[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 248 (Monday, December 29, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74931-74939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31891]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 533

[Docket No. 2003-16709]
RIN 2127-AJ26


Reforming the Automobile Fuel Economy Standards Program; Request 
for Product Plan Information

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

ACTION: Request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this request for comments is to acquire 
information regarding vehicle manufacturers' future product plans to 
assist the agency in analyzing possible reforms to the corporate 
average fuel economy (CAFE) program which are discussed in a companion 
notice published today. The agency is seeking information that will 
help it assess the effect of these possible reforms on fuel economy, 
manufacturers, consumers, the economy, motor vehicle safety and 
American jobs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 27, 2004.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number 
2003-16709] by any of the following methods:
    [sbull] Web Site: http://dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
    [sbull] Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    [sbull] Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
    [sbull] Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
    [sbull] Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues, call Ken Katz, 
Lead Engineer, Fuel Economy Division, Office of Planning and Consumer 
Standards, at (202) 366-0846, facsimile (202) 493-2290, electronic mail 
[email protected]. For legal issues, call Otto Matheke, Office of the 
Chief Counsel, at (202) 366-5263, electronic mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    In a companion document, an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, 
published today in the Federal Register, NHTSA is seeking comments 
relating to possible enhancements and reforms to the CAFE program that 
will assist in furthering fuel conservation, while protecting motor 
vehicle safety and American jobs. To assist the agency in analyzing 
possible reforms to the CAFE program, in addition to the questions 
found in the body of the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, NHTSA 
has included a number of additional questions, found in an appendix to 
this notice, directed primarily toward vehicle manufacturers.
    The appendix requests information from manufacturers regarding 
their product plans from MY 2003 through MY 2012, and the assumptions 
underlying those plans. The agency would appreciate answers that are as 
responsive as possible so that the agency can analyze the impact of the 
reforms on the entire industry. Because some of the possible reforms 
may change the distinction between passenger cars and light trucks, the 
agency is requesting data from manufacturers for both their passenger 
car plans AND their light truck plans.
    In an attempt to assure conformity in data submittal and to assist 
manufacturers with supplying information to the agency regarding their 
product plans from MY 2003 through MY 2012, NHTSA has developed 
spreadsheet templates for manufacturers' use. These templates are the 
preferred format for data submittal, and can be found on the agency's 
CAFE website at: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/CAFE/rulemaking.htm. The Appendix also includes sample tables that 
manufacturers should refer to when submitting their data to the Agency.

II. Public Participation

    Interested persons are invited to comment in response to this 
request for comments. It is requested, but not required, that two 
copies be submitted to the Office of Docket Management, Room PL-401, 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
    Your comments must be written and in English. To ensure that your 
comments are correctly filed in the Docket, please include the docket 
number of this document in your comments. All comments must be limited 
to 15 pages in length. Necessary attachments may be appended to those 
submissions without regard to the 15-page limit (49 CFR 553.21). This 
limitation is intended to encourage commenters to detail their primary 
arguments in a concise fashion.
    Written comments to the public docket must be received by April 27, 
2004.
    All comments received before the close of business on the comment 
closing date will be considered and will be available for examination 
in the docket at the above address before and after that date. To the 
extent possible, comments filed after the closing date will also be 
considered. However, the rulemaking action may proceed at any time 
after that date. NHTSA will continue to file relevant material in the 
docket as it becomes available after the closing date, and it is 
recommended that interested persons continue to examine the docket for 
new material.
    Please submit two copies of your comments, including the 
attachments, to Docket Management at the address given above under 
ADDRESSES.
    Comments may also be submitted to the docket electronically by 
logging onto the Dockets Management System website at http://dms.dot.gov. Click on

[[Page 74932]]

``Help & Information'' or ``Help/Info'' to obtain instructions for 
filing the document electronically.
    If you wish Docket Management to notify you upon its receipt of 
your comments, enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard in the 
envelope containing your comments. Upon receiving your comments, Docket 
Management will return the postcard by mail.
    If you wish to submit any information under a claim of 
confidentiality, you should submit three copies of your complete 
submission, including the information you claim to be confidential 
business information, to the Chief Counsel, NHTSA, at the address given 
above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. In addition, you should 
submit two copies, from which you have deleted the claimed confidential 
business information, to Docket Management at the address given above 
under ADDRESSES. If you submit a computer disk containing your 
confidential plans, please submit only one copy. When you send a 
comment containing information claimed to be confidential business 
information, you should include a cover letter setting forth the 
information specified in our confidential business information 
regulation (49 CFR part 512). If you submit both a hard copy and a 
computer disk containing confidential business information, please 
include a separate cover letter for each submission.

III. Regulatory Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    NHTSA has considered the potential impacts of this request for 
comments under Executive Order 12866 and the Department of 
Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures. This document has 
been determined to be nonsignificant under the Department's regulatory 
policies and procedures.
    This document seeks information regarding future manufacturer 
product plans, capabilities and costs in order to assess potential 
changes to the agency's regulations relating to Corporate Average Fuel 
Economy, including potential changes to vehicle classification and to 
the fuel economy standards applicable to those vehicles. The agency 
could take a variety of regulatory actions regarding these issues. 
Further, this agency has not identified any regulatory actions 
sufficiently likely to warrant calculation of possible benefits and 
costs. If NHTSA were to initiate rulemaking and develop a rulemaking 
proposal, the agency would calculate the costs and benefits associated 
with the specific proposal and place its analysis in the docket for 
that proposal. The agency would also conduct the various other 
rulemaking analyses required by applicable statutes and Executive 
Orders.
    NHTSA will reassess this rulemaking in relation to the Executive 
Order, the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 and other requirements for analyzing 
rulemaking impacts if, after using the information received in response 
to this request for comments, the agency decides to issue a proposal to 
amend its current regulations.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2002; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50.


    Issued on: December 22, 2003.
Stephen R. Kratzke,
Associate Administrator For Rulemaking.

Appendix

I. Definitions

    As used in this appendix--

    1. ``Automobile,'' ``fuel economy,'' ``manufacturer,'' and 
``model year,'' have the meaning given them in Section 32901 of 
Chapter 329 of Title 49 of the United States Code, 49 U.S.C. 32901.
    2. ``Cargo-carrying volume,'' ``gross vehicle weight rating'' 
(GVWR), and ``passenger-carrying volume'' are used as defined in 49 
CFR 523.2.
    3. ``Basic engine'' has the meaning given in 40 CFR 600.002-
85(a)(21). When identifying a basic engine, respondent should 
provide the following information:
    (i) Engine displacement (in liters). If the engine has variable 
displacement (i.e., cylinder deactivation) the respondent should 
provide both the minimum and maximum engine displacement.
    (ii) Number of cylinders or rotors.
    (iii) Number of valves per cylinder.
    (iv) Cylinder configuration (V, in-line, etc.).
    (v) Other engine characteristics, abbreviated as follows:

DI--Direct Injection
ID--Indirect Injection
MPFI--Multipoint Fuel Injection S.I.
PFI--Port Fuel Injection
SEFI--Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection
TBI--Throttle Body Fuel Injection
T--Turbocharged
S--Supercharged
FFS--Feedback Fuel System
2C--Two-stroke engines
OHV--Overhead valve
SOHC--Single overhead camshaft
DOHC--Dual overhead camshaft
VVT--Variable valve timing
VVLT--Variable valve lift and timing
CYDA--Cylinder deactivation
IVT--Intake valve throttling
CVA--Camless valve actuation
VCR--Variable compression ratio
LBFB--lean burn-fast burn combustion

    4. ``Domestically manufactured'' is used as defined in Section 
32904(b)(2) of Chapter 329, 49 U.S.C. 32904(b)(2).
    5. ``Passenger car'' means an automobile of the type described 
in 49 CFR Part 523.3 and 523.4.
    6. A ``model'' of passenger car is a line, such as the Chevrolet 
Impala, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, etc., which exists within a 
manufacturer's fleet.
    7. ``Model Type'' is used as defined in 40 CFR 600.002-
85(a)(19).
    8. ``Percent fuel economy improvements'' means that percentage 
which corresponds to the amount by which respondent could improve 
the fuel economy of vehicles in a given model or class through the 
application of a specified technology, averaged over all vehicles of 
that model or in that class which feasibly could use the technology. 
Projections of percent fuel economy improvement should be based on 
the assumption of maximum efforts by respondent to achieve the 
highest possible fuel economy increase through the application of 
the technology. The baseline for determination of percent fuel 
economy improvement is the level of technology and vehicle 
performance with respect to acceleration and gradeability for 
respondent's 2003 model year passenger cars in the equivalent class.
    9. ``Percent production implementation rate'' means that 
percentage which corresponds to the maximum number of passenger cars 
of a specified class, which could feasibly employ a given type of 
technology if respondent made maximum efforts to apply the 
technology by a specified model year.
    10. ``Production percentage'' means the percent of respondent's 
passenger cars of a specified model projected to be manufactured in 
a specified model year.
    11. ``Project'' or ``projection'' refers to the best estimates 
made by respondent, whether or not based on less than certain 
information.
    12. ``Redesign'' means any change, or combination of changes, to 
a vehicle that would change its weight by 50 pounds or more or 
change its frontal area or aerodynamic drag coefficient by 2 percent 
or more.
    13. ``Relating to'' means constituting, defining, containing, 
explaining, embodying, reflecting, identifying, stating, referring 
to, dealing with, or in any way pertaining to.
    14. ``Respondent'' means each manufacturer (including all its 
divisions) providing answers to the questions set forth in this 
appendix, and its officers, employees, agents or servants.
    15. ``Test Weight'' is used as defined in 40 CFR 86.082-2.
    16. ``Transmission class'' is used as defined in 40 CFR 600.002-
85(a)(22). When identifying a transmission class, respondent also 
must indicate whether the type of transmission, and whether it is 
equipped with a lockup torque converter (LUTC), a split torque 
converter (STC), and/or a wide gear ratio range (WR) and specify the 
number of forward gears or whether the transmissions a continuously 
variable design (CVT). If the transmission is of a hybrid type, that 
should also be indicated.
    17. ``Truckline'' means the name assigned by the Environmental 
Protection Agency to a

[[Page 74933]]

different group of vehicles within a make or car division in 
accordance with that agency's 2001 model year pickup, van (cargo 
vans and passenger vans are considered separate truck lines), and 
special purpose vehicle criteria.
    18. ``Variants of existing engines'' means versions of an 
existing basic engine that differ from that engine in terms of 
displacement, method of aspiration, induction system or that weigh 
at least 25 pounds more or less than that engine.

II. Assumptions

    All assumptions concerning emission standards, damageability 
regulations, safety standards, etc., should be listed and described 
in detail by the respondent.

III. Specifications--Passenger Car Data

    Go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/CAFE/rulemaking.htm 
for spreadsheet templates.

    1. Identify all passenger car models offered for sale in MY 2003 
whose production you project discontinuing before MY 2008 and 
identify the last model year in which each will be offered.
    2. Identify all basic engines offered by respondent in MY 2003 
passenger cars which respondent projects it will cease to offer for 
sale in passenger cars before MY 2008, and identify the last model 
year in which each will be offered.
    3. For each model year 2003-2012, list all projected passenger 
car model types and provide the information specified below for each 
model type. Model types that are essentially identical except for 
their nameplates (e.g., Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus) may be 
combined into one item. Engines having the same displacement but 
belonging to different engine families are to be grouped separately. 
Separate tables should be provided for domestic and import passenger 
car fleets. Within a domestic or import passenger car fleet, the 
vehicles are to be sorted first by passenger car line, second by 
basic engine, and third by transmission type. Spreadsheet templates 
can be found at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/CAFE/rulemaking.htm. These templates include codes and definitions for 
the data that the Agency is seeking.
    a. General Information
    1. A unique identifying number or code assigned to each model.
    2. Vehicle manufacturer.
    3. Vehicle model (e.g., Camry)
    4. Vehicle nameplate (e.g., Camry Solara)
    5. Weighted average fuel economy
    6. Engine code
    (a) Engine manufacturer
    (b) Engine name
    (c) Engine's country of origin
    (d) Fuel
    (e) Engine oil viscosity
    (f) Combustion cycle
    (g) Air/fuel ratio
    (h) Fuel system
    (i) Aspiration
    (j) Valvetrain design
    (k) Valve actuation/timing
    (l) Valve lift
    (m) Number of engine cylinders
    (n) Configuration
    (o) Valves per cylinder
    (p) Cylinder deactivation
    (q) Engine displacement
    (r) Compression ratio (Min)
    (s) Compression ratio (Max)
    (t) Horsepower
    (u) Torque
    7. Transmission code
    (a) Transmission manufacturer
    (b) Name of transmission
    (c) Transmission's country of origin
    (d) Transmission type
    (e) Number of forward gears
    (f) Control
    (g) Logic
    (h) Gear ratios for all forward gears
    (i) Reverse gear ratio
    (j) Torque converter ratio
    (k) Axle ratio
    (l) Torque converter lockup/bypass status
    (m) Transmission fluid specification
    (n) Transmission lubricant viscosity
    8. Domestic or Import
    b. Projected U.S. sales
    c. Vehicle information
    1. Style (e.g., convertible, sedan, coupe)
    2. EPA Size Class
    3. Construction (e.g., Unibody, ladder)
    4. Drive (e.g., rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, all-wheel 
drive, 4-wheel drive)
    5. Final drive ratio
    6. N/V
    7. Front axle lubricant viscosity
    8. Rear axle lubricant viscosity
    9. Overall length (per code L103 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    10. Overall width (per code W116 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    11. Overall height (per code H100 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    12. Wheelbase (per code L101 of SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    13. Track width (front) (per code W101-1 of SAE J1100, revised 
July 2002)
    14. Track width (rear) (per code W101-2 of SAE J1100, revised 
July 2002)
    15. Ground clearance (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    16. Front axle clearance (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    17. Rear axle clearance (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    18. Angle of approach (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    19. Breakover angle (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    20. Angle of departure (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    21. Height of the center of gravity (per NCAP Static Stability 
Factor procedures)
    22. Curb weight, in lbs.
    23. Test weight, in lbs.
    24. Power absorption unit setting, in horsepower.
    25. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, in lbs.
    26. Towing capacity (standard), in lbs.
    27. Towing capacity (maximum), in lbs.
    28. Payload, in lbs.
    29. Minimum designated seating positions
    30. Maximum designated seating positions
    31. Designated seating positions in the first row
    32. Cargo volume behind the front row in ft3 (per Table 28 of 
SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    33. Designated seating positions in the second row
    34. Capability of second row seats to fold flat
    35. Cargo volume behind the second row in ft3 (per Table 28 of 
SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    36. Designated seating positions in the third row
    37. Capability of third row seats to fold flat
    38. Cargo volume behind the third row in ft3 (per Table 28 of 
SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    39. Enclosed volume in ft3
    40. Passenger volume in ft3 (The volume measured using SAE 
Recommended Practice J1100 as per EPA Fuel economy regulations, reg. 
40 CFR 600.315-82 ``Classes of Comparable Automobiles.'' This number 
is what automobile manufacturers calculate and submit to EPA.)
    41. Cargo volume index (per Table 28 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    42. Open box length (per L506 of SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    43. Open box width (min) (per W201 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    44. Open box width (max) (per W500 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    45. Open box area
    46. Open box height (per H503 of SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    47. Fuel capacity in gallons
    48. Tire rolling resistance, Crr
    49. Frontal area
    50. Aerodynamic drag coefficient, Cd
    d. Hybridization
    1. Type
    2. Voltage or pressure
    3. Energy storage capacity, in MJ
    4. Battery type
    5. Energy transfer
    6. Percentage of braking energy recovered and stored
    7. Percentage of maximum motive power provided by stored energy 
system
    e. Planning and assembly
    1. Predecessor model
    2. Last freshening
    3. Next freshening
    4. Last redesign
    5. Next redesign
    6. Domestic content
    7. Final assembly city
    8. Final assembly state
    9. Final assembly country
    f. Manufacturers' suggested retail price (in constant 2003 
dollars)
    g. Emissions
    1. EPA class (LDV, LLDT, HLDT, MDPV)
    2. EPA certification bin
    3. LEV class

    The agency also requests that each manufacturer provide an 
estimate of its overall domestic and passenger car CAFE for each 
model year. This estimate should be included as an entry in the 
spreadsheets that are submitted to the agency.
    4. Does respondent project introducing any variants of existing 
basic engines or any new basic engines, other than those mentioned 
in your response to Question 3, in its passenger car fleets in MYs 
2003-2012? If so, for each basic engine or variant indicate:
    a. The projected year of introduction.
    b. Type (e.g., spark ignition, direct injection diesel, 2-cycle, 
alternative fuel use).
    c. Displacement. (If engine has variable displacement, please 
provide the minimum and maximum displacement)
    d. Type of induction system (e.g., fuel injection with 
turbocharger, naturally aspirated).
    e. Cylinder configuration (e.g., V-8, V-6, I-4).

[[Page 74934]]

    f. Number of valves per cylinder (e.g., 2, 3, 4).
    g. Valvetrain Design (e.g., overhead valve, overhead camshaft,
    h. Valve technology (e.g., variable valve timing, variable valve 
lift and timing, intake valve throttling, camless valve actuation, 
etc.)
    i. Horsepower and torque ratings,
    j. Models in which engines are to be used, giving the 
introduction model year for each model if different from ``a,'' 
above.
    5. Relative to MY 2003 levels, for MYs 2005-2012, please provide 
information, by model and as an average effect on a manufacturer's 
entire passenger car fleet, on the weight and/or fuel economy 
impacts of the following standards or equipment:
    a. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 208) Automatic 
Restraints
    b. FMVSS 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact
    c. Voluntary installation of safety equipment (e.g., antilock 
brakes)
    d. Environmental Protection Agency regulations
    e. California Air Resources Board requirements
    f. Other applicable motor vehicle regulations affecting fuel 
economy.
    6. For each of the model years 2003-2012, and for each passenger 
car model projected to be manufactured by respondent (if answers 
differ for the various models), provide the requested information on 
new technology applications for each of items ``6a'' through ``6r'' 
listed below:
    (i) description of the nature of the technological improvement;
    (ii) the percent fuel economy improvement averaged over the 
model;
    (iii) the basis for your answer to 6(ii), (e.g., data from 
dynamometer tests conducted by respondent, engineering analysis, 
computer simulation, reports of test by others);
    (iv) the percent production implementation rate and the reasons 
limiting the implementation rate;
    (v) a description of the 2003 baseline technologies and the 2003 
implementation rate; and
    (vi) the reasons for differing answers you provide to items (ii) 
and (iv) for different models in each model year. Include as a part 
of your answer to 6(ii) and 6(iv) a tabular presentation, a sample 
portion of which is shown in Table III-A.
    a. Improved automatic transmissions. Projections of percent fuel 
economy improvements should include benefits of lock-up or bypassed 
torque converters, electronic control of shift points and torque 
converter lock-up, and other measures which should be described.
    b. Improved manual transmissions. Projections of percent of fuel 
economy improvement should include the benefits of increasing 
mechanical efficiency, using improved transmission lubricants, and 
other measures (specify).
    c. Overdrive transmissions. If not covered in ``a'' or ``b'' 
above, project the percentage of fuel economy improvement 
attributable to overdrive transmissions (integral or auxiliary gear 
boxes), two-speed axles, or other similar devices intended to 
increase the range of available gear ratios. Describe the devices to 
be used and the application by model, engine, axle ratio, etc.
    d. Use of engine crankcase lubricants of lower viscosity or with 
additives to improve friction characteristics or accelerate engine 
break-in, or otherwise improved lubricants to lower engine friction 
horsepower. When describing the 2003 baseline, specify the viscosity 
of and any fuel economy-improving additives used in the factory-fill 
lubricants.
    e. Reduction of engine parasitic losses through improvement of 
engine-driven accessories or accessory drives. Typical engine-driven 
accessories include water pump, cooling fan, alternator, power 
steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and vacuum pump.
    f. Reduction of tire rolling losses, through changes in 
inflation pressure, use of materials or constructions with less 
hysteresis, geometry changes (e.g., reduced aspect ratio), reduction 
in sidewall and tread deflection, and other methods. When describing 
the 2003 baseline, include a description of the tire types used and 
the percent usage rate of each type.
    g. Reduction in other driveline losses, including losses in the 
non-powered wheels, the differential assembly, wheel bearings, 
universal joints, brake drag losses, use of improved lubricants in 
the differential and wheel bearing, and optimizing suspension 
geometry (e.g., to minimize tire scrubbing loss).
    h. Reduction of aerodynamic drag.
    i. Turbocharging or supercharging.
    j. Improvements in the efficiency of 4-cycle spark ignition 
engines including (1) increased compression ratio; (2) leaner air-
to-fuel ratio; (3) revised combustion chamber configuration; (4) 
fuel injection; (5) electronic fuel metering; (6) interactive 
electronic control of engine operating parameters (spark advance, 
exhaust gas recirculation, air-to-fuel ratio); (8) variable valve 
timing or valve lift; (9) multiple valves per cylinder; (10) 
cylinder disablement; (11) friction reduction by means such as low 
tension piston rings and roller cam followers; (12) higher 
temperature operation; and (13) other methods (specify).
    k. Gasoline direct injection engines.
    l. Naturally aspirated diesel engines, with direct or indirect 
fuel injection.
    m. Turbocharged or supercharged diesel engines with direct or 
indirect fuel injection.
    n. Stratified-charge reciprocating or rotary engines, with 
direct or indirect fuel injection.
    o. Two cycle spark ignition engines.
    p. Use of hybrid drivetrains
    q. Use of fuel cells; provide a thorough description of the fuel 
cell technology employed, including fuel type and power output.
    r. Other technologies for improving fuel economy or efficiency.
    7. For each model of respondent's passenger car fleet, projected 
to be manufactured in each of MYs 2003-2012, describe the methods 
used to achieve reductions in average test weight. For each 
specified model year and model, describe the extent to which each of 
the following methods for reducing vehicle weight will be used.
    a. Substitution of materials.
    b. ``Downsizing'' of existing vehicle design to reduce weight 
while maintaining interior roominess and comfort for passengers, and 
utility, i.e., the same or approximately the same, payload and cargo 
volume, using the same basic body configuration and driveline layout 
as current counterparts.
    c. Use of new vehicle body configuration concepts, which 
provides reduced weight for approximately the same payload and cargo 
volume.
    8. Indicate any MY 2004-2012 passenger car model types that have 
higher average test weights than comparable MY 2003 model types. 
Describe the reasons for any weight increases (e.g., increased 
option content, less use of premium materials) and provide 
supporting justification.
    9. For each new or redesigned vehicle identified in response to 
Question 3 and each new engine or fuel economy improvement 
identified in your response to Questions 3, 4, 5, and 6, provide 
your best estimate of the following, in terms of constant 2003 
dollars:
    (a) Total capital costs required to implement the new/redesigned 
model or improvement according to the implementation schedules 
specified in your response. Subdivide the capital costs into 
tooling, facilities, launch, and engineering costs.
    (b) The maximum production capacity, expressed in units of 
capacity per year, associated with the capital expenditure in (a) 
above. Specify the number of production shifts on which your 
response is based and define ``maximum capacity'' as used in your 
answer.
    (c) The actual capacity that is planned to be used each year for 
each new/redesigned model or fuel economy improvement.
    (d) The increase in variable costs per affected unit, based on 
the production volume specified in (b) above.
    (e) The equivalent retail price increase per affected vehicle 
for each new/redesigned model or improvement. Provide an example 
describing methodology used to determine the equivalent retail price 
increase.
    10. Please provide respondent's actual and projected U.S. 
passenger car sales, for each model year from 2003 to 2012, 
inclusive. Please subdivide the data into the following vehicle 
categories:
    i. Two-Seater Car (e.g., Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Thunderbird, 
Honda Insight)
    ii. Mini-compact Car (e.g., Audi TT Coupe, Lexus SC 300/430, 
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder)
    iii. Subcompact Car (e.g., Ford Mustang, Toyota Celica, 
Volkswagen New Beetle)
    iv. Compact Car (e.g., Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Neon, Ford Focus)
    v. Midsize Car (e.g., Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Stratus, Honda 
Accord, Toyota Camry)
    vi. Large Car (e.g., Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid, Ford 
Crown Victoria)
    vii. Small Station Wagon (e.g., BMW 325 Sport Wagon, Subaru 
Impreza Wagon, Volkswagen Jetta Wagon)
    viii. Midsize Station Wagon (e.g., Ford Taurus Wagon, Saab 9-5 
Wagon, Subaru Legacy Wagon)
    See Table III-B for a sample format.
    11. Please provide your estimates of projected total industry 
U.S. passenger car sales for each model year from 2003 through 2012, 
inclusive. Please subdivide the data

[[Page 74935]]

into the vehicle categories listed in the sample format in Table 
III-C.
    12. Please provide your company's assumptions for U.S. gasoline 
and diesel fuel prices during 2003 through 2012.
    13. Please provide projected production capacity available for 
the North American market (at standard production rates) for each of 
your company's passenger carline designations during MYs 2003-2012.
    14. Please provide your estimate of production lead time for new 
models, your expected model life in years, and the number of years 
over which tooling costs are amortized.

    Note: The parenthetical numbers in Tables III-A through C refer 
to the items in Section III, Specifications.


                                                          Table III-A--Technology Improvements
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Percent fuel                      Models on           Production share of model with
                                                Baseline         economy        Basis for         which               technological improvement
         Technological  improvement            technology     improvement,     improvement    technology is --------------------------------------------
                                                                (percent)       estimate         applied       2003     2004     2005     2006    2007+
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6a) Improved Auto Trans...................
    LT-1...................................  ..............             7.0  ..............  ..............        0        0       15       25       55
    LT-2...................................  ..............             6.5  ..............  ..............        0        0        0       20       25
    LT-3...................................  ..............             5.0  ..............  ..............        0       10       30       60       60
(6b) Improved Manual Trans.................
    LV-1...................................  ..............             1.0  ..............  ..............        2        5        5        5        5
    U-1....................................  ..............             0.7  ..............  ..............        0        0        0        8       10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


       Table III-B--Actual and Projected U.S. Passenger Car Sales
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Apex motors passenger car sales projections
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Model year
           Model line           ----------------------------------------
                                   2003    2004  2005  2006  2007  2008+
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two-Seater.....................    43,500
Mini-compact Car...............   509,340
Subcompact Car.................   120,000
Compact Car....................    60,000
Midsize Car....................    20,000
Large Car......................    29,310
Small Station Wagon............    54,196
Midsize Station Wagon..........    38,900
Other (Specify)................  ........
                                ----------------------------------------
    Total......................       TBD
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Table III-C--Total U.S. Passenger Car Sales
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Model type                            2003     2004     2005     2006     2007    2008+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. Two-Seater.............................................
b. Mini-compact...........................................
c. Subcompact.............................................
d. Compact................................................
e. Midsize................................................
f. Large..................................................
g. Small Station Wagon....................................
h. Midsize Station Wagon..................................
i. Other (Specify)........................................
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
    Total Passenger Cars..................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Specifications--Light Truck Data

    Go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/CAFE/rulemaking.htm 
for spreadsheet templates.

    1. Identify all light truck models currently offered for sale in 
MY 2003 whose production you project discontinuing before MY 2008 
and identify the last model year in which each will be offered.
    2. Identify all basic engines offered by respondent in MY 2003 
light trucks which respondent projects it will cease to offer for 
sale in light trucks before MY 2008, and identify the last model 
year in which each will be offered.
    3. For each model year 2003-2012, list all projected trucklines 
and provide the information specified below for each model type. 
Model types that are essentially identical except for their 
nameplates (e.g., Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Caravan) may be 
combined into one item. Engines having the same displacement but 
belonging to different engine families are to be grouped separately. 
Within the fleet, the vehicles are to be sorted first by truckline, 
second by basic engine, and third by transmission type. Spreadsheet 
templates can be found at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/CAFE/rulemaking.htm. These templates include codes and definitions for 
the data that the Agency is seeking.
    a. General Information
    1. A unique identifying number or code assigned to each model.
    2. Vehicle manufacturer.
    3. Vehicle model (e.g., Camry)
    4. Vehicle nameplate (e.g., Camry Solara)
    5. Weighted average fuel economy

[[Page 74936]]

    6. Engine code
    A. Engine manufacturer
    B. Engine name
    C. Engine's country of origin
    D. Fuel
    E. Engine oil viscosity
    F. Combustion cycle
    G. Air/fuel ratio
    H. Fuel system
    I. Aspiration
    J. Valvetrain design
    K. Valve actuation/timing
    L. Valve lift
    M. Number of engine cylinders
    N. Configuration
    O. Valves per cylinder
    P. Cylinder deactivation
    Q. Engine displacement
    R. Compression ratio (Min)
    S. Compression ratio (Max)
    T. Horsepower
    U. Torque
    7. Transmission code
    A. Transmission manufacturer
    B. Name of transmission
    C. Transmission's country of origin
    D. Transmission type
    E. Number of forward gears
    F. Control
    G. Logic
    H. Gear ratios for all forward gears
    I. Reverse gear ratio
    J. Torque converter ratio
    K. Axle ratio
    L. Torque converter lockup/bypass status
    M. Transmission fluid specification
    N. Transmission lubricant viscosity
    b. Projected U.S. sales
    c. Vehicle information
    1. Style (e.g., pickup, van, utility)
    2. EPA Size Class
    3. Construction (e.g., unibody, ladder)
    4. Drive (e.g., rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, all-wheel 
drive, 4-wheel drive)
    5. Final drive ratio
    6. N/V
    7. Front axle lubricant viscosity
    8. Rear axle lubricant viscosity
    9. Overall length (per code L103 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    10. Overall width (per code W116 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    11. Overall height (per code H100 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    12. Wheelbase (per code L101 of SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    13. Track width (front) (per code W101-1 of SAE J1100, revised 
July 2002)
    14. Track width (rear) (per code W101-2 of SAE J1100, revised 
July 2002)
    16. Front axle clearance (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    17. Rear axle clearance (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    18. Angle of approach (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    19. Breakover angle (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    20. Angle of departure (per 49 CFR 323.5)
    21. Height of the center of gravity (per NCAP Static Stability 
Factor procedures)
    22. Curb weight, in lbs.
    23. Test weight, in lbs.
    24. Power absorption unit setting, in horsepower
    25. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, in lbs.
    26. Towing capacity (standard), in lbs.
    27. Towing capacity (maximum), in lbs.
    28. Payload, in lbs.
    29. Minimum designated seating positions
    30. Maximum designated seating positions
    31. Designated seating positions in the first row
    32. Cargo volume behind the front row in ft3 (per Table 28 of 
SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    33. Designated seating positions in the second row
    34. Capability of second row seats to fold flat
    35. Cargo volume behind the second row in ft3 (per Table 28 of 
SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    36. Designated seating positions in the third row
    37. Capability of third row seats to fold flat
    38. Cargo volume behind the third row in ft3 (per Table 28 of 
SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    39. Enclosed volume in ft3
    40. Passenger volume in ft3 (The volume measured using SAE 
Recommended Practice J1100 as per EPA Fuel economy regulations, reg. 
40 CFR 600.315-82 ``Classes of Comparable Automobiles.'' This number 
is what automobile manufacturers calculate and submit to EPA.)
    41. Cargo volume index (per Table 28 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    42. Open box length (per L506 of SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    43. Open box width (min) (per W201 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    44. Open box width (max) (per W500 of SAE J1100, revised July 
2002)
    45. Open box area
    46. Open box height (per H503 of SAE J1100, revised July 2002)
    47. Fuel capacity in gallons
    48. Tire rolling resistance, Crr
    49. Frontal area
    50. Aerodynamic drag coefficient, Cd
    d. Hybridization
    1. Type
    2. Voltage or pressure
    3. Energy storage capacity, in MJ
    4. Battery type
    5. Energy transfer
    6. Percentage of braking energy recovered and stored
    7. Percentage of maximum motive power provided by stored energy 
system
    e. Planning and assembly
    1. Predecessor model
    2. Last freshening
    3. Next freshening
    4. Last redesign
    5. Next redesign
    6. Domestic content
    7. Final assembly city
    8. Final assembly state
    9. Final assembly country
    f. Manufacturers' suggested retail price (in constant 2003 
dollars)
    g. Emissions
    1. EPA class (LDV, LLDT, HLDT, MDPV)
    2. EPA certification bin
    3. LEV class
    The agency also requests that each manufacturer provide an 
estimate of its overall light truck CAFE for each model year. This 
estimate should be included as an entry in the spreadsheets that are 
submitted to the agency.
    4. Does respondent project introducing any variants of existing 
basic engines or any new basic engines, other than those mentioned 
in your response to Question 3, in its light truck fleets in MYs 
2003-2012? If so, for each basic engine or variant indicate:
    a. The projected year of introduction,
    b. Type (e.g., spark ignition, direct injection diesel, 2-cycle, 
alternative fuel use),
    c. Displacement (If engine has variable displacement, please 
provide the minimum and maximum displacement),
    d. Type of induction system (e.g., fuel injection with 
turbocharger, naturally aspirated),
    e. Cylinder configuration (e.g., V-8, V-6, I-4),
    f. Number of valves per cylinder (e.g., 2, 3, 4),
    g. Valvetrain design (e.g., overhead valve, overhead camshaft,
    h. Valve technology (e.g., variable valve timing, variable valve 
lift and timing, intake valve throttling, camless valve actuation, 
etc.)
    i. Horsepower and torque ratings,
    j. Models in which engines are to be used, giving the 
introduction model year for each model if different from ``a,'' 
above.
    5. Relative to MY 2003 levels, for MYs 2005-2012, please provide 
information, by truckline and as an average effect on a 
manufacturer's entire light truck fleet, on the weight and/or fuel 
economy impacts of the following standards or equipment:
    a. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 208) Automatic 
Restraints
    b. FMVSS 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact
    c. Voluntary installation of safety equipment (e.g., antilock 
brakes)
    d. Environmental Protection Agency regulations
    e. California Air Resources Board requirements
    f. Other applicable motor vehicle regulations affecting fuel 
economy.
    6. For each of the model years 2003-2012, and for each light 
truck model projected to be manufactured by respondent (if answers 
differ for the various models), provide the requested information on 
new technology applications for each of items ``6a'' through ``6r'' 
listed below:
    (i) description of the nature of the technological improvement;
    (ii) the percent fuel economy improvement averaged over the 
model;
    (iii) the basis for your answer to 6(ii), (e.g., data from 
dynamometer tests conducted by respondent, engineering analysis, 
computer simulation, reports of test by others);
    (iv) the percent production implementation rate and the reasons 
limiting the implementation rate;
    (v) a description of the 2003 baseline technologies and the 2003 
implementation rate; and
    (vi) the reasons for differing answers you provide to items (ii) 
and (iv) for different models in each model year. Include as a part 
of your answer to 6(ii) and 6(iv) a tabular presentation, a sample 
portion of which is shown in Table IV-A.
    a. Improved automatic transmissions. Projections of percent fuel 
economy improvements should include benefits of lock-up or bypassed 
torque converters, electronic control of shift points and torque

[[Page 74937]]

converter lock-up, and other measures which should be described.
    b. Improved manual transmissions. Projections of percent of fuel 
economy improvement should include the benefits of increasing 
mechanical efficiency, using improved transmission lubricants, and 
other measures (specify).
    c. Overdrive transmissions. If not covered in ``a'' or ``b'' 
above, project the percentage of fuel economy improvement 
attributable to overdrive transmissions (integral or auxiliary gear 
boxes), two-speed axles, or other similar devices intended to 
increase the range of available gear ratios. Describe the devices to 
be used and the application by model, engine, axle ratio, etc.
    d. Use of engine crankcase lubricants of lower viscosity or with 
additives to improve friction characteristics or accelerate engine 
break-in, or otherwise improved lubricants to lower engine friction 
horsepower. When describing the 2002 baseline, specify the viscosity 
of and any fuel economy-improving additives used in the factory-fill 
lubricants.
    e. Reduction of engine parasitic losses through improvement of 
engine-driven accessories or accessory drives. Typical engine-driven 
accessories include water pump, cooling fan, alternator, power 
steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and vacuum pump.
    f. Reduction of tire rolling losses, through changes in 
inflation pressure, use of materials or constructions with less 
hysteresis, geometry changes (e.g., reduced aspect ratio), reduction 
in sidewall and tread deflection, and other methods. When describing 
the 2002 baseline, include a description of the tire types used and 
the percent usage rate of each type.
    g. Reduction in other driveline losses, including losses in the 
non-powered wheels, the differential assembly, wheel bearings, 
universal joints, brake drag losses, use of improves lubricants in 
the differential and wheel bearing, and optimizing suspension 
geometry (e.g., to minimize tire scrubbing loss).
    h. Reduction of aerodynamic drag.
    i. Turbocharging or supercharging.
    j. Improvements in the efficiency of 4-cycle spark ignition 
engines including (1) increased compression ratio; (2) leaner air-
to-fuel ratio; (3) revised combustion chamber configuration; (4) 
fuel injection; (5) electronic fuel metering; (6) interactive 
electronic control of engine operating parameters (spark advance, 
exhaust gas recirculation, air-to-fuel ratio); (8) variable valve 
timing or valve lift; (9) multiple valves per cylinder; (10) 
cylinder deactivation; (11) friction reduction by means such as low 
tension piston rings and roller cam followers; (12) higher 
temperature operation; and (13) other methods (specify).
    k. Direct injection gasoline engines.
    l. Naturally aspirated diesel engines, with direct or indirect 
fuel injection.
    m. Turbocharged or supercharged diesel engines with direct or 
indirect fuel injection.
    n. Stratified-charge reciprocating or rotary engines, with 
direct or indirect fuel injection.
    o. Two cycle spark ignition engines.
    p. Use of hybrid drivetrains
    q. Use of fuel cells; provide a thorough description of the fuel 
cell technology employed, including fuel type and power output.
    r. Other technologies for improving fuel economy or efficiency.
    7. For each model of respondent's light truck fleet projected to 
be manufactured in each of MYs 2003-2012, describe the methods used 
to achieve reductions in average test weight. For each specified 
model year and model, describe the extent to which each of the 
following methods for reducing vehicle weight will be used. Separate 
listings are to be used for 4x2 light trucks and 4x4 light trucks.
    a. Substitution of materials.
    b. ``Downsizing'' of existing vehicle design to reduce weight 
while maintaining interior roominess and comfort for passengers, and 
utility, i.e., the same or approximately the same, payload and cargo 
volume, using the same basic body configuration and driveline layout 
as current counterparts.
    c. Use of new vehicle body configuration concepts, which 
provides reduced weight for approximately the same payload and cargo 
volume.
    8. Indicate any MY 2003-2012 light truck model types that have 
higher average test weights than comparable MY 2002 model types. 
Describe the reasons for any weight increases (e.g., increased 
option content, less use of premium materials) and provide 
supporting justification.
    9. For each new or redesigned vehicle identified in response to 
Question 3 and each new engine or fuel economy improvement 
identified in your response to Questions 3, 4, 5, and 6, provide 
your best estimate of the following, in terms of constant 2003 
dollars:
    (a) Total capital costs required to implement the new/redesigned 
model or improvement according to the implementation schedules 
specified in your response. Subdivide the capital costs into 
tooling, facilities, launch, and engineering costs.
    (b) The maximum production capacity, expressed in units of 
capacity per year, associated with the capital expenditure in (a) 
above. Specify the number of production shifts on which your 
response is based and define ``maximum capacity'' as used in your 
answer.
    (c) The actual capacity that is planned to be used each year for 
each new/redesigned model or fuel economy improvement.
    (d) The increase in variable costs per affected unit, based on 
the production volume specified in (b) above.
    (e) The equivalent retail price increase per affected vehicle 
for each new/redesigned model or improvement. Provide an example 
describing methodology used to determine the equivalent retail price 
increase.
    10. Please provide respondent's actual and projected U.S. light 
truck sales, 4x2 and 4x4, 0-8,500 lbs. GVWR and 8501-10,000 lbs., 
GVWR for each model year from 2002 through 2004, inclusive. Please 
subdivide the data into the following vehicle categories:
    i. Standard Pickup Heavy (e.g., C2500/3500, F-250/350)
    ii. Standard Pickup Light (e.g., C1500, F-150)
    iii. Compact Pickup (e.g., S-10, Ranger, Dakota)
    iv. Standard Cargo Vans Heavy (e.g., G3500, E-250/350)
    v. Standard Cargo Vans Light (e.g., G1500/2500, E-150)
    vi. Standard Passenger Vans Heavy (e.g., G3500, E-250/350)
    vii. Standard Passenger Vans Light (e.g., G1500/2500, E-150)
    viii. Compact Cargo Vans (e.g., Astro/Safari)
    ix. Compact Passenger Vans (e.g., Sienna, Odyssey, Caravan)
    x. Full-size Sport Utilities (e.g., Tahoe, Expedition, Sequoia)
    xi. Mid-size Sport Utilities (e.g., Trailblazer, Explorer)
    xii. Compact Utilities (e.g., Wrangler, RAV4)
    xiii. Crossover Vehicle (e.g., Pacifica, Rendezvous, RX 330)
    xiv. Other (e.g., Avalanche)
    See Table IV-B for a sample format.
    11. Please provide your estimates of projected total industry 
U.S. light (0-10,000 lbs, GVWR) truck sales for each model year from 
2003 through 2012, inclusive. Please subdivide the data into 4x2 and 
4x4 sales and into the vehicle categories listed in the sample 
format in Table IV-C.
    12. Please provide your company's assumptions for U.S. gasoline 
and diesel fuel prices during 2003 through 2012.
    13. Please provide projected production capacity available for 
the North American market (at standard production rates) for each of 
your company's light truckline designations during MYs 2003-2012.
    14. Please provide your estimate of production lead-time for new 
models, your expected model life in years, and the number of years 
over which tooling costs are amortized.

    Note: The parenthetical numbers in Tables IV-A refer to the 
items in Section IV, Specifications.


                                                           Table IV-A--Technology Improvements
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Percent fuel                          Models on           Production share of model with
                                            Baseline         economy          Basis for           which               technological improvement
       Technological  improvement          technology      improvement   [chyph]improvement   technology is --------------------------------------------
                                                            (percent)         estimate           applied       2003     2004     2005     2006    2007+
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6a.) Improved Auto Trans..............
    LT-1...............................  ..............             7.0  ..................  ..............        0        0       15       25       55

[[Page 74938]]

 
    LT-2...............................  ..............             6.5  ..................  ..............        0        0        0       20       25
    LT-3...............................  ..............             5.0  ..................  ..............        0       10       30       60       60
(6b) Improved Manual Trans.............
    LV-1...............................  ..............             1.0  ..................  ..............        2        5        5        5        5
    U-1................................  ..............             0.7  ..................  ..............        0        0        0        8       10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Table IV-B--Actual and Projected U.S. Light Truck Sales
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Amalgamated Motors light truck sales projections
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Model year
                      Model line                       ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                            2003       2004     2005     2006     2007    2008+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compact Pickup........................................       43,500
Standard Pickup--Light................................      209,340
Standard Pickup--Heavy................................      120,000
Compact Cargo Van.....................................       60,000
Standard Cargo Van--Light.............................       20,000
Standard Cargo Van--Heavy.............................       29,310
Compact Passenger Van/Minivan.........................       54,196
Standard Passenger Van--Light.........................       38,900
Standard Passenger Van--Heavy.........................
Compact Sport Utility.................................  ...........
Mid-Size Sport Utility................................  ...........
Full-Size Sport Utility...............................  ...........
Crossover Vehicle.....................................  ...........
Other (Specify).......................................  ...........
                                                       ---------------------------------------------------------
    Total.............................................          TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Table IV-C--Total U.S. Light Truck Sales
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Model type                            2003     2004     2005     2006     2007    2008+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compact Pickup............................................  .......
Standard Pickup--Light....................................  .......
Standard Pickup--Heavy....................................  .......
Compact Cargo Van.........................................  .......
Standard Cargo Van--Light.................................  .......
Standard Cargo Van--Heavy.................................  .......
Compact Passenger Van/Minivan.............................  .......
Standard Passenger Van--Light.............................  .......
Standard Passenger Van--Heavy.............................  .......
Compact Sport Utility.....................................  .......
Mid-Size Sport Utility....................................  .......
Full-size Sport Utility...................................  .......
Crossover Vehicle.........................................  .......
Other (Specify)...........................................  .......
                                                           ----------
    Total.................................................  .......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 74939]]

[FR Doc. 03-31891 Filed 12-22-03; 3:44 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P