Archive
Jul 2012
NHTSA Proposes a New FMVSS for Electronic Stability Control Systems for Heavy Vehicles
NHTSA has published a NPRM which proposes to add 49CFR Part 571 FMVSS 136 - Electronic Stability Control Systems for Heavy Vehicles. This proposal aims to require electronic stability control (ESC) systems on truck tractors and certain buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 11,793 kilograms (26,000 pounds).
Jun 2012
New EU Regulations on Advanced Emergency Braking Systems and Lane Departure Warning Systems Published
After many months of discussion and negotiation, the Implementing Regulations covering the detailed technical requirements for advanced emergency braking systems (AEBS), EU Regulation No. 347/2012, and for lane departure warning systems (LDWS), EU Regulation No. 351/2012, were both recently published in the Official Journal.
May 2012
NHTSA Proposes to Amend 49CFR Part 571 FMVSS 124 on Accelerator Control Systems
NHTSA is proposing to revise 49CFR Part 571 FMVSS 124 on accelerator control systems by amending the Standard to more fully address the failure modes of electronic throttle control systems and to include test procedures for hybrid vehicles and certain other vehicles. This NPRM also adds a new provision for a brake-throttle override (BTO) system, which would require that input to the brake pedal in a vehicle must have the capability of overriding input to the accelerator pedal.
Apr 2012
UN ECE Regulation on EMC Updated to Cover Electric Vehicle Charging
The 04 series of amendments to UN ECE Regulation No. 10, which were published on 13th March 2012, introduce new requirements to specifically cover vehicles with an external electrical charging capability when they are recharging via an electrical connection to the mains electrical supply.
Mar 2012
New EU Regulation on Gear Shift Indicators Published
After many months of consultation and negotiation, the new EU Implementing Regulation for (EC) No. 661/2009 containing the technical requirements for gear shift indicators was published in the Official Journal on 31st January 2012. This new Regulation, EU Regulation No. 65/2012, contains both the design requirements for gear shift indicators and the detailed test procedures for assessing their performance.
Feb 2012
ECE Regulation on Commercial Vehicle Cab Safety Updated
On 4th January 2012, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) published an 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 29 on commercial vehicle cab safety which introduced some significant amendments to the impact tests applicable to truck cabs.
Jan 2012
US Proposal to Amend 49 CFR Part 571 FMVSS 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention
On December 12, 2011 the NHTSA published a NPRM which proposes to standardize the operation of controls that are used to stop the vehicle engine or other propulsion system that do not involve the use of a physical key. This action also proposes to require that an audible warning be given to any driver who attempts to shut down the propulsion system without first moving the gear selection control to the Park position, exits a vehicle without having first moved the gear selection control to Park, or exits a vehicle without first turning off the propulsion system.
Dec 2011
EU Proposes New Regulation on Masses and Dimensions
At the Technical Committee - Motor Vehicles (TCMV) meeting on 13th October 2011, the European Commission presented their first draft of the new Implementing Regulation on masses and dimensions which not only combines the requirements from the two repealed Directives on masses and dimensions, but proposes numerous amendments to the requirements.
Nov 2011
New ECE Requirements on Tyre Noise and Rolling Resistance Published
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) Regulation No. 117 was originally published in 2005 and introduced requirements on the maximum rolling sound emissions of tyres. In 2006, the 01 series of amendments to ECE Regulation No. 117 were published which added requirements on the minimum wet grip performance of Class C1 tyres (i.e. passenger car tyres approved to ECE Regulation No. 30). Now, the 02 series of amendments have been published which add requirements on the maximum rolling resistance of tyres and increase the stringency of the maximum rolling sound emissions requirements.
Oct 2011
USA Department of Transportation Takes Two Actions Relating to FMVSS 126 - Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESC)
Recently the USA Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken two actions relative to FMVSS 126 - Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESC). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a Final Rule responding to a Petition for Reconsideration regarding the harmonization of FMVSS 126 with Global Technical Regulation (GTR) 8 - Electronic Stability Control Systems, and they have issued a Request for Comments regarding their latest Technical Report on the Effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control Systems for Car and Light Trucks & Vans (LTVs).