[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 77 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19729-19730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9842]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

16 CFR Part 259


Request for Comment on the Guide Concerning Fuel Advertising for 
New Automobiles

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Request for public comment.

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') requests public 
comment on the overall costs and benefits and the continuing need for 
its Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles 
(``Fuel Economy Guide'' or ``Guide''), 16 CFR Part 259, as part of the 
Commission's systematic review of all

[[Page 19730]]

current Commission regulations and guides.

DATES: Written comments will be accepted until June 21, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Mailed comments should be directed to: Secretary, Federal 
Trade Commission, Room H-159, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, 
DC 20580. Mailed comments should be identified as `` Fuel Guide, 16 CFR 
Part 256--Comment.'' E-Mail comments will be accepted at 
[FuelG[email protected]]. Those who comment by e-mail should give a mailing 
address to which an acknowledgment can be sent.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Willie L. Greene, Investigator, 
Federal Trade Commission, Cleveland Regional Office, Cleveland, OH 
44114, telephone number (216) 236-3406.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Commission adopted the Guide Concerning Fuel Economy 
Advertising for New Automobiles in 1975 to prevent deceptive fuel 
economy advertising and to facilitate the use of fuel economy in 
advertising. Since its enactment, the Guide has advised marketers to 
disclose the established fuel economy of the vehicle as determined by 
EPA's Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 2206) in 
advertisements that make representations regarding the fuel economy of 
a new vehicle. These EPA fuel economy numbers also appear on window 
labels attached to new automobiles.
    In 1978 and 1995, the Commission amended the Guide to make it 
consistent with EPA Information Disclosure Act changes regarding fuel 
economy disclosures. 43 FR 55757 (November 29, 1978); 60 FR 56230 (Nov. 
8, 1995).

II. Regulatory Review Program

    The Commission has determined to review all current Commission 
rules and guides periodically. These reviews seek information about the 
cost and benefits of the Commission's rules and guides and their 
regulatory and economic impact. The information obtained assists the 
Commission in identifying rules and guides that warrant modification or 
rescission. Therefore, the Commission solicits comments on, among other 
things, the economic impact of and the continuing need for the Guide 
concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles; possible 
conflict between the Guide and state, local or other federal laws; and 
the effect on the Guide of any technological, economic, or other 
industry changes.

III. Request for Comment

    The Commission solicits written public comments on the following 
questions:
    (1) Is there a continuing need for the Guide Concerning Fuel 
Economy Advertising for New Automobiles?
    (a) What benefits has the Guide provided to purchasers of the 
product affected by the Guide?
    (b) Has the Guide imposed costs on purchasers?
    (2) What changes, if any, should be made to the Guide to increase 
the benefits of the Guide to purchasers? How would these changes affect 
the costs the Guide imposes on firms who conform to its advice? How 
would these changes affect the benefits to purchasers?
    (3) What significant burdens or costs, including costs of 
compliance, has the Guide imposed on firms who conform to its advice? 
Has the Guide provided benefits to such firms? If so, what benefits?
    (4) What changes, if any, should be made to the Guide to reduce the 
burdens or costs imposed on firms who conform to its advice? How would 
these changes affect the benefits provided by the Guide?
    (5) Does the Guide overlap or conflict with other federal, state, 
or local laws or regulations?
    (6) Since the Guide was issued, what effects have changes in 
relevant technology or economic conditions had on the Guide? Do sellers 
of automobiles use E-mail or the Internet to promote or sell by using 
fuel economy advertisements? Does the use of this new technology affect 
consumers' rights or advertisers' responsibilities under the Guide?
    (7) Are there any abuses occurring in the promotion or advertising 
of fuel economy that are not covered by the Guide? If so, what 
mechanisms should be explored to address such abuses (e.g., consumer 
education, industry self-regulation, revisions to the Guide)?

List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 259

    Advertising, Fuel economy, Trade practices.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.

    By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-9842 Filed 4-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-P