81_FR_1682 81 FR 1674 - General Motors LLC (GM), Grant of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

81 FR 1674 - General Motors LLC (GM), Grant of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 8 (January 13, 2016)

Page Range1674-1676
FR Document2016-00449

General Motors LLC (GM) has determined that certain model year (MY) 2010-2014 Cadillac SRX multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) do not fully comply with paragraphs S4.4.1(a) and S4.4.2(a) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 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. GM filed a report dated November 27, 2013 pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. GM then petitioned NHTSA in accordance with 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1674-1676]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00449]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2013-0143; Notice 2]


General Motors LLC (GM), Grant of Petition for Decision of 
Inconsequential Noncompliance

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

ACTION: Grant of Petition.

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

SUMMARY: General Motors LLC (GM) has determined that certain model year 
(MY) 2010-2014 Cadillac SRX multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) do 
not fully comply with paragraphs S4.4.1(a) and S4.4.2(a) of Federal 
Motor Vehicle Safety 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. GM filed a report dated November 27, 2013 pursuant to 
49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. 
GM then petitioned NHTSA in accordance with 49 CFR part 556 requesting 
a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor 
vehicle safety.

ADDRESSES: For further information on this decision contact Amina 
Fisher, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration (NHTSA), telephone (202) 366-5307, facsimile 
(202) 366-5930.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    I. GM's Petition: Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) and 
the rule implementing those provisions at 49 CFR part 556, GM submitted 
a petition dated December 5, 2013, for an exemption from the 
notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the 
basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle 
safety.
    Notice of receipt of GM's petition was published, with a 30-Day 
public comment period, on June 6, 2014 in the Federal Register (79 FR 
32813). No comments were received. To view the petition and all 
supporting documents log onto the Federal Docket Management System 
(FDMS) Web site at: http://www.regulations.gov/. Then follow the online 
search instructions to locate docket number ``NHTSA-2013-0143.''
    II. Vehicles Involved: Affected are approximately 51,704 MY 2010-
2014 GM Cadillac SRX MPVs manufactured between June 18, 2009, and 
October 31, 2013.
    III. Noncompliance: GM explains that the affected vehicles were 
offered for sale with spare tires whose rims were marked with a ``T'' 
to indicate the source of the rim's published nominal dimensions as the 
Tire and Rim Association, rather than the correct ``E'' to indicate the 
European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO). Additionally, the 
ETRTO does not identify the 18 inch rim utilized as a suitable match 
for the T135/70R18 spare tire. Since all vehicles sold in the U.S. must 
be marked with a reference designation that indicates the source of the 
rim's published nominal dimensions, and the indicated source must list 
suitable rim sizes for each tire size listed, these vehicles fail to 
fully meet the requirements set forth in paragraph S4.4.1(a) and 
S4.4.2(a) of FMVSS No. 110.
    IV. Rule Text: Paragraph S4.4 of FMVSS No. 110 requires in 
pertinent part:

    . . .
    S4.4.1 Requirements. Each rim shall:
    (a) Be constructed to the dimensions of a rim that is listed by 
the manufacturer of the tires as suitable for use with those tires, 
in accordance with S4 of Sec.  571.139.
    . . .
    S4.4.2 Rim markings for vehicles other than passenger cars. Each 
rim or, at the option of the manufacturer in the case of a single-
piece wheel, each wheel dish shall be marked with the information 
listed in S4.4.2 (a) through (e) . . .
    (a) A designation that indicates the source of the rim's 
published nominal dimensions, as follows:
    (1) ``T'' indicates The Tire and Rim Association.
    (2) ``E'' indicates The European Tyre and Rim Technical 
Organization.

    . . .

    V. Summary of GM's Analyses: GM stated its belief that the subject 
noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety for the 
following reasons:
    1. The tire and rim of the affected spare wheels are properly 
matched and are appropriate for the load-carrying characteristics of 
the subject vehicles.
    2. The incorrect reference document marking has no effect on the 
performance of the tire/rim combination.
    3. The subject tire/rim assembly meets the S4.4.1(b) rapid air loss 
requirement for FMVSS No. 110. The subject vehicles also meet GM's 
internal ride and handling guidelines with the subject spare tire/rim 
assembly installed.
    4. All other rim marking information required by S4.4.2 of FMVSS 
No. 110 on

[[Page 1675]]

the subject rims is correct. The rims are marked with the rim size 
designation as required by S4.4.2(b); the DOT symbol as required by 
S4.4.2(c); manufacturer identification as required by S4.4.2(d); and 
the month and year of manufacture as required by S4.4.2(e).
    5. The rim is marked correctly with the size designation of 18 x 
4.5B, the correct tire size information is listed on the Tire and 
Loading Information placard, and the tire size (T135/70R18) is marked 
on the tire sidewall. The vehicles' Certification label also contains 
the correct tire and rim sizes. There is little likelihood of a tire 
and rim mismatch as a result of the incorrect marking of the source of 
the published rim dimensions.
    6. Very few of these spare wheels will ever need to be replaced 
over the lifetime of the vehicle. If a spare wheel needs to be 
replaced, however, there is a section of the owner's manual provided on 
``Wheel Replacement.'' It is stated here that ``Your dealer will know 
the kind of wheel that is needed. Each new wheel should have the same 
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the 
same way as the one it replaces.''
    7. If a spare wheel needs to be replaced, it is likely that the 
customer would go to a GM dealer or a tire/wheel retailer. These 
facilities would know to look at the original spare wheel, the tire, 
the Tire and Loading Information placard, or the Certification label to 
determine the correct spare wheel size for the replacement.
    8. NHTSA has previously granted several inconsequential petitions 
with similar FMVSS No. 110 rim noncompliances.
    9. GM is not aware of any crashes, injuries or customer complaints 
associated with this condition.
    GM has additionally informed NHTSA that it has corrected the 
noncompliance so that all future production of the subject vehicles 
will comply with all applicable requirements of FMVSS No. 110.
    In summation, GM believes that the described noncompliance of the 
subject vehicles is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety, and that 
its petition, to exempt from providing recall notification of 
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and remedying the recall 
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30120 should be granted.

NHTSA's Decision

    NHTSA's Analysis: GM stated its belief that the combination of the 
subject spare tire and rim is a proper match and appropriate for the 
load-carrying characteristics of the subject vehicles. GM also stated 
its belief that the incorrect marking of the nominal rim dimension 
source designation on the rim has no effect on the performance of the 
tire/rim combination. In addition, GM mentioned that the subject 
vehicles meet the S4.4.1(b) rapid air loss requirement for FMVSS No. 
110.
    The agency agrees with GM that the subject vehicles are equipped 
with an appropriately matched spare tire and rim combination that when 
properly mounted on the subject vehicles would allow the vehicles to be 
operated safely within the manufacturer's specified performance and 
loading limits. We note that the main purpose of FMVSS No. 110 is to 
require vehicles be equipped with tires and rims appropriate for the 
safe operation and loading of applicable vehicles. It appears the spare 
tire and rim combination provided with the subject vehicles will meet 
all applicable FMVSS No. 110 performance requirements.
    GM also explained its belief that all other markings required by 
paragraph S4.4.2 of FMVSS No. 110 are on the subject rims and meet the 
applicable requirements of the standard. Those markings include; the 
rim size designation required by S4.4.2(b); the DOT symbol as required 
by S4.4.2(c); the manufacturer identification as required by S4.4.2(d); 
and the month and year of manufacture as required by S4.4.2(e). GM also 
stated that the correct tire size information is listed on the 
Certification label as well as the Tire and Loading Information placard 
affixed to each vehicle, and that the tire sizes are marked on the 
sidewalls of the tires.
    While NHTSA requires manufacturers to include the reference 
document designation symbol to be marked on the rim, its mislabeling in 
this case does not prevent the proper matching of tires and rims. We 
agree with GM that sufficient information about rim size is available 
from other markings on the rims as well as information available from 
the Certification label required by 49 CFR part 567, and the Tire and 
Loading Information placard required by FMVSS No. 110. In addition, the 
mislabeling does not affect the ability to identify the rims in the 
event of recall. NHTSA believes that due to the convenient availability 
of tire and rim size designation information there is little likelihood 
of a tire and rim mismatch as a result of the subject rim marking 
noncompliance.
    GM stated its belief that very few spare wheels need to be replaced 
during the life of the vehicle. If, however, wheel replacement is 
required, there is a section of the owner's manual provided with each 
vehicle titled ``Wheel Replacement.'' This section of the owner's 
manual states, ``Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that is 
needed. Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying capacity, 
diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the same way as the one it 
replaces.'' In addition, it is likely that the customer would go to a 
GM dealer or a tire/wheel retailer to obtain a replacement.
    NHTSA agrees with GM that if a vehicle owner or operator must 
replace one of the subject rims that they would most likely go to a GM 
dealer or a tire/wheel retailer. As professionals, technicians at 
either type of facility would know to look at the original spare wheel, 
the tire, the Tire and Loading Information placard, or the 
Certification label to determine the correct spare wheel size for the 
replacement.
    GM cited five petitions that the agency granted regarding wheels 
that omit the designation symbol that indicates the source of the rim's 
published nominal dimensions. All five cited petitions were granted 
because the agency determined that there was no consequence to motor 
vehicle safety due to the omission of the designation symbol required 
by either FMVSS No. 110 S4.4.2(a) or FMVSS No. 120 S5.2. As in the case 
of the subject spare tire and rim combinations, sufficient information 
about rim size was available from other markings on the rims as well as 
the information from the Certification label and Tire and Loading 
Information placards present on the affected vehicles.
    NHTSA's Decision: In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA has 
decided that GM has met its burden of persuasion that the subject 
noncompliances with paragraph S4.4 FMVSS No. 110 are inconsequential to 
motor vehicle safety. Accordingly, GM's petition is hereby granted and 
GM is exempted from the obligation of providing notification of, and a 
remedy for, that noncompliance under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120.
    NHTSA notes that the statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 
30120(h)) that permit manufacturers to file petitions for a 
determination of inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to exempt manufacturers 
only from the duties found in sections 30118 and 30120, respectively, 
to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers of a defect or noncompliance 
and to remedy the defect or noncompliance. Therefore, this decision 
only applies to the subject noncompliant vehicles that GM no longer 
controlled at the time it determined that the noncompliance existed. 
However, the granting of this

[[Page 1676]]

petition does not relieve vehicle distributors and dealers of the 
prohibitions on the sale, offer for sale, or introduction or delivery 
for introduction into interstate commerce of the noncompliant vehicles 
under their control after GM notified them that the subject 
noncompliance existed.

    Authority: (49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: delegations of authority at 
49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8).

Jeffrey M. Giuseppe,
Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2016-00449 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-59-P



                                                    1674                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices

                                                    individual is currently serving under a                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                           between June 18, 2009, and October 31,
                                                    disqualification order; and (iii) a                                                                            2013.
                                                    disqualified individual to inform his                   National Highway Traffic Safety                           III. Noncompliance: GM explains that
                                                    new or prospective employer of the                      Administration                                         the affected vehicles were offered for
                                                    disqualification order and provide a                    [Docket No. NHTSA–2013–0143; Notice 2]
                                                                                                                                                                   sale with spare tires whose rims were
                                                    copy of the same. Additionally, the                                                                            marked with a ‘‘T’’ to indicate the
                                                    regulations prohibit a railroad from                    General Motors LLC (GM), Grant of                      source of the rim’s published nominal
                                                    employing a person serving under a                      Petition for Decision of                               dimensions as the Tire and Rim
                                                    disqualification order to work in a                     Inconsequential Noncompliance                          Association, rather than the correct ‘‘E’’
                                                    safety-sensitive position. This                                                                                to indicate the European Tyre and Rim
                                                    information serves to inform a railroad                 AGENCY: National Highway Traffic                       Technical Organization (ETRTO).
                                                    whether an employee or prospective                      Safety Administration (NHTSA),                         Additionally, the ETRTO does not
                                                    employee is currently disqualified from                 Department of Transportation (DOT).                    identify the 18 inch rim utilized as a
                                                    performing safety-sensitive service                     ACTION: Grant of Petition.                             suitable match for the T135/70R18 spare
                                                    based on the issuance of a                                                                                     tire. Since all vehicles sold in the U.S.
                                                    disqualification order by FRA.                          SUMMARY:   General Motors LLC (GM) has                 must be marked with a reference
                                                    Furthermore, it prevents an individual                  determined that certain model year                     designation that indicates the source of
                                                    currently serving under a                               (MY) 2010–2014 Cadillac SRX                            the rim’s published nominal
                                                    disqualification order from retaining                   multipurpose passenger vehicles                        dimensions, and the indicated source
                                                    and obtaining employment in a safety-                   (MPVs) do not fully comply with                        must list suitable rim sizes for each tire
                                                    sensitive position in the rail industry.                paragraphs S4.4.1(a) and S4.4.2(a) of                  size listed, these vehicles fail to fully
                                                      Type of Request: Extension without                    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard                  meet the requirements set forth in
                                                    change of a currently approved                          (FMVSS) No. 110, Tire selection and                    paragraph S4.4.1(a) and S4.4.2(a) of
                                                    information collection.                                 rims and motor home/recreation vehicle                 FMVSS No. 110.
                                                      Affected Public: Businesses                           trailer load carrying capacity                            IV. Rule Text: Paragraph S4.4 of
                                                    (Railroads).                                            information for motor vehicles with a                  FMVSS No. 110 requires in pertinent
                                                                                                            GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000                        part:
                                                      Form(s): N/A.
                                                                                                            pounds) or less. GM filed a report dated
                                                      Total Annual Estimated Responses: 3.                                                                            . . .
                                                                                                            November 27, 2013 pursuant to 49 CFR                      S4.4.1 Requirements. Each rim shall:
                                                      Total Annual Estimated Burden: 5                      part 573, Defect and Noncompliance
                                                    hours.                                                                                                            (a) Be constructed to the dimensions of a
                                                                                                            Responsibility and Reports. GM then                    rim that is listed by the manufacturer of the
                                                      Addressee: Send comments regarding                    petitioned NHTSA in accordance with                    tires as suitable for use with those tires, in
                                                    these information collections to the                    49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision                  accordance with S4 of § 571.139.
                                                    Office of Information and Regulatory                    that the subject noncompliance is                         . . .
                                                    Affairs, Office of Management and                       inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.                  S4.4.2 Rim markings for vehicles other
                                                    Budget, 725 Seventeenth Street NW.,                                                                            than passenger cars. Each rim or, at the
                                                                                                            ADDRESSES: For further information on                  option of the manufacturer in the case of a
                                                    Washington, DC 20503, Attention: FRA
                                                    Desk Officer. Comments may also be                      this decision contact Amina Fisher,                    single-piece wheel, each wheel dish shall be
                                                    sent via email to OMB at the following                  Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance,                   marked with the information listed in S4.4.2
                                                    address: oira_submissions@                              National Highway Traffic Safety                        (a) through (e) . . .
                                                                                                            Administration (NHTSA), telephone                         (a) A designation that indicates the source
                                                    omb.eop.gov.                                                                                                   of the rim’s published nominal dimensions,
                                                      Comments are invited on the                           (202) 366–5307, facsimile (202) 366–
                                                                                                            5930.                                                  as follows:
                                                    following: Whether the proposed                                                                                   (1) ‘‘T’’ indicates The Tire and Rim
                                                    collections of information are necessary                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             Association.
                                                    for the proper performance of the                          I. GM’s Petition: Pursuant to 49 U.S.C.                (2) ‘‘E’’ indicates The European Tyre and
                                                    functions of the Department, including                  30118(d) and 30120(h) and the rule                     Rim Technical Organization.
                                                    whether the information will have                       implementing those provisions at 49                      . . .
                                                    practical utility; the accuracy of the                  CFR part 556, GM submitted a petition                    V. Summary of GM’s Analyses: GM
                                                    Department’s estimates of the burden of                 dated December 5, 2013, for an                         stated its belief that the subject
                                                    the proposed information collections;                   exemption from the notification and                    noncompliance is inconsequential to
                                                    ways to enhance the quality, utility, and               remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C.                       motor vehicle safety for the following
                                                    clarity of the information to be                        Chapter 301 on the basis that this                     reasons:
                                                    collected; and ways to minimize the                     noncompliance is inconsequential to                      1. The tire and rim of the affected
                                                    burden of the collections of information                motor vehicle safety.                                  spare wheels are properly matched and
                                                    on respondents, including the use of                       Notice of receipt of GM’s petition was              are appropriate for the load-carrying
                                                    automated collection techniques or                      published, with a 30-Day public                        characteristics of the subject vehicles.
                                                    other forms of information technology.                  comment period, on June 6, 2014 in the                   2. The incorrect reference document
                                                      A comment to OMB is best assured of                   Federal Register (79 FR 32813). No                     marking has no effect on the
                                                    having its full effect if OMB receives it               comments were received. To view the                    performance of the tire/rim
                                                    within 30 days of publication of this                   petition and all supporting documents                  combination.
                                                                                                            log onto the Federal Docket                              3. The subject tire/rim assembly meets
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    notice in the Federal Register.
                                                       Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520.
                                                                                                            Management System (FDMS) Web site                      the S4.4.1(b) rapid air loss requirement
                                                                                                            at: http://www.regulations.gov/. Then                  for FMVSS No. 110. The subject
                                                      Issued in Washington, DC on January 7,                follow the online search instructions to               vehicles also meet GM’s internal ride
                                                    2016.                                                   locate docket number ‘‘NHTSA–2013–                     and handling guidelines with the
                                                    Corey Hill,                                             0143.’’                                                subject spare tire/rim assembly
                                                    Acting Executive Director.                                 II. Vehicles Involved: Affected are                 installed.
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–00491 Filed 1–12–16; 8:45 am]             approximately 51,704 MY 2010–2014                        4. All other rim marking information
                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–06–P                                  GM Cadillac SRX MPVs manufactured                      required by S4.4.2 of FMVSS No. 110 on


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                             1675

                                                    the subject rims is correct. The rims are               carrying characteristics of the subject                provided with each vehicle titled
                                                    marked with the rim size designation as                 vehicles. GM also stated its belief that               ‘‘Wheel Replacement.’’ This section of
                                                    required by S4.4.2(b); the DOT symbol                   the incorrect marking of the nominal                   the owner’s manual states, ‘‘Your dealer
                                                    as required by S4.4.2(c); manufacturer                  rim dimension source designation on                    will know the kind of wheel that is
                                                    identification as required by S4.4.2(d);                the rim has no effect on the performance               needed. Each new wheel should have
                                                    and the month and year of manufacture                   of the tire/rim combination. In addition,              the same load-carrying capacity,
                                                    as required by S4.4.2(e).                               GM mentioned that the subject vehicles                 diameter, width, offset, and be mounted
                                                       5. The rim is marked correctly with                  meet the S4.4.1(b) rapid air loss                      the same way as the one it replaces.’’ In
                                                    the size designation of 18 x 4.5B, the                  requirement for FMVSS No. 110.                         addition, it is likely that the customer
                                                    correct tire size information is listed on                 The agency agrees with GM that the                  would go to a GM dealer or a tire/wheel
                                                    the Tire and Loading Information                        subject vehicles are equipped with an                  retailer to obtain a replacement.
                                                    placard, and the tire size (T135/70R18)                 appropriately matched spare tire and                      NHTSA agrees with GM that if a
                                                    is marked on the tire sidewall. The                     rim combination that when properly                     vehicle owner or operator must replace
                                                    vehicles’ Certification label also                      mounted on the subject vehicles would                  one of the subject rims that they would
                                                    contains the correct tire and rim sizes.                allow the vehicles to be operated safely               most likely go to a GM dealer or a tire/
                                                    There is little likelihood of a tire and                within the manufacturer’s specified                    wheel retailer. As professionals,
                                                    rim mismatch as a result of the incorrect               performance and loading limits. We                     technicians at either type of facility
                                                    marking of the source of the published                  note that the main purpose of FMVSS                    would know to look at the original spare
                                                    rim dimensions.                                         No. 110 is to require vehicles be                      wheel, the tire, the Tire and Loading
                                                       6. Very few of these spare wheels will               equipped with tires and rims                           Information placard, or the Certification
                                                    ever need to be replaced over the                       appropriate for the safe operation and                 label to determine the correct spare
                                                    lifetime of the vehicle. If a spare wheel               loading of applicable vehicles. It                     wheel size for the replacement.
                                                    needs to be replaced, however, there is                 appears the spare tire and rim                            GM cited five petitions that the
                                                    a section of the owner’s manual                         combination provided with the subject                  agency granted regarding wheels that
                                                    provided on ‘‘Wheel Replacement.’’ It is                vehicles will meet all applicable FMVSS                omit the designation symbol that
                                                    stated here that ‘‘Your dealer will know                No. 110 performance requirements.                      indicates the source of the rim’s
                                                    the kind of wheel that is needed. Each                     GM also explained its belief that all               published nominal dimensions. All five
                                                    new wheel should have the same load-                    other markings required by paragraph                   cited petitions were granted because the
                                                    carrying capacity, diameter, width,                     S4.4.2 of FMVSS No. 110 are on the                     agency determined that there was no
                                                    offset, and be mounted the same way as                  subject rims and meet the applicable                   consequence to motor vehicle safety due
                                                    the one it replaces.’’                                  requirements of the standard. Those                    to the omission of the designation
                                                       7. If a spare wheel needs to be                      markings include; the rim size                         symbol required by either FMVSS No.
                                                    replaced, it is likely that the customer                designation required by S4.4.2(b); the                 110 S4.4.2(a) or FMVSS No. 120 S5.2.
                                                    would go to a GM dealer or a tire/wheel                 DOT symbol as required by S4.4.2(c);                   As in the case of the subject spare tire
                                                    retailer. These facilities would know to                the manufacturer identification as                     and rim combinations, sufficient
                                                    look at the original spare wheel, the tire,             required by S4.4.2(d); and the month                   information about rim size was available
                                                    the Tire and Loading Information                        and year of manufacture as required by                 from other markings on the rims as well
                                                    placard, or the Certification label to                  S4.4.2(e). GM also stated that the correct             as the information from the Certification
                                                    determine the correct spare wheel size                  tire size information is listed on the                 label and Tire and Loading Information
                                                    for the replacement.                                    Certification label as well as the Tire                placards present on the affected
                                                       8. NHTSA has previously granted                      and Loading Information placard affixed                vehicles.
                                                    several inconsequential petitions with                  to each vehicle, and that the tire sizes                  NHTSA’s Decision: In consideration
                                                    similar FMVSS No. 110 rim                               are marked on the sidewalls of the tires.              of the foregoing, NHTSA has decided
                                                    noncompliances.                                            While NHTSA requires manufacturers                  that GM has met its burden of
                                                       9. GM is not aware of any crashes,                   to include the reference document                      persuasion that the subject
                                                    injuries or customer complaints                         designation symbol to be marked on the                 noncompliances with paragraph S4.4
                                                    associated with this condition.                         rim, its mislabeling in this case does not             FMVSS No. 110 are inconsequential to
                                                       GM has additionally informed                         prevent the proper matching of tires and               motor vehicle safety. Accordingly, GM’s
                                                    NHTSA that it has corrected the                         rims. We agree with GM that sufficient                 petition is hereby granted and GM is
                                                    noncompliance so that all future                        information about rim size is available                exempted from the obligation of
                                                    production of the subject vehicles will                 from other markings on the rims as well                providing notification of, and a remedy
                                                    comply with all applicable requirements                 as information available from the                      for, that noncompliance under 49 U.S.C.
                                                    of FMVSS No. 110.                                       Certification label required by 49 CFR                 30118 and 30120.
                                                       In summation, GM believes that the                   part 567, and the Tire and Loading                        NHTSA notes that the statutory
                                                    described noncompliance of the subject                  Information placard required by FMVSS                  provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and
                                                    vehicles is inconsequential to motor                    No. 110. In addition, the mislabeling                  30120(h)) that permit manufacturers to
                                                    vehicle safety, and that its petition, to               does not affect the ability to identify the            file petitions for a determination of
                                                    exempt from providing recall                            rims in the event of recall. NHTSA                     inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to
                                                    notification of noncompliance as                        believes that due to the convenient                    exempt manufacturers only from the
                                                    required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and                         availability of tire and rim size                      duties found in sections 30118 and
                                                                                                            designation information there is little                30120, respectively, to notify owners,
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    remedying the recall noncompliance as
                                                    required by 49 U.S.C. 30120 should be                   likelihood of a tire and rim mismatch as               purchasers, and dealers of a defect or
                                                    granted.                                                a result of the subject rim marking                    noncompliance and to remedy the
                                                                                                            noncompliance.                                         defect or noncompliance. Therefore, this
                                                    NHTSA’s Decision                                           GM stated its belief that very few                  decision only applies to the subject
                                                      NHTSA’s Analysis: GM stated its                       spare wheels need to be replaced during                noncompliant vehicles that GM no
                                                    belief that the combination of the                      the life of the vehicle. If, however,                  longer controlled at the time it
                                                    subject spare tire and rim is a proper                  wheel replacement is required, there is                determined that the noncompliance
                                                    match and appropriate for the load-                     a section of the owner’s manual                        existed. However, the granting of this


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                                                    1676                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices

                                                    petition does not relieve vehicle                       comment period, on September 8, 2015                      (A) MNA states that after the car’s
                                                    distributors and dealers of the                         in the Federal Register (80 FR 53912).                 ignition is switched to the ON position,
                                                    prohibitions on the sale, offer for sale,               No comments were received. To view                     the TPMS immediately seeks to confirm
                                                    or introduction or delivery for                         the petition and all supporting                        if all wheel sensors are present. If the
                                                    introduction into interstate commerce of                documents log onto the Federal Docket                  TPMS detects a sensor is not present, an
                                                    the noncompliant vehicles under their                   Management System (FDMS) Web site                      internal timer is started. If the sensor
                                                    control after GM notified them that the                 at: http://www.regulations.gov/. Then                  detected as missing was also detected as
                                                    subject noncompliance existed.                          follow the online search instructions to               missing during the previous ignition
                                                      Authority: (49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120:                   locate docket number ‘‘NHTSA–2014–                     cycle, the TPMS malfunction indicator
                                                    delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and             0034.’’                                                will illuminate as required to indicate a
                                                    501.8).                                                    II. Vehicles Involved: Affected are                 hardware fault is still present. If the
                                                                                                            approximately 8,789 MY 2011–2013                       engine is subsequently started again and
                                                    Jeffrey M. Giuseppe,                                    Maserati Quattroporte and MY 2011–                     left in its steady state (engine not cold)
                                                    Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.          2014 Maserati Granturismo and                          idle, the warning lamp will continue to
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–00449 Filed 1–12–16; 8:45 am]             Granturismo Convertible passenger                      remain illuminated as required.
                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–59–P                                  vehicles.                                              However, if the car is then driven, the
                                                                                                               III. Noncompliance: MNA explains                    warning lamp will extinguish. Once the
                                                                                                            that after the car’s ignition is switched              vehicle has been moving above 22 mph
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            to the ON position, the Tire Pressure                  for a period of 15 seconds, the TPMS
                                                                                                            Monitoring System (TPMS) immediately                   will seek to confirm that all wheel
                                                    National Highway Traffic Safety                         seeks to confirm if all wheel sensors are              sensors are fitted to the vehicle. If the
                                                    Administration                                          present. When the TPMS first detects a                 internal timer reaches 160 seconds, and
                                                    [Docket No. NHTSA–2014–0034; Notice 2]                  sensor is missing, it illuminates the                  the vehicle has been moving above 22
                                                                                                            malfunction indicator as required by                   mph for 15 seconds, the TPMS
                                                    Maserati S.p.A and Maserati North                       FMVSS No. 138. Upon subsequent                         malfunction indicator will illuminate
                                                    America, Inc., Grant of Petition for                    ignition cycles, if the sensor detected as             correctly. Once the malfunction
                                                    Decision of Inconsequential                             missing during the previous ignition                   indicator is illuminated, it remains so
                                                    Noncompliance                                           cycle is still missing, the TPMS                       throughout that ignition cycle,
                                                    AGENCY: National Highway Traffic                        malfunction indicator will again                       regardless of the vehicle’s speed.
                                                                                                            illuminate as required and stay                           (B) MNA explained that if the TPMS
                                                    Safety Administration (NHTSA),
                                                                                                            illuminated until the vehicle begins to                fails to detect the wheel sensors, the
                                                    Department of Transportation (DOT).
                                                                                                            move, at which time the indicator will                 TPMS will display no value on the
                                                    ACTION: Grant of petition.                                                                                     TPMS pressures screen for the tire
                                                                                                            extinguish. The extinguishment of the
                                                    SUMMARY:   Maserati S.p.A and Maserati                  malfunction indicator while the                        pressure, indicating that the status of
                                                    North America, Inc. (collectively                       malfunction still exists is in violation to            the wheel sensor is unconfirmed.
                                                    ‘‘MNA’’) have determined that certain                   paragraph S4.4(c)(2) of FMVSS No. 138.                    (C) MNA said that the noncompliance
                                                    model year (MY) 2011–2014 MNA                           The malfunction indicator must                         is confined to one particular aspect of
                                                    passenger cars do not fully comply with                 illuminate when a malfunction is                       the functionality of the otherwise
                                                    paragraph S4.4(c)(2), of Federal Motor                  identified and remain illuminated as                   compliant TPMS malfunction indicator.
                                                                                                            long as the condition exists.                          All other aspects of the low-pressure
                                                    Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No.
                                                                                                               IV. Rule Text: Paragraph S4.4(c)(2) of              monitoring system functionality are
                                                    138, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.
                                                                                                            FMVSS No. 138 requires in pertinent                    fully compliant with the requirements
                                                    MNA has filed a report dated March 3,
                                                                                                            part:                                                  of FMVSS No. 138. Also MNA stated
                                                    2014, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573,
                                                                                                                                                                   that NHTSA had previously published a
                                                    Defect and Noncompliance                                    S4.4   TPMS Malfunction.                           rule (April 8, 2005) that said a
                                                    Responsibility and Reports. MNA then                    *      *      *       *      *                         malfunction, in and of itself, does not
                                                    petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part                         (c) Combination low tire pressure/TPMS              represent a safety risk to vehicle
                                                    556 requesting a decision that the                      malfunction telltale. The vehicle meets the
                                                                                                                                                                   occupants and that the chances of
                                                    subject noncompliance is                                requirements of S4.4(a) when equipped with
                                                                                                            a combined Low Tire Pressure/TPMS                      having a TPMS malfunction and a
                                                    inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.
                                                                                                            malfunction telltale that:                             significantly under-inflated tire at the
                                                    ADDRESSES: For further information on                                                                          same time are unlikely.
                                                                                                               (2) Flashes for a period of at least 60
                                                    this decision contact Kerrin Bressant,                  seconds but no longer than 90 seconds upon                (D) MNA said that NHTSA has
                                                    Office of Vehicles Safety Compliance,                   detection of any condition specified in                previously granted petitions for
                                                    the National Highway Traffic Safety                     S4.4(a) after the ignition locking system is           inconsequential noncompliances related
                                                    Administration (NHTSA), telephone                       activated to the ‘‘On’’ (‘‘Run’’) position. After      to the TPMS malfunction indicator not
                                                    (202) 366–1110, facsimile (202) 366–                    each period of prescribed flashing, the                illuminating in the manner required by
                                                    3081.                                                   telltale must remain continuously
                                                                                                            illuminated as long as a malfunction exists
                                                                                                                                                                   FMVSS No. 138 due to a software
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              and the ignition locking system is in the              malfunction. MNA mentioned a grant to
                                                      I. MNA’s Petition: Pursuant to 49                     ‘‘On’’ (‘‘Run’’) position. This flashing and           a petition submitted by Volkswagen
                                                    U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) and the                    illumination sequence must be repeated each            Group of America, Inc. for Audi
                                                    rule implementing those provisions at                                                                          vehicles.1 MNA explained that in the
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            time the ignition locking system is placed in
                                                    49 CFR part 556, MNA submitted a                        the ‘‘On’’ (‘‘Run’’) position until the situation      Volkswagen case, the TPMS would
                                                    petition for an exemption from the                      causing the malfunction has been corrected.            initially display the required warning,
                                                                                                            . . .                                                  but the telltale light would not stay
                                                    notification and remedy requirements of
                                                    49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the basis that                   V. Summary of MNA’s Analyses:                        illuminated in the manner required by
                                                    this noncompliance is inconsequential                   MNA stated its belief that the subject                 FMVSS No. 138 in that the warning
                                                    to motor vehicle safety.                                noncompliance is inconsequential to                    light would be extinguished on
                                                      Notice of receipt of the petition was                 motor vehicle safety for the following
                                                    published, with a 30-day public                         reasons:                                                 1 76   FR 30239 (May 24, 2011).



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Document Created: 2016-01-13 01:00:32
Document Modified: 2016-01-13 01:00:32
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionGrant of Petition.
FR Citation81 FR 1674 

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