Notice of Coordinated Remedy Program Proceeding for the Replacement of Certain Takata Air Bag Inflators, 32197-32200 [2015-13756]

Download as PDF asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 108 / Friday, June 5, 2015 / Notices apportionment formula that are used to distribute Federal-Aid Highway Funds. The data are published annually in the FHWA’s Highway Statistics. Information from Highway Statistics is used in the joint FHWA and Federal Transit Administration required biennial report to Congress, Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions and Performance, which contrasts present status to future investment needs. Respondents: State and local governments of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and the Virgin Islands share this burden. Estimated Average Burden per Response: The estimated average reporting burden per response for the annual collection and processing of the data is 754 hours for each of the States (including local governments), the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and the Virgin Islands. Estimated Total Annual Burden: The estimated total annual burden for all respondents is 42,206 hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Dougherty, (202) 366–9234, Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Policy, Office of Highway Policy Information, Highway Funding and Motor Fuels Division (HPPI–10), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Title 2: Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS). OMB Control Number: 2125–0028. Abstract: The HPMS data that is collected is used for management decisions that affect transportation, including estimates of the Nation’s future highway needs and assessments of highway system performance. The information is used by the FHWA to develop and implement legislation and by State and Federal transportation officials to adequately plan, design, and administer effective, safe, and efficient transportation systems. This data is essential to the FHWA and Congress in evaluating the effectiveness of the Federal-aid highway program. The HPMS also provides miles, lane-miles and travel components of the FederalAid Highway Fund apportionment formulae. The data that is required by the HPMS is continually reassessed and streamlined by the FHWA. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jun 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 Respondents: State governments of the 50 States, the District of Columbia the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Estimated Average Burden per Response: The estimated average burden per response for the annual collection and processing of the HPMS data is 1,440 hours for each State, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Estimated Total Annual Burden: The estimated total annual burden for all respondents is 74,880 hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Rozycki, (202) 366–5059, Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Systems Performance (HPPI–20), Office of Highway Policy Information, Office of Policy & Governmental Affairs, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Public Comments Invited You are asked to comment on any aspect of these information collections, including: (1) Whether the proposed collections are necessary for the FHWA’s performance; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burdens; (3) ways for the FHWA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways that the burdens could be minimized, including use of electronic technology, without reducing the quality of the collected information. The agency will summarize and/or include your comments in the request for OMB’s clearance of these information collections. Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 35, as amended; and 49 CFR 1.48. Issued On: June 2, 2015. Michael Howell, Information Collection Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–13757 Filed 6–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2015–0055] Notice of Coordinated Remedy Program Proceeding for the Replacement of Certain Takata Air Bag Inflators National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In order to prioritize, organize, and phase multiple recalls to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32197 remedy defective Takata frontal air bag inflators, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (‘‘NHTSA’’) is opening proceedings, including a public docket..NHTSA is considering issuing one or more administrative orders that would coordinate remedy programs associated with defective Takata air bag inflators. Coordination of the remedy programs may include, among other things, ‘‘acceleration,’’ prioritization, organization, and/or phasing of some or all such air bag inflator remedy programs. It may further include coordination as to air bag inflator sourcing, production, allocation, delivery, installation, and adequacy of the remedy. This notice explains events leading to today’s action and NHTSA’s authority to open such a proceeding. It also describes some of the issues that the agency anticipates considering in the proceeding and information the agency requests from commenters as part of such a proceeding. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments to the docket number identified in the heading of this document by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, M–30, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Rm. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Rm. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. Regardless of how you submit your comments, you should mention the docket number of this document. You may call the Docket at 202–366– 9324. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues, Scott Yon, Office of Defects Investigation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (telephone: 202–366–0139); for legal issues, Arija Flowers, Office of the Chief Counsel, NCC–111, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: 202–366–8714). Information regarding NHTSA’s investigation into Takata Air Bag Inflator ruptures is available on E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1 32198 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 108 / Friday, June 5, 2015 / Notices NHTSA’s Web site at: https:// www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To mitigate and control the risk of serious injury or death due to an air bag inflator rupture, and to ensure that all affected vehicles in the United States are equipped with safe air bags as quickly as possible, NHTSA is considering exercising its authority under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended and recodified (the ‘‘Safety Act’’), 49 U.S.C. 30101, et seq., to provide national-level leadership and to facilitate the prioritization, organization, and phasing of the remedy programs of TK Holdings, Inc. (‘‘Takata’’) and all vehicle manufacturers having recalled, defective Takata frontal air bag inflators. This includes the remedy programs of BMW of North America, LLC (‘‘BMW’’), Chrysler Group, LLC (‘‘Chrysler’’), Ford Motor Company (‘‘Ford’’), General Motors, LLC (‘‘GM’’), American Honda Motor Company (‘‘Honda’’), Mazda North American Operations (‘‘Mazda’’), Mercedes-Benz, LLC—DBA Sprinter (‘‘M–B Sprinter’’) (as to Sprinter Vans only), Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (‘‘Mitsubishi’’), Nissan North America, Inc. (‘‘Nissan’’), Subaru of America, Inc. (‘‘Subaru’’), and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (‘‘Toyota’’) (collectively, the ‘‘Manufacturers’’). asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES I. The Reasons for a Coordinated Remedy The number of recalled air bag inflators and impacted vehicles and manufacturers, in combination with the supply issues related to these air bag recalls, presents an unprecedented level of complexity to the recall and remedy process. As of the date of this Federal Register Notice, these recalls of defective Takata air bag inflators constitute the largest Safety Act recall in NHTSA’s history, and one of the largest consumer product recalls in United States history, with approximately 34 million air bag inflators currently requiring replacement. The risk of harm presented by the defective Takata air bag inflators transcends the scope of the usual Safety Act recall. Accordingly, NHTSA is hereby opening a coordinated remedy program proceeding. Each of the Manufacturers, with the exception of M–B Sprinter, has previously elected a remedy program of repair for at least some of their affected vehicles (specifically, for vehicles that were covered by prior Manufacturer recalls). See 49 U.S.C. 30120(a)(1)(A). These remedy programs are individual to each of the Manufacturers, creating a VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jun 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 patch-work solution that NHTSA believes may not adequately address the safety risks presented by the defective Takata air bag inflators within a reasonable time. Based on the currently available data, these recalls involve varying levels of risk of harm which must be mitigated and controlled: The risk of the air bag inflator rupturing when the air bag is inflated, which may result in serious injury or death to vehicle occupants without prior warning. Specifically, NHTSA is issuing this notice pursuant to its authority under the Safety Act to ‘‘accelerate’’ remedy programs, 49 U.S.C. 30120(c)(3) and 49 CFR 573.14, to inspect and investigate, 49 U.S.C. 30166(b)(1), to ensure that defective vehicles and equipment are recalled and remedied, 49 U.S.C. 30118 through 30120, and to ensure that the remedy for the defect is adequate, 49 U.S.C. 30120, as delegated by the Secretary of Transportation (‘‘the Secretary’’), 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.2(a)(1). Given the severity of the possible harm, variable nature of the risk of harm to be mitigated and controlled, unprecedented number of vehicles and entities affected, and imperative for public confidence in the safety of their vehicle air bags, NHTSA is therefore opening a public proceeding, including a public docket, to investigate challenges and solutions related to the Takata air bag inflator recalls and to gather public comments on those issues. NHTSA also anticipates collaborating in this proceeding with other Tier One inflator suppliers, which may include ARC Automotive, Inc. (‘‘ARC’’), Autoliv Americas (‘‘Autoliv’’), Key Safety Systems (‘‘Key Safety’’), Toyoda Gosei North America Corporation (‘‘Toyoda’’), TRW Automotive (‘‘TRW’’), and Special Devices, Inc./Daicel Group (‘‘Daicel’’) (collectively, the ‘‘Suppliers’’) to craft solutions that further mitigate and control the risk of harm by ensuring safe air bags in every motor vehicle in the United States. II. Background on Defective Takata Frontal Air Bag Inflators The first recall involving a rupturing Takata driver side frontal air bag inflator was initiated by Honda on November 11, 2008, and was designated by NHTSA as Recall No. 08V–593. At that time, the defect was thought to be the result of a specific manufacturing issue involving one of the propellant presses at Takata’s Moses Lake, Washington plant. Due to various discrepancies in Takata’s recordkeeping for the affected parts, Honda had to expand the scope of the recall several times between 2009 PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and 2011. Those recall expansions were designated by NHTSA as Recall Nos. 09V–259, 10V–041, and 11V–260. The first recall involving a rupturing Takata passenger side frontal air bag inflator was initiated by Takata on April 11, 2013, and involved the following vehicle manufacturers: BMW, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota. The various recall submissions were designated by NHTSA as Recall Nos. 13E–017, 13V– 130, 13V–132, 13V–133, 13V–136, and 13V–172. At that time, the defect was thought to be the result of two specific manufacturing issues—(1) The possibility that the auto-reject function on the propellant press had been manually disabled, and (2) the possibility that certain propellant lots were exposed to uncontrolled moisture conditions at Takata’s Monclova, Mexico plant. Between August 2013 and April 2014, NHTSA received three Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) that alleged air bag inflator ruptures in vehicle populations outside the scope of the prior driver side and passenger side frontal air bag recalls. In late-May 2014, Takata confirmed the three ruptures with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), and notified ODI of an additional three ruptures (for a total of six rupture incidents between August 2013 and May 2014). On June 10, 2014, NHTSA convened a conference call, after which Takata and the affected vehicle manufacturers agreed to initiate regional parts collection campaigns in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The initial data underlying these regional actions indicated that certain Takata frontal air bag inflators in regions prone to longterm high absolute humidity and temperatures pose a safety risk. On June 11, 2014, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation, PE14–016, to investigate the six identified rupture incidents involving driver side and passenger side frontal air bag inflators manufactured by Takata. (PE14–016 was later upgraded to an engineering analysis, EA15–001, on February 24, 2015.) During the period of October through December 2014, service campaigns related to the passenger side frontal air bags were converted to recalls and the geographic scope was expanded, though still limited to certain regions with higher levels of absolute humidity and high temperatures. Also during this period, NHTSA sent letters to Takata and the Manufacturers (except M–B Sprinter, whose air bag inflators were not then identified as having any defect) regarding their efforts and abilities, individually, to accelerate the supply of E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1 asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 108 / Friday, June 5, 2015 / Notices replacement air bags and emphasizing the importance of their continued efforts to promptly and effectively remedy the serious safety risk posed to consumers by the defective Takata air bag inflators. Further, as part of its ongoing investigation and oversight of the defective Takata frontal air bag inflators, NHTSA issued a pair of Special Orders to Takata on October 30, and November 18, 2014, a Special Order to Honda on November 5, 2014, and General Orders to BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota on November 18, 2014. Also on November 18, 2014, NHTSA publicly demanded that the five auto manufacturers with affected driver side frontal air bag inflators expand their regional campaigns and conduct a nationwide recall of vehicles equipped with the subject driver side frontal air bag inflators. This decision was based on, among other things, the agency’s evaluation of a recent driver side frontal air bag failure in a vehicle outside the current regional recall area, and its relationship to five previous driver side frontal air bag inflator ruptures. Beginning in December 2014, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda and Mazda initiated national service campaigns or safety improvement campaigns on vehicles with these driver side frontal air bag inflators. On November 26, 2014, NHTSA demanded that Takata conduct a national recall of driver side frontal air bag inflators. In a response dated December 2, 2014, Takata declined to do so. Despite Takata’s response, NHTSA continued insisting that Takata conduct a national recall. On May 18, 2015, at NHTSA’s urging, Takata filed four Defect Information Reports (‘‘DIR’s’’) pursuant to 49 CFR 573.6. In those DIR’s, Takata determined that a defect exists in certain models of frontal air bag inflators (specifically, the PSDI, PSDI–4, PSDI–4K, SPI, PSPI and PSPI–L). As of May 27, 2015, ruptured Takata air bag inflators allegedly resulting in death or injury have been confirmed in 95 incidents in the United States. Many of these incidents resulted in serious injury to vehicle occupants. In five of the incidents, the vehicle’s driver died, allegedly as a result of injuries sustained from the rupture of the air bag inflator. In other incidents, vehicle occupants allegedly suffered injuries including cuts or lacerations to the face or neck, broken or fractured facial bones, loss of eyesight, broken teeth, and traumatic brain injury. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jun 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 III. Coordinated Remedy Program Proceeding The Safety Act requires manufacturers to remedy safety-related defects in motor vehicles. 49 U.S.C. 30120(a). The remedy must be adequate to protect the American public from the safety risk posed by the defect. 49 U.S.C. 30120(c). Manufacturers are required to notify both the Secretary and vehicle owners of safety related defects, 49 U.S.C. 30118, including procedures for owners to follow to have the safety-related defect remedied, 49 U.S.C. 30119. The Safety Act also authorizes the Secretary to conduct investigations to enforce the Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. 30166(b)(1), issue general and special orders (responses to which are compulsory), hold hearings, and take testimony, 49 U.S.C. 30166(g)(1). If the Secretary determines that a manufacturer’s remedy program is not likely to be capable of completion within a reasonable time, the Secretary may require the manufacturer to ‘‘accelerate’’ the remedy program if the Secretary finds that there is a risk of serious injury or death if the remedy program is not accelerated, and that acceleration of the remedy program can be reasonably achieved by expanding the sources of replacement parts, expanding the number of authorized repair facilities, or both. 49 U.S.C. 30120(c)(3). The Secretary has delegated his authorities under the Safety Act, including each of the above, to the NHTSA Administrator, 49 CFR 1.95(a) and 501.2(a)(1). Accordingly, NHTSA is opening this coordinated remedy proceeding to investigate issues related to the remedy of defective Takata frontal air bag inflators and to coordinate remedy programs, if and as appropriate based upon the findings of the proceeding. As an initial matter, NHTSA seeks a full, open, and collaborative process, without compromising NHTSA’s objectives of safety, that facilitates thoughtful problem-solving and engages all regulated entities in developing and implementing solutions to this significant safety risk. For example, NHTSA anticipates that it will collaborate with the Manufacturers, gathering information and data from each Manufacturer regarding, among other things, information related to production of replacement frontal air bag inflators and their distribution. Upon receipt, public versions of all responses to NHTSA’s requests will be posted to this docket. NHTSA also anticipates engaging the Suppliers in a cooperative, collaborative process seeking, among other things, information related to current PO 00000 Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32199 production capabilities, possible enhanced production capabilities in the future, and any challenges to quickly increasing production of these specific parts. This process will involve requesting specific information from Suppliers and engaging in candid, thoughtful dialogue with Suppliers. NHTSA further anticipates significant industry outreach to facilitate the forging of collaborative partnerships. Among other approaches, NHTSA anticipates convening one or more meetings, individually and/or in groups, with Takata, Manufacturers, Suppliers, and/or others to candidly discuss the challenges these industries are facing and, again, work collaboratively to create solutions that further mitigate and control the risk of harm presented by defective Takata air bag inflators and the challenges to achieving a satisfactory recall/remedy completion rate. Further, NHTSA may decide to hold a public hearing and, if so, NHTSA will provide information on the scope, date, time, and location of, and how to participate in, such a hearing in a subsequent Federal Register Notice. IV. NHTSA’s Request for Public Comments While NHTSA will request certain information from Takata, Manufacturers, Suppliers, and other regulated entities in this proceeding, NHTSA also seeks comments from the public. NHTSA requests comments regarding, among other things, how NHTSA can most effectively exercise its authority with respect to prioritizing, organizing, and phasing recall and remedy programs involving the defective Takata frontal air bag inflators as described above, and methods for ensuring that Manufacturers and Takata achieve satisfactory recall/remedy completion rates. NHTSA also requests comments on how Takata, Manufacturers, Suppliers, and other regulated entities would comply with one or more administrative orders that NHTSA may issue at the conclusion of this proceeding, upon consideration of the relevant data, facts found, and choices made. NHTSA is further requesting comments on the possible terms of any such order(s). In particular, NHTSA requests comments relating to (1) whether, and how, NHTSA should order Takata and/or other regulated entities to source replacement parts for Manufacturers, (2) whether, and how, NHTSA should issue an accelerated remedy directive to Takata and/or some (or all) Manufacturers, (3) whether, and how, NHTSA should order Takata and/or Manufacturers to prioritize certain E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1 32200 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 108 / Friday, June 5, 2015 / Notices vehicles or certain regions in its allocation of replacement parts, (4) whether, and how, NHTSA should order a replacement schedule for replacement frontal inflators/air bags if Takata and/ or Manufacturers cannot provide assurances for the ongoing safety of the inflators, and (5) whether, and how, NHTSA should order additional authorized repair facilities, or any other regulated entity, to aid Takata and/or Manufacturers in timely completing remedy programs. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30101, et seq., 30118– 30120, 30120(c)(3), 30166(b)(1), 30166(g)(1); 49 CFR 573.6, 573.14; delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.95(a), 501.2(a)(1). Issued: June 1, 2015. Mark R. Rosekind, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2015–13756 Filed 6–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35932] asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Lubbock and Western Railway, L.L.C.—Acquisition and Operation Exemption—West Texas and Lubbock Railway Company, Inc., and West Texas and Lubbock Railroad Company, Inc. Lubbock and Western Railway, L.L.C. (LWR), a wholly owned noncarrier subsidiary of Watco Holdings, Inc., has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to acquire and operate approximately 9.5 miles of rail line and to lease approximately 134.75 miles of rail line from West Texas and Lubbock Railway Company, Inc., and West Texas and Lubbock Railroad Company, Inc. (WTLR). The lines being acquired and operated are located between: (1)(a) Mileposts 330.10 and 331.10 at Plainview, Tex., and (b) mileposts 367.250 and 368.250, at Dimmitt, Tex., on the Dimmit Sub; (2)(a) mileposts 0.0 and 1.0 at Doud, Tex., and (b) mileposts 12.10 and 13.10 at Broadview, Tex., on the Broadview Sub; (3)(a) mileposts 6.0 and 8.5 at Doud, and (b) mileposts 62.90 and 63.90, at Seagraves, Tex., on the Seagraves Sub; and (4)(a) mileposts 4.70 and 5.70 at Whiteface Junction, and (b) mileposts 38.80 and 39.80 at Whiteface, Tex., on the Whiteface Sub. The lines being leased are located between: (1) Mileposts 331.10 and 367.25 on the Dimmit Sub, (2) mileposts 1.0 and 12.10 on the Broadview Sub, (3) mileposts 8.50 and 62.90, on the Seagraves Sub, and (4) mileposts 5.70 and 38.80, on the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jun 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 Whiteface Sub. In addition, LWR will also acquire by assignment approximately 5 miles of trackage rights that WTLR currently has over BNSF Railway Company’s line between milepost 88.6 at Canyon Jct., Tex., and milepost 83.6 at Broadview. This transaction is related to a concurrently filed verified notice of exemption in Watco Holdings, Inc.— Continuance in Control Exemption— Lubbock & Western Railway, Docket No. FD 35933, wherein Watco Holdings, Inc., seeks Board approval to continue in control of LWR, upon LWR’s becoming a Class III rail carrier. The parties intend to consummate the transaction after the effective date of the verified notice of exemption. LWR certifies that its projected annual revenues as a result of this transaction will not result in the creation of a Class II or Class I rail carrier. Because LWR’s projected annual revenues will exceed $5 million, LWR certified to the Board on May 19, 2015, that it had complied with the requirements of 49 CFR 1150.32(e) on May 18, 2015, by providing notice to employees of WTLR on the affected lines.1 Under 49 CFR 1150.32(e), this exemption cannot become effective until 60 days after the date notice was provided, which would be July 18, 2015. LWR states that the agreement with WTLR does not contain any provision that prohibits it from interchanging traffic with a third party or limits its ability to interchange with a third party. If the verified notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the effectiveness of the exemption. Petitions to stay must be filed no later than July 10, 2015 (at least 7 days before the exemption becomes effective). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to Docket No. FD 35932, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on Karl Morell, 655 Fifteenth Street NW., Suite 225, Washington, DC 20005. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at ‘‘www.stb.dot.gov.’’ Decided: June 2, 2015. 1 In its May 19 letter to the Board, LWR stated that there are no union employees at WTLR. PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Brendetta S. Jones, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2015–13790 Filed 6–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35931] Watco Holdings, Inc.—Continuance in Control Exemption—Texas New Mexico Railway, L.L.C. Watco Holdings, Inc. (Watco), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption pursuant to 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(2) to continue in control of Texas New Mexico Railway, L.L.C. (TNMR), upon TNMR’s becoming a Class III rail carrier. Watco owns, indirectly, 100 percent of the issued and outstanding stock of TNMR, a limited liability company. This transaction is related to a concurrently filed verified notice of exemption in Texas New Mexico Railway—Acquisition and Operation Exemption—Austin & Northwestern Railroad, Docket No. FD 35930, wherein TNMR seeks Board approval to acquire and operate approximately 104.191 miles of rail line owned by Austin & Northwestern Railway Company, Inc., between milepost 0.079 at Monahans, Tex., and milepost 104.27 at Lovington, NM. The transaction may be consummated on or after June 20, 2015, the effective date of the exemption (30 days after the notice of exemption was filed). Watco is a Kansas corporation that currently controls, indirectly, one Class II rail carrier, and 30 Class III rail carriers, collectively operating in 22 states. For a complete list of these rail carriers, and the states in which they operate, see Watco’s notice of exemption filed on May 21, 2015. The notice is available on the Board’s Web site at WWW.STB.DOT.GOV. Watco represents that: (1) The rail lines to be operated by TNMR do not connect with any of the rail lines operated by the carriers in the Watco corporate family; (2) the transaction is not a part of a series of anticipated transactions that would result in such a connection; and (3) the transaction does not involve a Class I carrier. Therefore, the transaction is exempt from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 11323. See 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(2). Watco states that the purpose of the transaction is to reduce overhead expenses, coordinate billing, E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32197-32200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13756]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2015-0055]


Notice of Coordinated Remedy Program Proceeding for the 
Replacement of Certain Takata Air Bag Inflators

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In order to prioritize, organize, and phase multiple recalls 
to remedy defective Takata frontal air bag inflators, the National 
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (``NHTSA'') is opening 
proceedings, including a public docket..NHTSA is considering issuing 
one or more administrative orders that would coordinate remedy programs 
associated with defective Takata air bag inflators. Coordination of the 
remedy programs may include, among other things, ``acceleration,'' 
prioritization, organization, and/or phasing of some or all such air 
bag inflator remedy programs. It may further include coordination as to 
air bag inflator sourcing, production, allocation, delivery, 
installation, and adequacy of the remedy. This notice explains events 
leading to today's action and NHTSA's authority to open such a 
proceeding. It also describes some of the issues that the agency 
anticipates considering in the proceeding and information the agency 
requests from commenters as part of such a proceeding.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments to the docket number identified in 
the heading of this document by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, M-30, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Rm. W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Rm. W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    Regardless of how you submit your comments, you should mention the 
docket number of this document.
    You may call the Docket at 202-366-9324.
    Note that all comments received will be posted without change to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues, Scott Yon, 
Office of Defects Investigation, National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration (telephone: 202-366-0139); for legal issues, Arija 
Flowers, Office of the Chief Counsel, NCC-111, National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590 
(telephone: 202-366-8714). Information regarding NHTSA's investigation 
into Takata Air Bag Inflator ruptures is available on

[[Page 32198]]

NHTSA's Web site at: https://www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To mitigate and control the risk of serious 
injury or death due to an air bag inflator rupture, and to ensure that 
all affected vehicles in the United States are equipped with safe air 
bags as quickly as possible, NHTSA is considering exercising its 
authority under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 
1966, as amended and recodified (the ``Safety Act''), 49 U.S.C. 30101, 
et seq., to provide national-level leadership and to facilitate the 
prioritization, organization, and phasing of the remedy programs of TK 
Holdings, Inc. (``Takata'') and all vehicle manufacturers having 
recalled, defective Takata frontal air bag inflators. This includes the 
remedy programs of BMW of North America, LLC (``BMW''), Chrysler Group, 
LLC (``Chrysler''), Ford Motor Company (``Ford''), General Motors, LLC 
(``GM''), American Honda Motor Company (``Honda''), Mazda North 
American Operations (``Mazda''), Mercedes-Benz, LLC--DBA Sprinter (``M-
B Sprinter'') (as to Sprinter Vans only), Mitsubishi Motors North 
America, Inc. (``Mitsubishi''), Nissan North America, Inc. 
(``Nissan''), Subaru of America, Inc. (``Subaru''), and Toyota Motor 
Engineering and Manufacturing (``Toyota'') (collectively, the 
``Manufacturers'').

I. The Reasons for a Coordinated Remedy

    The number of recalled air bag inflators and impacted vehicles and 
manufacturers, in combination with the supply issues related to these 
air bag recalls, presents an unprecedented level of complexity to the 
recall and remedy process. As of the date of this Federal Register 
Notice, these recalls of defective Takata air bag inflators constitute 
the largest Safety Act recall in NHTSA's history, and one of the 
largest consumer product recalls in United States history, with 
approximately 34 million air bag inflators currently requiring 
replacement. The risk of harm presented by the defective Takata air bag 
inflators transcends the scope of the usual Safety Act recall. 
Accordingly, NHTSA is hereby opening a coordinated remedy program 
proceeding.
    Each of the Manufacturers, with the exception of M-B Sprinter, has 
previously elected a remedy program of repair for at least some of 
their affected vehicles (specifically, for vehicles that were covered 
by prior Manufacturer recalls). See 49 U.S.C. 30120(a)(1)(A). These 
remedy programs are individual to each of the Manufacturers, creating a 
patch-work solution that NHTSA believes may not adequately address the 
safety risks presented by the defective Takata air bag inflators within 
a reasonable time. Based on the currently available data, these recalls 
involve varying levels of risk of harm which must be mitigated and 
controlled: The risk of the air bag inflator rupturing when the air bag 
is inflated, which may result in serious injury or death to vehicle 
occupants without prior warning.
    Specifically, NHTSA is issuing this notice pursuant to its 
authority under the Safety Act to ``accelerate'' remedy programs, 49 
U.S.C. 30120(c)(3) and 49 CFR 573.14, to inspect and investigate, 49 
U.S.C. 30166(b)(1), to ensure that defective vehicles and equipment are 
recalled and remedied, 49 U.S.C. 30118 through 30120, and to ensure 
that the remedy for the defect is adequate, 49 U.S.C. 30120, as 
delegated by the Secretary of Transportation (``the Secretary''), 49 
CFR 1.95 and 501.2(a)(1). Given the severity of the possible harm, 
variable nature of the risk of harm to be mitigated and controlled, 
unprecedented number of vehicles and entities affected, and imperative 
for public confidence in the safety of their vehicle air bags, NHTSA is 
therefore opening a public proceeding, including a public docket, to 
investigate challenges and solutions related to the Takata air bag 
inflator recalls and to gather public comments on those issues.
    NHTSA also anticipates collaborating in this proceeding with other 
Tier One inflator suppliers, which may include ARC Automotive, Inc. 
(``ARC''), Autoliv Americas (``Autoliv''), Key Safety Systems (``Key 
Safety''), Toyoda Gosei North America Corporation (``Toyoda''), TRW 
Automotive (``TRW''), and Special Devices, Inc./Daicel Group 
(``Daicel'') (collectively, the ``Suppliers'') to craft solutions that 
further mitigate and control the risk of harm by ensuring safe air bags 
in every motor vehicle in the United States.

II. Background on Defective Takata Frontal Air Bag Inflators

    The first recall involving a rupturing Takata driver side frontal 
air bag inflator was initiated by Honda on November 11, 2008, and was 
designated by NHTSA as Recall No. 08V-593. At that time, the defect was 
thought to be the result of a specific manufacturing issue involving 
one of the propellant presses at Takata's Moses Lake, Washington plant. 
Due to various discrepancies in Takata's recordkeeping for the affected 
parts, Honda had to expand the scope of the recall several times 
between 2009 and 2011. Those recall expansions were designated by NHTSA 
as Recall Nos. 09V-259, 10V-041, and 11V-260.
    The first recall involving a rupturing Takata passenger side 
frontal air bag inflator was initiated by Takata on April 11, 2013, and 
involved the following vehicle manufacturers: BMW, Honda, Mazda, 
Nissan, and Toyota. The various recall submissions were designated by 
NHTSA as Recall Nos. 13E-017, 13V-130, 13V-132, 13V-133, 13V-136, and 
13V-172. At that time, the defect was thought to be the result of two 
specific manufacturing issues--(1) The possibility that the auto-reject 
function on the propellant press had been manually disabled, and (2) 
the possibility that certain propellant lots were exposed to 
uncontrolled moisture conditions at Takata's Monclova, Mexico plant.
    Between August 2013 and April 2014, NHTSA received three Vehicle 
Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) that alleged air bag inflator ruptures in 
vehicle populations outside the scope of the prior driver side and 
passenger side frontal air bag recalls. In late-May 2014, Takata 
confirmed the three ruptures with NHTSA's Office of Defects 
Investigation (ODI), and notified ODI of an additional three ruptures 
(for a total of six rupture incidents between August 2013 and May 
2014). On June 10, 2014, NHTSA convened a conference call, after which 
Takata and the affected vehicle manufacturers agreed to initiate 
regional parts collection campaigns in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, 
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The initial data underlying these regional 
actions indicated that certain Takata frontal air bag inflators in 
regions prone to long-term high absolute humidity and temperatures pose 
a safety risk.
    On June 11, 2014, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation, PE14-016, 
to investigate the six identified rupture incidents involving driver 
side and passenger side frontal air bag inflators manufactured by 
Takata. (PE14-016 was later upgraded to an engineering analysis, EA15-
001, on February 24, 2015.)
    During the period of October through December 2014, service 
campaigns related to the passenger side frontal air bags were converted 
to recalls and the geographic scope was expanded, though still limited 
to certain regions with higher levels of absolute humidity and high 
temperatures. Also during this period, NHTSA sent letters to Takata and 
the Manufacturers (except M-B Sprinter, whose air bag inflators were 
not then identified as having any defect) regarding their efforts and 
abilities, individually, to accelerate the supply of

[[Page 32199]]

replacement air bags and emphasizing the importance of their continued 
efforts to promptly and effectively remedy the serious safety risk 
posed to consumers by the defective Takata air bag inflators. Further, 
as part of its ongoing investigation and oversight of the defective 
Takata frontal air bag inflators, NHTSA issued a pair of Special Orders 
to Takata on October 30, and November 18, 2014, a Special Order to 
Honda on November 5, 2014, and General Orders to BMW, Chrysler, Ford, 
GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota on November 
18, 2014.
    Also on November 18, 2014, NHTSA publicly demanded that the five 
auto manufacturers with affected driver side frontal air bag inflators 
expand their regional campaigns and conduct a nationwide recall of 
vehicles equipped with the subject driver side frontal air bag 
inflators. This decision was based on, among other things, the agency's 
evaluation of a recent driver side frontal air bag failure in a vehicle 
outside the current regional recall area, and its relationship to five 
previous driver side frontal air bag inflator ruptures. Beginning in 
December 2014, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda and Mazda initiated national 
service campaigns or safety improvement campaigns on vehicles with 
these driver side frontal air bag inflators.
    On November 26, 2014, NHTSA demanded that Takata conduct a national 
recall of driver side frontal air bag inflators. In a response dated 
December 2, 2014, Takata declined to do so. Despite Takata's response, 
NHTSA continued insisting that Takata conduct a national recall.
    On May 18, 2015, at NHTSA's urging, Takata filed four Defect 
Information Reports (``DIR's'') pursuant to 49 CFR 573.6. In those 
DIR's, Takata determined that a defect exists in certain models of 
frontal air bag inflators (specifically, the PSDI, PSDI-4, PSDI-4K, 
SPI, PSPI and PSPI-L).
    As of May 27, 2015, ruptured Takata air bag inflators allegedly 
resulting in death or injury have been confirmed in 95 incidents in the 
United States. Many of these incidents resulted in serious injury to 
vehicle occupants. In five of the incidents, the vehicle's driver died, 
allegedly as a result of injuries sustained from the rupture of the air 
bag inflator. In other incidents, vehicle occupants allegedly suffered 
injuries including cuts or lacerations to the face or neck, broken or 
fractured facial bones, loss of eyesight, broken teeth, and traumatic 
brain injury.

III. Coordinated Remedy Program Proceeding

    The Safety Act requires manufacturers to remedy safety-related 
defects in motor vehicles. 49 U.S.C. 30120(a). The remedy must be 
adequate to protect the American public from the safety risk posed by 
the defect. 49 U.S.C. 30120(c). Manufacturers are required to notify 
both the Secretary and vehicle owners of safety related defects, 49 
U.S.C. 30118, including procedures for owners to follow to have the 
safety-related defect remedied, 49 U.S.C. 30119. The Safety Act also 
authorizes the Secretary to conduct investigations to enforce the 
Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. 30166(b)(1), issue general and special orders 
(responses to which are compulsory), hold hearings, and take testimony, 
49 U.S.C. 30166(g)(1). If the Secretary determines that a 
manufacturer's remedy program is not likely to be capable of completion 
within a reasonable time, the Secretary may require the manufacturer to 
``accelerate'' the remedy program if the Secretary finds that there is 
a risk of serious injury or death if the remedy program is not 
accelerated, and that acceleration of the remedy program can be 
reasonably achieved by expanding the sources of replacement parts, 
expanding the number of authorized repair facilities, or both. 49 
U.S.C. 30120(c)(3). The Secretary has delegated his authorities under 
the Safety Act, including each of the above, to the NHTSA 
Administrator, 49 CFR 1.95(a) and 501.2(a)(1). Accordingly, NHTSA is 
opening this coordinated remedy proceeding to investigate issues 
related to the remedy of defective Takata frontal air bag inflators and 
to coordinate remedy programs, if and as appropriate based upon the 
findings of the proceeding.
    As an initial matter, NHTSA seeks a full, open, and collaborative 
process, without compromising NHTSA's objectives of safety, that 
facilitates thoughtful problem-solving and engages all regulated 
entities in developing and implementing solutions to this significant 
safety risk. For example, NHTSA anticipates that it will collaborate 
with the Manufacturers, gathering information and data from each 
Manufacturer regarding, among other things, information related to 
production of replacement frontal air bag inflators and their 
distribution. Upon receipt, public versions of all responses to NHTSA's 
requests will be posted to this docket.
    NHTSA also anticipates engaging the Suppliers in a cooperative, 
collaborative process seeking, among other things, information related 
to current production capabilities, possible enhanced production 
capabilities in the future, and any challenges to quickly increasing 
production of these specific parts. This process will involve 
requesting specific information from Suppliers and engaging in candid, 
thoughtful dialogue with Suppliers.
    NHTSA further anticipates significant industry outreach to 
facilitate the forging of collaborative partnerships. Among other 
approaches, NHTSA anticipates convening one or more meetings, 
individually and/or in groups, with Takata, Manufacturers, Suppliers, 
and/or others to candidly discuss the challenges these industries are 
facing and, again, work collaboratively to create solutions that 
further mitigate and control the risk of harm presented by defective 
Takata air bag inflators and the challenges to achieving a satisfactory 
recall/remedy completion rate. Further, NHTSA may decide to hold a 
public hearing and, if so, NHTSA will provide information on the scope, 
date, time, and location of, and how to participate in, such a hearing 
in a subsequent Federal Register Notice.

IV. NHTSA's Request for Public Comments

    While NHTSA will request certain information from Takata, 
Manufacturers, Suppliers, and other regulated entities in this 
proceeding, NHTSA also seeks comments from the public. NHTSA requests 
comments regarding, among other things, how NHTSA can most effectively 
exercise its authority with respect to prioritizing, organizing, and 
phasing recall and remedy programs involving the defective Takata 
frontal air bag inflators as described above, and methods for ensuring 
that Manufacturers and Takata achieve satisfactory recall/remedy 
completion rates.
    NHTSA also requests comments on how Takata, Manufacturers, 
Suppliers, and other regulated entities would comply with one or more 
administrative orders that NHTSA may issue at the conclusion of this 
proceeding, upon consideration of the relevant data, facts found, and 
choices made. NHTSA is further requesting comments on the possible 
terms of any such order(s). In particular, NHTSA requests comments 
relating to (1) whether, and how, NHTSA should order Takata and/or 
other regulated entities to source replacement parts for Manufacturers, 
(2) whether, and how, NHTSA should issue an accelerated remedy 
directive to Takata and/or some (or all) Manufacturers, (3) whether, 
and how, NHTSA should order Takata and/or Manufacturers to prioritize 
certain

[[Page 32200]]

vehicles or certain regions in its allocation of replacement parts, (4) 
whether, and how, NHTSA should order a replacement schedule for 
replacement frontal inflators/air bags if Takata and/or Manufacturers 
cannot provide assurances for the ongoing safety of the inflators, and 
(5) whether, and how, NHTSA should order additional authorized repair 
facilities, or any other regulated entity, to aid Takata and/or 
Manufacturers in timely completing remedy programs.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30101, et seq., 30118-30120, 30120(c)(3), 
30166(b)(1), 30166(g)(1); 49 CFR 573.6, 573.14; delegations of 
authority at 49 CFR 1.95(a), 501.2(a)(1).

    Issued: June 1, 2015.
Mark R. Rosekind,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-13756 Filed 6-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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