An OEM driven working group started in January 2004 to elaborate the philosophies, concepts and test procedures for testing piston ring and cylinder liner materials as well as engine oils outside the engine using the $SRV^{(R)}$ test equipment. The different $SRV^{(R)}$ test philosophies in use by OEMs are compiled. The working group focuses on a.) ASTM sequence VIB (Fuel economy by aging oils), b.) friction and wear in the top dead region under mixed/boundary lubrication, c.) extreme pressure load under mixed/boundary lubrication and d.) hydrodynamic friction. Tribological test result and precision data are presented.