Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Daimler AG, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 4421-4422 [2011-1416]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 16 / Tuesday, January 25, 2011 / Notices In its petition OSRAM SYLVANIA argues that the noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety for the following reasons: (1) The noncompliance in this case pertains solely to the failure of the subject light sources to meet the applicable markings requirements. (2) ‘‘H11 C’’ light sources are designed to be completely interchangeable with the original ‘‘H11’’ light sources. When Philips Lighting B.V., submitted its modification to the ‘‘H11’’ light source specification that became the ‘‘H11 C’’ specification it certified that use of the ‘‘H11 C’’ light source will not create a noncompliance with any requirement of FMVSS No. 108 when used to replace ‘‘H11’’ light source in a headlamp certified by its manufacturer as conforming to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Subject ‘‘H11 C’’ light sources are designed to conform to Part 564 Docket NHTSA 98– 3397–81 including the additional requirements under IX. In other words, inadvertent installation of a subject ‘‘H11 C’’ light source in place of an ‘‘H11’’ light source—or vice versa—will not create a noncompliance with any of the performance or interchangeability requirements of FMVSS No. 108 (including beam pattern photometrics) or otherwise present an increased risk to motor vehicle safety. (3) ‘‘H11 C’’ light sources have the same filament position, dimension and tolerances, capsule and capsule support dimensions, bulb base interchangeability dimensions, seal specifications, and electrical specifications as the ‘‘H11.’’ The only difference between the ‘‘H11’’ light source and the ‘‘H11 C’’ light source is that the ‘‘H11 C’’ provides for the light transmitting portion of the glass wall to incorporate a color controlling optical filter in order to improve visibility.2 (4) The agency has concluded in previous similar petitions that a noncompliance is inconsequential when mismarked light sources are otherwise fully compliant with the performance requirements of the standard. Supported by the above stated reasons, OSRAM SYLVANIA believes that the described FMVSS No. 108 noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety, and that its petition, to exempt it from providing recall notification of noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and remedying the recall noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30120, should be granted. 2 Petition for ‘‘H11 C’’ Replaceable Light Sources Listing, Docket NHTSA 98–3397–81, November 1, 2007. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:40 Jan 24, 2011 Jkt 223001 Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the docket and notice number cited at the beginning of this notice and be submitted by any of the following methods: a. By mail addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. b. By hand delivery to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Section is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Federal Holidays. c. Electronically: by logging onto the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Web site at https:// www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Comments may also be faxed to 1–202– 493–2251. Comments must be written in the English language, and be no greater than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to the length of necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are submitted in hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are provided. If you wish to receive confirmation that your comments were received, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard with the comments. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Documents submitted to a docket may be viewed by anyone at the address and times given above. The documents may also be viewed on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by following the online instructions for accessing the dockets. DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement is available for review in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78). The petition, supporting materials, and all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated below will be filed and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials received after the closing date will also be filed and will be considered to the extent possible. When the petition is granted or denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated below. Comment closing date: February 24, 2011. PO 00000 Frm 00144 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4421 Authority: (49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: delegations of authority at CFR 1.50 and 501.8) Issued on: January 18, 2011. Claude H. Harris, Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement. [FR Doc. 2011–1417 Filed 1–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2010–0178; Notice 1] Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Daimler AG, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) 1 on behalf of itself and on behalf of its parent company Daimler AG (DAG) has determined that certain 2002–2009 GClass multipurpose vehicles, equipped with headlamp grill shields, that were manufactured from September 2002 through August 2008, fail to meet the requirements of paragraph S7.8.5 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. MB has filed an appropriate report pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports, dated September 27, 2010. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see implementing rule at 49 CFR part 556), MBUSA has petitioned for an exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. This notice of receipt of MB’s petition is published under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the petition. MBUSA estimates that approximately 1,938 2002–2009 G-Class multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with headlamp grill shields are affected. The vehicles were manufactured by its parent company DAG from September 2002 through August 2008. NHTSA notes that the statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h)) that permit manufacturers to file petitions for a determination of inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to 1 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA), is organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. MBUSA is the importer of the subject vehicles and Daimler AG is the manufacturer of the vehicles. Daimler AG is organized under the laws of Germany. E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM 25JAN1 4422 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 16 / Tuesday, January 25, 2011 / Notices exempt manufacturers only from the duties found in sections 30118 and 30120, respectively, to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers of a defect or noncompliance and to remedy the defect or noncompliance. Paragraph S7.8.5 of FMVSS No. 108 requires: mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES S7.8.5 When activated in a steady-burning state, headlamps shall not have any styling ornament or other feature, such as a translucent cover or grill, in front of the lens. Headlamp wipers may be used in front of the lens provided that the headlamp system is designed to conform with all applicable photometric requirements with the wiper stopped in any position in front of the lens. When a headlamp system is installed on a motor vehicle, it shall be aimable with at least one of the following: An externally applied aiming device, as specified in S7.8.5.1; an on-vehicle headlamp aiming device installed by the vehicle or lamp manufacturer, as specified in S7.8.5.2; or by visual/optical means, as specified in S7.8.5.3. MB described the noncompliance as the presence of protective grills mounted in front of the headlamps. In its petition MBUSA argues that the noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety for the following reasons: (1) The standard does not account for a headlamp grill that does not pose any risk of scratching or condensation buildup, force the beam to pass through an additional layer of glazing, or cause deterioration of photometric performance due to the presence of a grill. The design of the G-Class grill allows full luminosity, in compliance with the performance requirements of FMVSS No. 108 and creates no interference with the normal, long-term operation of the headlamps. Accordingly, as with the stated exception in FMVSS No. 108 for headlamp wipers, MBUSA petitions that this protected safety device, like wipers, should be allowed on the affected vehicles. (2) The grills are attached with clamping screws to the vehicle body. The screws and grills do not touch the headlamp assemblies in any way, eliminating any possibility of scratching or cracking the headlamps. The grills also provide additional protection against environmental conditions to ensure long-term performance of the headlamps. (3) Rather than degrade the long term luminosity of the headlamps, the grills promote performance by protecting the headlamps from debris and other environmental conditions. (4) Photometric testing conducted in 2006 shows that the headlamps meet all performance requirements with the grills intact. VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:39 Jan 24, 2011 Jkt 223001 (5) DAG also tested headlamps that had been mounted on a vehicle with a grill since October 2006. The photometric performance of these headlamps still showed no accelerated deterioration nor any other indications of affected use. (6) To date, MBUSA has received no reports of any concerns relating to the grills or any indications that the grills in any way interfere with the performance of the vehicle’s lighting. Supported by the above stated reasons, MB believes that the described FMVSS No. 108 noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety, and that its petition, to exempt it from providing recall notification of noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and remedying the recall noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30120, should be granted. Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the docket and notice number cited at the beginning of this notice and be submitted by any of the following methods: a. By mail addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. b. By hand delivery to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Section is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Federal holidays. c. Electronically: By logging onto the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Web site at https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Comments may also be faxed to 1–202– 493–2251. Comments must be written in the English language, and be no greater than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to the length of necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are submitted in hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are provided. If you wish to receive confirmation that your comments were received, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard with the comments. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Documents submitted to a docket may be viewed by anyone at the address and times given above. The documents may also be viewed on the Internet at PO 00000 Frm 00145 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 https://www.regulations.gov by following the online instructions for accessing the dockets. DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement is available for review in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78). The petition, supporting materials, and all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated below will be filed and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials received after the closing date will also be filed and will be considered to the extent possible. When the petition is granted or denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated below. Comment Closing Date: February 24, 2011. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: Delegations of authority at CFR 1.50 and 501.8. Issued on: January 18, 2011. Claude H. Harris, Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement. [FR Doc. 2011–1416 Filed 1–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request January 18, 2011. The Department of the Treasury will submit the following public information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 on or after the publication date of this notice. A copy of the submission may be obtained by calling the Bureau Information Clearance Officer listed. Comments regarding this information collection should be addressed to the OMB reviewer listed and to the Treasury PRA Clearance Officer, Department of the Treasury, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Suite 11010, Washington, DC 20220. Written comments should be received on or before February 24, 2011 to be assured of consideration. DATES: Community Development Financial Instutitions (CDFI) Fund OMB Number: 1559–0025. Type of Review: Revision a currently approved collection. Title: Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program Application. Form: CDFI 0009. E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM 25JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 25, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4421-4422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1416]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2010-0178; Notice 1]


Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Daimler AG, Receipt of Petition for 
Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) \1\ on behalf of itself and on 
behalf of its parent company Daimler AG (DAG) has determined that 
certain 2002-2009 G-Class multipurpose vehicles, equipped with headlamp 
grill shields, that were manufactured from September 2002 through 
August 2008, fail to meet the requirements of paragraph S7.8.5 of 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, 
Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. MB has filed an 
appropriate report pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and 
Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports, dated September 27, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA), is organized under the laws 
of the state of Delaware. MBUSA is the importer of the subject 
vehicles and Daimler AG is the manufacturer of the vehicles. Daimler 
AG is organized under the laws of Germany.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see implementing rule 
at 49 CFR part 556), MBUSA has petitioned for an exemption from the 
notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the 
basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle 
safety.
    This notice of receipt of MB's petition is published under 49 
U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or 
other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the petition.
    MBUSA estimates that approximately 1,938 2002-2009 G-Class 
multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with headlamp grill shields 
are affected. The vehicles were manufactured by its parent company DAG 
from September 2002 through August 2008.
    NHTSA notes that the statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 
30120(h)) that permit manufacturers to file petitions for a 
determination of inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to

[[Page 4422]]

exempt manufacturers only from the duties found in sections 30118 and 
30120, respectively, to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers of a 
defect or noncompliance and to remedy the defect or noncompliance.
    Paragraph S7.8.5 of FMVSS No. 108 requires:

    S7.8.5 When activated in a steady-burning state, headlamps shall 
not have any styling ornament or other feature, such as a 
translucent cover or grill, in front of the lens. Headlamp wipers 
may be used in front of the lens provided that the headlamp system 
is designed to conform with all applicable photometric requirements 
with the wiper stopped in any position in front of the lens. When a 
headlamp system is installed on a motor vehicle, it shall be aimable 
with at least one of the following: An externally applied aiming 
device, as specified in S7.8.5.1; an on-vehicle headlamp aiming 
device installed by the vehicle or lamp manufacturer, as specified 
in S7.8.5.2; or by visual/optical means, as specified in S7.8.5.3.

    MB described the noncompliance as the presence of protective grills 
mounted in front of the headlamps.
    In its petition MBUSA argues that the noncompliance is 
inconsequential to motor vehicle safety for the following reasons:
    (1) The standard does not account for a headlamp grill that does 
not pose any risk of scratching or condensation buildup, force the beam 
to pass through an additional layer of glazing, or cause deterioration 
of photometric performance due to the presence of a grill. The design 
of the G-Class grill allows full luminosity, in compliance with the 
performance requirements of FMVSS No. 108 and creates no interference 
with the normal, long-term operation of the headlamps. Accordingly, as 
with the stated exception in FMVSS No. 108 for headlamp wipers, MBUSA 
petitions that this protected safety device, like wipers, should be 
allowed on the affected vehicles.
    (2) The grills are attached with clamping screws to the vehicle 
body. The screws and grills do not touch the headlamp assemblies in any 
way, eliminating any possibility of scratching or cracking the 
headlamps. The grills also provide additional protection against 
environmental conditions to ensure long-term performance of the 
headlamps.
    (3) Rather than degrade the long term luminosity of the headlamps, 
the grills promote performance by protecting the headlamps from debris 
and other environmental conditions.
    (4) Photometric testing conducted in 2006 shows that the headlamps 
meet all performance requirements with the grills intact.
    (5) DAG also tested headlamps that had been mounted on a vehicle 
with a grill since October 2006. The photometric performance of these 
headlamps still showed no accelerated deterioration nor any other 
indications of affected use.
    (6) To date, MBUSA has received no reports of any concerns relating 
to the grills or any indications that the grills in any way interfere 
with the performance of the vehicle's lighting.
    Supported by the above stated reasons, MB believes that the 
described FMVSS No. 108 noncompliance is inconsequential to motor 
vehicle safety, and that its petition, to exempt it from providing 
recall notification of noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 
remedying the recall noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30120, 
should be granted.
    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the docket and 
notice number cited at the beginning of this notice and be submitted by 
any of the following methods:
    a. By mail addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    b. By hand delivery to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Section is open on 
weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Federal holidays.
    c. Electronically: By logging onto the Federal Docket Management 
System (FDMS) Web site at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. Comments may also be faxed to 1-
202-493-2251.
    Comments must be written in the English language, and be no greater 
than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to the length of 
necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are submitted in 
hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are provided. If you wish 
to receive confirmation that your comments were received, please 
enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with the comments. Note that 
all comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
    Documents submitted to a docket may be viewed by anyone at the 
address and times given above. The documents may also be viewed on the 
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by following the online 
instructions for accessing the dockets. DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement is available for review in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
    The petition, supporting materials, and all comments received 
before the close of business on the closing date indicated below will 
be filed and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials 
received after the closing date will also be filed and will be 
considered to the extent possible. When the petition is granted or 
denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal 
Register pursuant to the authority indicated below.
    Comment Closing Date: February 24, 2011.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: Delegations of authority at 
CFR 1.50 and 501.8.

    Issued on: January 18, 2011.
Claude H. Harris,
Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2011-1416 Filed 1-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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