Interpretation ID: nht90-3.53

TYPE: Interpretation-NHTSA

DATE: August 8, 1990

FROM: Hiroshi Ozeki -- Executive Vice President, Mazda Research & Development of North America, Inc.

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: Re Request for interpretation of FMVSS No. 214, "Side Door Strength"

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 3-12-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Hiroshi Ozeki (A37; Std. 214)

TEXT:

The purpose of this letter is to request an interpretation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 214, "Side Door Strength". Specifically, Mazda would like NHTSA's interpretation of the definition of the phrase, "...(t)he lowest point of the door;" . This phrase is found at S4(c)(2) under test procedures.

One of Mazda's future models has a door design in which the door moulding extends below the door itself by approximately 15 mm (please see attached figure). Thus, in order that the loading device used for compliance testing is positioned properly, Mazda needs to know what position, A or B, is the "lowest point of the door".

Should you have any questions regarding this request, please do not hesitate to contact either Mr. Rob Strassburger (313-930-2513) of my staff or Mr. Ted Kadoya (626-3263) at our Washington D.C. office.

Attachment

Drawing of side doors and moulding (Graphics omitted)