MotorVehicleRegs.COM

NCAP Test procedures

NHTSA has docketed updated versions of the NCAP test procedures for the following:

1. Electronic stability control
2. Forward collision warning
3. Lane departure warning

To access copies, go to the Docket Search Page and search in Docket No. NHTSA-2006-26555.

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.

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. 

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.

New MGA Research Facility Opens Outside Washington, DC

MGA Research recently expanded its operations to the northern Virginia and Washington DC area.  MGA Research’s dedication towards advancing worldwide passenger safety and transportation quality over the last 30 years will be augmented by this new operation as they grow to meet industry needs.  To view a presentation describing the new facility and the associated initiatives, click Download MGA VA Announcement.  Also, for more information about MGA,  please visit www.mgaresearch.com or contact Robert Schnorenberg at the new MGA facility by phone (571) 292-1036 or email  robert.schnorenberg@mgaresearch.com.

FMVSS 217 Bus emergency exits and window retention and release

On December 28, 2009, NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register at 74 FR 68558 proposing two “housekeeping” measures relating to FMVSS 217, “Bus emergency exits and window retention and release.”  The two issues addressed by the proposal are: 1) permissible locations of exterior release on rear emergency exit doors, and 2) the number of force applications required to open a window or roof emergency exit.  According to NHTSA, both amendments are consistent with current industry practice.

Comments on the NPRM are due February 26, 2010.

Designated Seating Position

On December 23, 2009, NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register at 74 FR 68185 which responds, in part, to petitions for reconsideration of an October 2008 final rule that amended the definition of the term, “designated seating position (DSP).”  With this latest notice, NHTSA is delaying the effective of the new DSP requirements to Sep. 1, 2011.  A future notice will address the remaining issues that were raised in the petitions for reconsideration.