ANNEX XVIIPROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED DURING MULTI-STAGE EC TYPE-APPROVAL

1.GENERAL

1.1.The satisfactory operation of the process of multi-stage EC type-approval requires joint action by all the manufacturers concerned. To this end approval authorities must ensure, before granting first and subsequent stage approval, that suitable arrangements exist between the relevant manufacturers for the supply and interchange of documents and information such that the completed vehicle type meets the technical requirements of all the relevant regulatory acts as prescribed in Annex IV or Annex XI. Such information must include details of relevant system, component and separate technical unit approvals and of vehicle parts which form part of the incomplete vehicle but are not yet approved.

1.2.EC type-approvals in accordance with this Annex are granted on the basis of the current state of completion of the vehicle type and must incorporate all approvals granted at earlier stages.

1.3.Each manufacturer in a multi-stage EC type-approval process is responsible for the approval and conformity of production of all systems, components or separate technical units manufactured by him or added by him to the previously built stage. He is not responsible for subjects which have been approved in an earlier stage except in those cases where he modifies relevant parts to an extent that the previously granted approval becomes invalid.

2.PROCEDURES

The type-approval authority must:

verify that all EC type-approval certificates issued pursuant to the regulatory acts which are applicable for vehicle type-approval cover the vehicle type at its state of completion and correspond to the prescribed requirements;

(b)

ensure that all the relevant data, taking account of the state of completion of the vehicle, is included in the information folder;

(c)

by reference to the documentation make sure that the vehicle specification(s) and data contained in Part I of the vehicle information folder are included in the data in the information packages and in the EC type-approval certificates, in respect of the relevant regulatory acts; and in the case of a completed vehicle, where an item number in Part I of the information folder is not included in the information package of any of the regulatory acts, confirm that the relevant part of characteristic conforms to the particulars in the information folder;

(d)

on a selected sample of vehicles from the type to be approved carry out or arrange to be carried out inspections of vehicle parts and systems to verify that the vehicle(s) is/are built in accordance with the relevant data contained in the authenticated information package in respect of all relevant regulatory acts;

(e)

carry out or arrange to be carried out relevant installation checks in respect of separate technical units where applicable.

3.The number of vehicles to be inspected for the purposes of paragraph 2(d) must be sufficient to permit the proper control of the various combinations to be EC type-approved according to the state of completion of the vehicle and the following criteria:

engine,
gearbox,
powered axles (number, position, interconnection),
steered axles (number and position),
body styles,
number of doors,
hand of drive,
number of seats,
level of equipment.

4.IDENTIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE

4.1.Vehicle identification number

(a)

The identification number of the base vehicle (VIN) prescribed by Directive 76/114/EEC shall be retained during all the subsequent stages of the type-approval process to ensure the ‘traceability’ of the process.

(b)

However, at the final stage of completion, the manufacturer concerned by this stage may replace, in agreement with the approval authority, the first and second sections of the vehicle identification number by his own vehicle manufacturer code and the vehicle identification code if, and only if, the vehicle has to be registered under his own trade name. In such a case, the complete vehicle identification number of the base vehicle shall not be deleted.

4.2.Additional manufacturer’s plate

At the second and subsequent stages, in addition to the statutory plate prescribed by Directive 76/114/EEC, each manufacturer must affix to the vehicle an additional plate the model of which is shown in the appendix to this Annex. This plate must be firmly attached, in a conspicuous and readily accessible position on a part not subject to replacement in use. It must show clearly and indelibly the following information in the order listed:

name of the manufacturer,

Sections 1, 3 and 4 of the EC type-approval number,

the stage of approval,

vehicle identification number,

maximum permissible laden mass of the vehicle(1),
maximum permissible laden mass of the combination (where the vehicle is permitted to tow a trailer)(1),
maximum permissible mass on each axle, listed in order from front to rear(1),
in the case of a semi-trailer or centre axle trailer, the maximum permitted mass on the coupling device(1).

Unless otherwise provided for above, the plate must comply with the requirements of Directive 76/114/EEC.

AppendixMODEL OF THE MANUFACTURER’S ADDITIONAL PLATE

The example below is given as a guide only.

MANUFACTURER’S NAME (stage 3)

Only where the value has changed during the current stage of approval.