are not necessarily limited only to when the vehicle is moving in reverse. The proposal also aims to restrict the information to rear-vision safety. Other information, not related to the rear view, should never appear within the defined field of view.

Proposal to amend and clarify the need for a gas flow adjuster under UN R110 with regard to the use of carburetors and fuel injectors. A gas flow adjuster is not necessary when an electronic fuel injection system manages the air/fuel mixture and therefore should be removed from paragraph 18.3.1. An adjuster is needed when air/fuel mixture runs via a carburetor and therefore should be added to paragraph 18.3.2.

Proposal to remove references to European radio frequency standards (paragraphs 6.2.3., 7.2.3. and 8.2.2.). Telecommunications devices must meet requirements specific to local markets. Therefore, the references to standards specific to European markets (but not other markets) fall outside the purview of UN Regulations.