65FR34106 Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Final Listing of Model Year 2001 High-Theft Vehicle Lines
robop...@us.govnews.org
Posting-number: Volume 65, Issue 103, Page 34106
[Federal Register: May 26, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 103)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 34106-34112]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26my00-24]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 541
[Docket No. NHTSA-2000-7331]
RIN 2127-AH78
Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Final Listing of
Model Year 2001 High-Theft Vehicle Lines
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule announces NHTSA's determination for model year
(MY) 2001 high-theft vehicle lines that are subject to the parts-
marking requirements of the Federal motor vehicle theft prevention
standard, and high-theft MY 2001 lines that are exempted from the
parts-marking requirements because the vehicles are equipped with
antitheft devices determined to meet certain statutory criteria
pursuant to the statute relating to motor vehicle theft prevention.
EFFECTIVE DATE: The amendment made by this final rule is effective May
26, 2000.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Rosalind Proctor, Consumer
Programs Division, Office of Planning and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Proctor's telephone
number is (202) 366-0846. Her fax number is (202) 493-2290.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Anti Car Theft Act of 1992, Pub. L. 102-
519, amended the law relating to the parts-marking of major component
parts on designated high-theft vehicle lines and other motor vehicles.
The Anti Car Theft Act amended the definition of ``passenger motor
vehicle'' in 49 U.S.C. 33101(10) to include a ``multipurpose passenger
vehicle or light duty truck when that vehicle or truck is rated at not
more than 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.'' Since ``passenger motor
vehicle'' was previously defined to include passenger cars only, the
effect of the Anti Car Theft Act is that certain multipurpose passenger
vehicle (MPV) and light-duty truck (LDT) lines may be determined to be
high-theft vehicles subject to the Federal motor vehicle theft
prevention standard (49 CFR part 541).
The purpose of the theft prevention standard is to reduce the
incidence of motor vehicle theft by facilitating the tracing and
recovery of parts from stolen vehicles. The standard seeks to
facilitate such tracing by requiring that vehicle identification
numbers (VINs), VIN derivative numbers, or other symbols be placed on
major component vehicle parts. The theft prevention standard requires
motor vehicle manufacturers to inscribe or affix VINs onto covered
original equipment major component parts, and to inscribe or affix a
symbol identifying the manufacturer and a common symbol identifying the
replacement component parts for those original equipment parts, on all
vehicle lines selected as high-theft.
The Anti Car Theft Act also amended 49 U.S.C. 33103 to require
NHTSA to promulgate a parts-marking standard applicable to major parts
installed by manufacturers of ``passenger motor vehicles (other than
light duty trucks) in not to exceed one-half of the lines not
designated under 49 U.S.C. 33104 as high-theft lines.'' Section
33103(a) further directed NHTSA to select only lines not designated
under section 33104 of this title as high theft lines. NHTSA lists each
of these selected lines in appendix B to part 541. Since section 33103
did not specify marking of replacement parts for below-median lines,
the agency does not require marking of replacement parts for these
lines. NHTSA published a final rule amending 49 CFR part 541 to include
the definitions of MPV and LDT, and major component parts. See 59 FR
64164, December 13, 1995.
49 U.S.C. 33104(a)(3) specifies that NHTSA shall select high-theft
vehicle lines, with the agreement of the manufacturer, if possible.
Section 33104(d) provides that once a line has been designated as
likely high-theft, it remains subject to the theft prevention standard
unless that line is exempted under section 33106. Section 33106
provides that a manufacturer may petition to have a high-theft line
[[Page 34107]]
exempted from the requirements of section 33104, if the line is
equipped with an antitheft device as standard equipment. The exemption
is granted if NHTSA determines that the antitheft device is likely to
be as effective as compliance with the theft prevention standard in
reducing and deterring motor vehicle thefts.
The agency annually publishes the names of the lines which were
previously listed as high-theft, and the lines which are being listed
for the first time and will be subject to the theft prevention standard
beginning in a given model year. It also identifies those lines that
are exempted from the theft prevention standard for a given model year
under section 33104. Additionally, this listing identifies those lines
(except light-duty trucks) in appendix B to part 541 that have theft
rates below the 1990/1991 median theft rate but are subject to the
requirements of this standard under section 33103.
On May 25, 1999, the final listing of high-theft lines for the MY
2000 vehicle lines was published in the Federal Register (64 FR 28110).
The final listing identified five vehicle lines that were listed for
the first time and became subject to the theft prevention standard
beginning with the 2000 model year.
For MY 2001, the agency identified eight new vehicle lines that are
likely to be high-theft lines, in accordance with the procedures
published in 49 CFR part 542. The new lines are the Daewoo Musso (MPV),
the Honda Acura MDX (MPV), the Kia Motors Rio and Optima, the Suzuki
MPV (nameplate not available), the Toyota Highlander (MPV), the Toyota
Lexus IS300 and the Toyota MR2 Spyder. In addition to these eight
vehicle lines, the list of high-theft vehicle lines includes all lines
previously designated as high-theft and listed for prior model years.
Appendix A also has been amended to reflect a nameplate change for the
Isuzu Amigo vehicle line to Isuzu Rodeo Sport beginning with MY 2001.
The list of lines that have been exempted by the agency from the
parts-marking requirements of Part 541 includes high-theft lines newly
exempted in full beginning with MY 2001. The four vehicle lines newly
exempted in full are the Ford Mercury Sable, the General Motors
Chevrolet Malibu, the Nissan Pathfinder and the Volkswagen Audi Allroad
Quattro.
Subsequent to publishing the MY 2000 listing, the agency granted
BMW of North America, Inc., an exemption from the parts-marking
requirements of the theft prevention standard for its X5 vehicle line
beginning with the 2000 model year. Therefore, the BMW X5 vehicle line
has been added to Appendix A-I of this listing. Furthermore, Appendix
A-I has been amended to reflect a nameplate change for the General
Motors Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo car line. The Chevrolet Lumina/
Monte Carlo car line nameplate was changed to Chevrolet Impala/Monte
Carlo beginning with MY 2000.
Appendix A-II has also been amended to reflect a MY 1994 nameplate
change for the General Motors Cadillac Sixty Special to General Motors
Cadillac Concours.
Additionally, since the agency granted Ford Motor Company an
exemption from the parts-marking requirements for its Mercury Sable car
line, it has been deleted from Appendix B.
The vehicle lines listed as being subject to the parts-marking
standard have previously been designated as high-theft lines in
accordance with the procedures set forth in 49 CFR part 542. Under
these procedures, manufacturers evaluate new vehicle lines to conclude
whether those new lines are likely to be high theft. The manufacturer
submits these evaluations and conclusions to the agency, which makes an
independent evaluation; and, on a preliminary basis, determines whether
the new line should be subject to the parts-marking requirements. NHTSA
informs the manufacturer in writing of its evaluations and
determinations, together with the factual information considered by the
agency in making them. The manufacturer may request the agency to
reconsider the preliminary determinations. Within 60 days of the
receipt of these requests, the agency makes its final determination.
NHTSA informs the manufacturer by letter of these determinations and
its response to the request for reconsideration. If there is no request
for reconsideration, the agency's determination becomes final 45 days
after sending the letter with the preliminary determination. Each of
the new lines on the high-theft list has been the subject of a final
determination under either 49 U.S.C. 33103 or 33104.
The vehicle lines listed as being exempt from the standard have
previously been exempted in accordance with the procedures of 49 CFR
part 543 and 49 U.S.C. 33106.
Similarly, the low-theft lines listed as being subject to the
parts-marking standard have previously been designated in accordance
with the procedures set forth in 49 U.S.C. 33103.
Therefore, NHTSA finds for good cause that notice and opportunity
for comment on these listings are unnecessary. Further, public comment
on the listing of selections and exemptions is not contemplated by 49
U.S.C. Chapter 331.
For the same reasons, since this revised listing only informs the
public of previous agency actions and does not impose additional
obligations on any party, NHTSA finds for good cause that the amendment
made by this notice should be effective as soon as it is published in
the Federal Register.
Regulatory Impacts
1. Costs and Other Impacts
NHTSA has analyzed this rule and determined that it is not
``significant'' within the meaning of the Department of
Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures. The agency has
also considered this notice under Executive Order 12866. As already
noted, the selections in this final rule have previously been made in
accordance with the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 33104, and the
manufacturers of the selected lines have already been informed that
those lines are subject to the requirements of 49 CFR part 541 for MY
2001. Further, this listing does not actually exempt lines from the
requirements of 49 CFR part 541; it only informs the general public of
all such previously granted exemptions. Since the only purpose of this
final listing is to inform the public of actions for MY 2001 that the
agency has already taken, a full regulatory evaluation has not been
prepared.
2. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The agency has also considered the effects of this listing under
the Regulatory Flexibility Act. I hereby certify that this rule will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. As noted above, the effect of this final rule is simply to
inform the public of those lines that are already subject to the
requirements of 49 CFR part 541 for MY 2001. The agency believes that
the listing of this information will not have any economic impact on
small entities.
3. Environmental Impacts
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
the agency has considered the environmental impacts of this rule, and
determined that it will not have any significant impact on the quality
of the human environment.
4. Federalism
This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined
that this final rule does not have sufficient
[[Page 34108]]
Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism
Assessment.
5. Civil Justice Reform
This final rule does not have a retroactive effect. In accordance
with section 33118 when the Theft Prevention Standard is in effect, a
State or political subdivision of a State may not have a different
motor vehicle theft prevention standard for a motor vehicle or major
replacement part. 49 U.S.C. 33117 provides that judicial review of this
rule may be obtained pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 32909. Section 32909 does
not require submission of a petition for reconsideration or other
administrative proceedings before parties may file suit in court.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 541
Administrative practice and procedure, Labeling, Motor vehicles,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR Part 541 is amended as
follows:
PART 541--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for Part 541 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 33102-33104 and 33106; delegation of
authority at 49 CFR 1.50.
2. In Part 541, Appendices A, A-I, A-II and B are revised to read
as follows:
Appendix A to Part 541.--Lines Subject to the Requirements of This Standard
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Manufacturer Subject lines
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ALFA ROMEO...................................... Milano 161.
164.
BMW............................................. Z3.
6 Car Line.
CONSULIER....................................... Consulier GTP.
DAEWOO.......................................... Korando.
Musso (MPV) <SUP>1</SUP>.
Nubira.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER................................. Chrysler Cirrus.
Chrysler Fifth Avenue/Newport.
Chrysler Laser.
Chrysler LeBaron/Town & Country.
Chrysler LeBaron GTS.
Chrysler's TC.
Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue.
Chrysler Sebring.
Chrysler Town & Country.
Dodge 600.
Dodge Aries.
Dodge Avenger.
Dodge Colt.
Dodge Daytona.
Dodge Diplomat.
Dodge Lancer.
Dodge Neon.
Dodge Shadow.
Dodge Stratus.
Dodge Stealth.
Eagle Summit.
Eagle Talon.
Jeep Cherokee (MPV).
Jeep Grand Cherokee (MPV).
Jeep Wrangler (MPV).
Plymouth Caravelle.
Plymouth Colt.
Plymouth Laser.
Plymouth Gran Fury.
Plymouth Neon.
Plymouth Reliant.
Plymouth Sundance.
Plymouth Breeze.
FERRARI......................................... Mondial 8.
328.
FORD............................................ Ford Aspire.
Ford Escort.
Ford Probe.
Ford Thunderbird.
Lincoln Continental.
Lincoln Mark.
Lincoln Town Car.
Mercury Capri.
Mercury Cougar.
Merkur Scorpio.
Merkur XR4Ti.
GENERAL MOTORS.................................. Buick Electra.
Buick Reatta.
Buick Skylark.
[[Page 34109]]
Chevrolet Malibu.
Chevrolet Nova.
Chevrolet Blazer (MPV).
Chevrolet Prizm.
Chevrolet Venture (MPV).
Chevrolet S-10 Pickup.
Geo Storm.
Chevrolet Tracker (MPV).
GMC Jimmy (MPV).
GMC Sonoma Pickup.
Oldsmobile Achieva (MYs 1997-1998).
Oldsmobile Bravada.
Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (MYs 1988-1997).
Oldsmobile Intrigue.
Pontiac Fiero.
Pontiac Grand Prix.
Saturn Sports Coupe.
HONDA........................................... Accord.
CRV (MPV).
Odyssey (MPV).
Passport.
Prelude.
S2000.
Acura Integra.
Acura MDX (MPV) <SUP>1</SUP>.
HYUNDAI......................................... Accent.
Sonata.
Tiburon.
ISUZU........................................... Amigo \2\.
Impulse.
Rodeo.
Rodeo Sport.
Stylus.
Trooper/Trooper II.
VehiCross (MPV).
JAGUAR.......................................... XJ.
KIA MOTORS...................................... Optima <SUP>1</SUP>.
Rio<SUP>1</SUP>.
S-II.
LOTUS........................................... Elan.
MASERATI........................................ Biturbo.
Quattroporte.
228.
MAZDA........................................... 626.
MX-3.
MX-5 Miata.
MX-6.
MERCEDES-BENZ................................... 190 D.
190 E.
260E (1987-1989).
300 SE (1988-1991).
300 TD (1987).
300 SDL (1987).
300 SEL.
350 SDL (1990-1991).
420 SEL (1987-1991).
560 SEL (1987-1991).
560 SEC (1987-1991).
560 SL.
MITSUBISHI...................................... Cordia.
Eclipse.
Mirage.
Montero (MPV).
Montero Sport (MPV).
Tredia.
3000GT.
NISSAN.......................................... 240SX.
Sentra/200SX.
Xterra.
PEUGEOT......................................... 405.
PORSCHE......................................... 924S.
[[Page 34110]]
SUBARU.......................................... XT.
SVX.
Forester.
Legacy.
SUZUKI.......................................... X90.
MPV(nameplate not determined) <SUP>1</SUP>.
Sidekick (MYs 1997-1998).
Vitara (MPV).
TOYOTA.......................................... Toyota 4-Runner (MPV).
Toyota Avalon.
Toyota Camry.
Toyota Celica.
Toyota Corolla/Corolla Sport.
Toyota Echo.
Toyota Highlander (MPV) <SUP>1</SUP>.
Toyota MR2.
Toyota MR2 Spyder <SUP>1</SUP>.
Toyota RAV4 (MPV).
Toyota Sienna (MPV).
Toyota Tercel.
Lexus IS300 <SUP>1</SUP>.
Lexus RX300 (MPV).
VOLKSWAGEN...................................... Audi Quattro.
Volkswagen Scirocco.
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<SUP>1</SUP>1 Lines added for MY 2001.
<SUP>2</SUP>1 Renamed Isuzu Rodeo Sport beginning with MY 2001.
Appendix A-I--High-Theft Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This Standard Pursuant to 49 CFR Part
543
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Manufacturer Subject lines
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AUSTIN ROVER.................................... Sterling.
BMW............................................. X5.<SUP>1</SUP>.
3 Car Line.
5 Car Line.
7 Car Line.
8 Car Line.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER................................. Chrysler Conquest.
Chrysler Imperial.
FORD............................................ Mustang.
Mercury Sable.<SUP>2</SUP>
Taurus.
GENERAL MOTORS.................................. Buick LeSabre.
Buick Park Avenue.
Buick Regal/Century.
Buick Riviera.
Cadillac Allante.
Cadillac Deville.
Cadillac Seville.
Chevrolet Cavalier.
Chevrolet Corvette.
Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo.
Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo (MYs 1996-1999).<SUP>3</SUP>
Chevrolet Malibu.<SUP>2</SUP>
Oldsmobile Alero.
Oldsmobile Aurora.
Oldsmobile Toronado.
Pontiac Bonneville.
Pontiac Grand Am.
Pontiac Sunfire.
HONDA........................................... Acura CL.
Acura Legend (MYs 1991-1996).
Acura NSX.
Acura RL.
Acura SLX.
Acura TL.
Acura Vigor (MYs 1992-1995).
ISUZU........................................... Impulse (MYs 1987-1991).
JAGUAR.......................................... XK8.
MAZDA........................................... 929.
[[Page 34111]]
RX-7.
Millenia.
MERCEDES-BENZ................................... 124 Car Line (the models within this line are):.
260E.
300D.
300E.
300CE.
300TE.
400E.
500E.
129 Car Line (the models within this line are):.
300SL.
500SL.
600SL.
SL320.
SL500.
SL600.
202 Car Line (the models within this line are):.
C220.
C230.
C280.
C36.
C43.
MITSUBISHI...................................... Galant.
Starion.
Diamante.
NISSAN.......................................... Nissan Altima.
Nissan Maxima.
Nissan Pathfinder.<SUP>2</SUP>
Nissan 300ZX.
Infiniti I30.
Infiniti J30.
Infiniti M30.
Infiniti QX4.
Infiniti Q45.
PORSCHE......................................... 911.
928.
968.
Boxster.
SAAB............................................ 900.
9000.
TOYOTA.......................................... Toyota Supra.
Toyota Cressida.
Lexus ES.
Lexus GS.
Lexus LS.
Lexus SC.
VOLKSWAGEN...................................... Audi 5000S.
Audi 100/A6.
Audi 200/S4/S6.
Audi Allroad Quattro (MPV).<SUP>2</SUP>
Audi Cabriolet.
Volkswagen Cabrio.
Volkswagen Corrado.
Volkswagen Golf/GTI.
Volkswagen Jetta/Jetta III.
Volkswagen Passat.
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<SUP>1</SUP> Exempted in full beginning with MY 2000.
<SUP>2</SUP> Exempted in full beginning with MY 2001.
<SUP>3</SUP> Renamed Impala/Monte Carlo beginning with MY 2000.
Appendix A-II to Part 541.--High-Theft Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted In-Part From the Parts-
Marking Requirements of This Standard Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 543
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Manufacturers Subject lines Parts to be marked
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GENERAL MOTORS..................... Cadillac Eldorado.......... Engine, Transmission.
Cadillac Concours.......... Engine, Transmission.
Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.... Engine, Transmission.
Pontiac Firebird........... Engine, Transmission.
[[Page 34112]]
Chevrolet Camaro........... Engine, Transmission.
Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.... Engine, Transmission.
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Appendix B--Passenger Motor Vehicle Lines (Except Light-Duty Trucks) With Theft Rates Below the 1990/91 Median Theft Rate, Subject to the Requirements
of This Standard
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Manufacturer Subject lines
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Ford............................................ Crown Victoria.
Mercury Grand Marquis.
General Motors.................................. Chevrolet Astro (MPV).
GMC Safari (MPV).
Honda........................................... Civic.
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Issued on: May 22, 2000.
Stephen R. Kratzke,
Associate Administrator for Safety Performance Standards.
[FR Doc. 00-13273 Filed 5-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P