Petition for Exemption from the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Ford Motor Company, 48768-48770 [2022-17106]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 153 / Wednesday, August 10, 2022 / Notices
design intent is immaterial to the
disposition of this petition. NASI’s Part
573 filing states that the side reflex
reflector production molds were
damaged, and the lower beam reflector
mold was worn and both conditions
caused product performance issues.
Therefore, whatever NASI’s design
intent may have been, the failure to
conform in the instant case apparently
stems from a systemic production
problem that is wholly distinct from
whether the components were
‘‘designed to conform.’’
NHTSA has consistently held that a
lamp’s failure to meet performance
requirements will not constitute a
compliance failure when such failures
are random and occasional.22 However,
the test failures for two of the four lower
beam functions that NHTSA tested, and
four of the four side reflex reflectors that
NHTSA tested occurred at around the
same test points and photometric
values. All of these failures were found
to be within 1% to 10% of each other.
These data support a pattern of
performance that is neither random nor
occasional. Based on the pattern of
failure established with four samples
tested, NHTSA finds that if more lamps
were tested, more than an occasional
number of failures would be obtained.
VIII. NHTSA’s Decision
In consideration of the foregoing,
NHTSA has decided that NASI has not
met its burden of persuasion that the
subject FMVSS No. 108 noncompliance
is inconsequential to motor vehicle
safety. Accordingly, NASI’s petition is
hereby denied and NASI is
consequently obligated to provide
notification of and free remedy for that
noncompliance under 49 U.S.C. 30118
and 30120.
(Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120:
delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and
501.8)
Anne L. Collins,
Associate Administrator for Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2022–17130 Filed 8–9–22; 8:45 am]
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BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
22 See Nissan Motor Corporation, U.S.A.; Denial
of Application for Decision of Inconsequential
Noncompliance; 62 FR 63416, November 28, 1997.
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
Petition for Exemption from the
Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard; Ford Motor Company
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.
AGENCY:
This document grants in full
the Ford Motor Company (Ford) petition
for exemption from the Federal Motor
Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard (theft
prevention standard) for its Bronco
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. Ford 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 partsmarking 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 the Secretary
of Transportation for an exemption for
a line of passenger motor vehicles
equipped with an antitheft device as
standard equipment that the Secretary
decides is likely to be as effective in
reducing and deterring motor vehicle
theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements. In accordance
SUMMARY:
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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
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
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 (subsection 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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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.
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 Ford Motor Corporation’s
(Ford) petition for its Bronco 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, Ford petitioned for an
exemption for its specified vehicle line
from the parts-marking requirements of
the theft prevention standard, beginning
in MY 2023. Ford 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
2 49
U.S.C. 33106(d).
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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
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
The following sections describe
Ford’s petition information provided
pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption
from Vehicle Theft Prevention. To the
extent that specific information in
Ford’s petition is subject to a properly
filed confidentiality request, that
information was not disclosed as part of
this notice.6
II. Ford’s Petition for Exemption
In a petition dated April 7, 2022, Ford
requested an exemption from the partsmarking requirements of the theft
prevention standard for its Bronco
vehicle line beginning with MY 2023.
In its petition, Ford provided a
detailed description and diagram of the
identity, design, and location of the
components of the antitheft device for
3 49
CFR 543.6(a)(3).
CFR 543.6(a)(4).
5 49 CFR 543.6(a)(5).
6 49 CFR 512.20(a).
4 49
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48769
the Bronco vehicle line. Ford stated that
its MY 2023 Bronco vehicle line will be
installed with a passive, transponder
based, electronic engine immobilizer
antitheft device as standard equipment.
Specifically, Ford stated that its vehicle
line will be installed with the Intelligent
Access with Push Button Start (IAwPB).
Key components of the IAwPB device
will include an Intelligent Access
electronic Push-Button Start key fob,
keyless ignition system, radio
transceiver module, body control
module (BCM), powertrain control
module (PCM), and an anti-lock braking
system module (ABS). Ford also stated
that its vehicle line will be equipped
with a hood release, counterfeit resistant
VIN label, secondary VINs inscribed on
the body and a cabin accessible with a
valid keycode as standard antitheft
features.
Ford further stated that its Bronco
vehicle line will also be offered with a
perimeter alarm system 7 as optional
equipment which will activate a visible
and audible alarm whenever
unauthorized access is attempted. Some
additional features of the antitheft
device include: encrypted
communication between the
transponder, BCM control function and
the PCM; ‘‘virtually impossible’’ key
duplication; and shared security data
between the body control module/
remote function actuator and the
powertrain control module. NHTSA has
previously approved the IAwPB
antitheft system as standard equipment
for the Ford Bronco Sport vehicle line.
The IAwPB system is described in the
grant of petition for exemption
published in the Federal Register on
August 12, 2020.
Pursuant to section 543.6(a)(3), Ford
explained that its system is
automatically activated/armed when the
‘‘StartStop’’ button is pressed, shutting
off the engine. Ford stated that the
device is deactivated when a start
sequence is completed and engine start
is successful. Ford further stated that
the vehicle engine can only be started
when the key is present in the vehicle
7 Ford also stated that it will offer an audible and
visible alarm as optional equipment on its Bronco
line. Per 49 U.S.C. 33106 (b), manufacturers may
petition NHTSA for an exemption ‘‘for a line of
passenger motor vehicles equipped as standard
equipment with an antitheft device that [NHTSA]
decides is likely to be as effective in reducing and
deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with’’
the Theft Prevention Standard (emphasis added).
Per 49 U.S.C. 33106(a)(2), ‘‘standard equipment’’
means equipment already installed in a motor
vehicle when it is delivered from the manufacturer
and not an accessory or other item that the first
purchaser customarily has the option to have
installed. Therefore, for purposes of Ford’s petition,
NHTSA is only considering the device equipped on
the vehicle as standard equipment.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 153 / Wednesday, August 10, 2022 / Notices
and the ‘‘StartStop’’ button inside the
vehicle is pressed. Ford stated that
when the ‘‘StartStop’’ button is pressed,
the transceiver module will read a key
code and transmit an encrypted message
to the control module to determine key
validity and engine start by sending a
separate encrypted message to the BCM
and the PCM. The powertrain will
function only if the key code matches
the unique identification key code
previously programmed into the BCM.
Ford stated that the two modules must
be matched together in order for the
vehicle to start. If the codes do not
match, the powertrain engine starter,
spark, and fuel will be disabled. Ford
further stated that any attempt to
operate the vehicle without
transmission of the correct code to the
electronic control (i.e., short circuiting
the ‘‘StartStop’’ button) module will be
ineffective.
As required in section 543.6(a)(3)(v),
Ford provided information on the
reliability and durability of its proposed
device. To ensure reliability and
durability of the device, Ford stated that
it conducted tests on the antitheft
device which complied with its own
specific standards. Additionally, Ford
stated that its antitheft device has no
moving parts (i.e., BCM, PCM, and
electrical components) to perform
system functions, which eliminate the
possibility of physical damage or
deterioration from normal use; and
mechanically overriding the device to
start the vehicle is also impossible. In
further addressing the reliability and
durability of its device, Ford stated that
its Bronco vehicle line will also be
equipped with several other standard
antitheft features common to Ford
vehicles, (i.e., hood release located
inside the vehicle, counterfeit resistant
VIN labels, secondary VINs, and cabin
accessibility only with the use of a valid
key fob).
Ford stated that the antitheft system
installed in its 2023 MY Ford Bronco
vehicles is similar to the system that
was offered in the 2021 MY Ford Bronco
Sport vehicles equipped with the
IAwPB. The Bronco Sport vehicle line
was granted a parts-marking exemption
by NHTSA (85 FR 48759, August 12,
2020) beginning with its MY 2021
vehicles.
Ford believes that the Ford Bronco
would have a similar theft rate to the
Ford Bronco Sport. Ford specifically
stated that the Bronco Sport vehicle line
is comparable with the Ford Bronco in
vehicle segment, size and equipment
and since the IAwPB system is the
primary theft deterrent on Ford
vehicles, Ford believes that the Ford
Bronco will likely have a very low theft
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rate based on the comparable Ford
Bronco Sport average theft rate of
approximately 0.5/1000. Ford also
stated that its Ford Bronco Sport
reported theft rates (thefts per thousand
vehicles) that are lower than the ‘‘all
vehicle theft rate’’ in each calendar year
published.
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 partsmarking 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. The agency
finds that Ford 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
Ford provided about its antitheft device.
NHTSA believes, based on Ford’s
supporting evidence, that the antitheft
device described 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.
The agency concludes that Ford’s
antitheft device will provide four types
of performance features listed in section
543.6(a)(3): promoting activation;
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 Ford 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
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required by 49 CFR 541.5 and 541.6
(marking of major component parts and
replacement parts).
NHTSA notes that if Ford wishes in
the future to modify the device on
which this 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.’’
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 Ford 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.
For the foregoing reasons, the agency
hereby grants in full Ford’s petition for
exemption for the Bronco 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, 501.5 and 501.8.
Jane H. Doherty,
Director, Office of International Policy, Fuel
Economy & Consumer Standards.
[FR Doc. 2022–17106 Filed 8–9–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
[Docket No. PHMSA–2022–0075]
Pipeline Safety: Request for Special
Permit, Natural Gas Pipeline Company
of America, LLC
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA); DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
PHMSA is publishing this
notice to solicit public comments on a
request for special permit received from
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 10, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48768-48770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-17106]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Petition for Exemption from the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft
Prevention Standard; Ford Motor Company
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document grants in full the Ford Motor Company (Ford)
petition for exemption from the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard (theft prevention standard) for its Bronco 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. Ford 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 the Secretary of Transportation for an exemption for a line of
passenger motor vehicles equipped with an antitheft device as standard
equipment that the Secretary 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\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 (subsection 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 48769]]
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ 49 U.S.C. 33106(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Ford Motor
Corporation's (Ford) petition for its Bronco 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, Ford petitioned for an exemption for its specified vehicle
line from the parts-marking requirements of the theft prevention
standard, beginning in MY 2023. Ford 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 Ford's petition information
provided pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft
Prevention. To the extent that specific information in Ford'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. Ford's Petition for Exemption
In a petition dated April 7, 2022, Ford requested an exemption from
the parts-marking requirements of the theft prevention standard for its
Bronco vehicle line beginning with MY 2023.
In its petition, Ford provided a detailed description and diagram
of the identity, design, and location of the components of the
antitheft device for the Bronco vehicle line. Ford stated that its MY
2023 Bronco vehicle line will be installed with a passive, transponder
based, electronic engine immobilizer antitheft device as standard
equipment. Specifically, Ford stated that its vehicle line will be
installed with the Intelligent Access with Push Button Start (IAwPB).
Key components of the IAwPB device will include an Intelligent Access
electronic Push-Button Start key fob, keyless ignition system, radio
transceiver module, body control module (BCM), powertrain control
module (PCM), and an anti-lock braking system module (ABS). Ford also
stated that its vehicle line will be equipped with a hood release,
counterfeit resistant VIN label, secondary VINs inscribed on the body
and a cabin accessible with a valid keycode as standard antitheft
features.
Ford further stated that its Bronco vehicle line will also be
offered with a perimeter alarm system \7\ as optional equipment which
will activate a visible and audible alarm whenever unauthorized access
is attempted. Some additional features of the antitheft device include:
encrypted communication between the transponder, BCM control function
and the PCM; ``virtually impossible'' key duplication; and shared
security data between the body control module/remote function actuator
and the powertrain control module. NHTSA has previously approved the
IAwPB antitheft system as standard equipment for the Ford Bronco Sport
vehicle line. The IAwPB system is described in the grant of petition
for exemption published in the Federal Register on August 12, 2020.
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\7\ Ford also stated that it will offer an audible and visible
alarm as optional equipment on its Bronco line. Per 49 U.S.C. 33106
(b), manufacturers may petition NHTSA for an exemption ``for a line
of passenger motor vehicles equipped as standard equipment with an
antitheft device that [NHTSA] decides is likely to be as effective
in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with''
the Theft Prevention Standard (emphasis added). Per 49 U.S.C.
33106(a)(2), ``standard equipment'' means equipment already
installed in a motor vehicle when it is delivered from the
manufacturer and not an accessory or other item that the first
purchaser customarily has the option to have installed. Therefore,
for purposes of Ford's petition, NHTSA is only considering the
device equipped on the vehicle as standard equipment.
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Pursuant to section 543.6(a)(3), Ford explained that its system is
automatically activated/armed when the ``StartStop'' button is pressed,
shutting off the engine. Ford stated that the device is deactivated
when a start sequence is completed and engine start is successful. Ford
further stated that the vehicle engine can only be started when the key
is present in the vehicle
[[Page 48770]]
and the ``StartStop'' button inside the vehicle is pressed. Ford stated
that when the ``StartStop'' button is pressed, the transceiver module
will read a key code and transmit an encrypted message to the control
module to determine key validity and engine start by sending a separate
encrypted message to the BCM and the PCM. The powertrain will function
only if the key code matches the unique identification key code
previously programmed into the BCM. Ford stated that the two modules
must be matched together in order for the vehicle to start. If the
codes do not match, the powertrain engine starter, spark, and fuel will
be disabled. Ford further stated that any attempt to operate the
vehicle without transmission of the correct code to the electronic
control (i.e., short circuiting the ``StartStop'' button) module will
be ineffective.
As required in section 543.6(a)(3)(v), Ford provided information on
the reliability and durability of its proposed device. To ensure
reliability and durability of the device, Ford stated that it conducted
tests on the antitheft device which complied with its own specific
standards. Additionally, Ford stated that its antitheft device has no
moving parts (i.e., BCM, PCM, and electrical components) to perform
system functions, which eliminate the possibility of physical damage or
deterioration from normal use; and mechanically overriding the device
to start the vehicle is also impossible. In further addressing the
reliability and durability of its device, Ford stated that its Bronco
vehicle line will also be equipped with several other standard
antitheft features common to Ford vehicles, (i.e., hood release located
inside the vehicle, counterfeit resistant VIN labels, secondary VINs,
and cabin accessibility only with the use of a valid key fob).
Ford stated that the antitheft system installed in its 2023 MY Ford
Bronco vehicles is similar to the system that was offered in the 2021
MY Ford Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the IAwPB. The Bronco Sport
vehicle line was granted a parts-marking exemption by NHTSA (85 FR
48759, August 12, 2020) beginning with its MY 2021 vehicles.
Ford believes that the Ford Bronco would have a similar theft rate
to the Ford Bronco Sport. Ford specifically stated that the Bronco
Sport vehicle line is comparable with the Ford Bronco in vehicle
segment, size and equipment and since the IAwPB system is the primary
theft deterrent on Ford vehicles, Ford believes that the Ford Bronco
will likely have a very low theft rate based on the comparable Ford
Bronco Sport average theft rate of approximately 0.5/1000. Ford also
stated that its Ford Bronco Sport reported theft rates (thefts per
thousand vehicles) that are lower than the ``all vehicle theft rate''
in each calendar year published.
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. The agency
finds that Ford 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 Ford provided about its
antitheft device. NHTSA believes, based on Ford's supporting evidence,
that the antitheft device described 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.
The agency concludes that Ford's antitheft device will provide four
types of performance features listed in section 543.6(a)(3): promoting
activation; 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 Ford 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 Ford wishes in the future to modify the device
on which this 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.''
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
Ford 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.
For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby grants in full Ford's
petition for exemption for the Bronco 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, 501.5 and 501.8.
Jane H. Doherty,
Director, Office of International Policy, Fuel Economy & Consumer
Standards.
[FR Doc. 2022-17106 Filed 8-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
