Proposal to delete a description of the L₄ vehicle category (motorcycles with a side car) from Annex 3 to Regulation No. 41. These vehicles fall under the scope of UN R9, having been removed from the scope of UN R41 as of the 04 series of amendments.

Extensive changes to UN R51 as developed mainly by the informal working group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (ASEP II), but including further proposals submitted through GRB. All of these proposals were consolidated by GRB during its September 2017 session in Annex II to the session report. GRB intends to hold a final review of the changes, including whether they constitute a new series of amendments, during its January 2018 session, (i.e., prior to the March 2018 WP.29 session that will consider this document). The draft changes include proposals to

1. amend the scope to be design-neutral and reflect the driving situations covered by the Regulation;
2. highlight that ASEP apply to vehicles and their electric sound enhancement systems such as the Audible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) and silencers equipped with an active cancelling system
3. update the “backfire” assessment procedure; and
4. clarify the gear ratio anchor point in Annex 7 as defined via Annex 3
5. Paragraph 1: The scope was originally drafted for the Annex 3 test which refers to normal urban driving. A proposed additional sentence covers the intention of Annex 7.
6. Paragraph 2.8.1.: Adopt the wording from standard ISO 362-1:2015 for clarity. If an electric motor is not operational during the type approval tests, then its power must not contribute to the calculation of the power to mass ratio (PMR).
7. Paragraph 2.24., table: Amendments regarding paragraph 2.2.7.4. of Annex 3 because paragraph 2.2.7.4. is new. Amendments also for line BB’ to reflect that the measurement will not end after line BB’. For the speeds vAA’, vBB’ and vPP’, a wrong reference coming from ISO was corrected.
8. Paragraph 2.27.: A new definition of “kickdown” was introduced since this term is used in this Regulation. With a large variety of products, it is unclear what “kickdown” exactly means. This definition is a design neutral approach and reflects the intention of Annex 3 and Annex 7.
9. Paragraph 2.28.: Prevention of downshift is a legal measure to ensure that the vehicle can be tested within the test conditions as specified by this Regulation.
10. Paragraph 3.3.: Deletion of meaningless sentence given the requirement that the vehicles have to be loaded in order to be able to achieve the urban driving conditions as described in paragraph 3.1.2.2. of Annex 3. The sentence has similarly already been deleted in Regulation (EU) No. 540/2014.
11. Paragraph 6.2.3.: Amend paragraph 11.6 to exempt vehicles with a serial hybrid drive train until July 2022 from ASEP since these vehicles do not have the internal combustion engine running within the control range of Annex 7 and therefore cannot yield valid test results.
12. Annex 1, Appendix 1: For the test method according to 3.1.2.1 the pre-acceleration length may differ per gear ratio. In this case, it is necessary to report the pre-acceleration length per gear ratio.
13. Annex 1, Appendix 2: Missing elements of the information document have been added, namely “0.2. type” and “3.2.6. pressure charger(s)”.
14. Annex 3, paragraph 2.1.: Lower temperatures will lead to slightly higher test results due to an increased tyre rolling sound. Thus, testing at lower temperatures will be a disadvantage for the manufacturer. If for practical reasons the manufacturer wishes to carry out tests at lower temperatures, this shall be accepted by the type approval authority.
15. Annex 3, paragraph 2.2.1.: For M1 and N1, the current provision has led to ambiguities about its meaning. The proposed new sentence clarifies the meaning. Further, the tolerances are broadened, as research shows, that the impact of the test mass can be neglected in a wide range. For M2, M3, N2 and N3, the current provision has led to ambiguities about its meaning. The proposed new sentence clarifies the meaning. If the test mass of the vehicle is equal to the target mass, the target mass shall be achieved with a tolerance of ±5 per cent according to equation (2) in paragraph 2.2.7.1. of Annex 3. Consequently this has to be valid also for the test mass mt. If the test mass of the vehicle is lower than the target mass according to equation (12) and (13) in paragraph 2.2.7.1. of Annex 3, the test mass shall be achieved with a tolerance of ±5 per cent. Concerning M2 and M3, for clarification and to avoid misunderstanding, the loading conditions for complete vehicles of category M2 (M > 3,500 kg) and M3 were aligned with the requirements for incomplete vehicles of category M2 (M > 3,500 kg) and M3. As a consequence, vehicles of category M2 (M ≤ 3,500 kg) have to be added to the table and their test mass requirement has to be aligned with those of vehicles of category M1 and N1.
16. Annex 3, paragraph 2.2.6.: add conditioning provisions for exhaust systems containing fibrous materials,
17. Annex 3, paragraph 2.2.7.1.: See the above justification for M2, M3, N2 and N3 in paragraph 2.2.1.
18. Annex 3, paragraph 2.2.7.4.: If a manufacturer does not produce vehicles with two axles only, he is not able to calculate the right test mass for his vehicles with more than two axles. For calculating the test mass, a vehicle with two axles has to be put on a scale to measure the unladen front axle load, mfa load unladen, and the unladen rear axle load, mra load unladen, for being able to calculate munladen as given in formula (3) of paragraph 2.2.7.1. of Annex 3. In addition, a new paragraph provides a procedure for calculating the test mass of a virtual vehicles with two axles, based on an existing vehicle with more than two axles, when a vehicle with two axles is physically not available to be put on a scale.
19. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.: Proposal to extend the measurement to a position where misfiring is detectable. A redundant sentence is deleted per paragraph 2.2.4.
20. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.4.1.(d): Clarify gear usage where one gear ratio is above 2 m/s² and the other below a_urban.
21. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.4.1.: Clarify the proper setup for testing for vehicles with very short gear ratios.
22. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.4.3.: Introduction of specifications for vehicles with only one gear ratio.
23. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.5.: Simplify testing. With a fixed vehicle length, it is not necessary to adjust the test equipment (light barriers, pylons) for each vehicle.
24. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.2.1..: Clarify the gear ratio selection procedures,
25. Annex 3, paragraph 3.2.3.: Reference correction
26. Annex 3, paragraph 3.2.5.3.: Reference correction
27. Annex 4, paragraph 1.: The performance of the fibrous material can be checked by completely removing the fibrous material. This reintroduces an option removed when Annex 5 of the 02 series of amendments was revised.
28. Annex 6, paragraph 2.1.: Proposal to simplify and clarify CoP. During the conformity of production procedures, neither the vehicle nor tyres will have a proper preconditioning. In many cases, the vehicles are foiled and parts may be missing as theft protection. It is very unlikely that the vehicles will have already the same performance as the type approval vehicle. This provision adopts the specifications from the revised ASEP provisions (Informal document GRB-65-26, Annex 7, para. 1). In addition, the range of masses was broadened in the same way as proposed for type approval.
29. Annex 6, paragraph 3.: Reference correction.

Proposal of amendments for inclusion with the proposals on indoor testing in document GRB/2018/3.

Proposal to introduce provisions for non-original replacement silencing systems (NORESS, independent aftermarket muffler systems) with multiple, manually or electronically adjustable, rider-selectable operating modes or variable geometries (NORESS with “flexibilities”). These "flexibilities enable the replacement systems to meet the requirements of Annex 3 (i.e., during testing) while producing much higher noise (sound pressure) outside the Annex 3 conditions. This amendment would require such NORESS to meet the ASEP requirements of UN R9 and UN R41. The amendment further introduces language taken from UN R51. In effect, NORESS with flexibilities performance under normal driving conditions would not be permitted to deviate from its performance under testing.

Presentation in support of Germany’s proposal for amendments to UN R92 on non-original replacement exhaust silencing systems.

Proposal for amendments to introduce ASEP requirements for L4 and L5 category vehicles with PMR > 50 W/kg.

Chair’s review of the informal group work leading up to the current (6th) session and tasks for the current session.

ASEP informal group draft proposal to amend the transitional provisions of the 03 series to address concerns over the handling of extensions. The proposal corrects one element in the broad update to UN R51 in document WP.29/2018/7 scheduled for consideration during the March 2018 WP.29 session.

ASEP II informal group proposal to GRB.

Proposal to

1. clarify that the speed range of 0-20 km/h applies to UN R138, but does not preclude the AVAS from operating a speeds above 20 km/h (para. 6.2);
2. delete subparagraphs under para. 6.2.6. that should have been removed when the 01 series of amendments prohibited driver-operated pause functions;
3. split the specifications for para. “2.2. Meteorological conditions” under Annex 3 to address indoor and outdoor testing separately for clarity and to avoid unnecessary requirements in each case.

Proposal to clarify under para. 2.2.3 the conditions under which multiple exhaust versions’ results may be listed on a single R41 approval certificate. The current text may be strictly interpreted as requiring separate certification for every possible configuration, such as differences in exhaust systems, intakes or engine displacements. The proposal aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness of type approval procedures.

ASEP II informal group proposal to correct documents WP.29/2018/7 and GRB-67-06 regarding Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 51.

Pursuant to the GRB-67 discussions, OICA proposes to restrict the application of the partial load driving to pure electric vehicles in order to facilitate adoption of document GRB/2018/2 while allowing the ASEP informal group to further consider the proposed formulas for the ASEP anchor point.

Proposal to include the following transitional provision, “Until 18 months after the date of entry into force of the Supplement 3, it shall not apply to extensions of existing approvals, originally granted prior to the date of entry into force of Supplement 3.” This document was submitted after the WP.29 filing deadline in order to reflect recent developments. At its September 2017 session, GRB adopted a draft Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51 and requested the secretariat to submit this proposal to the March 2018 session of WP.29. This was done in December 2017 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7). At its next session in January 2018, GRB reviewed the proposal and decided to complement it with a new provision. The secretariat was requested to submit the modification as an addendum to the original WP.29 document (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7/Add.1).

Presentation on a Dutch project for the labeling/rating of road surfaces for noise, wet skid resistance, rolling resistance, and lifespan.

Presentation on China vehicle noise and ASEP research, plans for implementation, and integration with UN R51.

Working draft text of the ASEP II informal group as of 20 March 2018.

Listing of key documents from the 5th ASEP II informal group session prepared by the group secretary.

Proposal to add indoor testing, including ISO 362-3, as an alternative to the type approval tests in Annex 3. In addition, UN R51 allows the use mechanical or electronic devices to control the gear shifting and measures to avoid accelerations greater than 2.0 m/s². However, the measures are not defined and the manufacturer or technical service is not obliged to document the methodology in the test report. This proposal introduces a table with examples for devices and measures for reference and would require documentation of methodology used.

Proposal to exclude pure electric vehicles, including vehicles with auxiliary electric propulsion, from the scope of the regulation, to include sound-level measurement conditions for powered cycles equipped with compressed air engine and to introduce sound-level limits for powered cycles.

Table of regulations and standards revised by the informal group.

Outlook format (.msg) e-mail file summarizing Canada’s NPRM and responses. It is anticipated that a Canadian proposal will be published in early 2019 to permit the proposed option of compliance to either the US or UN standard.

Updated ASEP II informal group version.

Proposal to introduce requirements for non-original replacement exhaust silencing systems with multiple, manually or electronically adjustable, rider-selectable operating modes or variable geometries (NORESS with “flexibilities”). This is a consolidated version of the amended regulation with the changes marked in bold and strikethrough text.

Proposal to address comments on the adopted Supplement 4:

1. align the flowchart in the appendix to Annex 3, Figure 3c with the amendment to paragraph 3.1.2.1.4.1 (c) of Supplement 3 to the 03 series
2. amend Appendix to Annex 3, Table 1 to limit to pure electric vehicles the options to either use mechanical or electronic devices to control the gear shift or take measures to avoid accelerations greater than 2.0 m/s² (GRB/2018/2 and GRB-67-17)
3. under Annex 7, paragraph 5.2., align the principle of testing between automatic and manual transmission having more than 5 gears.

In informal document GRB-66-12, Germany suggested making ASEP testing mandatory under UN R41.
This proposal from IMMA amends UN R41 towards the application of ASEP test procedures.

Proposal for amendments to introduce ASEP requirements for L4 and L5 category vehicles with PMR > 50 W/kg.

OICA discussion paper as further developed by the ASEP informal group on interpretation of the provision “The sound emission of the vehicle under typical on-road driving conditions, which are different from those under which the type-approval test set out in Annex 3 and Annex 7 was carried out, shall not deviate from the test result in a significant manner.”

Proposal to update certain Standard Reference Test Tyre (SRTT) denominations, to remove the distinction between the two Class C3 tyres, to clarify the text and remove the reference to tyres “not marked with speed symbol”. This document will be handled by GRB during its 68th session and is referenced under GRVA due to the “conversion” of GRRF.

ASEP informal group discussion paper on interpretation of the provision “The sound emission of the vehicle under typical on-road driving conditions, which are different from those under which the type-approval test set out in Annex 3 and Annex 7 was carried out, shall not deviate from the test result in a significant manner.”

Summary of Regulation 99 on the use of horns and alarms.

Task Force on Reversing Alarms survey to solicit information on legislation and policies across the world.

ASEP informal group report on the effort to provide clarification and guidance on the interpretation and application of paragraph 6.2.3. last sentence of UN R51.03 (“The sound emission of the vehicle under typical on-road driving conditions, which are different from those under which the type-approval test set out in Annex 3 and Annex 7 was carried out, shall not deviate from the test result in a significant manner.”)

Review of a research program to define optimal sound limit values for reversing warning systems considering acceptability (noise environment) and detectability (pedestrian safety).

Proposal to

1. exempt hybrid vehicles that do not provide valid test results (e.g., internal combustion engine active under test conditions)
2. clarify the text concerning permissible AVAS operating conditions
to differentiate indoor and outdoor facility requirements (e.g., weather station requirement) and
3. update flowcharts in Annex 3 in line with text.

Terms of reference as adopted by GRB and reproduced in Annex III of the GRB-62 session report.

Vehicle categories M₁, N₁, and L₃.

Proposal to align UN R117 related to approval numbers and markings in line with the provisions of Schedule 4 to the 1958 Agreement addressing the concern raised by the Informal Working Group on the
International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA).

Proposal to align ASEP for high powered L₄ and L₅ vehicles, used for passenger transport, is proposed in line with UN Regulation No 41.04 due to comparable sound emissions levels of L₄ and L₅ vehicles with the ones of L₃ vehicles and the possibility of applying similar measurement methods for sound emissions for those vehicle categories. This is also supported by the Commission study on enhanced sound requirements for mopeds, quads and replacement silencers of L-category vehicles which resulted in amendments to UN Regulation Nos 9, 63 and 92 (ref. document WP.29/2017/2).

Presentation in support of establishing a 02 series of amendments to UN R117 with higher stringencies based on informal document GRB-66-03.

Presentation regarding the the national regulation in the Netherlands on delivery noise of trucks.

Copy of document GRB-68-25 presented to the Working Party on Noise.

Copy of informal group guidelines presented to the Working Party on Noise (GRB-68-26).

MS Outlook email message from the informal group secretary.

ASEP II informal working group draft text to introduce transitional provisions for Supplements 4 and 5 in line with the transitional provisions of the Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51, to correct a reference, and to clarify the requirements for stationary sound.

ASEP II informal group text to correct a mistake introduced in Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51. The proposed amendment is based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/63, which was adopted by the Working Party 29 at its 175th session.

ASEP II informal group text to correct reference in Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51. The proposed amendment is based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/7, which was adopted by the Working Party 29 at its 174th session.

Proposal for Additional Real Driving Sound Emission provisions.

Addendum to document GRB/2018/10 to introduce transitional provisions for submission to the WP.29 March 2019 session.

Proposal to align the provisions of UN R117 regarding approval numbers and markings with the provisions of Schedule 4 to the revised 1958 Agreement.

Proposal to introduce two extra stages with limits (stage 3 and stage 4) for the rolling sound emission, wet grip performance and rolling resistance coefficient. (Stage 2 for wet grip performance is omitted intentionally in this proposal.)

Proposal to introduce provisions for “worn tyre” thresholds and test procedures.

Proposal by the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (ASEP) to correct a reference in Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments to UN R51.

Proposal by the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (ASEP) to introduce transitional provisions in line with the transitional provisions in Supplement 3 and to reintroduce a sentence deleted by mistake in Supplement 4 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 51.

Proposal by the Informal Working Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (ASEP) to introduce transitional provisions for Supplements 4 and 5 to the 03 series of amendments to UN R51 (in line with the transitional provisions of Supplement 3), to correct a reference and to clarify the requirements for stationary sound.

Proposal by the Informal Working Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (ASEP) to introduce a transitional provision in line with the transitional provisions of Supplement 3. The new transitional provision should be added to the text of draft Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments to UN R51 which was adopted by the Working Party on Noise at its sixty-eighth session (GRB/2018/10).