[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 21820]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10797]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA 2001-9036; Notice 1]


Mazda Motor Corporation, Receipt of Application for Decision of 
Inconsequential Noncompliance

    Mazda Motors Corporation has determined that certain 1994 model 
Mazda Navajos and 1994 through 2000 model Mazda B-Series trucks do not 
meet the labeling requirements of paragraphs 5.2(a) and 5.2(c) of 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 120, ``Tire Selection 
and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars''. Pursuant to 49 
U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h), Mazda has petitioned for a determination 
that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety and 
has filed an appropriate report pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573, ``Defect 
and Noncompliance Reports.''
    This notice of receipt of an application is published under 49 
U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or 
other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the application.
    Mazda states that approximately 218,000 vehicles were manufactured 
with tire rims that do not include the letter ``T'' identifying TRA as 
the source of the nominal dimensions of the rims. Also, the rims on 
these vehicles do not include the ``DOT'' symbol, indicating 
certification of compliance with the substantive requirements of the 
standard.
    Mazda states that the noncompliances are inconsequential to motor 
vehicle safety because, with the exception of the cited missing 
markings, the noncomplying rims do comply with all other federal 
requirements. The missing markings identifying the source of the rim 
dimensions have no effect on the tire/rim performance. According to 
Mazda, the tires and rims on the affected vehicles are properly matched 
and are appropriate for the load carrying characteristics of these 
vehicles. Mazda indicates that selection of an incorrect replacement 
rim is possible, but not likely to result in a safety problem. Mazda 
states that a comparison of rim dimensions by several other designates 
listed in S5.2(a) indicated that dimensions for the size and type of 
the rims in question are essentially identical to the rims designed by 
TRA, the source for the noncompliant rims. Therefore, correctly sized 
rims with dimensions from other designates would be appropriate for 
these vehicles. With respect to the DOT symbol marking, Mazda states 
that the rims comply with all federal requirements that may have an 
impact on motor vehicle safety and therefore, it does not consider this 
noncompliance with S5.2(c) to be a safety problem.
    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and 
arguments on the application described above. Comments should refer to 
the docket number and be submitted to: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, 
Washington, DC 20590. It is requested that two copies be submitted.
    All comments received before the close of business on the closing 
date indicated below will be considered. The application and supporting 
materials, and all comments received after the closing date, will also 
be filed and will be considered to the extent possible. After the 
Agency has determined that the application will be granted or denied, a 
notice will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the 
authority indicated below. Comment closing date: (30 days after 
Publication Date).

(49 U.S.C. 301118, 301120; delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 
and .501.8)

    Issued on: April 26, 2001.
Stephen R. Kratzke,
Associate Administrator for Safety Performance Standards.
[FR Doc. 01-10797 Filed 4-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P