[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 146 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39429-39432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-19070]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 531

[Docket No. 96-067; Notice 1]


Passenger Automobile Average Fuel Economy Standards; Proposed 
Decision to Grant Exemption

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

ACTION: Proposed decision.

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SUMMARY: This proposed decision responds to a joint petition filed by 
Lamborghini and Vector requesting that each company be exempted from 
the generally applicable average fuel economy standard of 27.5 miles 
per gallon (mpg) for model years 1995 through 1997, and that lower 
alternative standards be established. In this document, NHTSA proposes 
that the requested exemption be granted and that alternative standards 
of 12.8 mpg be established for MY 1995, 12.6 mpg for MY 1996, and 12.5 
mpg for MY 1997, for Lamborghini and Vector.

DATES: Comments on this proposed decision must be received on or before 
September 27, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this proposal must refer to the docket number 
and notice number in the heading of this notice and be submitted, 
preferably in ten copies, to: Docket Section, Room 5109, National 
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20590. Docket hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Henrietta Spinner, Office of 
Market Incentives, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20590. Ms. Spinner's telephone number is: (202) 366-4802.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Statutory Background

    Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 32902(d), NHTSA may exempt a low volume 
manufacturer of passenger automobiles from the generally applicable 
average fuel economy standards if NHTSA concludes that those standards 
are more stringent than the maximum feasible average fuel economy for 
that manufacturer and if NHTSA establishes an alternative standard for 
that manufacturer at its maximum feasible level. Under the statute, a 
low volume manufacturer is one that manufactured (worldwide) fewer than 
10,000 passenger automobiles in the second model year before the model 
year for which the exemption is sought (the affected model year) and 
that will manufacture fewer than 10,000 passenger automobiles in the 
affected model year. In determining the maximum feasible average fuel 
economy, the agency is required under 49 U.S.C. 32902(f) to consider:
    (1) Technological feasibility
    (2) Economic practicability
    (3) The effect of other Federal motor vehicle standards on fuel 
economy, and
    (4) The need of the Nation to conserve energy.
    The statute at 49 U.S.C. 32902(d)(2) permits NHTSA to establish 
alternative average fuel economy standards applicable to exempted low 
volume manufacturers in one of three ways: (1) A separate standard for 
each exempted manufacturer; (2) a separate average fuel economy 
standard applicable to each class of exempted automobiles (classes 
would be based on design, size, price, or other factors); or (3) a 
single standard for all exempted manufacturers.

Background Information on Lamborghini and Vector

    Vector Aeromotive Corporation (Vector) and Automobili Lamborghini 
S.p.A. (Lamborghini) are small automobile manufacturers that each 
produce a single model of high priced, uniquely designed exotic sport 
vehicles. Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of passenger cars, 
which concentrates exclusively on the production of high quality, high 
performance, prestige sports cars. Lamborghini currently produces one 
model, the Diablo. Vector, a domestic low volume manufacturer, also 
marketing exotic high performance

[[Page 39430]]

sports cars, was originally founded as the ``Vector Car'' Company. The 
assets of Vector Car in were purchased by the Vector Aeromotive 
Corporation in 1987, and Vector completed redesign and engineering of 
its first production car, the Vector W8. During MYs 1991-1993, Vector 
manufactured a total of 22 Vector W8 passenger automobiles for 
worldwide sales. It did not produce any vehicles in MY 1995.

Need for a Joint Petition for Lamborghini and Vector

    Although they manufacture different automobile lines, Lamborghini 
and Vector are both controlled by V-Power Corporation. V-Power is the 
largest shareholder of Vector, owning 57 percent of the stock; the 
remaining 43 percent of Vector is publicly traded on NASDAQ. V-Power 
also owns 50 percent of Lamborghini, with the remaining 50 percent held 
by Micom/Stedco Ltd. For each of MYs 1995 through 1997, Lamborghini's 
and Vector's combined worldwide production will be less than 10,000 
automobiles. As both companies are controlled by V-Power, any 
alternative CAFE standard would apply to Lamborghini and Vector 
together, and a single petition should be submitted for a single 
alternative standard, applicable to the combined fleet of these 
companies.
    NHTSA's regulations on low volume exemptions from CAFE standards 
state that petitions for exemption are to be submitted ``not later than 
24 months before the beginning of the affected model year, unless good 
cause for later submission is shown.'' (49 CFR 525.6(b).)
    NHTSA received a petition from Vector Aeromotive Corporation on May 
24, 1995 seeking an exemption for the 1995-1998 model years. On May 31, 
1995, Vector withdrew this petition. On August 9, 1995, Vector 
submitted a joint petition on behalf of itself and Lamborghini seeking 
exemption from the passenger automobile fuel economy standards for MYs 
1995-1997. On March 14, 1996, the petitioner provided amended data for 
Lamborghini/Vector vehicles for MYs 1996 and 1997, indicating improved 
fuel economy values.
    The Lamborghini/Vector joint petition was filed less than 24 months 
before the beginning of MY 1997 and was therefore untimely under 49 
C.F.R. 526.6(b). This section requires that petitions ``be submitted 
not later than 24 months before the beginning of the affected model 
year, unless good cause for late submission is shown.''
    Lamborghini/Vector has provided NHTSA with information regarding 
the lateness of the joint petition. Lamborghini, which had been 
acquired by Chrysler in 1988, was sold to MegaTech Ltd. in February 
1994. In September 1994, six months after acquisition of Lamborghini, 
MegaTech Ltd., which owned 100 percent of Lamborghini, distributed 50 
percent of Lamborghini's stock to V-Power (owner of Vector) and 50 
percent to Micom/Stedco Ltd. (an Indonesian shipping and manufacturing 
firm).
    Chrysler's sale of Lamborghini, which Lamborghini contends occurred 
without prior notice, placed significant demands on this small company. 
As Lamborghini was no longer a part of Chrysler, it could not rely on 
compliance by Chrysler models to permit delayed compliance, as part of 
a phase-in, with the Environmental Protection Agency/California Air 
Resources Board (EPA/CARB) Tier I emission certifications. 
Lamborghini's separation from Chrysler also required that it comply 
with the phase-in requirements of Federal motor vehicle safety standard 
No. 214, ``Side Impact Protection,'' before it had anticipated having 
to do so. These developments, combined with the advent of Lamborghini's 
relationship with Vector and the subsequent redesign of the Vector W8 
to use a Lamborghini engine, placed considerable demands on the limited 
resources of Lamborghini/Vector. NHTSA notes that prior to the 
submission of the petition of May 24, 1995, Vector had never before 
submitted such a petition to the agency. Similarly, Lamborghini had not 
been eligible to submit an exemption petition since it was acquired by 
Chrysler in 1988. Preparing a joint petition required considerable 
interaction between these two previously unrelated companies. Given 
these circumstances, in conjunction with the significant drain on 
resources required for compliance with other regulations as noted 
above, the agency believes that sufficient good cause has been shown by 
Lamborghini/Vector to allow late filing of the joint petition for 
exemption for MY's 1995-97.

Methodology Used to Project Maximum Feasible Average Fuel Economy Level 
for Lamborghini/Vector

Baseline Fuel Economy

    To project the level of fuel economy which could be achieved by 
Lamborghini/Vector in MYs 1995-1997, the agency considered whether 
there were technical or other improvements that would be feasible for 
these vehicles, and whether or not the company currently plans to 
incorporate such improvements in the vehicles. The agency reviewed the 
technological feasibility of any changes and their economic 
practicability.
    NHTSA interprets ``technological feasibility'' as meaning that 
technology which would be available to Lamborghini/Vector for use on 
its MY 1995 through 1997 automobiles, and which would improve the fuel 
economy of those automobiles. The areas examined for technologically 
feasible improvements were weight reduction, aerodynamic improvements, 
engine improvements, drive line improvements, and reduced rolling 
resistance.
    The agency interprets ``economic practicability'' as meaning the 
financial capability of the manufacturer to improve its average fuel 
economy by incorporating technologically feasible changes to its MYs 
1995 through 1997 automobiles. In assuming that capability, the agency 
has always considered market demand as an implicit part of the concept 
of economic practicability. Consumers need not purchase what they do 
not want.
    In accordance with the concerns of economic practicability, NHTSA 
has considered only those improvements which would be compatible with 
the basic design concepts of Lamborghini and Vector automobiles. Since 
NHTSA assumes that Lamborghini and Vector will continue to build exotic 
high performance cars, design changes that would remove items 
traditionally offered on these cars, such as reducing the displacement 
of their engines, were not considered. Such changes to the basic design 
would be economically impracticable since they might well significantly 
reduce the demand for these automobiles, thereby reducing sales and 
causing significant economic injury to the low volume manufacturer.

Technology for Fuel Economy Improvement

    The nature of Lamborghini and Vector vehicles generally do not 
result in high fuel economy values. Also, Lamborghini and Vector lag in 
having the latest developments in fuel efficiency technology because 
suppliers generally provide components and technology to small 
manufacturers only after supplying large manufacturers.
    Lamborghini/Vector state that the requested alternative fuel 
economy values represent the best possible CAFE that Lamborghini/Vector 
can achieve for MYs 1995 through 1997. However, the joint alternative 
fuel economy values decrease from 12.8 mpg in MY 1995 to

[[Page 39431]]

12.6 mpg in MY 1996 (a decrease of 0.2 mpg) and from 12.6 mpg in MY 
1996 to 12.5 mpg in MY 1997 (a decrease of 0.1 mpg). The fuel economy 
will decrease over the three years because Lamborghini/Vector projects 
that Vector sales will increase over MYs 1996 and 1997 while 
Lamborghini sales will remain constant. Therefore, fuel economies will 
decrease because of the projected increased sales of Vectors, which 
have lower fuel economy values than Lamborghini's.
    Despite these qualifications, the following describes how 
Lamborghini and Vector plan to maximize their respective vehicles' fuel 
economy by using state of the art materials and technologies for their 
vehicles.
    Lamborghini and Vector vehicles share a common engine designed and 
produced by Lamborghini. This engine is a 5.7 liter V-12 with a 10:1 
compression ratio that produces 492 horsepower at 6,800 revolutions per 
minute and 428 foot-pounds of torque at 5,200 rpm. Fuel is delivered to 
the engine through a computer-controlled multipoint fuel injection 
system. Aluminum alloy is used for all major castings like the engine 
crankcase, cylinder heads, induction manifold, gearbox, and axle. The 
Lamborghini V-12 is a highly efficient engine which produces extremely 
high output for its displacement.
    In keeping with the high performance character, Lamborghini and 
Vector vehicles are designed to provide a structure that is both strong 
and lightweight. Vector uses a semi-monocoque structure and a steel 
roll cage with body panels fabricated from carbon-reinforced composite 
fiber glass. Front suspension consists of independent, unequal length 
A-arms with concentric coil shock absorbers and anti-dive 
characteristics. Rear suspension is parallel link, concentric coil 
springs with anti-squat characteristics. The hydraulic brake system 
includes vacuum assist, quad cylinder calipers and ventilated discs.
    The Lamborghini Diablo chassis uses space frame construction with 
the unstressed panels, such as the doors and trunk, made of aluminum 
alloy and plastic composite. Composite and steel beams were recently 
adopted for the energy absorbing bumpers.
    All Lamborghini/Vector vehicles have a rear engine driving rear 
wheels through five speed manual transmissions. Additionally, Vector W8 
vehicles are equipped with ZF transaxle and constant velocity 
driveshaft joints. Both the Lamborghini Diablo and the Vector W8 rely 
on wide low aspect ratio tires to provide maximum traction and 
performance.
    Lamborghini/Vector vehicles achieve a very high level of 
performance by incorporating an efficient powerplant with a lightweight 
structure. Much of the technology used to improve fuel economy in other 
vehicles is already employed by Lamborghini/Vector to enhance 
performance. Any further improvements in fuel economy in these vehicles 
through the use of a smaller powerplant or tires with less rolling 
resistance would be contrary to the essential characteristics of the 
vehicles and their position in the marketplace.

Model Mix

    The Vector W8 and Lamborghini Diablo are similarly sized vehicles 
sharing a common V-12 engine. Therefore, any opportunity to improve 
fuel economy by changing model mix would be dependent on introduction 
of new models or engines. In any event, changing the model mix would 
have a negligible effect on fuel economy due to the inherently low fuel 
economy of these ultra high performance coupes.

The Effect of Other Vehicle Standards

    The new, California emissions standards apply to Lamborghini and 
Vector in MY 1995 and the similarly stringent Federal Clean Air Act 
Amendments apply in MY 1996. Lamborghini/Vector achieved lower fuel 
economy due to compliance with these standards.
    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and other NHTSA standards 
also have an adverse effect on fuel economies of Lamborghini and Vector 
vehicles. These standards include 49 CFR part 581, Bumper Standard, 
Standard No. 214, Side impact protection, and Standard No. 208, 
Occupant crash protection. These standards tend to reduce achievable 
CAFE levels, since they result in increased vehicle weight. Engineering 
resources are necessarily devoted to meeting the standards, since, in 
order to remain in the market, Lamborghini/Vector must meet these 
mandatory standards.

The Need of the Nation To Conserve Energy

    The agency recognizes there is a need to conserve energy, to 
promote energy security, and to improve balance of payments. However, 
as stated above, NHTSA has tentatively determined that it is not 
technologically feasible or economically practicable for Lamborghini/
Vector to achieve an average fuel economy in MYs 1995 through 1997 
above the levels set forth in this proposed decision. Granting an 
exemption to Lamborghini/Vector and setting an alternative standard at 
that level would result in only a negligible increase in fuel 
consumption and would not affect the need of the Nation to conserve 
energy. In fact, there would not be any increase since Lamborghini/
Vector cannot attain those generally applicable standards. 
Nevertheless, the agency estimates that the additional fuel consumed by 
operating the MYs 1995 through 1997 fleets of Lamborghini/Vector 
vehicles at the combined projected CAFE of 12.8 mpg for MY 1995, 12.6 
mpg for MY 1996, and 12.5 mpg for MY 1997 is insignificant compared to 
the fuel used each day by the entire U.S. motor vehicle fleet for 
passenger cars in 1994.

Maximum Feasible Average Fuel Economy for Lamborghini/Vector

    The agency has tentatively concluded that it would not be 
technologically feasible and economically practicable for Lamborghini/
Vector to improve the fuel economy of their MY 1995 through 1997 fleets 
above an average of 12.8 mpg for MY 1995, 12.6 mpg for MY 1996, and 
12.5 mpg for MY 1997. Federal automobile standards would not adversely 
affect achievable fuel economy beyond the amount already factored into 
Lamborghini/Vector's projections, and that the national effort to 
conserve energy would not be affected by granting the requested 
exemption and establishing an alternative standard.

Proposed Level and Type of Alternative Standard

    NHTSA tentatively concludes that the maximum feasible average fuel 
economy for Lamborghini/Vector is 12.8 mpg in MY 1995, 12.6 mpg in MY 
1996, and 12.5 mpg in MY 1997. The agency also tentatively concludes 
that it would be appropriate to establish a separate standard for 
Lamborghini/Vector for the following reasons. The agency has already 
granted petitions submitted by Rolls Royce for alternative standards of 
14.6 mpg for MY's 1995-96 and 15.1 mpg for MY 1997. NHTSA has also 
granted a petition from Mednet, Inc. (successor company to Dutcher 
Motors) for an alternative standard of 17.0 mpg for MYs 1996-98. 
Therefore, the agency cannot use the second (class standards) or third 
(single standard for all exempted manufacturers) approaches for MYs 
1995, 1996, and 1997.

Regulatory Impact Analyses

    NHTSA has analyzed this proposal and determined that neither 
Executive Order 12866 nor the Department of

[[Page 39432]]

Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures apply. Under 
Executive Order 12866, the proposal would not establish a ``rule,'' 
which is defined in the Executive Order as ``an agency statement of 
general applicability and future effect.'' The proposed exemption is 
not generally applicable, since it would apply only to Lamborghini 
Automobili and Vector Aeromotive as discussed in this notice. Under DOT 
regulatory policies and procedures, the proposed exemption would not be 
a ``significant regulation.'' If the Executive Order and the 
Departmental policies and procedures were applicable, the agency would 
have determined that this proposed action is neither major nor 
significant. The principal impact of this proposal is that the exempted 
company would not be required to pay civil penalties if its maximum 
feasible average fuel economy were achieved, and purchasers of those 
vehicles would not have to bear the burden of those civil penalties in 
the form of higher prices. Since this proposal sets an alternative 
standard at the level determined to be the maximum feasible levels for 
Lamborghini/Vector for MYs 1995 through 1997, no fuel would be saved by 
establishing a higher alternative standard. NHTSA finds in the Section 
on ``The Need of the Nation to Conserve Energy'' that because of the 
small size of the Lamborghini/Vector fleet, the incremental usage of 
gasoline by Lamborghini/Vector's customers would not affect the 
nation's need to conserve gasoline. There would not be any impacts for 
the public at large.
    The agency has also considered the environmental implications of 
this proposed exemption in accordance with the National Environmental 
Policy Act and determined that this proposed exemption, if adopted, 
would not significantly affect the human environment. Regardless of the 
fuel economy of the exempted vehicles, they must pass the emissions 
standards which measure the amount of emissions per mile traveled. 
Thus, the quality of the air is not affected by the proposed exemptions 
and alternative standards. Further, since the exempted passenger 
automobiles cannot achieve better fuel economy than is proposed herein, 
granting these proposed exemptions would not affect the amount of fuel 
used.
    Interested persons are invited to submit comments on the proposed 
decision. It is requested but not required that 10 copies be submitted.
    All comments must not exceed 15 pages in length (49 CFR 553.21). 
Necessary attachments may be appended to these submissions without 
regard to the 15 page limit. This limitation is intended to encourage 
commenters to detail their primary arguments in a concise fashion.
    If a commenter wishes to submit certain information under a claim 
of confidentiality, three copies of the complete submission, including 
purportedly confidential business information, should be submitted to 
the Chief Counsel, NHTSA, at the street address given above, and seven 
copies from which the purportedly confidential business information has 
been deleted, should be submitted to the Docket Section. A request for 
confidentiality should be accompanied by a cover letter setting forth 
the information specified in the agency's confidential business 
information regulation. 49 CFR part 512.
    All comments received before the close of business on the comment 
closing indicated above for the proposal will be considered, and will 
be available for examination in the docket at the above address both 
before and after that date. To the extent possible, comments filed 
after the closing date will also be considered. Comments received too 
late for consideration in regard to the final rule will be considered 
as suggestions for further rulemaking action. Comments on the proposal 
will be available for inspection in the docket. NHTSA will continue to 
file relevant information as it becomes available in the docket after 
the closing date, and it is recommended that interested persons 
continue to examine the docket for new material.
    Those persons desiring to be notified upon receipt of their 
comments in the rules docket should enclose a self-addressed, stamped 
postcard in the envelope with their comments. Upon receiving the 
comments, the docket supervisor will return the postcard by mail.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 531

    Energy conservation, Gasoline, Imports, Motor vehicles.

    In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR part 531 would be amended 
to read as follows:

PART 531--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 531 would be revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 32902, delegation of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50.

    2. In Sec. 531.5, the introductory text of paragraph (b) is 
republished for the convenience of the reader and paragraph (b)(13) 
would be added to read as follows:


Sec. 531.5  Fuel economy standards.

* * * * *
    (b) The following manufacturers shall comply with the standards 
indicated below for the specified model years:
* * * * *
    (13) Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A./Vector Aeromotive Corporation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Average
                                                                  fuel  
                                                                 economy
                          Model year                            standard
                                                                 (miles 
                                                                   per  
                                                                 gallon)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995..........................................................      12.8
1996..........................................................      12.6
1997..........................................................      12.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issued on: July 22, 1996.
Barry Felrice,
Associate Administrator for Safety Performance Standards.
[FR Doc. 96-19070 Filed 7-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P