Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming Model Year 1997 Jeep Wrangler Multi-Purpose Vehicles Are Eligible for Importation, 183-184 [2020-29041]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 1 / Monday, January 4, 2021 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2020–0037; Notice 1] Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming Model Year 1997 Jeep Wrangler MultiPurpose Vehicles Are Eligible for Importation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Receipt of petition. AGENCY: This document announces the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) receipt of a petition for a decision that model year (MY) 1997 Jeep Wrangler multi-purpose 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 vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs) and are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards. DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is February 3, 2021. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the docket and notice number cited in the title of this notice and may 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. SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:28 Dec 31, 2020 Jkt 253001 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 along 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 and supporting materials received before the close of business on the closing date indicated above will be filed in the docket and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials received after the closing date will also be filed and will be considered to the fullest extent possible. 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: Robert Mazurowski, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, NHTSA (202–366– 1012). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background 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 MY 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 of each petition that it receives in the Federal Register, and PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 183 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. Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. (WETL), (Registered Importer R–90–005), of Houston, Texas has petitioned NHTSA to decide whether nonconforming 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs are eligible for importation into the United States. The vehicles which Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. believes are substantially similar are MY 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs 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 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs to their U.S. certified counterparts, and found the vehicles to be substantially similar with respect to compliance with most FMVSS. Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. submitted information with its petition intended to demonstrate that non-U.S. certified MY 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs, 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 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs, as originally manufactured, conform to: FMVSS 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, 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment, 109, New Pneumatic and Certain Specialty Tires, 113, Hood Latch System, 116, Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, 118, PowerOperated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel System, 124, Accelerator Control Systems, 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems, 201, Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, 202, Head Restraints; Applicable at the Manufacturers Option until 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, 210, Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, 212, Windshield Mounting, 213, Child Restraint Systems, E:\FR\FM\04JAN1.SGM 04JAN1 184 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 1 / Monday, January 4, 2021 / Notices 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 vehicles are capable of being readily altered to meet the following FMVSS, in the manner indicated: FMVSS No. 101, Controls and Displays: The instrument cluster will require replacement with a part meeting the requirements of this 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: The addition of a tire label is required. FMVSS No. 111, Rear Visibility: Inscription of the required warning statement on the face of the passenger mirror. FMVSS No. 114, Theft Protection: The addition of an audible anti-theft system is required, which gongs when the key is left in the ignition module and the driver’s door is opened. FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection: Both front and rear outboard designated seating positions will require replacement with Type 2 seat belts. However, the petitioner notes ‘‘driver and passenger front outboard seating positions are equipped with US version air bag systems and knee bolsters’’. FMVSS No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies: Both front and rear outboard designated seating positions will require replacement with Type 2 seat belts. The petitioner additionally states that all vehicles will be inspected prior to importation for compliance with the Theft Prevention Standard per 49 CFR part 541. The petitioner further states a vehicle identification plate must be affixed to the vehicle, near the left windshield pillar, to meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 565, as well as, a reference and certification label added to the left front door post area to meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 567. 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. Otto G. Matheke III, Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. [FR Doc. 2020–29041 Filed 12–31–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:28 Dec 31, 2020 Jkt 253001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2019–0048; Notice 2] Porsche Cars North America, Inc., Grant of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Grant of petition. AGENCY: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2008–2019 Porsche Cayenne and Macan motor vehicles do not comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) 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. Porsche filed a noncompliance report dated March 28, 2019, and subsequently petitioned NHTSA on April 20, 2019, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces the grant of Porsche’s petition. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kerrin Bressant, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), telephone (202) 366–1110, facsimile (202) 366–5930. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Overview Porsche has determined that certain MY 2008–2019 Porsche Cayenne and Macan motor vehicles do not fully comply with paragraphs S4.4.2(a) and S4.4.2(c) of 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 (49 CFR 571.110). Porsche filed a noncompliance report dated March 28, 2019, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports, and subsequently petitioned NHTSA on April 20, 2019, for an exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) and 49 CFR part 556, Exemption for Inconsequential Defect or Noncompliance. PO 00000 Frm 00136 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Notice of receipt of Porsche’s petition was published with a 30-day public comment period, on October 15, 2019, in the Federal Register (84 FR 55219). One comment was received but lacked relevance to the subject petition. To view the petition and all supporting documents log onto the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) website at https://www.regulations.gov/. Then follow the online search instructions to locate docket number ‘‘NHTSA–2019– 0048.’’ II. Vehicles Involved Approximately 230,212 of the following MY 2008–2019 Porsche Cayenne and Macan motor vehicles, manufactured between June 1, 2007, and September 21, 2018, are potentially involved: • MY 2008–2014 Porsche Cayenne; • MY 2016–2019 Porsche Cayenne; • MY 2017–2018 Porsche Cayenne ‘‘Platinum Edition;’’ • MY 2014 Porsche Cayenne Diesel ‘‘Platinum Edition;’’ • MY 2014 Porsche Cayenne ‘‘Platinum Edition;’’ • MY 2013–2016 Porsche Cayenne Diesel; • MY 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid; • MY 2008–2010 Porsche Cayenne GTS; • MY 2013–2014 Porsche Cayenne GTS; • MY 2010 Porsche Cayenne GTS ‘‘Porsche Design Edition 3;’’ • MY 2008–2010 Porsche Cayenne GTS; • MY 2016–2018 Porsche Cayenne GTS • MY 2015–2018 Porsche Cayenne S EHybrid; • MY 2011–2014 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid; • MY 2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia; • MY 2008–2018 Porsche Cayenne S; • MY 2017–2018 Porsche Cayenne S EHybrid ‘‘Platinum Edition;’’ • MY 2008–2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo; • MY 2009–2010 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S; • MY 2016–2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S; • MY 2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S; • MY 2015–2018 Porsche Macan Turbo; • MY 2017–2018 Porsche Macan; • MY 2018 Porsche Macan ‘‘Sport Edition;’’ • MY 2017–2018 Porsche Macan GTS; • MY 2015–2018 Porsche Macan S; and • MY 2017–2018 Porsche Macan Turbo Plus Performance Package. III. Noncompliance Porsche explains that the noncompliance is that the subject vehicles are equipped with rims that do not contain the required rim markings as specified in paragraph S4.4.2 of E:\FR\FM\04JAN1.SGM 04JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 1 (Monday, January 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 183-184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-29041]



[[Page 183]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0037; Notice 1]


Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 
Model Year 1997 Jeep Wrangler Multi-Purpose Vehicles Are Eligible for 
Importation

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

ACTION: Receipt of petition.

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

SUMMARY: This document announces the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration (NHTSA) receipt of a petition for a decision that model 
year (MY) 1997 Jeep Wrangler multi-purpose 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 vehicles that 
were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that 
were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety 
standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs) 
and are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is February 3, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written data, 
views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the 
docket and notice number cited in the title of this notice and may 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 along 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 and supporting materials received before the close of 
business on the closing date indicated above will be filed in the 
docket and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials 
received after the closing date will also be filed and will be 
considered to the fullest extent possible.
    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: Robert Mazurowski, Office of Vehicle 
Safety Compliance, NHTSA (202-366-1012).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    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 MY 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 
of each petition that it receives in the Federal Register, 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.
    Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. (WETL), 
(Registered Importer R-90-005), of Houston, Texas has petitioned NHTSA 
to decide whether nonconforming 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs are eligible 
for importation into the United States. The vehicles which Wallace 
Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. believes are substantially 
similar are MY 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs 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 1997 
Jeep Wrangler MPVs to their U.S. certified counterparts, and found the 
vehicles to be substantially similar with respect to compliance with 
most FMVSS.
    Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. submitted 
information with its petition intended to demonstrate that non-U.S. 
certified MY 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs, 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 1997 Jeep Wrangler MPVs, as originally 
manufactured, conform to: FMVSS 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, 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and 
Associated Equipment, 109, New Pneumatic and Certain Specialty Tires, 
113, Hood Latch System, 116, Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, 118, Power-
Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel System, 124, Accelerator 
Control Systems, 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems, 201, Occupant 
Protection in Interior Impact, 202, Head Restraints; Applicable at the 
Manufacturers Option until 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, 210, Seat Belt Assembly 
Anchorages, 212, Windshield Mounting, 213, Child Restraint Systems,

[[Page 184]]

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 
vehicles are capable of being readily altered to meet the following 
FMVSS, in the manner indicated:
    FMVSS No. 101, Controls and Displays: The instrument cluster will 
require replacement with a part meeting the requirements of this 
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: The 
addition of a tire label is required. FMVSS No. 111, Rear Visibility: 
Inscription of the required warning statement on the face of the 
passenger mirror. FMVSS No. 114, Theft Protection: The addition of an 
audible anti-theft system is required, which gongs when the key is left 
in the ignition module and the driver's door is opened. FMVSS No. 208, 
Occupant Crash Protection: Both front and rear outboard designated 
seating positions will require replacement with Type 2 seat belts. 
However, the petitioner notes ``driver and passenger front outboard 
seating positions are equipped with US version air bag systems and knee 
bolsters''. FMVSS No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies: Both front and rear 
outboard designated seating positions will require replacement with 
Type 2 seat belts.
    The petitioner additionally states that all vehicles will be 
inspected prior to importation for compliance with the Theft Prevention 
Standard per 49 CFR part 541. The petitioner further states a vehicle 
identification plate must be affixed to the vehicle, near the left 
windshield pillar, to meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 565, as well 
as, a reference and certification label added to the left front door 
post area to meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 567.

    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.

Otto G. Matheke III,
Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2020-29041 Filed 12-31-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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