Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, on Behalf of Daimler AG, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 56698-56700 [2012-22559]
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56698
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2012 / Notices
the authority vested in me by the Act of
October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C.
2459), Executive Order 12047 of March
27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and
Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat.
2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et
seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of
October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority
No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as
appropriate, Delegation of Authority No.
257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby
determine that the object to be included
in the exhibition ‘‘Steve McQueen,’’
imported from abroad for temporary
exhibition within the United States, is
of cultural significance. The object is
imported pursuant to a loan agreement
with the foreign owner or custodian. I
also determine that the exhibition or
display of the exhibit object at The Art
Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, from
on or about October 21, 2012, until on
or about January 6, 2013, and at possible
additional exhibitions or venues yet to
be determined, is in the national
interest. I have ordered that Public
Notice of these Determinations be
published in the Federal Register.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information, including a list of
the exhibit object, contact Julie
Simpson, Attorney-Adviser, Office of
the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of
State (telephone: 202–632–6467). The
mailing address is U.S. Department of
State, SA–5, L/PD, Fifth Floor (Suite
5H03), Washington, DC 20522–0505.
Dated: September 7, 2012.
J. Adam Ereli,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs,
Department of State.
BILLING CODE 4710–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 8023]
Culturally Significant Objects Imported
for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘Opera
Nobile: Masterpieces From Ancient
Italy’’
Notice is hereby given of the
following determinations: Pursuant to
the authority vested in me by the Act of
October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C.
2459), Executive Order 12047 of March
27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and
Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat.
2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et
seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of
October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority
No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as
appropriate, Delegation of Authority No.
257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby
determine that the objects to be
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VerDate Mar<15>2010
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Jkt 226001
Dated: September 6, 2012.
J. Adam Ereli,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs,
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2012–22565 Filed 9–12–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Air Traffic Procedures Advisory
Committee
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice
to advise the public that a meeting of
the Federal Aviation Administration Air
Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee
(ATPAC) will be held to review present
air traffic control procedures and
practices for standardization, revision,
clarification, and upgrading of
terminology and procedures.
DATES: The meeting will be held
Monday, October 1, Tuesday, October 2,
and Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the Gaylord Hotel & Resort National
Harbor, MD 801355.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Gary Norek, ATPAC Executive Director,
800 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20591.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
AGENCY:
[FR Doc. 2012–22567 Filed 9–12–12; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY:
included in the exhibition ‘‘Opera
Nobile: Masterpieces from Ancient
Italy,’’ imported from abroad for
temporary exhibition within the United
States, are of cultural significance. The
objects are imported pursuant to loan
agreements with the foreign owners or
custodians. I also determine that the
exhibition or display of the exhibit
objects at the Princeton University Art
Museum, Princeton, NJ, from on or
about September 17, 2012, until on or
about September 15, 2016, and at
possible additional exhibitions or
venues yet to be determined, is in the
national interest. I have ordered that
Public Notice of these Determinations
be published in the Federal Register.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information, including a list of
the exhibit objects, contact Julie
Simpson, Attorney-Adviser, Office of
the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of
State (telephone: 202–632–6467). The
mailing address is U.S. Department of
State, SA–5, L/PD, Fifth Floor (Suite
5H03), Washington, DC 20522–0505.
PO 00000
Frm 00093
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
463; 5 U.S.C. App.2), notice is hereby
given of a meeting of the ATPAC to be
held Monday, October 1, Tuesday,
October 2, and Wednesday, October 3,
2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The agenda for this meeting will cover
a continuation of the ATPAC’s review of
present air traffic control procedures
and practices for standardization,
revision, clarification, and upgrading of
terminology and procedures. It will also
include:
1. Approval of Minutes;
2. Submission and Discussion of
Areas of Concern;
3. Discussion of Potential Safety
Items;
4. Report from Executive Director;
5. Items of Interest; and
6. Discussion and agreement of
location and dates for subsequent
meetings.
Attendance is open to the interested
public but limited to space available.
With the approval of the Chairperson,
members of the public may present oral
statements at the meeting. Persons
desiring to attend and persons desiring
to present oral statements should notify
Mr. Gary Norek no later than September
28, 2012. Any member of the public
may present a written statement to the
ATPAC at any time at the address given
above.
Issued in Washington, DC, on September 4,
2012.
Gary A. Norek,
Executive Director, Air Traffic Procedures
Advisory Committee.
[FR Doc. 2012–22575 Filed 9–12–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA–2012–0115; Notice 1]
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, on Behalf of
Daimler AG, Receipt of Petition for
Decision of Inconsequential
Noncompliance
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Receipt of petition.
AGENCY:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
(MBUSA),1 on behalf of itself and its
parent company Daimler AG (DAG) 2,
has determined that certain model year
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (204
platform) passenger cars manufactured
SUMMARY:
1 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, is a U.S. company
that manufacturers and imports motor vehicles.
2 Daimler AG, is a German company that
manufactures motor vehicles.
E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2012 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
between March and August 2011, do not
fully comply with paragraph S4.3(d) of
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) No. 110, Tire selection and
rims and motor home/recreation vehicle
trailer load carrying capacity
information for motor vehicles with a
GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000
pounds) or less. MBUSA has filed an
appropriate report dated May 4, 2012,
pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and
Noncompliance Responsibility and
Reports.
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and
30120(h) (see implementing rule at 49
CFR part 556), MBUSA submitted a
petition 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 MBUSA’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.
Vehicles involved: Affected are
approximately 1,479 model year 2012
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (204 platform)
passenger vehicles manufactured
between March and August 2011.
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
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. Therefore,
these provisions only apply to the
subject 1,479 3 vehicles that MBUSA no
longer controlled at the time it
determined that the noncompliance
existed.
Noncompliance: MBUSA explains
that the noncompliance is that the
vehicle placard on the affected vehicles
incorrectly identifies the tire size
designation of the spare tire in the
vehicle.
Rule text: Paragraph S4.3(d) of
FMVSS No. 110 requires in pertinent
part:
3 MBUSA’s petition, which was filed under 49
CFR part 556, requests an agency decision to
exempt MBUSA as a vehicle manufacturer from the
notification and recall responsibilities of 49 CFR
part 573 for the 1,479 affected vehicles. However,
a decision on this petition will not relieve vehicle
distributors and dealers of the prohibitions on the
sale, offer for sale, introduction or delivery for
introduction into interstate commerce of the
noncompliant vehicles under their control after
MBUSA notified them that the subject
noncompliance existed.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
19:13 Sep 12, 2012
Jkt 226001
S4.3 Placard. Each vehicle, except for a
trailer or incomplete vehicle, shall show the
information specified in S4.3(a) through (g),
and may show, at the manufacturer’s option,
the information specified in S4.3(h) and (i),
on a placard permanently affixed to the
driver’s side B-pillar. * * *
(b) Tire size designation, indicated by the
headings ‘‘size’’ or ‘‘original tire size’’ or
‘‘original size,’’ and ‘‘spare tire’’ or ‘‘spare,’’
for the tires installed at the time of the first
purchase for purposes other than resale.
* * *
Summary of MBUSA’s Analysis and
Arguments
MBUSA explains that while the
vehicle placard incorrectly identifies the
designated spare tire size corresponding
to the actual size of the spare tire
originally installed in the vehicle, the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure for the spare tire is correctly
stated. In addition, all information
required under S4.3 for maintaining and
replacing the front and rear tires, as well
as vehicle weight and seating capacity,
is correct.
MBUSA also stated that if a vehicle
owner were to question the correct spare
tire size they would be able to check the
size by comparing it with the size
stamped on the sidewall of the
originally provided spare tire. If the
vehicle owner were to attempt to put a
spare tire of the size indicated on the
vehicle placard on the spare tire rim
originally provided with the vehicle, it
would be immediately apparent that the
tire is too large to be installed on the rim
and hold any inflation pressure. Both
the actually provided spare tire and a
tire of the size indicated on the vehicle
placard for the spare tire meet the
FMVSS No. 110 loading requirements at
the recommended cold inflation
pressure stated on the vehicle placard.
Both the originally installed spare tire
and a spare tire of the size listed on the
vehicle placard, when inflated to the
labeled recommended cold inflation
pressure, are appropriate to handle the
vehicle maximum loads.
MBUSA has additionally informed
NHTSA that it has corrected future
production and that all other required
markings are present and correct.
MBUSA is not aware of any incidents
or customer complaints related to the
noncompliant vehicle placard.
MBUSA also expressed its belief that
NHTSA has previously granted similar
petitions.
In summation, MBUSA believes that
the described noncompliance of its
vehicle placards regarding the spare tire
size is inconsequential to motor vehicle
safety, and that its petition, to exempt
from providing recall notification of
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C.
PO 00000
Frm 00094
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
56699
30118 and remedying the recall
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C.
30120 should be granted.
Comments: 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.
E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM
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56700
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2012 / Notices
Comment Closing Date: October 15,
2012.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120:
delegations of authority at CFR 1.50 and
501.8.
Issued on: September 6, 2012.
Claude H. Harris,
Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2012–22559 Filed 9–12–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA–2012–0116; Notice 1]
BMW of North America, LLC, a
Subsidiary of BMW AG, Receipt of
Petition for Decision of
Inconsequential Noncompliance
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Receipt of petition.
AGENCY:
BMW of North America, LLC
(BMW),1 a subsidiary of BMW AG,2
Munich, Germany, has determined that
certain model year 2012 MINI Cooper
Countryman passenger cars with
optional three passenger rear seating
manufactured between August 1, 2011
and May 23, 2012, do not fully comply
with paragraph S4.3(b) of Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No.
110, Tire selection and rims and motor
home/recreation vehicle trailer load
carrying capacity information for motor
vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536
kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. BMW
has filed an appropriate report dated
June 1, 2012, pursuant to 49 CFR part
573, Defect and Noncompliance
Responsibility and Reports.
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and
30120(h) (see implementing rule at 49
CFR part 556), BMW submitted a
petition 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 BMW’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.
Vehicles Involved: Affected are
approximately 5,700 model year 2012
MINI Cooper Countryman passenger
vehicles with optional three passenger
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
1 BMW of North America, LLC, is a U.S. company
that manufacturers and imports motor vehicles.
2 BMW AG, is a German company that
manufacturers motor vehicles.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
19:13 Sep 12, 2012
Jkt 226001
rear seating manufactured between
August 1, 2011 and May 23, 2012.
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
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. Therefore,
these provisions only apply to the
subject 5,700 3 vehicles that BMW no
longer controlled at the time it
determined that the noncompliance
existed.
Noncompliance: BMW explains that
the noncompliance is that the vehicle
placard on the affected vehicles
incorrectly identifies the rear designated
seating capacity as ‘‘2’’ when in fact it
should be ‘‘3,’’ and the total designated
seating capacity as ‘‘4’’ when in fact it
should be ‘‘5.’’
Rule Text: Paragraph S4.3(b) of
FMVSS No. 110 requires in pertinent
part:
S4.3 Placard. Each vehicle, except for a
trailer or incomplete vehicle, shall show the
information specified in S4.3(a) through (g),
* * *, on a placard permanently affixed to
the driver’s side B-pillar. * * *
(b)Designated seated capacity (expressed in
terms of total number of occupants and
number of occupants for each front and rear
seat location);* * *
Summary of BMW’S Analysis and
Arguments
BMW states that while the vehicle
placard incorrectly identifies the vehicle
seating capacity, this noncompliance is
inconsequential to motor vehicle safety
for the following reasons:
1. It would become clear to a vehicle
owner that the rear seat of the affected
vehicles contains three sets of seat belts,
and provides adequate space for three
people to occupy the rear seat and that
the vehicle in fact does accommodate
five passengers not four as labeled.
2. The tire pressure value on the
vehicle placard is correct. In fact, the
recommended tire inflation pressure for
both the five passenger and the four
passenger vehicles is the same.
3 BMW’s petition, which was filed under 49 CFR
part 556, requests an agency decision to exempt
BMW as a vehicle manufacturer from the
notification and recall responsibilities of 49 CFR
part 573 for the 5,700 affected vehicles. However,
a decision on this petition will not relieve vehicle
distributors and dealers of the prohibitions on the
sale, offer for sale, introduction or delivery for
introduction into interstate commerce of the
noncompliant vehicles under their control after
BMW notified them that the subject noncompliance
existed.
PO 00000
Frm 00095
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Therefore, there is no risk of underinflation.
3. The vehicle capacity weight listed
on the vehicle placard is correct, and is
the same for Countryman model
vehicles built for four or five occupants.
Therefore, there is no risk of
overloading.
4. The vehicle’s Monroney label 4
contains a listing of all options that have
been equipped on the affected vehicles.
The option regarding the rear seat for
three occupants is noted on the
Monroney label; therefore, an owner
would have been notified at time of
purchase of the vehicle that the rear seat
is equipped to accommodate three
occupants.
5. The vehicle Owner’s Manual
contains information pertaining to the
vehicle’s tires, tire pressure, and the
vehicle capacity weight. Therefore, if
owners check the Owner’s Manual,
correct information is available for their
use.
6. BMW also provides vehicle drivers
with help determining the correct tire,
tire pressure and loading information by
way of toll-free telephone numbers for
MINI Roadside AssistanceTM (available
24 hours/day)and MINI Customer
Relations.
7. BMW has received no customer
complaints and are unaware of any
accidents or injuries regarding this
noncompliance of the affected vehicles.
BMW has additionally informed
NHTSA that it has corrected future
production and that all other required
markings are present and correct.
BMW also expressed its belief that
NHTSA has previously granted similar
petitions.
In summation, BMW believes that the
described noncompliance of its vehicle
placards regarding seating capacity is
inconsequential to motor vehicle safety,
and that its petition, to exempt 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.
Comments: 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.
4 Automobile Information Disclosure Act (AIDA),
15 U.S.C. 1231–1233
E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56698-56700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22559]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA-2012-0115; Notice 1]
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, on Behalf of Daimler AG, Receipt of
Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Receipt of petition.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA),\1\ on behalf of itself and its
parent company Daimler AG (DAG) \2\, has determined that certain model
year 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (204 platform) passenger cars
manufactured
[[Page 56699]]
between March and August 2011, do not fully comply with paragraph
S4.3(d) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, Tire
selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load
carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536
kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. MBUSA has filed an appropriate
report dated May 4, 2012, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and
Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, is a U.S. company that manufacturers
and imports motor vehicles.
\2\ Daimler AG, is a German company that manufactures motor
vehicles.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see implementing rule
at 49 CFR part 556), MBUSA submitted a petition 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 MBUSA'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.
Vehicles involved: Affected are approximately 1,479 model year 2012
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (204 platform) passenger vehicles manufactured
between March and August 2011.
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 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. Therefore, these provisions
only apply to the subject 1,479 \3\ vehicles that MBUSA no longer
controlled at the time it determined that the noncompliance existed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ MBUSA's petition, which was filed under 49 CFR part 556,
requests an agency decision to exempt MBUSA as a vehicle
manufacturer from the notification and recall responsibilities of 49
CFR part 573 for the 1,479 affected vehicles. However, a decision on
this petition will not relieve vehicle distributors and dealers of
the prohibitions on the sale, offer for sale, introduction or
delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of the
noncompliant vehicles under their control after MBUSA notified them
that the subject noncompliance existed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompliance: MBUSA explains that the noncompliance is that the
vehicle placard on the affected vehicles incorrectly identifies the
tire size designation of the spare tire in the vehicle.
Rule text: Paragraph S4.3(d) of FMVSS No. 110 requires in pertinent
part:
S4.3 Placard. Each vehicle, except for a trailer or incomplete
vehicle, shall show the information specified in S4.3(a) through
(g), and may show, at the manufacturer's option, the information
specified in S4.3(h) and (i), on a placard permanently affixed to
the driver's side B-pillar. * * *
(b) Tire size designation, indicated by the headings ``size'' or
``original tire size'' or ``original size,'' and ``spare tire'' or
``spare,'' for the tires installed at the time of the first purchase
for purposes other than resale. * * *
Summary of MBUSA's Analysis and Arguments
MBUSA explains that while the vehicle placard incorrectly
identifies the designated spare tire size corresponding to the actual
size of the spare tire originally installed in the vehicle, the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure for the spare tire is
correctly stated. In addition, all information required under S4.3 for
maintaining and replacing the front and rear tires, as well as vehicle
weight and seating capacity, is correct.
MBUSA also stated that if a vehicle owner were to question the
correct spare tire size they would be able to check the size by
comparing it with the size stamped on the sidewall of the originally
provided spare tire. If the vehicle owner were to attempt to put a
spare tire of the size indicated on the vehicle placard on the spare
tire rim originally provided with the vehicle, it would be immediately
apparent that the tire is too large to be installed on the rim and hold
any inflation pressure. Both the actually provided spare tire and a
tire of the size indicated on the vehicle placard for the spare tire
meet the FMVSS No. 110 loading requirements at the recommended cold
inflation pressure stated on the vehicle placard. Both the originally
installed spare tire and a spare tire of the size listed on the vehicle
placard, when inflated to the labeled recommended cold inflation
pressure, are appropriate to handle the vehicle maximum loads.
MBUSA has additionally informed NHTSA that it has corrected future
production and that all other required markings are present and
correct.
MBUSA is not aware of any incidents or customer complaints related
to the noncompliant vehicle placard.
MBUSA also expressed its belief that NHTSA has previously granted
similar petitions.
In summation, MBUSA believes that the described noncompliance of
its vehicle placards regarding the spare tire size is inconsequential
to motor vehicle safety, and that its petition, to exempt 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.
Comments: 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.
[[Page 56700]]
Comment Closing Date: October 15, 2012.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: delegations of authority at
CFR 1.50 and 501.8.
Issued on: September 6, 2012.
Claude H. Harris,
Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2012-22559 Filed 9-12-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P