Petition for Exemption From the Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Nissan, 15843-15845 [2012-6411]

Download as PDF 15843 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 52 / Friday, March 16, 2012 / Notices total annual enplanements at Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport. Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use Acquire snow removal equipment (plow). Extend runway 15/33. Construct connector taxiway. Construct south deice pad apron. Improve runway safety area. PFC application and administration fees. Decision Date: February 17, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jesse Lyman, Denver Airports District Office, (303) 342–1262. Public Agency: City of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Application Number: 12–03–C–00– LMT. Application Type: Impose and use a PFC. PFC Level: $4.50. Total PFC Revenue Approved in This Decision: $987,785. Earliest Charge Effective Date: April 1, 2012. Estimated Charge Expiration Date: October 1, 2023. Class of Air Carriers Not Required To Collect PFCs: None. Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use Terminal enhancements. Security enhancements. Construct north end perimeter road. Conduct miscellaneous studies. Rehabilitate runway 14/32. Rehabilitate runway 7/25. Environmental mitigation. Acquire snow removal equipment. PFC administration costs. Decision Date: February 27, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trang Tran, Seattle Airports District Office, (425) 227–1662. AMENDMENTS TO PFC APPROVALS Amendment approved date Amendment No., City, State 03–06–C–01–ACV; Arcata, CA. .......................................... 05–07–C–01–ACV; Arcata, CA. .......................................... 09–03–C–02–PGV; Greenville, NC. .................................... 03–02–C–01–MCW; Mason City, IA. ................................... 08–07–C–01–MOD; Modesto, CA. ...................................... 99–02–C–07–MCI; Kansas City, MO. ................................. 09–09–C–02–BUR; Burbank, CA. ....................................... 09–06–C–01–PUW; Pullman, WA. ...................................... 10–11–C–02–ATL; Atlanta, GA. .......................................... 94–01–C–04–RIC; Richmond, VA. ...................................... 01–04–C–04–RIC; Richmond, VA. ...................................... Issued in Washington, DC on March 8, 2012. Joe Hebert, Manager, Financial Analysis and Passenger Faculty Charge Branch. [FR Doc. 2012–6315 Filed 3–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption. AGENCY: This document grants in full Nissan North America, Inc.’s (Nissan) petition for exemption of the Juke vehicle line in accordance with 49 CFR Part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard. This petition is granted, because the agency has determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:10 Mar 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 $578,450 392,265 596,985 379,500 395,134 7,375,439 21,965,000 255,998 422,480,178 11,847,867 3,401,433 theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). Nissan requested confidential treatment of specific information in its petition by letter dated November 29, 2011. The agency addressed Nissan’s request for confidential treatment by letter dated December 29, 2011. The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with the 2013 model year (MY). DATES: Ms. Carlita Ballard, Office of International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, West Building, W43–439, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Ballard’s telephone number is (202) 366–5222. Her fax number is (202) 493–2990. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Petition for Exemption From the Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Nissan SUMMARY: 2/01/12 2/02/12 2/03/12 2/08/12 2/10/12 2/14/12 2/16/12 2/17/12 2/21/12 2/23/12 2/23/12 Original approved net PFC revenue In a petition dated November 29, 2011, Nissan requested an exemption from the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541) for the MY 2013 Nissan Juke vehicle line. The petition requested an exemption from parts-marking pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard, based on the installation of an antitheft SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Amended approved net PFC revenue $523,597 336,981 396,985 303,061 337,634 6,741,254 24,965,000 271,077 347,373,302 11,846,842 2,647,868 Original estimated charge exp. date 03/01/05 10/01/05 10/01/11 02/01/12 12/01/15 05/01/11 05/01/15 05/01/11 01/01/23 05/01/98 11/01/16 Amended estimated charge exp. date 03/01/05 10/01/05 10/01/11 02/01/12 04/01/12 04/01/11 09/01/15 12/01/10 07/01/22 05/01/98 114/01/16 device as standard equipment for the entire vehicle line. Under § 543.5(a), a manufacturer may petition NHTSA to grant an exemption for one vehicle line per model year. In its petition, Nissan provided a detailed description and diagram of the identity, design and location of the components of the antitheft device for the Juke vehicle line. Nissan will install a passive transponder-based, electronic immobilizer, antitheft device as standard equipment on its Juke vehicle line beginning with MY 2013. Major components of the antitheft device will include an engine control module, immobilizer/body control module (BCM), immobilizer antenna and a security indicator light. Nissan will also install an audible and visible alarm system on the Juke as standard equipment. Nissan stated that activation of the immobilization device occurs automatically when the ignition key is turned to the ‘‘OFF’’ position and all the doors are closed and locked through the use of the key or the remote control mechanism. Deactivation occurs when all the doors are unlocked with the key or remote control mechanism. Nissan’s submission is considered a complete petition as required by 49 CFR 543.7, in that it meets the general requirements E:\FR\FM\16MRN1.SGM 16MRN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 15844 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 52 / Friday, March 16, 2012 / Notices contained in § 543.5 and the specific content requirements of § 543.6. Nissan stated that the immobilizer device prevents normal operation of the vehicle without the use of a special key. Nissan further stated that installation of the theft alarm system in the device has been designed to protect the belongings within the vehicle and the vehicle itself from being stolen when the back door and all of the side doors are closed and locked. The alarm system is activated when any attempt is made to open any of the vehicle doors without the use of the key or remote control mechanism. Nissan stated that when the alarm is activated, the head lamps will flash and the horn will sound. Nissan stated that deactivation of the alarm can only occur when the driver’s side door is unlocked with the key or the remote control device. In addressing the specific content requirements of 543.6, Nissan provided information on the reliability and durability of the device. Nissan stated that its antitheft device is tested for specific parameters to ensure its reliability and durability. Additionally, Nissan stated that the immobilizer device satisfies the requirements of European Directive ECE R116, including tamper resistance. Nissan provided a detailed list of the tests conducted and believes that the device is reliable and durable since the device complied with its specified requirements for each test. Nissan provided data on the effectiveness of the antitheft device installed on its Juke vehicle line in support of the belief that its antitheft device will be highly effective in reducing and deterring theft. Nissan referenced the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s data which it stated showed a 70 percent reduction in theft when comparing MY 1997 Ford Mustangs (with a standard immobilizer) to MY 1995 Ford Mustangs (without an immobilizer). Nissan also referenced the Highway Loss Data Institute’s data which reported that BMW vehicles experienced theft loss reductions resulting in a 73 percent decrease in relative claim frequency and a 78 percent lower average loss payment per claim for vehicles equipped with an immobilizer. Additionally, Nissan stated that theft rates for its Pathfinder vehicle experienced reductions from model year (MY) 2000 to 2001 with implementation of the engine immobilizer device as standard equipment and further significant reductions subsequent to MY 2001. Specifically, Nissan noted that the agency’s theft rate data for MY’s 2001 through 2006 reported theft rates of 1.9146, 1.8011, 1.1482, 0.8102, 1.7298 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:10 Mar 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 and 1.3474 respectively for the Nissan Pathfinder after installation of an immobilizer device. In support of its belief that its antitheft device will be as effective as compliance with the parts-marking requirements in reducing and deterring vehicle theft, Nissan compared its device to other similar devices previously granted exemptions by the agency. Specifically, it referenced the agency’s grant of a full exemption to General Motors Corporation for the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora (58 FR 44872, August 25, 1993), and Cadillac Seville vehicle lines (62 FR 20058, April 24, 1997) from the partsmarking requirements of the theft prevention standard. Nissan stated that it believes that since its device is functionally equivalent to other comparable manufacturers’ devices that have already been granted parts-marking exemptions by the agency such as the ‘‘PASS–Key III’’ device used on the 1997 Buick Park Avenue, the 1998 Cadillac Seville and the 2000 Cadillac DeVille, Pontiac Bonneville, Buick LeSabre and Oldsmobile Aurora lines, the Nissan immobilizer device has the potential to achieve the level of effectiveness equivalent to the ‘‘PASS– Key III’’ device. Based on the supporting evidence submitted by Nissan on the device, the agency believes that the antitheft device for the Juke vehicle line is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). The agency concludes that the device will provide the five types of performance listed in § 543.6(a)(3): promoting activation, attracting attention to the efforts of unauthorized persons to enter or operate a vehicle by means other than a key, preventing defeat or circumvention of the device by unauthorized persons, preventing operation of the vehicle by unauthorized entrants and ensuring the reliability and durability of the device. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 CFR 543.7(b), the agency grants a petition for exemption from the partsmarking requirements of part 541 either in whole or in part, if it determines that based upon substantial evidence, the standard equipment antitheft device is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of part 541. The agency finds that Nissan has provided adequate reasons for its belief that the antitheft device for the Juke vehicle line is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). This conclusion is based on the information Nissan provided about its device. For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby grants in full Nissan’s petition for exemption for the Juke vehicle line from the parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541, beginning with the 2013 model year vehicles. The agency notes that 49 CFR part 541, Appendix A–1, identifies those lines that are exempt from the Theft Prevention Standard for a given model year. 49 CFR 543.7(f) contains publication requirements incident to the disposition of all part 543 petitions. Advanced listing, including the release of future product nameplates, the beginning model year for which the petition is granted and a general description of the antitheft device is necessary in order to notify law enforcement agencies of new vehicle lines exempted from the partsmarking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard. If Nissan decides not to use the exemption for this line, it must formally notify the agency. If such a decision is made, the line must be fully marked according to the requirements under 49 CFR 541.5 and 541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement parts). NHTSA notes that if Nissan wishes in the future to modify the device on which this exemption is based, the company may have to submit a petition to modify the exemption. § 543.7(d) states that a part 543 exemption applies only to vehicles that belong to a line exempted under this part and equipped with the anti-theft device on which the line’s exemption is based. Further, § 543.9(c)(2) provides for the submission of petitions ‘‘to modify an exemption to permit the use of an antitheft device similar to but differing from the one specified in that exemption.’’ The agency wishes to minimize the administrative burden that § 543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted vehicle manufacturers and itself. The agency did not intend in drafting part 543 to require the submission of a modification petition for every change to the components or design of an antitheft device. The significance of many such changes could be de minimis. Therefore, 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. E:\FR\FM\16MRN1.SGM 16MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 52 / Friday, March 16, 2012 / Notices Issued on: March 9, 2012. Christopher J. Bonanti, Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. [FR Doc. 2012–6411 Filed 3–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request March 13, 2012. The Department of the Treasury will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13, on or after the date of publication of this notice. DATES: Comments should be received on or before April 16, 2012 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the burden estimate, or any other aspect of the information collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the (1) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for Treasury, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, or email at OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV and to the (2) Treasury PRA Clearance Officer, 1750 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Suite 11020, Washington, DC 20220, or on-line at www.PRAComment.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 927–5331, email at PRA@treasury.gov, or the entire information collection request may be found at www.reginfo.gov. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Alcohol and Tabacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) OMB Number: 1513–0002. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Title: Personnel Questionnaire— Alcohol and Tobacco Products. Form: TTB F 5000.9. Abstract: The information listed on TTB F 5000.9, Personnel Questionnaire—Alcohol and Tobacco Products, enables TTB to determine whether or not an applicant for an alcohol or tobacco permit meets the minimum qualifications. The form identifies the individual, residence, business background, financial sources for the business and criminal record. Affected Public: Private Sector: Businesses or other for-profits. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 9,950. OMB Number: 1513–0026. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:10 Mar 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Title: Claim for Drawback of Tax on Tobacco Products, Cigarette Papers, and Cigarette Tubes. Form: TTB F 5620.7. Abstract: TTB F 5620.7 documents taxpaid tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes that were exported to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, or Virgin Islands. This form is used by taxpayers to claim drawback for tax paid on exported products. Affected Public: Private Sector: Businesses or other for-profits. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 144. OMB Number: 1513–0042. Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Title: Drawback on Distilled Spirits Exported. Form: TTB F 5110.30. Abstract: TTB F 5110.30 is used by persons who export distilled spirits and wish to claim a drawback of taxes already paid in the United States (U.S.). The form describes the claimant, spirits for tax purposes, amount of tax to be refunded, and a certification by the U.S. Government agent attesting to exportation. Affected Public: Private Sector: Businesses or other for-profits. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 10,000. OMB Number: 1513–0112. Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Title: Special (occupational) Tax Registration and Return. Form: TTB F 5630.5a, 5630.5d, 5630.5t. Abstract: On August 10, 2005, President Bush signed into law the ‘‘Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users,’’ Public Law 109–59. Section 11125 of that Act permanently repealed, effective July 1, 2008, the special (occupational) taxes on all taxpayers except for Tobacco Products Manufacturers (TPM), Cigarette Papers and Tubes Manufacturers (CPTM), and TP Export Warehouse Proprietors (TPEWP). TTB F 5630.5t is used for registration and tax payment for the TPM, CPTM, and TPEWP; TTB F 5630.5a is a tax return/registration for persons already in business who failed to register or pay on or before 6/30/ 2008; and TTB F 5630.5d is used to register Alcohol Dealers on and after 7/1/08. Affected Public: Individuals and households; Private Sector: Businesses PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15845 or other for-profits and not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 14,583. Dawn D. Wolfgang, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2012–6396 Filed 3–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–31–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) National Standards For Compliance AGENCY: Department of the Treasury. Notice of Document Availability. ACTION: This Notice announces the availability of ‘‘SSBCI National Standards: Compliance and Oversight for Participating States’’. SUMMARY: DATES: Effective Date: May 15, 2012 Copies of the document are available at the SSBCI Web site at www. treasury.gov/ssbci. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Deputy Director, SSBCI, Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20220. The ‘‘SSBCI National Standards: Compliance and Oversight for Participating States’’ are applicable to all states, territories, the District of Columbia, and municipalities that were approved by Treasury to participate in the SSBCI (‘‘Participating States’’). The list of Participating States is available here on the SSBCI Web site at www.treasury. gov/ssbci. These national standards provide Participating States with a recommended framework for identifying, monitoring, and managing SSBCI compliance and oversight risks. These national standards for compliance also provide guidance on mitigating specific risks that SSBCI believes are high-potential for all approved state programs. For each risk, SSBCI recommends specific best practices and mitigation techniques for Participating States that will supplement and inform the oversight duties imposed on Participating States by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111– 240) (the ‘‘Act’’), the Allocation Agreement, and the SSBCI Policy Guidelines. This document is published under the authority in Section 3009(a)(2) of the Act, which requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\16MRN1.SGM 16MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 52 (Friday, March 16, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15843-15845]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-6411]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


Petition for Exemption From the Vehicle Theft Prevention 
Standard; Nissan

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.

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

SUMMARY: This document grants in full Nissan North America, Inc.'s 
(Nissan) petition for exemption of the Juke vehicle line in accordance 
with 49 CFR Part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard. 
This petition is granted, because the agency has determined that the 
antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard equipment is 
likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft 
as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft 
Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). Nissan requested confidential 
treatment of specific information in its petition by letter dated 
November 29, 2011. The agency addressed Nissan's request for 
confidential treatment by letter dated December 29, 2011.

DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with 
the 2013 model year (MY).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carlita Ballard, Office of 
International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, West 
Building, W43-439, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. 
Ms. Ballard's telephone number is (202) 366-5222. Her fax number is 
(202) 493-2990.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a petition dated November 29, 2011, 
Nissan requested an exemption from the parts-marking requirements of 
the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541) for the MY 2013 Nissan 
Juke vehicle line. The petition requested an exemption from parts-
marking pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft 
Prevention Standard, based on the installation of an antitheft device 
as standard equipment for the entire vehicle line.
    Under Sec.  543.5(a), a manufacturer may petition NHTSA to grant an 
exemption for one vehicle line per model year. In its petition, Nissan 
provided a detailed description and diagram of the identity, design and 
location of the components of the antitheft device for the Juke vehicle 
line. Nissan will install a passive transponder-based, electronic 
immobilizer, antitheft device as standard equipment on its Juke vehicle 
line beginning with MY 2013. Major components of the antitheft device 
will include an engine control module, immobilizer/body control module 
(BCM), immobilizer antenna and a security indicator light. Nissan will 
also install an audible and visible alarm system on the Juke as 
standard equipment. Nissan stated that activation of the immobilization 
device occurs automatically when the ignition key is turned to the 
``OFF'' position and all the doors are closed and locked through the 
use of the key or the remote control mechanism. Deactivation occurs 
when all the doors are unlocked with the key or remote control 
mechanism. Nissan's submission is considered a complete petition as 
required by 49 CFR 543.7, in that it meets the general requirements

[[Page 15844]]

contained in Sec.  543.5 and the specific content requirements of Sec.  
543.6.
    Nissan stated that the immobilizer device prevents normal operation 
of the vehicle without the use of a special key. Nissan further stated 
that installation of the theft alarm system in the device has been 
designed to protect the belongings within the vehicle and the vehicle 
itself from being stolen when the back door and all of the side doors 
are closed and locked. The alarm system is activated when any attempt 
is made to open any of the vehicle doors without the use of the key or 
remote control mechanism. Nissan stated that when the alarm is 
activated, the head lamps will flash and the horn will sound. Nissan 
stated that deactivation of the alarm can only occur when the driver's 
side door is unlocked with the key or the remote control device.
    In addressing the specific content requirements of 543.6, Nissan 
provided information on the reliability and durability of the device. 
Nissan stated that its antitheft device is tested for specific 
parameters to ensure its reliability and durability. Additionally, 
Nissan stated that the immobilizer device satisfies the requirements of 
European Directive ECE R116, including tamper resistance. Nissan 
provided a detailed list of the tests conducted and believes that the 
device is reliable and durable since the device complied with its 
specified requirements for each test.
    Nissan provided data on the effectiveness of the antitheft device 
installed on its Juke vehicle line in support of the belief that its 
antitheft device will be highly effective in reducing and deterring 
theft. Nissan referenced the National Insurance Crime Bureau's data 
which it stated showed a 70 percent reduction in theft when comparing 
MY 1997 Ford Mustangs (with a standard immobilizer) to MY 1995 Ford 
Mustangs (without an immobilizer). Nissan also referenced the Highway 
Loss Data Institute's data which reported that BMW vehicles experienced 
theft loss reductions resulting in a 73 percent decrease in relative 
claim frequency and a 78 percent lower average loss payment per claim 
for vehicles equipped with an immobilizer. Additionally, Nissan stated 
that theft rates for its Pathfinder vehicle experienced reductions from 
model year (MY) 2000 to 2001 with implementation of the engine 
immobilizer device as standard equipment and further significant 
reductions subsequent to MY 2001. Specifically, Nissan noted that the 
agency's theft rate data for MY's 2001 through 2006 reported theft 
rates of 1.9146, 1.8011, 1.1482, 0.8102, 1.7298 and 1.3474 respectively 
for the Nissan Pathfinder after installation of an immobilizer device.
    In support of its belief that its antitheft device will be as 
effective as compliance with the parts-marking requirements in reducing 
and deterring vehicle theft, Nissan compared its device to other 
similar devices previously granted exemptions by the agency. 
Specifically, it referenced the agency's grant of a full exemption to 
General Motors Corporation for the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora 
(58 FR 44872, August 25, 1993), and Cadillac Seville vehicle lines (62 
FR 20058, April 24, 1997) from the parts-marking requirements of the 
theft prevention standard. Nissan stated that it believes that since 
its device is functionally equivalent to other comparable 
manufacturers' devices that have already been granted parts-marking 
exemptions by the agency such as the ``PASS-Key III'' device used on 
the 1997 Buick Park Avenue, the 1998 Cadillac Seville and the 2000 
Cadillac DeVille, Pontiac Bonneville, Buick LeSabre and Oldsmobile 
Aurora lines, the Nissan immobilizer device has the potential to 
achieve the level of effectiveness equivalent to the ``PASS-Key III'' 
device.
    Based on the supporting evidence submitted by Nissan on the device, 
the agency believes that the antitheft device for the Juke vehicle line 
is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle 
theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft 
Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). The agency concludes that the 
device will provide the five types of performance listed in Sec.  
543.6(a)(3): promoting activation, attracting attention to the efforts 
of unauthorized persons to enter or operate a vehicle by means other 
than a key, preventing defeat or circumvention of the device by 
unauthorized persons, preventing operation of the vehicle by 
unauthorized entrants and ensuring the reliability and durability of 
the device.
    Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 CFR 543.7(b), the agency grants 
a petition for exemption from the parts-marking requirements of part 
541 either in whole or in part, if it determines that based upon 
substantial evidence, the standard equipment antitheft device is likely 
to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as 
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of part 541. The agency 
finds that Nissan has provided adequate reasons for its belief that the 
antitheft device for the Juke vehicle line is likely to be as effective 
in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the 
parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR 
part 541). This conclusion is based on the information Nissan provided 
about its device.
    For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby grants in full 
Nissan's petition for exemption for the Juke vehicle line from the 
parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541, beginning with the 2013 
model year vehicles. The agency notes that 49 CFR part 541, Appendix A-
1, identifies those lines that are exempt from the Theft Prevention 
Standard for a given model year. 49 CFR 543.7(f) contains publication 
requirements incident to the disposition of all part 543 petitions. 
Advanced listing, including the release of future product nameplates, 
the beginning model year for which the petition is granted and a 
general description of the antitheft device is necessary in order to 
notify law enforcement agencies of new vehicle lines exempted from the 
parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard.
    If Nissan decides not to use the exemption for this line, it must 
formally notify the agency. If such a decision is made, the line must 
be fully marked according to the requirements under 49 CFR 541.5 and 
541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement parts).
    NHTSA notes that if Nissan wishes in the future to modify the 
device on which this exemption is based, the company may have to submit 
a petition to modify the exemption. Sec.  543.7(d) states that a part 
543 exemption applies only to vehicles that belong to a line exempted 
under this part and equipped with the anti-theft device on which the 
line's exemption is based. Further, Sec.  543.9(c)(2) provides for the 
submission of petitions ``to modify an exemption to permit the use of 
an antitheft device similar to but differing from the one specified in 
that exemption.''
    The agency wishes to minimize the administrative burden that Sec.  
543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted vehicle manufacturers and itself. 
The agency did not intend in drafting part 543 to require the 
submission of a modification petition for every change to the 
components or design of an antitheft device. The significance of many 
such changes could be de minimis. Therefore, 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.


[[Page 15845]]


    Issued on: March 9, 2012.
Christopher J. Bonanti,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2012-6411 Filed 3-15-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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