TA-48-02 updates TA-47-02. C2 tyre abrasion rate index vehicle method uses a convoy of up to 4 vehicles with single tyres, GVW up to 3.5T, FWD, loaded 60%–74% of tyre nominal load with 50/50 front/rear distribution. Test distance is 10000 km at 80% nominal pressure. Reference tyres use 2 sets of test runs with C2 candidate SRTT and existing C1 SRTTs. 2025 testing in 235/65R16C and 205/65R16C sizes showed C2 tyres sensitivity to temperature similar to C1 tyres. 2026 plan repeats and extends 2025 testing to confirm reference tyres strategy, assess temperature sensitivity and pressure impact, and define validation plan.

The document presents a European heavy-duty vehicle and tyre market overview and C3 test method development status. The C3 tyre market is complex and diversified, with applications including long haul, regional, on/off road, winter, and urban use. A test concept has been developed focusing on road usage with 22.5" tyres, using convoys of up to four vehicles with defined acceleration standards, road distribution of 60% motorway and 40% regional roads, and tests per axle comparing candidate tyres to reference tyres. Current activities include assessment of reference tyres strategy, temperature sensitivity evaluation, and confirmation of test parameters for heavy trucks in N₃/O₃ configuration, with tests reaching 30,000 to 45,000 kilometres.

ETRTO analysis of the European C3 tyre market segmentation, emission levels per tyre segment, and vehicle configurations. ETRTO recommends focusing on Segment A (Heavy Duty Tyres 22.5 for Long haul and regional usage), which captures approximately 71% of wear emissions. ETRTO evaluated five alternative methods to the convoy method using criteria including time to market, representativeness, regulatory suitability, and cost. ETRTO concludes the convoy method focusing on Segment A is the only feasible method given the mandated timeline, despite drawbacks including test duration and environmental impact.

ETRTO presentation on run-flat tires and run-flat warning systems in relation to UNECE R64.

Tire industry associations’ response to OICA submission (document TYREGTR-12-03) proposing changes to the font for tire identification.

ETRTO answers questions raised by India concerning the strength test of the proposed GTR and its alignment with US regulations.

Four paragraphs in the draft gtr (version 24 Feb) contained references to type approval when the text should be neutral concerning type approval or self-certification. The text in these paragraphs was therefore changed.

Action item 4 : ETRTO will make a proposal on the relationship between the test pressure used in each GTR test and the test pressures stamped on the sidewall as per 3.3.5 and 2.56.

Action item 5 : It seems that the markings are mandatory in Tyre GTR. ETRTO will investigate if the markings in paragraph 3 are mandatory according to the GTR text and will assess the need for rewording of paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3.

Action item 6 : ETRTO will provide the justification to change in R54 (and in GTR) the definition of the measuring rim, considering the prerogatives of the IWG to change or not existing text from R54.

USTMA, JATMA, ETRTO comments on China review of GTR 16 identifying differences in requirements between the GTR and China’s tyre regulations.

Data collected from tyre manufacturers on their use of the various national/regional/international tyre markings to support discussions on development of a global tyre marking protocol.

June 11 pre-meeting presentation before the 18th Tyre GTR informal group session.