Decision That Nonconforming 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant Passenger Cars Are Eligible for Importation, 23986-23988 [E6-6135]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
23986
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 79 / Tuesday, April 25, 2006 / Notices
public airport at an estimated value of
$2,400.00 annually.
Any person may inspect the request
in person at the FAA office listed above
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
In addition, any person may, upon
request, inspect the application, notice
and other documents germane to the
application in person at the Searcy
County Municipal Airport.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 6,
2006.
Kelvin L. Solco,
Manager, Airports Division.
[FR Doc. 06–3756 Filed 4–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–M
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
Environmental Impact Statement:
Pellissippi Parkway Extension (State
Route 162), Blount County, TN
Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Intent.
wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) is issuing this
notice to advise the public that an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
will be prepared for a proposed highway
project in Blount County, Tennessee.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Karen M. Brunelle, Planning and
Program Management Team Leader,
Federal Highway Administration—
Tennessee Division Office, 640
Grassmere Park Road, Suite 112,
Nashville, TN 37211, 615–781–5772.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
proposed project would construct an
extension of Pellissippi Parkway (State
Route 162) from State Route 33 to U.S.
321 (State Route 73) in Blount County,
Tennessee, a distance of approximately
4.4 miles. The extension of Pellissippi
Parkway is considered necessary to
improve regional and local accessibility
for the general public as well as
emergency vehicles, to improve traffic
capacity on the existing roadway
system, to provide system linkage, and
to improve safety conditions on U.S.
129 (State Route 115) and U.S. 321.
Alternatives under consideration
include: (1) No-Build; (2) Transportation
System Management (TSM) activities;
(3) upgrade existing roadways; (4) Mass
Transit; and (5) one or more alternatives
that would construct a new roadway on
a new location.
Two public scoping meetings will be
held in the project corridor. As part of
the scoping process, Federal, state, and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:59 Apr 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
local agencies and officials; private
organizations; citizens; and interest
groups will have an opportunity to
provide input into the development of
the Environmental Impact Statement
and identify issues of concern. A Public
Involvement Plan has been developed to
include the public in the project
development process. This plan
proposes utilizing the following
outreach efforts to provide information
and solicit input: newsletters, the
Internet, e-mail and direct mail,
informal meetings and briefings, public
information meetings, public hearings
and other efforts as necessary and
appropriate. A public hearing will be
held upon completion of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement and
public notice will be given of the time
and place of the hearing. The Draft EIS
will be available for public and agency
review and comment prior to the public
hearings.
To ensure that the full range of issues
related to this proposed action are
identified and taken into account,
comments and suggestions are invited
from all interested parties. Comments
and questions concerning the proposed
action should be directed to the FHWA
contact person identified above at the
address provided above.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning
and Construction. The regulations
implementing Executive Order 12372
regarding intergovernmental consultation on
Federal programs and activities apply to this
proposed program.).
Issued on: April 19, 2006.
Karen M. Brunelle,
Planning and Program Mgmt. Team Leader,
Nashville, TN.
[FR Doc. E6–6141 Filed 4–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA–2004–17672; Notice 2]
Decision That Nonconforming 2003
Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant Passenger
Cars Are Eligible for Importation
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of decision by the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration that nonconforming
2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant
passenger cars are eligible for
importation.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document announces a
decision by the National Highway
PO 00000
Frm 00093
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
that certain 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6
Avant passenger cars that were not
originally manufactured to comply with
all applicable Federal motor vehicle
safety standards (FMVSS) are eligible
for importation into the United States
because they are substantially similar to
vehicles originally manufactured for
importation into and sale in the United
States and that were certified by their
manufacturer as complying with the
safety standards (the U.S. certified
version of the 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6
Avant passenger cars), and they are
capable of being readily altered to
conform to the standards.
DATES: This decision was effective July
9, 2004. The agency notified the
petitioner at that time that the subject
vehicles are eligible for importation.
This document provides public notice
of the eligibility decision.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Coleman Sachs, Office of Vehicle Safety
Compliance, NHTSA (202–366–3151).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), a
motor vehicle that was not originally
manufactured to conform to all
applicable FMVSS shall be refused
admission into the United States unless
NHTSA has decided that the motor
vehicle is substantially similar to a
motor vehicle originally manufactured
for importation into and sale in the
United States, certified as required
under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and of the same
model year as the model of the motor
vehicle to be compared, and is capable
of being readily altered to conform to all
applicable FMVSS.
Petitions for eligibility decisions may
be submitted by either manufacturers or
importers who have registered with
NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR part 592. As
specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA
publishes notice in the Federal Register
of each petition that it receives, and
affords interested persons an
opportunity to comment on the petition.
At the close of the comment period,
NHTSA decides, on the basis of the
petition and any comments that it has
received, whether the vehicle is eligible
for importation. The agency then
publishes this decision in the Federal
Register.
Webautoworld (Web) of Pompano
Beach, Florida (Registered Importer 02–
295), petitioned NHTSA to decide
whether 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant
passenger cars are eligible for
importation into the United States.
NHTSA published a notice of the
petition on May 6, 2004 (69 FR 25460)
E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM
25APN1
wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 79 / Tuesday, April 25, 2006 / Notices
to afford an opportunity for public
comment. The reader is referred to that
notice for a thorough description of the
petition.
One comment was received in
response to the notice of petition, from
Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VW), the
U.S. representative of the vehicle’s
original manufacturer. VW’s comment
addressed issues it believed Web had
overlooked in describing alterations
necessary to conform 2003 Audi RS6
and RS6 Avant models to numerous
FMVSS as well as to the Bumper
Standard and the Theft Prevention
Standard. The agency accorded Web an
opportunity to respond to the issues
raised by VW. VW’s comments, Web’s
responses, and NHTSA’s analysis are set
forth below for each of the issues that
VW raised.
(1) 49 CFR part 541, Theft Prevention
Standard: The petition stated that the
A6 carline was not on the high theft list.
VW stated that the A6 carline is a high
theft carline, but had been exempted
from the parts marking requirements
because the vehicles are equipped with
an anti-theft device. VW further stated
that non-conforming vehicles must be
inspected for the presence of equivalent
anti-theft systems. Web responded that
it will ensure that anti-theft systems,
equivalent to those installed in U.S.model vehicles, are installed in the
vehicles.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The agency notes
that Theft Prevention Standard
compliance issues are not directly
relevant to an import eligibility
decision, as such a decision is to be
based on the capability of a non-U.S.
certified vehicle to be altered to conform
to the FMVSS, and the Theft Standard
is not an FMVSS. However, because a
vehicle that is not originally
manufactured to comply with the Theft
Prevention Standard must be modified
to comply with the standard before it
can be imported into the United States,
conformance with the Theft Prevention
Standard must be shown in the
conformity package submitted to
NHTSA to allow release of the DOT
conformance bond furnished at the time
of importation.
(2) 49 CFR part 581, Bumper
Standard: The petition stated that the
bumpers and bumper support structures
in the non-U.S. certified model are the
same as those in the U.S. certified
model. VW stated that non-U.S. certified
vehicles have bumper systems that do
not comply with the Bumper Standard.
Web responded that it will install U.S.model bumper systems on the non-U.S.
certified vehicles.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The agency notes
that Bumper Standard compliance
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:59 Apr 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
issues are not directly relevant to an
import eligibility decision, as such a
decision is to be based on the capability
of a non-U.S. certified vehicle to be
altered to conform to the FMVSS, and
the Bumper Standard is not an FMVSS.
However, because a vehicle that is not
originally manufactured to comply with
the Bumper Standard must be modified
to comply with the standard before it
can be admitted permanently into the
United States, conformance with the
Bumper Standard must be shown in the
conformity package submitted to
NHTSA to allow release of the DOT
conformance bond furnished at the time
of importation.
(3) FMVSS No. 118 Power-Operated
Window Partition, and Roof Panel
Systems: The petition stated that the
systems in the non-U.S. certified model
are identical to those in the U.S.
certified model. VW stated that the
remote controlled window closing
feature on the non-U.S. certified model
had not been certified to paragraphs S4
and S5 of FMVSS No. 118. Web
responded that the remote controlled
window closing feature will be modified
or replaced to assure compliance with
the standard.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The modifications
needed to comply with this standard
would not preclude the vehicle from
being deemed eligible for importation.
Conformity packages submitted for
vehicles imported under the decision
must demonstrate that the vehicle is
equipped with a power-operated
window partition and roof panel system
that conforms to the standard.
(4) FMVSS No. 225 Child Restraint
Anchorage Systems: The petition stated
that the systems in the non-U.S.
certified model are identical to those in
the U.S. model. VW stated that non-U.S.
certified model vehicles do not comply
with the standard as originally
manufactured because they do not have
top tether anchorages and the locations
of the lower anchorages are not marked.
Web responded that top tether
anchorages, similar to those installed in
the U.S. certified version, will be
installed to meet the requirements of
paragraph S6 of the standard. Web also
stated that conforming lower anchorages
will be installed in vehicles not already
so equipped, and that lower anchorage
location markings will be installed to
conform to the requirements of
paragraph S9 of the standard.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The modifications
Web identified as needed to comply
with the standard would not preclude
the vehicle from being deemed eligible
for importation. Conformity packages
submitted for vehicles imported under
the decision must demonstrate that the
PO 00000
Frm 00094
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
23987
vehicle is equipped with a child
restraint anchorage system that
conforms to the standard.
(5) FMVSS No. 201 Occupant
Protection in Interior Impact: The
petition stated that the systems in the
non-U.S. certified model are identical to
those in the U.S. certified model. VW
stated that non-U.S. certified vehicles
do not comply with the standard as
originally manufactured because they
do not include all of the interior trim
components required for certification to
the impact requirements of the standard.
Web responded that U.S. certified
model A-pillar, upper window frame,
and support covers above the
passenger’s heads will be installed in
the vehicles to meet the requirements of
the standard.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The modifications
Web identified as needed to comply
with the standard would not preclude
the vehicle from being deemed eligible
for importation. Conformity packages
submitted for vehicles imported under
the decision must demonstrate that the
vehicle is equipped with components
that conform to the standard.
(6) FMVSS No. 207 Seating Systems:
The petition stated that the systems in
the non-U.S. certified model are
identical to those in the U.S. certified
model. VW stated that front seats in
non-U.S. certified model vehicles had
not been certified to FMVSS No. 207.
Web responded that front seats will be
replaced with U.S.-model components
on vehicles that are not already so
equipped to meet the requirements of
the standard.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The modifications
Web identified as needed to comply
with the standard would not preclude
the vehicle from being deemed eligible
for importation. Conformity packages
submitted for vehicles imported under
the decision must demonstrate that the
vehicle is equipped with a seating
system that conforms to the standard.
(7) FMVSS No. 208 Occupant Crash
Protection: VW stated that in addition to
the modifications identified in the
petition, non-U.S. certified models are
not equipped with knee bolsters, and
that the air bag control modules in those
vehicles are different. Web responded
that U.S.-model knee bolsters will be
installed. Web also stated that the air
bag control module will be
reprogrammed or replaced as required
to assure functionality based on the
requirements of the standard.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The modifications
Web identified as needed to comply
with the standard would not preclude
the vehicle from being deemed eligible
for importation. Conformity packages
submitted for vehicles imported under
E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM
25APN1
23988
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 79 / Tuesday, April 25, 2006 / Notices
the decision must demonstrate that the
vehicle is equipped with an occupant
crash protection system that conforms to
the standard.
(8) FMVSS No. 209 Seat Belt
Assemblies: The petition stated that the
seat belt assemblies in the non-U.S.
certified model are identical to those in
the U.S. certified model. VW stated that
the rear seat belt load limiters in the
non-U.S. certified model vehicles had
not been certified to the requirements of
FMVSS No. 209. Web responded that
rear seat belts and load limiters that
conform to the requirements of the
standard will be installed in the
vehicles.
NHTSA’s Analysis: The modifications
Web identified as needed to comply
with the standard would not prelude the
vehicle from being deemed eligible for
importation. Conformity packages
submitted for vehicles imported under
the decision must demonstrate that the
vehicle is equipped with seat belts that
conform to the standard.
Conclusion
In view of the above considerations,
NHTSA decided to grant the petition.
Vehicle Eligibility Number for Subject
Vehicles
The importer of a vehicle admissible
under any final decision must indicate
on the form HS–7 accompanying entry
the appropriate vehicle eligibility
number indicating that the vehicle is
eligible for entry. VSP–443 is the
vehicle eligibility number assigned to
vehicles admissible under this notice of
final decision.
Final Decision
Accordingly, on the basis of the
foregoing, NHTSA decided that 2003
Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant passenger cars
that were not originally manufactured to
comply with all applicable FMVSS, are
substantially similar to 2003 Audi RS6
and RS6 Avant passenger cars originally
manufactured for importation into and
sale in the United States and certified
under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and are capable
of being readily altered to conform to all
applicable FMVSS.
wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A) and
(b)(1); 49 CFR 593.8; delegations of authority
at 49 CFR 1.50 and 501.8.
Claude H. Harris,
Director, Office of Vehicle, Safety
Compliance.
[FR Doc. E6–6135 Filed 4–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:59 Apr 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service
Proposed Collection; Comment
Request for Revenue Procedure 97–29
Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
Treasury.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Department of the
Treasury, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent
burden, invites the general public and
other Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on proposed
and/or continuing information
collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
Public Law 104–13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is
soliciting comments concerning
Revenue Procedure 97–29, Model
Amendments and Prototype Program for
SIMPLE IRAs.
DATES: Written comments should be
received on or before June 26, 2006 to
be assured of consideration.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments
to Glenn Kirkland, Internal Revenue
Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the regulations should be
directed to Larnice Mack at Internal
Revenue Service, room 6512, 1111
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20224, or at (202) 622–3179, or
through the Internet at
Larnice.Mack@irs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Model Amendments and
Prototype Program for SIMPLE IRAs.
OMB Number: 1545–1543.
Revenue Procedure Number: Revenue
Procedure 97–29.
Abstract: Revenue Procedure 97–29
provides guidance to drafters of
prototype SIMPLE IRAs on obtaining
opinion letters and provides permissive
amendments to sponsors of nonSIMPLE
IRAs.
Current Actions: There are no changes
being made to the revenue procedure at
this time.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations, and not-for-profit
institutions.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
3,205.
Estimated Time Per Respondent: 8
hours, 4 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Reporting
Burden hours: 25,870.
PO 00000
Frm 00095
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
The following paragraph applies to all
the collections of information covered
by this notice:
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information
unless the collection of information
displays a valid OMB control number.
Books or records relating to a collection
of information must be retained as long
as their contents may become material
in the administration of any internal
revenue law. Generally, tax returns and
tax return information are confidential,
as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.
Request for Comments: Comments
submitted in response to this notice will
be summarized and/or included in the
request for OMB approval. All
comments will become a matter of
public record. Comments are invited on:
(a) Whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate
of the burden of the collection of
information; (c) ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; (d) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of
information on respondents, including
through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information
technology; and (e) estimates of capital
or start-up costs and costs of operation,
maintenance, and purchase of services
to provide information.
Approved: April 17, 2006.
Glenn Kirkland,
IRS Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E6–6127 Filed 4–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service
Proposed Collection; Comment
Request for Revenue Procedure 2003–
37
Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
Treasury.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Department of the
Treasury, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent
burden, invites the general public and
other Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on proposed
and/or continuing information
collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
Public Law 104–13 (44 U.S.C.
E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM
25APN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23986-23988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6135]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA-2004-17672; Notice 2]
Decision That Nonconforming 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant Passenger
Cars Are Eligible for Importation
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of decision by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration that nonconforming 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant passenger
cars are eligible for importation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document announces a decision by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that certain 2003 Audi RS6 and
RS6 Avant passenger cars that were not originally manufactured to
comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards
(FMVSS) are eligible for importation into the United States because
they are substantially similar to vehicles originally manufactured for
importation into and sale in the United States and that were certified
by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.
certified version of the 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant passenger cars),
and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the
standards.
DATES: This decision was effective July 9, 2004. The agency notified
the petitioner at that time that the subject vehicles are eligible for
importation. This document provides public notice of the eligibility
decision.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Coleman Sachs, Office of Vehicle
Safety Compliance, NHTSA (202-366-3151).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), a motor vehicle that was not
originally manufactured to conform to all applicable FMVSS shall be
refused admission into the United States unless NHTSA has decided that
the motor vehicle is substantially similar to a motor vehicle
originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the United
States, certified as required under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and of the same
model year as the model of the motor vehicle to be compared, and is
capable of being readily altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS.
Petitions for eligibility decisions may be submitted by either
manufacturers or importers who have registered with NHTSA pursuant to
49 CFR part 592. As specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA publishes notice
in the Federal Register of each petition that it receives, and affords
interested persons an opportunity to comment on the petition. At the
close of the comment period, NHTSA decides, on the basis of the
petition and any comments that it has received, whether the vehicle is
eligible for importation. The agency then publishes this decision in
the Federal Register.
Webautoworld (Web) of Pompano Beach, Florida (Registered Importer
02-295), petitioned NHTSA to decide whether 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant
passenger cars are eligible for importation into the United States.
NHTSA published a notice of the petition on May 6, 2004 (69 FR 25460)
[[Page 23987]]
to afford an opportunity for public comment. The reader is referred to
that notice for a thorough description of the petition.
One comment was received in response to the notice of petition,
from Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VW), the U.S. representative of the
vehicle's original manufacturer. VW's comment addressed issues it
believed Web had overlooked in describing alterations necessary to
conform 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant models to numerous FMVSS as well as
to the Bumper Standard and the Theft Prevention Standard. The agency
accorded Web an opportunity to respond to the issues raised by VW. VW's
comments, Web's responses, and NHTSA's analysis are set forth below for
each of the issues that VW raised.
(1) 49 CFR part 541, Theft Prevention Standard: The petition stated
that the A6 carline was not on the high theft list. VW stated that the
A6 carline is a high theft carline, but had been exempted from the
parts marking requirements because the vehicles are equipped with an
anti-theft device. VW further stated that non-conforming vehicles must
be inspected for the presence of equivalent anti-theft systems. Web
responded that it will ensure that anti-theft systems, equivalent to
those installed in U.S.-model vehicles, are installed in the vehicles.
NHTSA's Analysis: The agency notes that Theft Prevention Standard
compliance issues are not directly relevant to an import eligibility
decision, as such a decision is to be based on the capability of a non-
U.S. certified vehicle to be altered to conform to the FMVSS, and the
Theft Standard is not an FMVSS. However, because a vehicle that is not
originally manufactured to comply with the Theft Prevention Standard
must be modified to comply with the standard before it can be imported
into the United States, conformance with the Theft Prevention Standard
must be shown in the conformity package submitted to NHTSA to allow
release of the DOT conformance bond furnished at the time of
importation.
(2) 49 CFR part 581, Bumper Standard: The petition stated that the
bumpers and bumper support structures in the non-U.S. certified model
are the same as those in the U.S. certified model. VW stated that non-
U.S. certified vehicles have bumper systems that do not comply with the
Bumper Standard. Web responded that it will install U.S.-model bumper
systems on the non-U.S. certified vehicles.
NHTSA's Analysis: The agency notes that Bumper Standard compliance
issues are not directly relevant to an import eligibility decision, as
such a decision is to be based on the capability of a non-U.S.
certified vehicle to be altered to conform to the FMVSS, and the Bumper
Standard is not an FMVSS. However, because a vehicle that is not
originally manufactured to comply with the Bumper Standard must be
modified to comply with the standard before it can be admitted
permanently into the United States, conformance with the Bumper
Standard must be shown in the conformity package submitted to NHTSA to
allow release of the DOT conformance bond furnished at the time of
importation.
(3) FMVSS No. 118 Power-Operated Window Partition, and Roof Panel
Systems: The petition stated that the systems in the non-U.S. certified
model are identical to those in the U.S. certified model. VW stated
that the remote controlled window closing feature on the non-U.S.
certified model had not been certified to paragraphs S4 and S5 of FMVSS
No. 118. Web responded that the remote controlled window closing
feature will be modified or replaced to assure compliance with the
standard.
NHTSA's Analysis: The modifications needed to comply with this
standard would not preclude the vehicle from being deemed eligible for
importation. Conformity packages submitted for vehicles imported under
the decision must demonstrate that the vehicle is equipped with a
power-operated window partition and roof panel system that conforms to
the standard.
(4) FMVSS No. 225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems: The petition
stated that the systems in the non-U.S. certified model are identical
to those in the U.S. model. VW stated that non-U.S. certified model
vehicles do not comply with the standard as originally manufactured
because they do not have top tether anchorages and the locations of the
lower anchorages are not marked. Web responded that top tether
anchorages, similar to those installed in the U.S. certified version,
will be installed to meet the requirements of paragraph S6 of the
standard. Web also stated that conforming lower anchorages will be
installed in vehicles not already so equipped, and that lower anchorage
location markings will be installed to conform to the requirements of
paragraph S9 of the standard.
NHTSA's Analysis: The modifications Web identified as needed to
comply with the standard would not preclude the vehicle from being
deemed eligible for importation. Conformity packages submitted for
vehicles imported under the decision must demonstrate that the vehicle
is equipped with a child restraint anchorage system that conforms to
the standard.
(5) FMVSS No. 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact: The
petition stated that the systems in the non-U.S. certified model are
identical to those in the U.S. certified model. VW stated that non-U.S.
certified vehicles do not comply with the standard as originally
manufactured because they do not include all of the interior trim
components required for certification to the impact requirements of the
standard. Web responded that U.S. certified model A-pillar, upper
window frame, and support covers above the passenger's heads will be
installed in the vehicles to meet the requirements of the standard.
NHTSA's Analysis: The modifications Web identified as needed to
comply with the standard would not preclude the vehicle from being
deemed eligible for importation. Conformity packages submitted for
vehicles imported under the decision must demonstrate that the vehicle
is equipped with components that conform to the standard.
(6) FMVSS No. 207 Seating Systems: The petition stated that the
systems in the non-U.S. certified model are identical to those in the
U.S. certified model. VW stated that front seats in non-U.S. certified
model vehicles had not been certified to FMVSS No. 207. Web responded
that front seats will be replaced with U.S.-model components on
vehicles that are not already so equipped to meet the requirements of
the standard.
NHTSA's Analysis: The modifications Web identified as needed to
comply with the standard would not preclude the vehicle from being
deemed eligible for importation. Conformity packages submitted for
vehicles imported under the decision must demonstrate that the vehicle
is equipped with a seating system that conforms to the standard.
(7) FMVSS No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: VW stated that in
addition to the modifications identified in the petition, non-U.S.
certified models are not equipped with knee bolsters, and that the air
bag control modules in those vehicles are different. Web responded that
U.S.-model knee bolsters will be installed. Web also stated that the
air bag control module will be reprogrammed or replaced as required to
assure functionality based on the requirements of the standard.
NHTSA's Analysis: The modifications Web identified as needed to
comply with the standard would not preclude the vehicle from being
deemed eligible for importation. Conformity packages submitted for
vehicles imported under
[[Page 23988]]
the decision must demonstrate that the vehicle is equipped with an
occupant crash protection system that conforms to the standard.
(8) FMVSS No. 209 Seat Belt Assemblies: The petition stated that
the seat belt assemblies in the non-U.S. certified model are identical
to those in the U.S. certified model. VW stated that the rear seat belt
load limiters in the non-U.S. certified model vehicles had not been
certified to the requirements of FMVSS No. 209. Web responded that rear
seat belts and load limiters that conform to the requirements of the
standard will be installed in the vehicles.
NHTSA's Analysis: The modifications Web identified as needed to
comply with the standard would not prelude the vehicle from being
deemed eligible for importation. Conformity packages submitted for
vehicles imported under the decision must demonstrate that the vehicle
is equipped with seat belts that conform to the standard.
Conclusion
In view of the above considerations, NHTSA decided to grant the
petition.
Vehicle Eligibility Number for Subject Vehicles
The importer of a vehicle admissible under any final decision must
indicate on the form HS-7 accompanying entry the appropriate vehicle
eligibility number indicating that the vehicle is eligible for entry.
VSP-443 is the vehicle eligibility number assigned to vehicles
admissible under this notice of final decision.
Final Decision
Accordingly, on the basis of the foregoing, NHTSA decided that 2003
Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant passenger cars that were not originally
manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS, are substantially
similar to 2003 Audi RS6 and RS6 Avant passenger cars originally
manufactured for importation into and sale in the United States and
certified under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and are capable of being readily
altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A) and (b)(1); 49 CFR 593.8;
delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 and 501.8.
Claude H. Harris,
Director, Office of Vehicle, Safety Compliance.
[FR Doc. E6-6135 Filed 4-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
