KEY NEWS 1/4 — European Union
New EU Regulation Establishes EDR Requirements for Commercial Vehicles
The European Union has published Regulation (EU) 2024/2220, which supplements Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, establishing specific test procedures and technical requirements for the type approval of heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) regarding Event Data Recorders (EDR) and their approval as separate technical units.
The new regulation, which targets vehicles in categories M2, M3, N2, and N3, outlines key requirements for EDR systems. According to the legislation, vehicle EDRs or standalone EDR units must comply with UN Regulation 169. Additionally, all crash-related data must be protected in accordance with UN Regulation 155 cybersecurity standards.
These new provisions have been incorporated into Annex II of the General Safety Regulation (GSR). The regulation officially came into force on October 22, 2024, with implementation set to begin on January 7, 2026.
This regulatory update represents a significant step forward in standardizing safety and data recording requirements for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles across the European Union, ensuring consistent standards for event data recording and data protection.
KEY NEWS 2/4 — GCC
Saudi Arabia Unveils Draft Technical Regulations for Automated Vehicles
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has recently introduced a comprehensive draft regulation addressing the technical requirements for automated vehicles, marking a significant step forward in the kingdom's automotive regulatory framework.
The new regulation sets forth essential safety requirements for Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in fully automated vehicles within categories M and N. This initiative demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to ensuring the safe deployment of autonomous vehicle technology while protecting both the environment and all road users.
Under the new framework, manufacturers must adhere to a detailed set of requirements outlined in an accompanying annex. The regulatory standards draw from multiple international sources, including SASO's own regulations, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) standards, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), European regulations, as well as ISO and SAE international standards.
The regulation is scheduled to take effect 180 days following its publication in the country's official gazette, providing manufacturers and stakeholders with a transition period to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
This development positions Saudi Arabia among the growing number of nations establishing regulatory frameworks to govern the deployment of autonomous vehicle technology, reflecting the kingdom's dedication to embracing innovative transportation solutions while maintaining strict safety standards.
KEY NEWS 3/4 — EU
New Euro 7 Working Document Outlines Anti-Tampering and Cybersecurity Measures for Light-Duty Vehicles
A new Working Document has been released detailing comprehensive anti-tampering, security, and cybersecurity requirements for Light-Duty Vehicles under the Euro 7 regulations, establishing stricter controls and responsibilities for manufacturers and authorities.
Under the new framework, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must mandatorily declare and ensure that their vehicle types are adequately protected against tampering attempts. This places direct responsibility on manufacturers for any future tampering incidents. Furthermore, OEMs are required to expand the existing list of threats and mitigations by identifying additional sub-systems, potential threats, and corresponding mitigation strategies.
The document outlines ten critical systems that must be protected:
- Fuel and reagent injection systems
- Engine and its control units
- Traction batteries and related management systems
- Odometer
- Pollution control systems
- Electric motor and related control units
- On-Board Fuel and/or Energy Consumption Monitoring (OBFCM) device
- On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system
- On-Board Monitoring (OBM) system
- Environmental Vehicle Passport (EVP)
The regulation also defines clear roles for regulatory bodies. Type Approval Authorities (TAA) are tasked with reviewing risk evaluations and proposed mitigation actions, while Market Surveillance authorities (MaSu) are responsible for monitoring the market for potential manipulation products.
This comprehensive approach represents a significant step forward in protecting vehicle systems from tampering and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations under the Euro 7 standard.
KEY NEWS 4/4 — USA
NHTSA Updates Seat Belt Anchorage Testing Procedures in FMVSS 210 Amendment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have announced significant updates to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 210, focusing on seat belt assembly anchorage testing procedures.
The amendment introduces key changes to the standard while maintaining existing strength requirements. The update primarily clarifies the positioning requirements for the current test device and introduces an alternative certification option through a new optional test device with corresponding test procedures.
This modification represents an important step in ensuring consistent and reliable testing methodologies for seat belt anchorage systems, a critical component of vehicle safety. The amendment aims to provide manufacturers with more flexibility in their testing approaches while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
The new requirements officially took effect on October 17, 2024. However, manufacturers have been given a transition period, with mandatory compliance set for September 1, 2027. The amendment includes provisions for voluntary early adoption, allowing manufacturers to implement the new testing procedures before the mandatory compliance date.
This update reflects NHTSA's ongoing commitment to enhancing vehicle safety standards while providing automotive manufacturers with clear and flexible testing options for certification purposes.
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