Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming Model Year 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL500 Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles Are Eligible for Importation, 61719-61721 [2018-26061]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2018 / Notices amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 manufactured to conform to all applicable FMVSS shall be refused admission into the United States unless NHTSA has decided that the motor vehicle is substantially similar to a motor vehicle originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the United States, certified under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and of the same model year as the model of the motor vehicle to be compared, and is capable of being readily altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS. Petitions for eligibility decisions may be submitted by either manufacturers or importers who have registered with NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR part 592. As specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA publishes notice in the Federal Register of each petition that it receives, and affords interested persons an opportunity to comment on the petition. At the close of the comment period, NHTSA decides, on the basis of the petition and any comments that it has received, whether the vehicle is eligible for importation. The agency then publishes this decision in the Federal Register. II. Summary of Petition J.K. Technologies, LLC (JK), of Baltimore, Maryland (Registered Importer R–90–006) has petitioned NHTSA to decide whether nonconforming MY 2011 MercedesBenz GL550 CMVSS-certified MPVs are eligible for importation into the United States. The vehicles which JK believes are substantially similar are MY 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550 MPVs sold in the United States and certified by their manufacturer as conforming to all applicable FMVSS. The petitioner claims that it compared the CMVSS-certified MY 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550 CMVSS certified MPVs to their U.S.-certified counterparts, and found the vehicles to be substantially similar with respect to compliance with most FMVSS. The petitioner submitted information with its petition intended to demonstrate that the subject non-U.S.certified vehicles as, originally manufactured, conform to many applicable FMVSS in the same manner as their U.S.-certified counterparts, or are capable of being readily altered to conform to those standards. Specifically, the petitioner claims that the non-U.S.-certified MY 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550 CMVSS certified MPVs, as originally manufactured, conform to: Standard Nos. 102 Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect, 103 Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems, 104 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Nov 29, 2018 Jkt 247001 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems, 106 Brake Hoses, 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment, 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, 111 Rearview Mirrors, 113 Hood Latch System, 114 Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention, 116 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, 118 Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems, 124 Accelerator Control Systems, 126 Electronic Stability Control Systems, 135 Light Vehicle Brake Systems, 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, 202a Head Restraints; Mandatory Applicability Begins on September 1, 2009, 203 Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System, 204 Steering Control Rearward Displacement, 205 Glazing Materials, 206 Door Locks and Door Retention Components, 207 Seating Systems, 208 Occupant Crash Protection, 209 Seat Belt Assemblies, 210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, 212 Windshield Mounting, 214 Side Impact Protection, 216 Roof Crush Resistance; Applicable unless a Vehicle is Certified to § 571.216a, 219 Windshield Zone Intrusion, 225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems, 301 Fuel System Integrity, and 302 Flammability of Interior Materials. The petitioner also contends that the subject non-U.S.-certified passenger cars are capable of being readily altered to meet the following standards, in the manner indicated: Standard No. 101 Controls and Displays: Replacement of the instrument cluster with the U.S.-model component and reprogramming of its software as described in the petition. In addition, replacement of the engine start control push button switch with the U.S.-model component to correct the labeling to meet the requirements of the standard. Standard No. 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: Replacement or addition of U.S.-model TPMS components and the wiring harness, and then reprogramming of the vehicle ECUs as necessary to meet the requirements of the standard as described in the petition and shown in its attachments. The certifying manufacturer, Mercedes Benz, stated in a letter provided by the petitioner that they do not provide a retrofit or conversion to render this vehicle compliant with this specific standard. NHTSA is, therefore, specifically seeking public comment on whether the petitioner’s proposed approach to conforming the subject vehicles to FMVSS No. 138 is capable of achieving conformity. PO 00000 Frm 00121 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61719 The petitioner further states that labels will be affixed to conform the vehicle to the requirements of 49 CFR parts 565 and 567, VIN Content and Certification, respectively. III. Comments All comments and supporting materials received before the close of business on the closing date indicated above will be filed in the docket and considered. Comments filed after the closing date will also be considered to the fullest extent possible and available for examination in the docket at the above addresses. Once the petition is granted or denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated at the end of this notice. This notice of receipt of the subject petition does not represent any agency decision or other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the petition. Notice of final action on the petition will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated below. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), and (b)(1); 49 CFR 593.7; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8. Claudia W. Covell, Acting Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. [FR Doc. 2018–26059 Filed 11–29–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2018–0007; Notice 1] Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming Model Year 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL500 Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles Are Eligible for Importation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Receipt of petition. AGENCY: This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that certain model year (MY) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL500 multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), are eligible for importation into the United States because they are substantially similar to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 61720 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2018 / Notices vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 MPV) and are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards. DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is December 31, 2018. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the docket number cited in the title of this notice and must be submitted by any of the following methods: • Mail: Send comments by mail addressed to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver comments by hand to the 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 for Federal Holidays. • Electronically: Submit comments electronically by logging onto the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) website at https:// www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Comments may also be faxed to (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 comments you have submitted by mail 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. All comments, background documentation, and supporting materials submitted to the 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. The docket ID number for this petition is shown in the heading of this notice. DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement is available for review in a VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Nov 29, 2018 Jkt 247001 Federal Register notice published on April 11, 2000, (65 FR 19477–78). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Thurgood, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, NHTSA (202–366–0712). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. History: Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), a motor vehicle that was not originally manufactured to conform to all applicable FMVSS shall be refused admission into the United States unless NHTSA has decided that the motor vehicle is substantially similar to a motor vehicle originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the United States, certified under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and of the same model year as the model of the motor vehicle to be compared, and is capable of being readily altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS. Petitions for eligibility decisions may be submitted by either manufacturers or importers who have registered with NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR part 592. As specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA publishes notice in the Federal Register of each petition that it receives and affords interested persons an opportunity to comment on the petition. At the close of the comment period, NHTSA decides, on the basis of the petition and any comments that it has received, whether the vehicle is eligible for importation. The agency then publishes this decision in the Federal Register. II. Summary of Petition: Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories (WETL), of Houston, Texas (Registered Importer R–90–005) has petitioned NHTSA to decide whether nonconforming MY 2016 MercedesBenz GL500 MPVs are eligible for importation into the United States. The vehicles which WETL believes are substantially similar are MY 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 MPV sold in the United States and certified by their manufacturer as conforming to all applicable FMVSS. The petitioner claims that it compared non-U.S.-certified MY 2016 MercedesBenz GL500 MPVs to their U.S.-certified counterparts, and found the vehicles to be substantially similar with respect to compliance with most FMVSS. The petitioner submitted information with its petition intended to demonstrate that the subject non-U.S.certified vehicles, as originally manufactured, conform to many applicable FMVSS in the same manner as their U.S.-certified counterparts, or are capable of being readily altered to conform to those standards. Specifically, the petitioner claims that the non-U.S.-certified MY 2016 PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Mercedes-Benz GL500 MPVs, as originally manufactured, conforms to: Standard Nos. 102 Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect, 103 Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems, 104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems, 106 Brake Hoses, 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, 113 Hood Latch System, 116 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, 118 Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems, 124 Accelerator Control Systems, 126 Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles, 135 Light Vehicle Brake Systems, 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, 202a Head Restraints; Mandatory Applicability Begins on September 1, 2009, 203 Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System, 204 Steering Control Rearward Displacement, 205 Glazing Materials, 206 Door Locks and Door Retention Components, 207 Seating Systems, 209 Seat Belt Assemblies, 210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, 212 Windshield Mounting, 214 Side Impact Protection, 216 Roof Crush Resistance, Applicable unless a Vehicle is Certified to § 571.216a, 219 Windshield Zone Intrusion, 225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems, 301 Fuel System Integrity, and 302 Flammability of Interior Materials. The petitioner also contends that the subject non-U.S.-certified MPVs are capable of being readily altered to meet the following standards, in the manner indicated: Standard No. 101 Controls and Displays: The brake warning telltale must be modified to show the word ‘‘BRAKE’’ when activated. Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment: The headlamps and front side marker lamps must be removed and replaced with conforming lamps. Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: The passenger side mirror must be replaced with a U.S.-model that includes the required warning label. Standard No. 114 Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention: Installation of the U.S.-model anti-theft system to activate the key warning, audible alarm. Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: Inspection to ascertain if the software and firmware installed in the vehicle are the same as the most up-todate versions installed in the U.S.conforming version of the vehicle. Replacement of any software or E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2018 / Notices firmware found not to be the most recent version. The petitioner further states that labels will be affixed to conform the vehicle to the requirements of 49 CFR parts 565 and 567, VIN Content and Certification, respectively. III. Comments: All comments and supporting materials received before the close of business on the closing date indicated above will be filed in the docket and considered. Comments filed after the closing date will also be considered to the fullest extent possible and available for examination in the docket at the above ADDRESSES. Once the petition is granted or denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated at the end of this notice. This notice of receipt of the subject petition does not represent any agency decision or other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the petition. Notice of final action on the petition will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated below. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), and (b)(1); 49 CFR 593.7; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8. Michael A. Cole, Acting Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. [FR Doc. 2018–26061 Filed 11–29–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing the names of one or more persons that have been placed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List based on OFAC’s determination that one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: OFAC: Associate Director for Global Targeting, tel.: 202–622–2420; Assistant Director for Licensing, tel.: 202–622– amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Nov 29, 2018 Jkt 247001 2480; Assistant Director for Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation, tel.: 202–622– 2490; Assistant Director for Regulatory Affairs, tel. 202–622–4855; or the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the General Counsel: Office of the Chief Counsel (Foreign Assets Control), tel.: 202–622–2410. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Availability The Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and additional information concerning OFAC sanctions programs are available on OFAC’s website (https://www.treasury.gov/ofac). Notice of OFAC Actions On November 20, 2018, OFAC determined that the property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of the following persons are blocked under the relevant sanctions authorities listed below. Individuals 1. ALCHWIKI, Mhd Amer (a.k.a. AL CHWIKI, Mohamad Amer Mohamad Akram; a.k.a. ALCHWIKI, Amer; a.k.a. ALCHWIKI, Amer Mhd; a.k.a. ALCHWIKI, Mohamad Amer; a.k.a. AL–SHUWAYKI, Muhammad ’Amir Muhammad Akram; a.k.a. AL– SHWEIKI, Mohamad Amer; a.k.a. AL– SHWEIKI, Muhammad Omar; a.k.a. ALSHWIKI, Mhd Amer (Cyrillic: FKMIDBRB, V[l Fvth); a.k.a. CHWIKI, Mohammad Amer; a.k.a. SHUWAYKI, Mohamad Amer; a.k.a. SHWEIKI, Mohammad Amer), 71 Linton Road, Acton, London W3 9HL, United Kingdom; Syria; DOB 04 Sep 1972; POB Damascus, Syria; nationality Syria; citizen Syria; Additional Sanctions Information—Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations; alt. Additional Sanctions Information—Subject to Secondary Sanctions; Gender Male; Passport N012430661; alt. Passport N010794545; alt. Passport N007024509; alt. Passport N005668098 (individual) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: GLOBAL VISION GROUP; Linked To: ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS (IRGC)QODS FORCE; Linked To: HIZBALLAH). Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(i) of Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011, ‘‘Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Syria’’ (E.O. 13582) for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA, an entity identified as meeting the definition of the Government of Syria, as set forth in section 8(d) of E.O. 13582 and section 542.305 of the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 542. Also designated pursuant to section 1(b)(ii) of E.O. 13582 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, GLOBAL VISION GROUP, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13582. PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61721 Also designated pursuant to section 1(d)(i) of Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, ‘‘Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism’’ (E.O. 13224) for assisting in, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or financial or other services to or in support of, ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS (IRGC)QODS FORCE, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224. Also designated pursuant to section 1(d)(i) of E.O. 13224 for assisting in, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or financial or other services to or in support of, HIZBALLAH, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224. 2. AL–BAZZAL, Muhammad Qasim (a.k.a. BAZZAL, Mohamad; a.k.a. ‘‘MU’IN’’); DOB 26 Aug 1984; POB Ba’albakk, Lebanon; Additional Sanctions Information—Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations; Gender Male; Passport LR0510789; Identification Number 18349929 (Lebanon) (individual) [SDGT] (Linked To: HIZBALLAH). Designated pursuant to section 1(c) of E.O. 13224 for acting for or on behalf of HIZBALLAH, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224. 3. DOGAEV, Andrey (a.k.a. DOGAYEV, Andrey; a.k.a. DOGAYEV, Andrey Yuryevich (Cyrillic: LJUFTD, Fylhtq >hmtdbx)); DOB 19 Dec 1955; POB Russia; Gender Male; Passport 72 9279533 (Russia) issued 27 Aug 2014 expires 27 Aug 2024; First Deputy Director of Promsyrioimport (individual) [SYRIA] (Linked To: PROMSYRIOIMPORT). Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(ii) of E.O. 13582 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, PROMSYRIOIMPORT, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13582. 4. SAJJAD, Rasoul (a.k.a. SAJJAD, Rassoul; a.k.a. SAJJAD, Rasul), Iran; DOB 09 Aug 1970; POB Esfahan, Iran; Additional Sanctions Information—Subject to Secondary Sanctions; Gender Male; Passport G9333110 (Iran) issued 03 Mar 2014 expires 03 Mar 2019; (individual) [SDGT] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS (IRGC)-QODS FORCE). Designated pursuant to section 1(d)(i) of E.O. 13224 for assisting in, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or financial or other services to or in support of, Iran’s ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS–QODS FORCE, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224. 5. YAGHOUBI MIAB, Hossein (a.k.a. YAGHOOBI MAYAB, Hossein; a.k.a. YAGHOOBI, Hossein; a.k.a. YAGHUBI MAYAB, Hosein; a.k.a. YAQUBI, Hosein), Iran; DOB 23 Jul 1961; POB Tehran, Iran; Additional Sanctions Information—Subject to Secondary Sanctions; Gender Male; Passport G9342868 (Iran) issued 16 Mar 2016 E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 231 (Friday, November 30, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61719-61721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26061]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2018-0007; Notice 1]


Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 
Model Year 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL500 Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles Are 
Eligible for Importation

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

ACTION: Receipt of petition.

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

SUMMARY: This document announces receipt by the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that 
certain model year (MY) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL500 multipurpose passenger 
vehicles (MPVs) that were not originally manufactured to comply with 
all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), are 
eligible for importation into the United States because they are 
substantially similar to

[[Page 61720]]

vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United 
States and were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the 
safety standards (the U.S.-certified 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 MPV) and 
are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is December 31, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written data, 
views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the 
docket number cited in the title of this notice and must be submitted 
by any of the following methods:
     Mail: Send comments by mail addressed to the U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver comments by hand to the 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 for Federal Holidays.
     Electronically: Submit comments electronically by logging 
onto the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) website at https://www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Comments may also be faxed to (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 comments you have submitted by mail 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.
    All comments, background documentation, and supporting materials 
submitted to the 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. The docket ID number for this petition is shown 
in the heading of this notice.
    DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement is available for review in a 
Federal Register notice published on April 11, 2000, (65 FR 19477-78).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Thurgood, Office of Vehicle 
Safety Compliance, NHTSA (202-366-0712).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    I. History: Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), a motor vehicle that 
was not originally manufactured to conform to all applicable FMVSS 
shall be refused admission into the United States unless NHTSA has 
decided that the motor vehicle is substantially similar to a motor 
vehicle originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the 
United States, certified under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and of the same model 
year as the model of the motor vehicle to be compared, and is capable 
of being readily altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS.
    Petitions for eligibility decisions may be submitted by either 
manufacturers or importers who have registered with NHTSA pursuant to 
49 CFR part 592. As specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA publishes notice 
in the Federal Register of each petition that it receives and affords 
interested persons an opportunity to comment on the petition. At the 
close of the comment period, NHTSA decides, on the basis of the 
petition and any comments that it has received, whether the vehicle is 
eligible for importation. The agency then publishes this decision in 
the Federal Register.
    II. Summary of Petition: Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories 
(WETL), of Houston, Texas (Registered Importer R-90-005) has petitioned 
NHTSA to decide whether nonconforming MY 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL500 MPVs 
are eligible for importation into the United States. The vehicles which 
WETL believes are substantially similar are MY 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 
MPV sold in the United States and certified by their manufacturer as 
conforming to all applicable FMVSS.
    The petitioner claims that it compared non-U.S.-certified MY 2016 
Mercedes-Benz GL500 MPVs to their U.S.-certified counterparts, and 
found the vehicles to be substantially similar with respect to 
compliance with most FMVSS.
    The petitioner submitted information with its petition intended to 
demonstrate that the subject non-U.S.-certified vehicles, as originally 
manufactured, conform to many applicable FMVSS in the same manner as 
their U.S.-certified counterparts, or are capable of being readily 
altered to conform to those standards.
    Specifically, the petitioner claims that the non-U.S.-certified MY 
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL500 MPVs, as originally manufactured, conforms to: 
Standard Nos. 102 Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter 
Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect, 103 Windshield Defrosting 
and Defogging Systems, 104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems, 106 
Brake Hoses, 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, 113 Hood Latch 
System, 116 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, 118 Power-Operated Window, 
Partition, and Roof Panel Systems, 124 Accelerator Control Systems, 126 
Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles, 135 Light 
Vehicle Brake Systems, 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, 201 
Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, 202a Head Restraints; Mandatory 
Applicability Begins on September 1, 2009, 203 Impact Protection for 
the Driver from the Steering Control System, 204 Steering Control 
Rearward Displacement, 205 Glazing Materials, 206 Door Locks and Door 
Retention Components, 207 Seating Systems, 209 Seat Belt Assemblies, 
210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, 212 Windshield Mounting, 214 Side 
Impact Protection, 216 Roof Crush Resistance, Applicable unless a 
Vehicle is Certified to Sec.  571.216a, 219 Windshield Zone Intrusion, 
225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems, 301 Fuel System Integrity, and 
302 Flammability of Interior Materials.
    The petitioner also contends that the subject non-U.S.-certified 
MPVs are capable of being readily altered to meet the following 
standards, in the manner indicated:
    Standard No. 101 Controls and Displays: The brake warning telltale 
must be modified to show the word ``BRAKE'' when activated.
    Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated 
Equipment: The headlamps and front side marker lamps must be removed 
and replaced with conforming lamps.
    Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: The passenger side mirror must 
be replaced with a U.S.-model that includes the required warning label.
    Standard No. 114 Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention: 
Installation of the U.S.-model anti-theft system to activate the key 
warning, audible alarm.
    Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: Inspection to ascertain 
if the software and firmware installed in the vehicle are the same as 
the most up-to-date versions installed in the U.S.-conforming version 
of the vehicle. Replacement of any software or

[[Page 61721]]

firmware found not to be the most recent version.
    The petitioner further states that labels will be affixed to 
conform the vehicle to the requirements of 49 CFR parts 565 and 567, 
VIN Content and Certification, respectively.
    III. Comments: All comments and supporting materials received 
before the close of business on the closing date indicated above will 
be filed in the docket and considered. Comments filed after the closing 
date will also be considered to the fullest extent possible and 
available for examination in the docket at the above ADDRESSES.
    Once the petition is granted or denied, notice of the decision will 
be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority 
indicated at the end of this notice.
    This notice of receipt of the subject petition does not represent 
any agency decision or other exercise of judgment concerning the merits 
of the petition. Notice of final action on the petition will be 
published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated 
below.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), and (b)(1); 49 
CFR 593.7; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8.

Michael A. Cole,
Acting Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2018-26061 Filed 11-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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