49 CFR Part 573, 574, 576, 579

49 CFR Part 563

EDRs in Vehicles

The draft environmental assessment evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with NHTSA’s proposed action to set Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for model year 2008-2011 light trucks. This document describes the environment and resources that might be affected by the proposed light truck CAFE standards for model years 2008-2011, and assesses estimated impacts of alternative actions.

49 CFR Part 571,596

EPA and NHTSA are issuing this joint proposal to establish a National Program consisting of new standards for light-duty vehicles that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy. EPA is proposing greenhouse gas emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and NHTSA is proposing Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. These standards apply to passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles, covering model years 2012 through 2016, and represent a harmonized and consistent National Program. Under the National Program, automobile manufacturers would be able to build a single light-duty national fleet that satisfies all requirements under both programs while ensuring that consumers still have a full range of vehicle choices.

A provision of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) requires new passenger vehicles to be labeled with safety rating information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under its New Car Assessment Program. NHTSA is required to issue regulations to ensure that the labeling requirements “are implemented by September 1, 2007.” This final rule is issued to fulfill that mandate.

NOTE: In Table III of this document, the accuracy specification for the "Frontal air bag deployment, time to deploy/first stage, driver" should read +/- 2 ms. We have determined that the missing number is a typographical error that is not present in the originally signed notice. A correction notice to fix this error will soon be published in the Federal Register.

49 CFR Part 571

Nissan filed a petition requesting exemption from the two fleet rule for the 2006-2010 model years. The two fleet rule, which is contained in the CAFE statute, requires that a manufacturer divide its passenger automobiles into two fleets, a domestically-manufactured fleet and a non-domestically manufactured fleet, and ensure that each fleet separately meets the CAFE standards for passenger automobiles. The CAFE statute requires NHTSA to grant such a petition unless it finds that doing so would result in reduced employment in the U.S. related to motor vehicle manufacturing. NHTSA’s analysis does not support a finding that granting the petition would reduce automotive manufacturing employment in the United States. Accordingly, in this notice, NHTSA is granting Nissan’s petition.

49 CFR Part 571

Proposes a broad new consumer information program for replacement tires to inform consumers about the effect of tires on fuel efficiency, safety, and durability. This consumer information program would implement a national tire fuel efficiency rating system for replacement tires, with the information provided to consumers at the point of sale and online. Fuel efficiency ratings are expected to inform consumers so that they will be better informed about replacement tire performance. This consumer information program seeks to enhance energy security and reduce costs by improving fuel economy. Information would also be provided about safety and durability.

The Act establishes a new program under which the government will provide $3,500 or $4,500 to help consumers purchase or lease a new, more fuel efficient car, van, sport utility vehicle or pickup truck from a participating dealer when they trade in an old, less fuel efficient vehicle.

NHTSA estimates that the MY 2011 standards will raise the industry-wide combined average to 27.3 mpg, save 887 million gallons of fuel over the lifetime of the MY 2011 cars and light trucks, and reduce CO2 emissions by 8.3 million metric tons during that period.