The IWG RD-ASEP informal group is developing a mandatory procedure for UN R51 after the monitoring phase. The Analysis Task Force determined vehicle databases and expectation models are suitable for RD-ASEP development. The Editing Task Force created a consolidated R51.04 draft submitted to GRBP-84. The revised R51.04 RD-ASEP includes manipulation and defeat device provisions, mandatory random testing for approval, revised control range, any acceleration position testing, vehicle speed range 0-100 km/hr, and vehicle performance criteria. A revised companion document GRB-68-03 is necessary.

The Task Force Data Analysis held its 12th session on 28 April 2026. Database version 3 requires further corrections to reflect IWG decisions on v_test, parallel and serial hybrids, and German input; version 4 will be delivered. The group reviewed German input on database issues and decided to establish an Excel list documenting observations, background information, and proposed solutions. Additional data are needed on gear shifting during pass-by measurement, ICE ON/OFF shifting, low speed measurements below 30 km/h, high performance vehicles with acceleration greater than 5 m/s² at high speeds, and EV data.

The RD-ASEP Informal Working Group met April 14-16, 2026 in Berlin. The Analysis Task Force concluded data cleaning and will use data to answer questions and update the parameter table. The original aim of RD-ASEP was to address vehicles with louder partial throttle than full throttle results. The Editing Task Force reviewed draft R51.04 and was directed to provide an updated draft for the June meeting, replacing the old Annex 7 with the current Annex 9. The Chair requested the Editing Task Force prepare a summary report to GRBP for September evaluating the monitoring database, Expectation Model, and draft R51.04.

The 21st session of the Task Force on Vehicles Sound will be held on Tuesday 9th June 2026 from 13:00 to 17:00 (CEST) as a hybrid meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden. The agenda includes adoption of the agenda and report of the 20th session, exchange of information on national and international requirements with presentations on anoise figures in vehicle certificates of conformity versus perceived noise" and on “transportation noise and cardiovascular health”, cross-matrix follow-up discussion, discussion on updating the guidelines of the task force as approved in GRBP-74-03 Rev.1, any other business, and determination of next meeting and provisional agenda.

The Task Force Data Analysis (Sub Group to IWG RD-ASEP) will hold its 12th meeting on Tuesday, 28th April 2026. The agenda includes a review of the meeting schedule with targeted meetings on 19th May, 3rd June, and 9th June, review of database version 3 status and input from Germany on database issues, review of analysis performed, and review of decisions and work for the next meeting.

The agenda covers the 13th session of the Informal Group for Real Driving Additional Sound Emission Provisions, held June 10-12, 2026, in Gothenburg, Sweden. Topics include RD-ASEP Terms of Reference from GRBP 78th Session (GRBP-78-13), R51 matters including procedural update (GRB-68-03), Analysis Task Force Report, Editing Task Force Report, R51.04 Issues List Review, draft R51.04 text review, Inside Boundary Condition discussion, and Outside Boundary Condition discussion. The next meeting is scheduled for August 31–September 1 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Proposal to add, modify, and amend Annex 3, Annex 4, Annex 5, Annex 6, Annex 7, Annex 8, Annex 9, and Annex 10, insert Annex 9 (Measurement method to evaluate compliance with the Real Driving Additional Sound Emission Provisions (RD-ASEP)), and add provisions concerning sound emissions, test methods, measurement instruments, vehicle specifications, conformity of production, exhaust systems, compressed air noise, indoor testing, and specific provisions for vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to add, modify, and amend Annex 3, Annex 4, Annex 5, Annex 6, Annex 7, Annex 8, Annex 9, and Annex 10, insert Annex 9 (Measurement method to evaluate compliance with the Real Driving Additional Sound Emission Provisions (RD-ASEP)), and add provisions concerning sound emissions, test methods, measurement instruments, vehicle specifications, conformity of production, exhaust systems, compressed air noise, indoor testing, and specific provisions for vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to introduce new definitions for Automated Driving System (ADS), Dynamic Driving Task, bidirectional vehicles, Enhanced Exterior Sound (EES), and Vehicle Master Control Switch; amend specifications for test mass, sound levels, and measurement procedures for vehicles of categories M₁–M₃, N₁–N₃, and vehicles equipped with an ADS; add provisions for vehicles electrically propelled without internal combustion engines; establish ASEP control ranges and calculation methods; and insert Annex 10 with specific provisions for testing vehicles equipped with an ADS.

The Task Force Data Analysis agenda covers welcome and agenda adoption; review of meeting schedule with sessions scheduled through June 2026; discussion of actions and considerations for the IWG and Editing group; review of vehicle review list Version 19; database status and release timing; decisions and work for subsequent meetings; and closing remarks.

The Data Analysis task force met with limited participation from Japan, Netherlands, and the pilot. The group reviewed corrections made to vehicle load issues and reference speeds. They determined that corrections to PMR and L_urban calculations would be too time-consuming without adding substantial benefit and are not currently used by the model. A proposal for generic reference acceleration determination requires further assessment, as initial analysis indicates the formula overestimates acceleration potential. The data review process should be closed, so the official work with the database can start.

The Task Force Data Analysis has almost completed data revision for RD-ASEP specifications, identifying inconsistencies and proposing corrections. Key considerations include: updating database limits to UN R51.03 phase 3, clarifying vehicle reference speed interpretation, correcting reported loads exceeding 100%, selecting correct parameter tables, defining run interdependency, strengthening tyre rolling sound specifications, resolving minimum dynamic calculation inconsistencies, improving gear shifting detection, reconsidering sound level maximum basis, increasing performance validity threshold, accepting runs outside control range with manufacturer agreement, and reviewing AVAS term application for hybrid vehicles.