MotorVehicleRegs.COM

NCAP Webinar from MGA Research Corporation

On March 11, 2010 MGA Research Corporation will hold an internet based seminar to discuss the new NCAP testing procedures.  The new procedures will affect the NCAP Safety Ratings of all passenger vehicles model year 2011 and later.  The seminar will focus on MGA's role as one of five NHTSA contracted NCAP test laboratories. To register, click here.  The webinar will begin at 1:30 pm and last until 3:00 pm.

Door Locks and Door Retention (FMVSS 206)

On February 19, 2010, NHTSA published a final rule in the Federal Register at 75 FR 7370 that responds to petitions for reconsideration of a Feb. 6, 2007 final rule that amended FMVSS 206 to add and update requirements and test procedures and to harmonize with the world’s first global technical regulation for motor vehicles.  This is the second of two documents responding to the petitions; an earlier final rule delayed the compliance date of the sliding door provisions for a year.  With this final rule, NHTSA is granting some aspects of the petitions while denying others and making several technical amendments to the regulatory text.  The rule is effective Feb. 19, 2010.  Docket ref: NHTSA-2010-0015.  Contact: Ms. Shashi Kuppa, Office of Crashworthiness Standards (202) 366-4902.

SAE Electric-Vehicle Charging Coupler Standard

SAE has released a standard that provides a standard interface between plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, and electrical charging systems.  SAE J1772, "SAE Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler," spells out the general physical, electrical and performance requirements for the coupler, which consists of a connector and vehicle inlet.  The standard was developed to define a common electric-vehicle charging network, thereby reducing costs and increasing convenience for owners of electric vehicles.  The document can be purchased from SAE at http://www.sae.org/technical/standards/J1772_201001.

With quiet car solutions being considered by both Congress and NHTSA, the new Guidelines adopted by the Japanese MLIT on Jan. 29, 2010 are extremely relevant.  The Unofficial English version of the Guidelines are as follows:

Automobile Approaching Notification System

1. Definition

Notify pedestrians that automobile is approaching.

2. Operating condition

(1) Sound method
 - System works automatically from 0 to 20 km/h.
 - It is not needed when internal combustion engine is running.
 - It is not needed when backup alarm is operating.
(2) Temporary OFF switch
 - Temporary OFF switch may be installed but telltale is needed.
 - Default position is ON.
 - Switch is visible to driver.

3. Type of sound and volume

(1) Sound shall suggest automobile driving condition and shall be continuous. Following sounds are inappropriate.
 - Siren, chime, bell and melody
 - Audible warning device (horn)
 - Cry or scream of animals and insects/bugs
 - Natural sound such as wave, wind, flow of river
 - Any other sounds that can not suggest automobile.

(2) Produced sound shall change volume and interval/step in accordance with driving speed so that pedestrian can detect easily.

(3) Sound volume shall not exceed a level in which ICE vehicle is running at 20km/h.

Cash for Clunkers

On February 2, 2010, NHTSA published a final rule in the Federal Register at 75 FR 5248 amending the regulations implementing the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) program.  The rule change allows disposal facilities an additional 90 days, for a total of 270 days, to crush or shred a vehicle traded in under the CARS program.  The rule is effective Feb. 2, 2010. 

LEV III

CARB Mail-Out #MSC 10-05 announces a one day workshop to discuss Staff’s preliminary thoughts and sources of information upon which to base more stringent emission requirements for new passenger vehicles, to be considered by the Board later this year. 

ARB staff has developed a draft proposal for criteria emission standards, and is seeking comments and input from stakeholders. The preliminary proposal for the criteria standards can be found in the document “Preliminary Discussion Paper – Amendments to California’s Low-Emission Vehicle Regulations for Criteria Pollutants – LEV III.” A copy the document may be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/levprog/leviii/leviii.htm

Regarding future Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission regulations, staff is evaluating studies of the feasibility and cost of advanced technologies to reduce GHG emissions that could achieve widespread sales and acceptance in the 2017-2025 timeframe. At the workshop staff will discuss these studies and welcomes input from stakeholders.

The workshop will take place March 2, 2010 in El Monte, CA.

Brake Fluid (FMVSS 116)

On February 3, 2010, NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register at 75 FR 5553 proposing to amend FMVSS 116, Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, so that brake fluids would be tested with ethylene, propylene, and diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber, as this type of rubber is increasingly being used in brake fluid seals.  The NPRM also updates references to SAE and ASTM standards and corrects minor errors in the standard.

As proposed, the amended rule would take effect 180 days after publication of the final rule.

Comments on the NPRM are due April 5, 2010. 

NHTSA contact: Samuel Daniel, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards, (202) 366-4921.

Cash for Clunkers

NHTSA’s CARS program website now includes a link to the December 2009 report to Congress on the CARS program.  The reports covers:

1.         Establishment and Operation of the CARS Program
2.         Summary of CARS Transactions
3.         CARS Consumer Survey Data
4.         Economic Benefits
5.         Non-Market Effects
6.         Administrative Costs
7.         Conclusions
 
For a copy of the report, click here.