China: Two new GB standards for vehicles 

 

China has published two new drafts of GB standards for vehicles: 

• GB 4094—202X Symbols for controls, indicators and tell-tales of motor vehicles 

• GB standard for Performance requirements and testing methods for brake assist systems (BAS) of light-duty vehicles 

The first one replaces GB 4094-2016 “Marking of Motor Vehicle Controls, Indicators and Signaling Devices”. Compared with GB 4094-2016, apart from structural adjustments and editorial changes, the main technical changes are as follows:  

—The scope of application of the standard has been changed, and descriptions not applicable to electric vehicles have been deleted (see Chapter 1, Chapter 1 of the 2016 edition); —The requirements for marking multi-functional controls have been changed (see 4.1.5, 4.1.8 of the 2016 edition);  

—The requirement to add descriptions in the instruction manual has been changed (see 4.1.8, 4.1.11 of the 2016 edition);  

—The requirements for auxiliary information on the markings have been changed (see 4.1.9, 4.1.4 of the 2016 edition);  

—Equipment and technical requirements for physical controls have been added (see 4.1.11, 4.1.12).  

—Changed requirements related to shared spaces (see 4.1.13, 2016 version 4.1.13);  

—Changed the provision that signs should not be removed (see 4.1.14, 2016 version 4.1.13);  

—Added requirements for sign display hierarchy and visibility (see 4.1.15);  

—Changed the requirements for the meaning of the display colors when signal devices are illuminated (see 4.2.2, 2016 version 4.2.2);  

—Changed the location (see 4.3.1, 2016 version 4.3.1);  

—Changed requirements related to headlight high beam controls and signal device signs (see 5.1.2, 2016 version 5.1.2);  

—Removed the vehicle hood control sign (see 2016 version 5.1.25)  

—Added the following indicators: Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) malfunction signal device indicator (see 5.1.34); ESC “OFF” signal device indicator (see 5.1.35); Maximum speed limit system signal device indicator (see 5.1.36); On-board Emergency Call System (AECS) control and signal device indicator (see 5.1.37); Battery charge status indicator; Low charge warning signal device indicator (see 5.1.38); Electric vehicle drive system ready signal device indicator (see 5.1.39); Drive power limit signal device indicator (see 5.1.40); Vehicle socket cover opening control/external charging cable connection warning signal device indicator (see 5.1.41); Automatic Emergency Braking deactivation and malfunction signal device indicator (see 5.1.42). Lane departure warning (lane departure suppression) off and fault signal device markings (see 5.1.43);  

— Changed engine on-board diagnostic or engine fault signal device markings (5.1.44, 5.2.6 in the 2016 version), tire pressure abnormality, fault alarm signal device markings (5.1.45, 5.2.13 in the 2016 version);  

— Added electronic air brake system (EBS) fault signal device markings (see 5.2.2), power battery fault signal device markings (see 5.2.13), electric vehicle drive motor fault signal device markings (see 5.2.14), system fault signal device markings (see 5.2.15), power battery temperature indicator/power battery high temperature alarm signal device markings (see 5.2.16), brake pad wear alarm signal device markings (see 5.2.17) The following markings have been added: 1. Gearbox or reducer fault signal device markings (see 5.2.18); 2. Idle start-stop system control and signal device markings (see 5.2.19); 3. Steering system fault alarm signal device markings (see 5.2.20); 4. Hands-off warning signal device markings (see 5.2.21); 5. Type identification has been added (see Chapter 6); 6. Standard implementation transition period has been added (see Chapter 7); 7. Appendix A, Basic Graphical Composition of Markings for Automotive Controls, Indicators, and Signal Devices, has been deleted (see Appendix A of the 2016 edition); 8. A list of markings, levels, and colors for control, indicators, and signal devices has been added (see Appendix B). 

The second one specifies the general requirements, performance requirements, and testing requirements for brake assist systems (BAS) in light-duty vehicles, and describes the corresponding test methods. This document applies to M1 and N1 category vehicles as specified in GB/T 15089. 

To find out more about vehicle regulations in China, do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research directly.