[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 18, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19444-19445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-9504]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[Docket No. 92-58; Notice 4]


Kewet Industri; Grant of Application for Renewal of Temporary 
Exemption From Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208

    Kewet Industri of Hadsund, Denmark, applied for a two-year renewal 
of its temporary exemption from the automatic restraint requirements of 
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection. The 
exemption, NHTSA Temporary Exemption No. 93-1, was published on 
February 10, 1993 (58 FR 7905). The basis of the application was that a 
continued exemption would facilitate the development and field 
evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not unreasonably 
lower the safety level of the vehicle.
    Notice of receipt of the application was published on January 12, 
1995, and an opportunity afforded for comment (60 FR 3026).
    Kewet manufactures a passenger car called the El-Jet. The vehicle 
is powered by on-board rechargeable batteries which drive an electric 
traction motor. The El-Jet, which produces no emissions, is therefore a 
``low-emission motor vehicle'' within the meaning of NHTSA's authority 
to provide temporary exemptions.
    In 1992, Kewet argued that the granting of a temporary exemption 
would facilitate the development of an electric vehicle industry in the 
United States. The vehicle is so small that it could serve as a 
replacement for the 3-wheel Cushman type meter reader vehicle in 
municipal fleets. It provides greater safety for the operator at a 
substantially lower price. Further, an exemption would promote learning 
and exchange of information between the Danish electric vehicle 
industry and the U.S. one. Finally, the El Jet would demonstrate the 
commercial viability of a ``neighborhood electric vehicle.''
    Petitioner also argued that an exemption would not unreasonably 
degrade the safety of the vehicle. The El-Jet is equipped with a 3-
point restraint system, and will otherwise comply with all applicable 
Federal motor vehicle safety standards. It complies with all current 
European motor safety standards and has passed a crash test at 50 kph 
(30 mph). Its top speed is only 40 mph, reducing the risk of injury. 
Although Kewet expected to be able to provide a driver's side air bag 
in all cars manufactured after September 1993, the target date is now 
the 1996 model year. Originally, Kewet projected sales of 30 to 50 
vehicles through 1993; in actuality, sales in 1994 as of August 30 were 
``less than 35.''
    In Kewet's opinion, a temporary exemption would be in the public 
interest and consistent with traffic safety objectives because it is a 
participant in the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Electrical 
Vehicle Testing Program. It comments that ``[p]roviding test data to 
the national testing program * * * is an important development to the 
electric vehicle industry.'' Kewet does not feel that lack of an air 
bag ``has been a safety hazard'' because of the El-Jet's low top speed, 
and intended non-freeway use. The vehicle is equipped with lap and 
torso belts, and employs ``steel roll cage construction.''
    No comments were received in response to the notice.
    While the application was pending, NHTSA asked Kewet to provide 
further information on the 50 kph crash test to which it had referred. 
Kewet supplied a copy of a test report by TNO laboratory of Delft, the 
Netherlands, and a video of the test. The test was conducted to the 
requirements of ECE R-12 in 1990, and indicates conformance. The El Jet 
also passed the body block tests at 24.1 kph on the steering wheel, 
according to the requirements of ECE-12. Kewet confirmed to NHTSA that 
it will install both a driver and passenger airbag ``before the end of 
1995.''
    With respect to the three-point belt system that has been and will 
be provided in the interim, Kewet submitted a report on its seat belt 
anchorages by the Danish Technology Institute verifying compliance with 
E.E.C. Regulation 76/115/E.E.C. These reports have provided NHTSA with 
the assurance necessary to find that an exemption would not 
unreasonably lower the safety level of the car. NHTSA notes, too, that 
the vehicle is certified as complying with all other Federal motor 
vehicle safety standards.
    Although Kewet's market in the U.S. has been extremely limited 
under its exemption, the El Jet is one of the few exempted vehicles of 
foreign manufacture, and one which is a purpose-built electric vehicle 
and not a conversion. Thus, to extend the exemption would enhance the 
evaluation of electric vehicles under U.S. road conditions. The public 
interest will be served by the continued participation of the El Jet in 
ARPA's electric vehicle test program.
    Although a one-year extension would appear to be sufficient for 
Kewet, the agency is providing one of 18 months in the event that 
unforeseen delays are [[Page 19445]] encountered in introducing airbag 
technology into production.
    In consideration of the foregoing, it is hereby found that an 
extension of Kewet's exemption will facilitate the development and 
field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not 
unreasonably lower the safety level of the vehicle, and, further, that 
such extension is in the public interest and consistent with the 
objectives of traffic safety. Accordingly, NHTSA Temporary Exemption 
No. 93-1 from S4.1.4 of 49 CFR 571.208 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection, is hereby extended to July 1, 1996.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30113; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50.

    Issued on April 12, 1995.
Ricardo Martinez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-9504 Filed 4-17-95; 8:45 am]
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