8. The expert of EC informed GRBP about progress of the study on the sound level limits of M- and N-category vehicles (GRBP-72-25). The expert from Japan thanked EC for sharing this information and pointed out that his country was also conducting a similar study.

To support and prepare the introduction of Cyclist-AEB systems and the appropriate consumer tests of such systems, TNO set up a project with passenger car manufacturers and suppliers with the support of research and development partners (such as BASt and 4activeSystems) to develop a testing system and test protocol for CATS, Cyclist-AEB Testing System. This report describes the setup of the project and the approach that was followed from the start in June 2014 to the conclusion in June 2016. Moreover, the report summarises the most important results out of the project.

4. The expert from EC reported on the progress of the study on Euro 5 sound level limits of L-category vehicles (GRB-67-13), including a cost-benefit analysis (CBA). According to him, the study identified a potential for reducing sound limits of L-category vehicles. The expert of IMMA was of the view that the study did not properly address a wide variety of vehicles and that lowering the sound limits for type approval would not solve the main issue: single vehicles creating a high noise level (GRB-67-16-Rev.1).

5. The experts from Germany, Netherlands and Spain posed questions about the study assumptions and pointed out that the proposed policy measures would not tackle illegal aftermarket products (silencers) that were the heart of the problem. The Chair invited EC to take into consideration the comments received and to work closely with Contracting Parties, IMMA and other stakeholders with a view to proposing tangible solutions.

21. No new information was reported under this item.

Status report on the European Commission program to investigate the potential for new sound limits of L-category vehicles at Euro 5 step and make a justified proposal.

21. The experts from EC informed GRB about an ongoing study on Euro 5 sound level limits of L-category vehicles (GRB-65-16 and Add.1), with the aim to investigate the potential for lower limits and to prepare justified proposals for amendments to EU Regulation No. 168/2013 and, at a later stage, to UN Regulations Nos. 9, 41 and 63. According to the experts, the study had been launched in response to frequent complaints from citizens over the excessive levels of sound emissions from L-category vehicles, which were often perceived as disturbing and harmful noise for the public health.

22. The experts of Germany, Netherlands, IMMA and OICA pointed out that the underlying problems were not because of the prescribed limits for new vehicles, but due to retrofitting and tampering with silencers of the vehicles in use. Thus, these experts were of the view that only reducing the sound level limits in the above Regulations would not improve the situation, unless accompanied by efficient enforcement measures and market surveillance. GRB agreed to study the relevant documents and to monitor the developments at the EU level.

Explanation of recommendations developed for the European Commission by LAT, TNO, Heinz Steven, and TÜV Nord for the improvement of the regulations with regard to additional sound emission provisions.

13. The expert from EC informed GRB about a study on how to enhance the sound test requirements for mopeds, three-wheeled vehicles in Regulations Nos. 9, 63 and replacement exhaust silencing systems for L categories (L1 to L5) in Regulations Nos. 92 before the European Union (EU) could accept these Regulations (GRB-63-18). This study included public consultations and had been launched in response to frequent requests by citizens to improve the sound level of mopeds and three-wheeled vehicles as well as of replacement silencers for all L-category vehicles. On a similar note, the expert from EC reported about the ongoing public consultations on the EU Environmental Noise Directive1 (GRB-63-18-Add.1).

14. Based on the outcome of the study, the expert from EC proposed a set of collective amendments to Regulations Nos. 9, 63 and 92 (GRB-63-03, GRB-63-05, GRB-63-07, GRB-63-08, GRB-63-09). The experts from France, Germany, IMMA and OICA delivered a number of remarks on these documents. GRB invited all experts to transmit their written comments, if any, to the expert from EC. Finally, GRB decided to continue consideration of these amendment proposals at its next session based on official documents to be submitted by the expert from EC.

Paper describing the development and application of a method for determining benefits of tyre noise reduction efforts in terms of the number of people impacted.

17. The expert from the Netherlands presented a policy indicator for road traffic noise emissions (GRB-62-14 and Add.1) that determines the effect of noise control at source on average noise levels at the dwelling facade and on estimated numbers of annoyed and sleep disturbed people. According to the expert, the indicator had been calculated for the Netherlands, showing a potential reduction of up to 50 per cent in annoyed and sleep disturbed people, if tighter limits for vehicles and tyres were introduced and road surfaces were improved. He also suggested that the policy indicator be applied for the whole EU. The experts from ETRTO and OICA commented on the proposed concept. The Chair proposed to continue the discussion in the future, taking into account comments from the industry.

TNO draft report on “Correction algorithms for WLTP chassis dynamometer and coast-down testing”.

Position paper (WLTP-08-38e) was presented by EU-COM with the aim to decide on a package of procedures for harmonization and a timeframe for inclusion into gtr (priorities A, B, C). The focus lies on issues with priority A (immediate EU implementation & introduction in gtr in phase1B) and B (further investigation and introduction in phase1B). Proposal on item 2.7 (inaccuracy of road load setting on the chassis dyno) was withdrawn during discussions.

A first view was given by ACEA (WLTP-08-46, -08-47 by BMW):
Item 2.2 (drive trace correction) several difficulties are not yet addressed, but most of them could possibly be solved in the timeframe of WLTP phase 1B. The aspects regarding EV vehicles can most likely not be solved in phase 1B. JPN shared the EV concerns. EU COM proposed to exclude EVs in a first step.
Regarding item 4.1 (Veh. conditioning for coast down, tyre pressure monitoring/control) it was suggested to deal with it in TF RLD, because it is no correction. WLTP IWG agreed that TF RLD should prepare a proposal.

Item 6.2 (Rotational inertia mass) needs in view of ACEA further investigation.

JPN will provide its positions in IWG meeting #9, with the focus on items with rank of A or B. (note: inclusion of other items in WLTP phase 2 needs to be discussed separately, see agenda item 11)

India requested information about data basis for indicated possible deviations. EU COM referred to details in the report of TUG / TNO (WLTP-08-37e).

EU will clarify the immediate need for introduction of a cycle correction in European legislation before adoption of WLTP phase 1B.

Chair recommends TF to continue the discussion focusing on the A-Elements and later on the B-Position. All Contracting Parties are strongly requested to give a clear position, if this approach should be handled in general within the scope of WLTP gtr and if yes, which of the proposed items are supported to be harmonized within phase 1B. (Deadline for feedback: 02.01.2015). Additional assessments with a view on technical aspects / possible difficulties and necessary validations are also welcomed.

4.d. Other Whiplash Injury Criteria work

Lex van Rooij (LvR) indicated that TNO performed a large study with validated numerical models of car seats, BioRID II and Active Human Models that could be beneficial to this group once compared against real-world injury data. Since the last step is currently being performed, no scientific findings from this project could be presented. As such, this ongoing work was not presented.

LvR did however show results from an analysis on Euro NCAP test results from 2010 and 2011. A total of 38 anonymous test results on NIC and upper neck Fx shear force and the correlation between the two was shown. The analysis showed no correlation between NIC and Fx, indicating that Fx is a criterion that is not captured with just using NIC. The presentation was shared with the group (WCWID-01-07).

15. The expert from the Netherlands informed GRB about the results of two studies (GRB-60-03, GRB-60-13, GRB-60-14) commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment with a view to assessing cost savings that could be achieved in the Netherlands and EU by a switch from currently used tyres to high-performance tyres with A-labels on each parameter of the EU tyre label: energy efficiency, wet grip and noise (so called ‘triple-A’ tyres). According to the studies, moving towards ‘triple-A’ tyres could bring considerable potential benefits for the society in terms of energy, safety and noise reduction, which were estimated to be around 1 billion Euros in the Netherlands and 34 billion Euros in EU per year. In addition, individual consumers could also benefits from substantial fuel cost savings.

16. As a first reaction, the experts from ETRTO and OICA pointed out the rather theoretical character of some assumptions used for these studies, as well as the fact that ‘triple-A’ tyres were not yet available on the market. The expert from the Netherlands added that a common objective of these studies, together with the one mentioned in paragraph 22 above, was to shift the society to better tyres, either by introducing stricter limits or by raising the awareness of tyre labels. Finally, GRB agreed to include this issue in the agenda of its next session and invited experts to submit their comments for discussion.

“Quick scan” study prepared for the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment to evaluate the potential of “triple A” tyres to improve vehicle safety, noise emssions, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. Tyres in the EU are labeled to convey information on their energy efficiency, safety, and noise performance. Triple A refers to tyres receiving the highest ratings across these three criteria.

15. The expert from the Netherlands informed GRB about the results of two studies (GRB-60-03, GRB-60-13, GRB-60-14) commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment with a view to assessing cost savings that could be achieved in the Netherlands and EU by a switch from currently used tyres to high-performance tyres with A-labels on each parameter of the EU tyre label: energy efficiency, wet grip and noise (so called ‘triple-A’ tyres). According to the studies, moving towards ‘triple-A’ tyres could bring considerable potential benefits for the society in terms of energy, safety and noise reduction, which were estimated to be around 1 billion Euros in the Netherlands and 34 billion Euros in EU per year. In addition, individual consumers could also benefits from substantial fuel cost savings.

16. As a first reaction, the experts from ETRTO and OICA pointed out the rather theoretical character of some assumptions used for these studies, as well as the fact that ‘triple-A’ tyres were not yet available on the market. The expert from the Netherlands added that a common objective of these studies, together with the one mentioned in paragraph 22 above, was to shift the society to better tyres, either by introducing stricter limits or by raising the awareness of tyre labels. Finally, GRB agreed to include this issue in the agenda of its next session and invited experts to submit their comments for discussion.

Progress reports from TUG (chassis dynamometer corrections) and TNO (coast down corrections) covering preliminary results (as of 27.03.2014).

Discussion paper on “open issue 13” (and 11) concerning corrections for wind conditions that impact coast down tests and times for road load determination and ultimately the road load settings of the chassis dynamometer. This document summarizes the views of the special ad hoc group formed to consider this issue.

Discussion paper on the use of the torque meter in the WLTP coast-down methods to measure the running resistance as part of the road load determination. This document summarizes the views of the special ad hoc group formed to consider this issue.

Progress report on test validation and refinement efforts from the Technical University of Graz (concerning the chassis dynamometer test) and TNO (concerning the road load/coast down test)