If the same vehicle regulations applied for all manufacturers in all countries, the automotive industry would be more efficient and it would ultimately lead to cheaper cars for consumers. If existing vehicle regulations for emissions standards and safety requirements were applied in areas where such legislation is currently lacking or inadequate, the adverse effects of motor vehicles could be greatly reduced.
The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), a United Nations subsidiary body, provides a framework for international harmonization of vehicle requirements both in terms of safety and environmental standards at the highest level of performance.
These technical regulations have become the tools with which the motor industry develop, design and produce vehicles. In addition, they set the standards against which vehicles and parts can be certified. The slogan for the 1958 Agreement has de facto become “Certified once, accepted everywhere”.
Juan Ramos Garcia, Secretary of the World Form, and Yves van der Straaten, Secretary-General of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), will present the work of the World Forum at a Geneva Motor Show press conference on Wednesday, 4 March 2009, explaining how the 1958 and 1998 Agreements work, the benefits of implementing them as well as challenges ahead and projections for future developments.
For more information, visit the website at
http://www.unece.org/trans/main/welcwp29.htm, or contact Juan Ramos Garcia, Secretary to the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (infotransport@unece.org).
Source: UNECE
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