Petition To Modify an Exemption of a Previously Approved Antitheft Device; General Motors Corporation, 18457-18458 [05-7199]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Notices
OMB receives it within 30 days of
publication.
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 1,
2005.
Marlene Markison,
Associate Administrator for Injury Control
Operations & Resources.
[FR Doc. 05–7205 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA 2005–20386]
Insurance Cost Information Regulation
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Availability.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice announces
publication by NHTSA of the 2005 text
and data for the annual insurance cost
information booklet that all car dealers
must make available to prospective
purchasers, pursuant to 49 CFR 582.4.
This information is intended to assist
prospective purchasers in comparing
differences in passenger vehicle
collision loss experience that could
affect auto insurance costs.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons may
obtain a copy of this booklet by
contacting the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Management,
Room PL–401, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20590. [Docket hours
are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Rosalind Proctor, Chief, Consumer
Standards Division, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC
20590 (202–366–0846).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
to section 201(e) of the Motor Vehicle
Information and Cost Savings Act, 15
U.S.C. 1941(e), on March 5, 1993, 58 FR
12545, the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA)
amended 49 CFR Part 582, Insurance
Cost Information Regulation, to require
all dealers of automobiles to distribute
to prospective customers information
that compares differences in insurance
costs of different makes and models of
passenger cars based on differences in
damage susceptibility.
Pursuant to 49 CFR 582.4, all
automobile dealers are required to make
available to prospective purchasers
booklets that include this comparative
information as well as certain
mandatory explanatory text that is set
out in section 582.5. Early each year,
NHTSA produces this booklet updating
VerDate jul<14>2003
17:45 Apr 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
the Highway Loss Data Institute’s
(HLDI) December Insurance Collision
Report.
NHTSA is mailing a copy of the 2005
booklet to each dealer that the
Department of Energy uses to distribute
the ‘‘Gas Mileage Guide.’’ Dealers will
have the responsibility of reproducing a
sufficient number of copies of the
booklet to assure that they are available
for retention by prospective purchasers
by May 11, 2005. Dealers who do not
receive a copy of the booklet within 15
days of the date of this notice should
contact Ms. Rosalind Proctor of
NHTSA’s Office of International Policy,
Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs
(202) 366–0846 to receive a copy of the
booklet and to be added to the mailing
list. Dealers may also obtain a copy of
the booklet through the NHTSA Web
page at: https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/
problems/studies/InsCost. (49 U.S.C.
32302; delegation of authority at 49 CFR
1.50(f).)
Issued on: April 1, 2005.
Roger A. Saul,
Director, Crashworthiness Standards.
[FR Doc. 05–7207 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
Petition To Modify an Exemption of a
Previously Approved Antitheft Device;
General Motors Corporation
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of a petition to modify an
exemption from the Parts Making
Requirements of a previously approved
antitheft device.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice grants in full
GM’s second petition to modify the
exemption of the previously approved
antitheft device for the Cadillac DeVille
vehicle line beginning with model year
(MY) 2006. This notice also
acknowledges GM’s notification that the
nameplate for the Cadillac DeVille
vehicle line will be changed to Cadillac
DTS beginning with the 2006 model
year. NHTSA is granting GM’s petition
to modify the exemption because it has
determined that, based on substantial
evidence provided by GM, that the
modified antitheft device described in
GM’s petition is likely to be as effective
in reducing and deterring motor vehicle
theft as compliance with the partsmaking requirements.
PO 00000
Frm 00106
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
18457
The exemption granted by this
notice is effective beginning with model
year (MY) 2006.
DATES:
Ms.
Rosalind Proctor, Office of International
Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer
Programs, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20590. Ms.
Protctor’s telephone number is (202)
366–0846. Her fax number is (202) 493–
2290.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
On April
27, 1990, NHTSA published in the
Federal Register a notice granting in
part the petition from GM for an
exemption from the parts-making
requirements of the Theft Prevention
Standard (49 CFR Part 541) for the MY
1991 Cadillac DeVille vehicle line. The
DeVille was equipped with the ‘‘PASSKey’’ antitheft device (see 55 FR 17854).
On June 2, 1999, NHTS published in the
Federal Register a notice granting in full
GM’s petition for modification of the
previously approved antitheft device for
the Cadillac DeVille vehicle line
beginning with the 2000 model year.
The DeVille was equipped with the
‘‘PASS-Key III’’ antitheft device (see 64
FR 29736). On February 15, 2005, GM
submitted a second petition to modify
an exemption of its existing antitheft
device. GM’s submission is a complete
petition, as required by 49 CFR 543.9(d),
in that it meets the general requirements
contained in 49 CFR 543.5 and the
specific content requirements of 49 CFR
543.6 GM’s petition provides a detailed
description of the identity, design and
location of the components of the
antitheft system proposed for
installation beginning with the 2006
model year.
GM’s petition also informed the
agency of its planned nameplate change
for the Cadillac DeVille to the Cadillac
DTS nameplate beginning with the 2006
model year. GM stated that the Cadillac
DeVille will continue to be built on the
existing ‘‘K’’ car platform from which
the Cadillac DeVille line is currently
built.
GM stated that the current antitheft
device (‘‘PASS-Key III’’) installed on the
Cadillac DeVille vehicle line provides
protection against unauthorized starting
and fueling of the vehicle engine.
GM stated that the antitheft device is
designed to be active at all times
without direct intervention by the
vehicle operator, and that no specific or
discrete security system action is
necessary to achieve protection of the
device. The device is fully armed
immediately after the vehicle has been
turned off and the key has been
removed.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
18458
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Notices
GM stated that the PASS-Key III
device utilizes a special ignition key
and decoder module. The mechanic
code of the key unlocks and releases the
transmission lever. The vehicle can only
be operated when the key’s electrical
code is sensed by the key cylinder and
properly decoded by the controller
module.
GM also states that the ignition key
contains electronics in the key head that
receives energy from the controller
module. Upon receipt of the data from
the controller module, the key transmits
a unique code through low frequency
transmission. The controller module
translates the received signal from the
key into a digital signal which is
transmitted to the body control module
(BCM). The received signal is compared
to an internally stored value by the
BCM. If the values match, the key is
recognized as valid and a vehicle
security password is transmitted
through data link to the engine control
module to enable fuel and starting of the
vehicle.
In GM’s petition to modify its
exemption, it stated that its Cadillac
DTS vehicle line will be equipped with
the PASS-Key III+ theft deterrent device
for MY 2006. The PASS-Key III+ device
will continue to provide protection
against unauthorized starting and
fueling of the vehicle engine.
Components of the modified antitheft
device include a special ignition key
and decoder module. The conventional
mechanical code of the key will
continue to unlock and release the
transmission lever. Before the vehicle
can be operated, the key’s electrical
code must be sensed and properly
decoded by the PASS-Kay III+ control
module. The ignition key contains
electronics molded into the key head.
These electronics receive energy and
data from the control module. Upon
receipt of the data, the key will calculate
a response to the data using secret
information and an internal encryption
algorithm, and transmit the response
back to the vehicle. The controller
module translates the radio frequency
signal received from the key into a
digital signal and compares the received
response to an internally calculated
value. If the values match, the key is
recognized as valid, and a vehicle
security password (one of 65,534), is
transmitted through a serial data link to
the powertrain control module to enable
fuel and starting of the vehicle. If an
invalid key code is received, the PASSKey III+ controller module will send a
disable password to the powertrain
control module through the serial data
bus, and the ignition and fuel systems
will be inhibited. GM also stated that
VerDate jul<14>2003
17:45 Apr 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
the PASS-Key III+ device has the
capability for producing billions of
codes, requiring centuries to scan them
to allow someone to steal a vehicle.
GM also stated that although its
modified antitheft device provides
protection against unauthorized starting
and fueling of the vehicle, it does not
provide any visible or audible
indication of unauthorized entry by
means of flashing vehicle light or
sounding of the horn. Since the system
is fully operational once the vehicle has
been turned off, specific visible or
audible reminders beyond key removal
reminders have not been provided.
Based on comparison of the reduction in
the theft creates of GM vehicles using a
passive theft deterrent device with an
audible/visible alarm system to the
reduction in theft rates for GM vehicle
models equipped with a passive
antitheft device without an alarm, GM
finds that the lack of an alarm or
attention attracting device does not
compromise the theft deterrent
performance of a system such as PASSKey III+. The agency has previously
agreed with the finding that the absence
of a visible or audible alarm has not
prevented these antitheft devices from
being effective protection against theft.
In order to ensure the reliability and
durability of the device, GM conducted
tests based on its own specified
standards. GM provided a detailed list
of tests conducted and believes that its
device is reliable and durable since the
device complied with its specified
requirements for each test. The tests
conducted included high and low
temperature storage, thermal shock,
humidity, frost, salt fog, flammability,
altitude, drop, shock, random vibration,
dust, potential contaminants, connector
retention/strain relief, terminal
retention, connector insertion, crush,
ice, immersion and tumbling.
Additionally, GM stated that the design
and assembly processes of the PASSKey III+ device and components are
validated for a vehicle life of 10 years
and 150,000 miles of performance.
GM compared its MY 2006 antitheft
device with devices which NHTSA has
already determined to be as effective in
reducing and deterring motor vehicle
theft as would compliance with the
parts-marking requirements. To
substantiate its beliefs as to the
effectiveness of the new device, GM
compared the MY 2006 modified device
to its other ‘‘PASS-Key’’-like systems.
GM indicated that the theft rates, as
reported by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation’s National Crime
Information Center, are lower for GM
models equipped with the ‘‘PASS-Key’’like systems which have exemptions
PO 00000
Frm 00107
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
from the parts-marking requirements of
49 CFR part 541, than the theft rates for
earlier models with similar appearance
and construction which were partsmarked. Based on the performance of
the PASS-Key, PASS-Key II, and PASSKey III systems on other GM models,
and the advanced technology utilized by
the modification, GM believes that the
MY 2006 modified antitheft device will
be more effective in deterring theft than
the parts-marking requirements of 49
CFR part 541.
On the basis of this comparison, GM
stated that its antitheft device (PASSKey III+) for model years 2006 and later
will provide essentially the same
functions and features as found on its
MY 1993–2005 ‘‘PASS-Key’’-like
devices and therefore will provide at
least the same level of theft prevention
as parts-marking. GM believes that the
antitheft device proposed for
installation on its MY 2006 Cadillac
DTS vehicle line is likely to be as
effective in reducing thefts as
compliance with the parts-marking
requirements of part 541.
The agency has evaluated GM’s MY
2006 petition to modify the exemption
for the Cadillac DTS vehicle line from
the parts-marking requirements of 49
CFR part 541, and has decided to grant
it. It has determined that the PASS-Key
III+ system is likely to be as effective as
parts-marking in preventing and
deterring theft of these vehicles, and
therefore qualifies for an exemption
under 49 CFR part 543. The agency
believes that the modified device will
continue to provide four of the five
types of performance listed in section
543.6(b)(3): promoting activation;
preventing defeat or circumventing of
the device by unauthorized persons;
preventing operation of the vehicle by
unauthorized entrants; and ensuring the
reliability and durability of the device.
NHTSA suggests that if the
manufacturer contemplates making any
changes, the effects of which might be
characterized as de minimis, it should
consult the agency before preparing and
submitting a petition to modify.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 33106; delegation of
authority at 49 CFR 1.50.
Issued on: April 1, 2005.
Roger A. Saul,
Director, Crashworthiness Standards.
[FR Doc. 05–7199 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–M
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 68 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18457-18458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7199]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Petition To Modify an Exemption of a Previously Approved
Antitheft Device; General Motors Corporation
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of a petition to modify an exemption from the Parts
Making Requirements of a previously approved antitheft device.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice grants in full GM's second petition to modify the
exemption of the previously approved antitheft device for the Cadillac
DeVille vehicle line beginning with model year (MY) 2006. This notice
also acknowledges GM's notification that the nameplate for the Cadillac
DeVille vehicle line will be changed to Cadillac DTS beginning with the
2006 model year. NHTSA is granting GM's petition to modify the
exemption because it has determined that, based on substantial evidence
provided by GM, that the modified antitheft device described in GM's
petition is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor
vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-making requirements.
DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with
model year (MY) 2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Rosalind Proctor, Office of
International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Protctor's telephone
number is (202) 366-0846. Her fax number is (202) 493-2290.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 27, 1990, NHTSA published in the
Federal Register a notice granting in part the petition from GM for an
exemption from the parts-making requirements of the Theft Prevention
Standard (49 CFR Part 541) for the MY 1991 Cadillac DeVille vehicle
line. The DeVille was equipped with the ``PASS-Key'' antitheft device
(see 55 FR 17854). On June 2, 1999, NHTS published in the Federal
Register a notice granting in full GM's petition for modification of
the previously approved antitheft device for the Cadillac DeVille
vehicle line beginning with the 2000 model year. The DeVille was
equipped with the ``PASS-Key III'' antitheft device (see 64 FR 29736).
On February 15, 2005, GM submitted a second petition to modify an
exemption of its existing antitheft device. GM's submission is a
complete petition, as required by 49 CFR 543.9(d), in that it meets the
general requirements contained in 49 CFR 543.5 and the specific content
requirements of 49 CFR 543.6 GM's petition provides a detailed
description of the identity, design and location of the components of
the antitheft system proposed for installation beginning with the 2006
model year.
GM's petition also informed the agency of its planned nameplate
change for the Cadillac DeVille to the Cadillac DTS nameplate beginning
with the 2006 model year. GM stated that the Cadillac DeVille will
continue to be built on the existing ``K'' car platform from which the
Cadillac DeVille line is currently built.
GM stated that the current antitheft device (``PASS-Key III'')
installed on the Cadillac DeVille vehicle line provides protection
against unauthorized starting and fueling of the vehicle engine.
GM stated that the antitheft device is designed to be active at all
times without direct intervention by the vehicle operator, and that no
specific or discrete security system action is necessary to achieve
protection of the device. The device is fully armed immediately after
the vehicle has been turned off and the key has been removed.
[[Page 18458]]
GM stated that the PASS-Key III device utilizes a special ignition
key and decoder module. The mechanic code of the key unlocks and
releases the transmission lever. The vehicle can only be operated when
the key's electrical code is sensed by the key cylinder and properly
decoded by the controller module.
GM also states that the ignition key contains electronics in the
key head that receives energy from the controller module. Upon receipt
of the data from the controller module, the key transmits a unique code
through low frequency transmission. The controller module translates
the received signal from the key into a digital signal which is
transmitted to the body control module (BCM). The received signal is
compared to an internally stored value by the BCM. If the values match,
the key is recognized as valid and a vehicle security password is
transmitted through data link to the engine control module to enable
fuel and starting of the vehicle.
In GM's petition to modify its exemption, it stated that its
Cadillac DTS vehicle line will be equipped with the PASS-Key III+ theft
deterrent device for MY 2006. The PASS-Key III+ device will continue to
provide protection against unauthorized starting and fueling of the
vehicle engine. Components of the modified antitheft device include a
special ignition key and decoder module. The conventional mechanical
code of the key will continue to unlock and release the transmission
lever. Before the vehicle can be operated, the key's electrical code
must be sensed and properly decoded by the PASS-Kay III+ control
module. The ignition key contains electronics molded into the key head.
These electronics receive energy and data from the control module. Upon
receipt of the data, the key will calculate a response to the data
using secret information and an internal encryption algorithm, and
transmit the response back to the vehicle. The controller module
translates the radio frequency signal received from the key into a
digital signal and compares the received response to an internally
calculated value. If the values match, the key is recognized as valid,
and a vehicle security password (one of 65,534), is transmitted through
a serial data link to the powertrain control module to enable fuel and
starting of the vehicle. If an invalid key code is received, the PASS-
Key III+ controller module will send a disable password to the
powertrain control module through the serial data bus, and the ignition
and fuel systems will be inhibited. GM also stated that the PASS-Key
III+ device has the capability for producing billions of codes,
requiring centuries to scan them to allow someone to steal a vehicle.
GM also stated that although its modified antitheft device provides
protection against unauthorized starting and fueling of the vehicle, it
does not provide any visible or audible indication of unauthorized
entry by means of flashing vehicle light or sounding of the horn. Since
the system is fully operational once the vehicle has been turned off,
specific visible or audible reminders beyond key removal reminders have
not been provided. Based on comparison of the reduction in the theft
creates of GM vehicles using a passive theft deterrent device with an
audible/visible alarm system to the reduction in theft rates for GM
vehicle models equipped with a passive antitheft device without an
alarm, GM finds that the lack of an alarm or attention attracting
device does not compromise the theft deterrent performance of a system
such as PASS-Key III+. The agency has previously agreed with the
finding that the absence of a visible or audible alarm has not
prevented these antitheft devices from being effective protection
against theft.
In order to ensure the reliability and durability of the device, GM
conducted tests based on its own specified standards. GM provided a
detailed list of tests conducted and believes that its device is
reliable and durable since the device complied with its specified
requirements for each test. The tests conducted included high and low
temperature storage, thermal shock, humidity, frost, salt fog,
flammability, altitude, drop, shock, random vibration, dust, potential
contaminants, connector retention/strain relief, terminal retention,
connector insertion, crush, ice, immersion and tumbling. Additionally,
GM stated that the design and assembly processes of the PASS-Key III+
device and components are validated for a vehicle life of 10 years and
150,000 miles of performance.
GM compared its MY 2006 antitheft device with devices which NHTSA
has already determined to be as effective in reducing and deterring
motor vehicle theft as would compliance with the parts-marking
requirements. To substantiate its beliefs as to the effectiveness of
the new device, GM compared the MY 2006 modified device to its other
``PASS-Key''-like systems. GM indicated that the theft rates, as
reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime
Information Center, are lower for GM models equipped with the ``PASS-
Key''-like systems which have exemptions from the parts-marking
requirements of 49 CFR part 541, than the theft rates for earlier
models with similar appearance and construction which were parts-
marked. Based on the performance of the PASS-Key, PASS-Key II, and
PASS-Key III systems on other GM models, and the advanced technology
utilized by the modification, GM believes that the MY 2006 modified
antitheft device will be more effective in deterring theft than the
parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541.
On the basis of this comparison, GM stated that its antitheft
device (PASS-Key III+) for model years 2006 and later will provide
essentially the same functions and features as found on its MY 1993-
2005 ``PASS-Key''-like devices and therefore will provide at least the
same level of theft prevention as parts-marking. GM believes that the
antitheft device proposed for installation on its MY 2006 Cadillac DTS
vehicle line is likely to be as effective in reducing thefts as
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of part 541.
The agency has evaluated GM's MY 2006 petition to modify the
exemption for the Cadillac DTS vehicle line from the parts-marking
requirements of 49 CFR part 541, and has decided to grant it. It has
determined that the PASS-Key III+ system is likely to be as effective
as parts-marking in preventing and deterring theft of these vehicles,
and therefore qualifies for an exemption under 49 CFR part 543. The
agency believes that the modified device will continue to provide four
of the five types of performance listed in section 543.6(b)(3):
promoting activation; preventing defeat or circumventing of the device
by unauthorized persons; preventing operation of the vehicle by
unauthorized entrants; and ensuring the reliability and durability of
the device.
NHTSA suggests that if the manufacturer contemplates making any
changes, the effects of which might be characterized as de minimis, it
should consult the agency before preparing and submitting a petition to
modify.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 33106; delegation of authority at 49 CFR
1.50.
Issued on: April 1, 2005.
Roger A. Saul,
Director, Crashworthiness Standards.
[FR Doc. 05-7199 Filed 4-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-M
