New working group to establish global standard for ESC

The ESC group is an informal group within GRRF (Brakes and running gear group) of the UNECE / WP 29 which is the world forum for harmonization of vehicle regulations.  

The US was chairing the 1st meeting in Paris 5 and 6 June 2007 with more than 30 participants from (governmental representatives, the industry from US, EU and Japan, test houses and the FIA Foundation. The working document for a draft GTR (global technical regulation) was the new FMVSS 126 (ESC) in WP 29 format. The FMVSS 126 entered into force on 5 June 07. Much time was spent on discussions on the scope of the regulation. The US is very much in favor of limiting the scope at a GVW = 4,500 kg because their car fleet of passenger cars, SUVs and small trucks is relatively heavier. Another topic is the PFC (Peak Friction Coefficient) of the test track and the PBC (Peak Braking Coefficient). Definitions must be in line with those in existing regulations. Furthermore, there was a discussion on how to deal with twin axles in the regulation. The target is to have a draft GTR ready for the WP 29 meeting in June 2008.