SAE International, the standards-setting association representing automotive engineers, says it is working with an international group of car manufacturers to investigate the formation of a new Cooperative Research Program (CRP) to investigate the safety of R1234yf.
The formation of the group is in response to Daimler's objection to the new refrigerant on safety grounds. The CRP will technically evaluate Daimler's test findings of flammability if vehicles were involved in head-on collisions.

This will be the second CRP that the SAE has conducted. In 2009, following a CRP sponsored by 15 global automakers including Daimler, the SAE announced 'From the evaluations and test results it has been concluded that HFO1234yf can be safely accommodated through established industry practices for vehicle design, engineering, manufacturing and service.'

SAE International has hosted an organisational meeting to discuss a preliminary scope of further research and is actively soliciting OEMs to formally join the new CRP.