Petition for Exemption From the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; North American Subaru, Inc., 13358-13360 [2022-04928]

Agencies

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 9, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13358-13360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04928]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


Petition for Exemption From the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft 
Prevention Standard; North American Subaru, Inc.

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

ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.

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SUMMARY: This document grants in full the North American Subaru, Inc.'s 
(Subaru) petition for exemption from the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft 
Prevention Standard (theft prevention standard) for its BRZ vehicle 
line beginning in model year (MY) 2023. The petition is granted because 
the agency has determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the 
line as standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and 
deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking 
requirements of the theft prevention standard. Subaru also requested 
confidential treatment for specific information in its petition. 
Therefore, no confidential information provided for purposes of this 
notice has been disclosed.

DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with 
the 2023 model year.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Carlita Ballard, Office of 
International Policy, Fuel Economy, and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, West 
Building, W43-439, NRM-310, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590. Ms. Ballard's phone number is (202) 366-5222. Her fax number is 
(202) 493-2990.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  Under 49 U.S.C. chapter 331, the Secretary 
of Transportation (and the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration (NHTSA) by delegation) is required to promulgate a theft 
prevention standard to provide for the identification of certain motor 
vehicles and their major replacement parts to impede motor vehicle 
theft. NHTSA promulgated regulations at 49 CFR part 541 (theft 
prevention standard) to require parts-marking for specified passenger 
motor vehicles and light trucks. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106, 
manufacturers that are subject to the parts-marking requirements may 
petition NHTSA for an exemption for a line of passenger motor vehicles 
equipped with an antitheft device as standard equipment that NHTSA 
decides is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor 
vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements. In 
accordance with this statute, NHTSA promulgated 49 CFR part 543, which 
establishes the process through which manufacturers may seek an 
exemption from the theft prevention standard.
    49 CFR 543.5 provides general submission requirements for petitions 
and states that each manufacturer may petition NHTSA for an exemption 
of one vehicle line per model year. Among other requirements, 
manufacturers must identify whether the exemption is sought under 
section 543.6 or section 543.7. Under section 543.6, a manufacturer may 
request an exemption by providing specific information about the 
antitheft device, its capabilities, and the reasons the petitioner 
believes the device to be as effective at reducing and deterring theft 
as compliance with the parts-marking requirements. Section 543.7 
permits a manufacturer to request an exemption under a more streamlined 
process if the vehicle line is equipped with an antitheft device (an 
``immobilizer'') as standard equipment that complies with one of the 
standards specified in that section.\1\
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    \1\ 49 CFR 543.7 specifies that the manufacturer must include a 
statement that their entire vehicle line is equipped with an 
immobilizer that meets one of the following standards:
    (1) The performance criteria (subsections 8 through 21) of 
C.R.C, c. 1038.114, Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention (in 
effect March 30, 2011), as excerpted in appendix A of [part 543];
    (2) National Standard of Canada CAN/ULC-S338-98, Automobile 
Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems: Electronic Immobilization 
(May 1998);
    (3) United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) 
Regulation No. 97 (ECE R97), Uniform Provisions Concerning Approval 
of Vehicle Alarm System (VAS) and Motor Vehicles with Regard to 
Their Alarm System (AS) in effect August 8, 2007; or
    (4) UN/ECE Regulation No. 116 (ECE R116), Uniform Technical 
Prescriptions Concerning the Protection of Motor Vehicles Against 
Unauthorized Use in effect on February 10, 2009.
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    Section 543.8 establishes requirements for processing petitions for 
exemption from the theft prevention standard. As stated in section 
543.8(a), NHTSA processes any complete exemption petition. If NHTSA 
receives an incomplete petition, NHTSA will notify the petitioner of 
the deficiencies. Once NHTSA receives a complete petition the agency 
will process it and, in accordance with section 543.8(b), will grant 
the petition if it determines that, based upon substantial evidence, 
the standard equipment antitheft device is likely to be as effective in 
reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the 
parts-marking requirements of part 541.
    Section 543.8(c) requires NHTSA to issue its decision either to 
grant or to deny an exemption petition not later than 120 days after 
the date on which

[[Page 13359]]

a complete petition is filed. If NHTSA does not make a decision within 
the 120-day period, the petition shall be deemed to be approved and the 
manufacturer shall be exempt from the standard for the line covered by 
the petition for the subsequent model year.\2\ Exemptions granted under 
part 543 apply only to the vehicle line or lines that are subject to 
the grant and that are equipped with the antitheft device on which the 
line's exemption was based, and are effective for the model year 
beginning after the model year in which NHTSA issues the notice of 
exemption, unless the notice of exemption specifies a later year.
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    \2\ 49 U.S.C. 33106(d).
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    Sections 543.8(f) and (g) apply to the manner in which NHTSA's 
decisions on petitions are to be made known. Under section 543.8(f), if 
the petition is sought under section 543.6, NHTSA publishes a notice of 
its decision to grant or deny the exemption petition in the Federal 
Register and notifies the petitioner in writing. Under section 
543.8(g), if the petition is sought under section 543.7, NHTSA notifies 
the petitioner in writing of the agency's decision to grant or deny the 
exemption petition.
    This grant of petition for exemption considers North American 
Subaru, Inc.'s (Subaru) petition for its BRZ vehicle line beginning in 
MY 2023.

I. Specific Petition Content Requirements Under 49 CFR 543.6

    Pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft 
Prevention, Subaru petitioned for an exemption for its specified 
vehicle line from the parts-marking requirements of the theft 
prevention standard, beginning in MY 2023. Subaru petitioned under 49 
CFR 543.6, Petition: Specific content requirements, which, as described 
above, requires manufacturers to provide specific information about the 
antitheft device installed as standard equipment on all vehicles in the 
line for which an exemption is sought, the antitheft device's 
capabilities, and the reasons the petitioner believes the device to be 
as effective at reducing and deterring theft as compliance with the 
parts-marking requirements.
    More specifically, section 543.6(a)(1) requires petitions to 
include a statement that an antitheft device will be installed as 
standard equipment on all vehicles in the line for which the exemption 
is sought. Under section 543.6(a)(2), each petition must list each 
component in the antitheft system, and include a diagram showing the 
location of each of those components within the vehicle. As required by 
section 543.6(a)(3), each petition must include an explanation of the 
means and process by which the device is activated and functions, 
including any aspect of the device designed to: (1) Facilitate or 
encourage its activation by motorists; (2) attract attention to the 
efforts of an unauthorized person to enter or move a vehicle by means 
other than a key; (3) prevent defeating or circumventing the device by 
an unauthorized person attempting to enter a vehicle by means other 
than a key; (4) prevent the operation of a vehicle which an 
unauthorized person has entered using means other than a key; and (5) 
ensure the reliability and durability of the device.\3\
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    \3\ 49 CFR 543.6(a)(3).
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    In addition to providing information about the antitheft device and 
its functionality, petitioners must also submit the reasons for their 
belief that the antitheft device will be effective in reducing and 
deterring motor vehicle theft, including any theft data and other data 
that are available to the petitioner and form a basis for that 
belief,\4\ and the reasons for their belief that the agency should 
determine that the antitheft device is likely to be as effective as 
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of part 541 in reducing 
and deterring motor vehicle theft. In support of this belief, the 
petitioners should include any statistical data that are available to 
the petitioner and form the basis for the petitioner's belief that a 
line of passenger motor vehicles equipped with the antitheft device is 
likely to have a theft rate equal to or less than that of passenger 
motor vehicles of the same, or a similar, line which have parts marked 
in compliance with part 541.\5\
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    \4\ 49 CFR 543.6(a)(4).
    \5\ 49 CFR 543.6(a)(5).
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    The following sections describe Subaru's petition information 
provided pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft 
Prevention. To the extent that specific information in Subaru's 
petition is subject to a properly filed confidentiality request, that 
information was not disclosed as part of this notice.\6\
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    \6\ 49 CFR 512.20(a).
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II. Subaru's Petition for Exemption

    In a petition dated September 7, 2021, Subaru requested an 
exemption from the parts-marking requirements of the theft prevention 
standard for the BRZ vehicle line beginning with MY 2023.
    In its petition, Subaru provided a detailed description and diagram 
of the identity, design, and location of the components of the 
antitheft device for the BRZ vehicle line. Subaru stated that its MY 
2023 BRZ vehicle line will be installed with an engine immobilizer 
device as standard equipment, as required by 543.6(a)(1). Subaru also 
stated it will offer a ``Smart Key'' system on all trim lines, which 
includes keyless access and push start functions. Specifically, key 
components of the ``smart entry'' system will include a keyless access 
engine control unit (ECU), steering lock ECU, engine ECU, an interior 
antenna, push button ignition switch, and an access key. Subaru also 
stated that there is a diagnosis tool used to perform a key ID code 
registration to the immobilizer module. Subaru stated that its 
antitheft device will also include an alarm system as standard 
equipment. Subaru stated that its alarm system will monitor door status 
and key ID, and opening of a door or hood will activate the alarm 
system. Subaru further stated that visual and audio features will 
attract attention to the efforts of an unauthorized person to enter or 
move the vehicle by sounding the vehicle's horn and illuminating the 4-
way flashing hazard lamps.
    Pursuant to section 543.6(a)(3), Subaru explained the means and 
process by which the immobilizer device is activated and functions. 
Subaru stated that its antitheft system and immobilization features are 
designed and constructed within the vehicle's overall CAN (controller 
area network) electrical architecture which means the antitheft system 
cannot be separated by rerouting or tapping into particular wires or 
connectors. Subaru further stated that the immobilization features will 
prevent operation of the vehicle by preventing the starting or 
operation of the engine even if an unauthorized person was to gain 
entry into the vehicle.
    Subaru stated that its BRZ antitheft system is activated when the 
ignition is at the ``OFF'' position or the door is opened/closed while 
propulsion system is off and ignition is at the ``ON'' or ``ACC'' 
position. Deactivation occurs after the driver gets in the vehicle with 
the access key and pushes the button ignition switch while pressing the 
brake pedal, and random codes are then transmitted to the access key 
from the keyless access ECU through the interior antenna. Once the 
access key receives the signal, it returns the encrypted code. When 
pushing the push button ignition switch once again, the power is turned 
off and the security indicator lamp blinks. Subaru stated that this 
method of activation will facilitate and encourage its activation by 
motorists because it requires nothing more than the removal

[[Page 13360]]

of the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is not being used.
    As required in section 543.6(a)(3)(v), Subaru provided information 
on the reliability and durability of its proposed device. To ensure 
reliability and durability of the device, Subaru conducted tests based 
on its own specified standards and provided a detailed list of the 
tests conducted. Subaru stated that it believes that its device is 
reliable and durable because it complied with its own specific design 
standards and the antitheft device is installed on other vehicle lines 
for which the agency has granted a parts-marking exemption.
    Subaru stated that its theft rates have been low per the National 
Insurance Crime Bureau's 2019 report on America's 10 most stolen 
vehicles. However, Subaru compared its proposed device to other Subaru 
antitheft devices that NHTSA has determined to be as effective in 
reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as would compliance with the 
parts-marking requirements. Specifically, Subaru stated that the theft 
rate of the MY 2008 Impreza (not parts marked, standard engine 
immobilizer) decreased by almost 51% as compared to the MY 2007 Impreza 
(parts marked with optional engine immobilizer). Subaru stated that the 
antitheft system included on the BRZ vehicle line is the same system 
employed on the Subaru Ascent car line, for which NHTSA determined that 
the system was likely as effective in reducing and deterring motor 
vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the 
theft prevention standard.\7\
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    \7\ 82 FR 57650 (Dec. 06, 2017).
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    Subaru also stated that the National Crime Information Center's 
(NCIC) theft data showed that there was a 70% reduction in theft 
experienced when comparing the MY 1997 Ford Mustang vehicle thefts 
(with immobilizers) to MY 1995 Ford Mustang vehicle thefts (without 
immobilizers). On the basis of the above and other cited comparisons, 
Subaru has concluded that its proposed immobilizer system is no less 
effective than those devices installed on lines for which NHTSA has 
already granted full exemptions.

III. Decision To Grant the Petition

    Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 CFR 543.8(b), the agency grants 
a petition for exemption from the parts-marking requirements of part 
541, either in whole or in part, if it determines that, based upon 
substantial evidence, the standard equipment antitheft device is likely 
to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as 
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of part 541 or if deemed 
approved under 49 U.S.C. 33106(d). NHTSA finds that Subaru has provided 
adequate reasons for its belief that the antitheft device for its 
vehicle line is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring 
motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements 
of the theft prevention standard. This conclusion is based on the 
information Subaru provided about its antitheft device.
    The agency concludes that Subaru's antitheft device will provide 
the five types of performance features listed in section 543.6(a)(3): 
Promoting activation; attracting attention to the efforts of 
unauthorized persons to enter or operate a vehicle by means other than 
a key; preventing defeat or circumvention of the device by unauthorized 
persons; preventing operation of the vehicle by unauthorized entrants; 
and ensuring the reliability and durability of the device.
    The agency notes that 49 CFR part 541, Appendix A-1, identifies 
those lines that are exempted from the theft prevention standard for a 
given model year. 49 CFR 543.8(f) contains publication requirements 
incident to the disposition of all part 543 petitions. Advanced 
listing, including the release of future product nameplates, the 
beginning model year for which the petition is granted and a general 
description of the antitheft device is necessary in order to notify law 
enforcement agencies of new vehicle lines exempted from the parts-
marking requirements of the theft prevention standard.
    If Subaru decides not to use the exemption for its requested 
vehicle line, the manufacturer must formally notify the agency. If such 
a decision is made, the line must be fully marked as required by 49 CFR 
541.5 and 541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement 
parts).
    NHTSA notes that if a manufacturer to which an exemption has been 
granted wishes in the future to modify the device on which the 
exemption is based, the company may have to submit a petition to modify 
the exemption. Section 543.8(d) states that a part 543 exemption 
applies only to vehicles that belong to a line exempted under this part 
and equipped with the antitheft device on which the line's exemption is 
based. Further, section 543.10(c)(2) provides for the submission of 
petitions ``to modify an exemption to permit the use of an antitheft 
device similar to but differing from the one specified in the 
exemption.'' \8\
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    \8\ The agency wishes to minimize the administrative burden that 
section 543.10(c)(2) could place on exempted vehicle manufacturers 
and itself. The agency did not intend in drafting part 543 to 
require the submission of a modification petition for every change 
to the components or design of an antitheft device. The significance 
of many such changes could be de minimis. Therefore, NHTSA suggests 
that if a manufacturer with an exemption contemplates making any 
changes, the effects of which might be characterized as de minimis, 
it should consult the agency before preparing and submitting a 
petition to modify.
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    For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby announces a grant in 
full of Subaru's petition for exemption for the BRZ vehicle line from 
the parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541, beginning with its 
MY 2023 vehicles.

    Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8.
Raymond R. Posten,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2022-04928 Filed 3-8-22; 8:45 am]
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