IRIS Highlights - February 2025

IRIS Highlights - February 2025

KEY NEWS 1/4 — EU

OECVA publishes it position on the list of new UN Regulations to be included in the R(EU) 2018/858

The Organization of European Manufacturers of Accessible Vehicles (OECVA) has published a document expressing its concerns regarding the new UN regulation to be incorporated into Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/858. According to OECVA, the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) industry is primarily composed of small manufacturers, for whom the required crash tests would be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, they highlight technical difficulties in complying with the requirements, such as the complexity of conducting crash tests with a dummy in a wheelchair position.

 

Key Concerns of OECVA
Among the main issues raised, OECVA points out:

  • UN Regulation R.100 (Series 03) on electric vehicles: Converting a vehicle into a WAV could invalidate the original manufacturer’s approval, forcing a full crash test.
  • UN Regulation R.034 (Series 03) on fire risk prevention: Requires rear impact testing, which affects WAVs since fuel tanks are often modified or relocated.
  • Emergency call system (e-Call): Approval could be invalidated if the conversion is deemed to affect the system, leading to additional testing requirements.

OECVA’s Requests

In response, OECVA requests:

  • That the base vehicle’s approval remains valid if the battery has not been modified, in the case of UN Regulation R.100.
  • That compliance with UN Regulation R.034 Series 02 be allowed until the enforcement of Series 04, when the issue will be resolved.

Impact on the Industry

The OECVA document also highlights that the European Commission had previously granted exemptions to WAV manufacturers in past regulations, replacing full crash tests with torsion tests due to the unique nature of this industry and its social impact. However, the introduction of new regulations could once again jeopardize the sector’s viability.
The organization urges the European Commission to adopt a pragmatic approach similar to that implemented in the e-Call system regulation, allowing specific exemptions for WAV manufacturers and avoiding disproportionate regulatory burdens that could impact the mobility of people with disabilities.

KEY NEWS 2/4 — EU

R(EU) 2025/258 - amending Regulation on determination of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of HDV

The European Commission has published Regulation (EU) 2025/258 in the Official Journal of the European Union, introducing key modifications to CO2 emission and fuel consumption regulations for heavy-duty vehicles.

 

This regulation, which will enter into force on March 12, 2025, and apply from January 1, 2026, updates Regulations (EU) 2017/2400 and (EU) 582/2011, expanding their scope to include new propulsion technologies, such as hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Key Changes in the Regulation

R(EU) 2025/258 affects vehicle categories M and N and introduces improvements in the procedures for determining CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Among the main modifications are:

  • Inclusion of vehicles with alternative technologies, such as hydrogen and combined propulsion systems.
  • New methodologies to verify aerodynamic drag, improving calculation accuracy through computational fluid dynamics simulations.
  • Strengthened procedures for certifying components that influence fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
  • Expansion of the on-road testing protocol to verify emission values for heavy buses.
  • Adjustments to the regulatory framework to avoid conflicting obligations between different emission standards.

Modifications in Key Annexes

The new regulation introduces changes in several annexes of Regulation 2017/2400, including certification procedures for tires, verification of engine data, axles, aerodynamic resistance, and auxiliary data of trucks and buses. Additionally, a standardized methodology is established to classify vehicles based on their environmental impact.

Next Steps

R(EU) 2025/258 will enter into force on March 12, 2025, and its application will be mandatory from January 1, 2026. However, some aspects, such as point 21 of Annex X, will be implemented starting March 1, 2025.

With this regulation, the European Union reinforces its commitment to reducing emissions in the transport sector, aligning with climate objectives and promoting the development of more sustainable technologies.

To monitor the regulation, do not hesitate to subscribe to our IRIS Regulatory Monitoring Report. 

With the Regulatory Monitoring Report, you will always stay one step ahead in regulatory compliance. Through monthly updates, you will have access to key information on homologation and global regulations, along with analysis and personalized guidance to help you make strategic decisions with confidence.

The Regulatory Monitoring Report keeps you up to date with all the latest regulatory developments in the automotive sector. Thanks to its integration with the IRIS platform, all your reports will be organized, classified, and ready for download whenever you need them. Additionally, you will receive automatic notifications with each new update, ensuring you never miss anything important.

Stay informed. Take control. Lead your industry.

For more information contact us at: iris@idiada.com

KEY NEWS 3/4 — EU

World Forum for Vehicle Regulations Approves New Safety Standards

The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) held its 194th session from November 12 to 15, approving a series of amendments and new regulations aimed at strengthening safety and modernizing technical standards in the automotive industry.

The modifications will come into effect on May 17, 2025, while the newly introduced regulations will be mandatory starting May 12, 2025.

Updates on Safety and Technological Compatibility

During the session, key changes were announced in several areas, including electromagnetic compatibility, braking systems, and crash protection. The main highlights include:

  • Electromagnetic Compatibility: Implementation of the 07 series of Regulation No. 10, affecting L, M, N, and O category vehicles.
  • Braking Systems for Heavy Vehicles: Updates to the 14 and 11 series of Regulation No. 13, impacting M2, M3, N, and O vehicles.
  • Seat Belt Systems: Revisions to Regulations No. 16 (10 and 09 series) to ensure greater safety in M, N, T, and O vehicles.
  • Collision Protection: Reinforcement of frontal and side impact protection through amendments to Regulations No. 94 and No. 95 for M1 and N1 vehicles.
  • Alternative Energy Vehicle Safety: New standards for compressed and liquefied natural gas vehicles, as well as electric propulsion systems.
  • Vision and Pedestrian Safety: Introduction of new provisions in Regulation No. 166 to improve proximity awareness for vulnerable road users.


New Regulations for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

The forum also approved new regulations aimed at strengthening vehicle safety and operational efficiency, including:

  • Regulation No. 173: Standardized installation of seat belts, restraint systems, and ISOFIX devices.
  • Regulation No. 174: Mandatory seat belt use reminders for M and N category vehicles.
  • Regulation No. 175: Implementation of acceleration control systems to prevent pedal misapplication in M1 vehicles.
  • Regulation No. 176: Introduction of field-of-vision assistant technology for M and N vehicles.

Technical Corrections and Global Technical Regulation Enhancements

In addition to these measures, WP.29 approved key corrections to existing regulations and updates to the UN Global Technical Regulations (GTR), including:

  • Amendment 4 to GTR No. 6: Enhancements in safety glazing.
  • Amendment 2 to GTR No. 7: Review of head restraint standards.
  • Amendment 4 to GTR No. 13: Refinement of pole side impact testing.

IRIS Knowledge Base

All the amendments and consolidated regulations are available in the IRIS Knowledge Base, a cutting-edge online platform that provides structured automotive technical knowledge. Key benefits include: 

  • Permanent access to updated international legislation.
  • Seamless management and downloads of the latest amendments and consolidated regulations with integrated change control.
  • Complete traceability from regulatory proposals to official approvals. 
  • Advanced, customizable search engines to boost efficiency and productivity.
  • Structured regulations with direct links to corresponding supplements.

Why Use the IRIS Regulatory Knowledge Base?

  • Access accurate, up-to-date regulatory information.
  • Stay informed on the latest amendments and consolidated versions.
  • Gain first-hand interpretations from industry experts.
  • Track relevant proposals from regulatory working groups and official bodies.
  • Leverage powerful technical attributes tailored to your needs.

KEY NEWS 4/4 — USA

United States Halts Regulatory Development in the Automotive Sector

On January 20, 2025, the new U.S. administration issued an executive memorandum temporarily suspending regulatory operations in the automotive sector. This measure has a significant impact on various vehicle safety standards.

 

What Does the Suspension Entail?

The administrative order establishes three key points:

  • Suspension of new regulations until further review.
  • Evaluation of previously submitted rules to determine their continuity.
  • 60-day extension for the enforcement of already published regulations.

This measure is common during government transitions in the United States, as it allows the new administration to review and adjust regulatory policies before their implementation.

Affected Vehicle Safety Regulations 

Among the regulations put on hold are key vehicle safety standards, including:

  • FMVSS 208: Occupant protection in case of collision.
  • FMVSS 307: Fuel system safety for hydrogen vehicles.
  • FMVSS 308: Integrity of compressed hydrogen storage systems.
  • FMVSS 101: Vehicle controls and displays.
  • FMVSS 305a: Regulations for electric vehicles.
  • FMVSS 127: Automatic emergency braking systems for light vehicles.
  • FMVSS 228: Design to minimize the risk of serious or fatal injuries in pedestrian crashes.

Additionally, the incorporation of the Hybrid III 5th percentile female test dummy has been suspended—an essential tool in developing more inclusive safety testing.

Impact on the Automotive Industry

The suspension of these standards could have significant consequences, such as:

  • Delays in the implementation of new safety technologies.
  • Disruptions in vehicle certification processes.
  • Increased uncertainty for manufacturers and suppliers in the sector.

These regulatory pauses are customary during presidential transitions, allowing the new administration to review and potentially modify existing regulatory frameworks.

 

OTHERS

Applus+ IDIADA Strengthens Its Leadership in Hydrogen Vehicle Homologation

As a fully accredited technical service for UN Regulation No. 134, Applus+ IDIADA offers a comprehensive homologation service for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, supporting manufacturers throughout every stage of the certification process.

Full Scope of R134 Requirements

Applus+ IDIADA’s certification covers all R134 requirements, including:

  • Part I: Type approval for complete hydrogen-powered vehicles.
  • Part II: Approval of hydrogen storage systems.
  • Part III: Certification of specific hydrogen system components.

With this accreditation and ISO 17025 certification, the company establishes itself as a one-stop solution provider for hydrogen vehicle homologation, from individual components to complete vehicle certification.

Proven Expertise in Hydrogen Mobility

Applus+ IDIADA’s collaboration with leading manufacturers highlights its extensive experience in hydrogen mobility homologation services.

Comprehensive Technical Support

Applus+ IDIADA provides full-service support to ensure regulatory compliance at every stage of development:

  • Testing and certification for type approval.
  • Specialized testing and validation for hydrogen components
  • Expert technical consultation throughout development phases.
  • Comprehensive documentation review and approval.
  • End-to-end homologation project management.
  • Regulatory compliance guidance for manufacturers.

Expert Team & Advanced Infrastructure

With a highly specialized team in hydrogen-powered vehicle development and cutting-edge facilities, Applus+ IDIADA delivers comprehensive R134 homologation services to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.

You can find these and other news in our Regulatory Monitoring Report.
With the Regulatory Monitoring Report, you will always stay one step ahead in regulatory compliance. Through monthly updates, you will have access to key information on homologation and global regulations, along with analysis and personalized guidance to help you make strategic decisions with confidence.

The Regulatory Monitoring Report keeps you up to date with all the latest regulatory developments in the automotive sector. Thanks to its integration with the IRIS platform, all your reports will be organized, classified, and ready for download whenever you need them. Additionally, you will receive automatic notifications with each new update, ensuring you never miss anything important.

You can get more information related to these highlights in our Regulatory Monitoring Reports Service.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at iris@idiada.com.