[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 157 (Monday, August 16, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50036-50038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20165]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


Petition To Modify an Exemption of a Previously Approved 
Antitheft Device; Ford Motor Company

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

[[Page 50037]]


ACTION: Grant of petition to modify an exemption of a previously 
approved antitheft device.

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SUMMARY: On February 14, 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration (NHTSA) granted in full Ford Motor Company's (Ford) 
petition for an exemption in accordance with Sec.  543.9(c)(2) of 49 
CFR part 543, Exemption from the Theft Prevention Standard for the Ford 
Focus vehicle line beginning with model year (MY 2006). On June 18, 
2010, Ford submitted a petition to modify its previously approved 
exemption for the Ford Focus vehicle line beginning with model year 
(MY) 2012. NHTSA is granting Ford's petition to modify the exemption in 
full because it has determined that the modified device is also likely 
to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as 
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention 
Standard.

DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with 
the 2012 model year (MY).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carlita Ballard, Office of 
International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Ballard's telephone 
number is (202) 366-0846. Her fax number is (202) 493-2990.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 14, 2006, NHTSA published in the 
Federal Register a notice granting in full a petition from Ford for an 
exemption from the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention 
Standard (49 part CFR 541) for the Focus vehicle line beginning with 
its MY 2006 vehicles. The 2006 Ford Focus is currently equipped with a 
passive antitheft device (See 71 FR 7824) and offered with an optional 
perimeter alarm system.
    On June 18, 2010, Ford submitted a petition to modify the 
previously approved exemption for the Focus vehicle line. This notice 
grants in full Ford's petition to modify the exemption for the Focus 
vehicle line. Ford's submission is a complete petition, as required by 
49 CFR 543.9(d), in that it meets the general requirements contained in 
49 CFR 543.5 and the specific content requirements of 49 CFR 543.6. 
Ford's petition provides a detailed description and diagram of the 
identity, design, and location of the components of the antitheft 
device proposed for installation beginning with the 2012 model year.
    The MY 2006 passive antitheft device installed as standard 
equipment on the Ford Focus is the Passive Antitheft Electronic Engine 
Immobilizer System (PATS)/SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft Electronic 
Powertrain Immobilizer System (SecuriLock). Features of the antitheft 
device include an electronic key, ignition lock, and a transponder-
based electronic passive immobilizer. The MY 2006 device also 
incorporates an optional perimeter alarm system which monitors all the 
doors, decklid and hood of the vehicle.
    Ford stated that integration of the transponder into the normal 
operation of the ignition key assures activation of the device. When 
the ignition key is turned to the start position, the transceiver 
module reads the ignition key code and transmits an encrypted message 
to the cluster. Once validation of the key is determined, the engine 
can be started once a separate encrypted message is sent to the 
powertrain's electronic control module (PCM). The powertrain will 
function only if the key code matches the unique identification key 
code previously programmed into the PCM. If the codes do not match, the 
powertrain engine starter will be disabled.
    In its 2012 modification, Ford will continue to offer the 
SecuriLock System/PATS device as standard equipment on its base trim 
level vehicles but all other trim level vehicles will have either the 
SecuriLock System/PATS device as standard equipment or the optional 
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start (IAwPB). Key components of 
the IAwPB system is an electronic keyfob, remote function actuator, 
body control module, power train control module and a passive 
immobilizer. Ford stated that both devices are always active and 
require no other operator action. Ford stated that in addition to a 
programmed electronic key, there are three modules, the BCM, the IAwPB/
RFA module and the PCM, that must be matched together to start the 
vehicle. These matched modules will not function in other vehicles if 
separated from each other, adding even an additional level of security 
to the IAwPB device. Specifically, in the SecuriLock/PATS device, when 
the ignition key is turned to the ``start'' position, the transceiver 
module reads the ignition key code and transmits an encrypted message 
from the keycode to the control module, which then determines key 
validity and authorizes engine starting by sending a separate encrypted 
message to the powertrain control module (PCM). In the IAwPB device, 
when the ``start'' button is pressed, and the brake pedal is depressed, 
the Body Control Module (BCM) triggers the Remote Function Actuator 
(RFA) to search for a key inside the vehicle. If a key is detected, the 
RFA compares the keycode to the stored valid codes in the RFA and 
reports back to the BCM whether a valid key was found. In both devices, 
if the codes do not match, the vehicle will be inoperable. Ford also 
stated that its MY 2012 Ford Focus vehicle line will also be equipped 
with several other standard antitheft features common to Ford vehicles, 
(i.e., counterfeit resistant VIN labels; secondary VINs, cabin 
accessibility only with a valid key fob).
    Ford stated that its MY 2012 modification will continue to 
incorporate some of the same theft prevention features that made it 
very difficult to defeat its MY 2006 device. Specifically, some of 
those features include: Encrypted communication between the transponder 
and the control function, 28 trillion possible codes, making key 
duplication virtually impossible, no moving parts; inability to 
mechanically override the device to start the vehicle; and the body 
control module/remote function actuator and the power train control 
module share security data that during vehicle assembly form matched 
modules that if separated from each other will not function in other 
vehicles. Ford also stated that an audible perimeter alarm system will 
also be installed as standard equipment on its MY 2012 Ford Focus 
vehicles with a premier trim package, adding another level of security. 
The audible/visual perimeter alarm system will not be offered on 
vehicles with the base trim package.
    Ford stated that it believes that the planned addition of the 
optional IAwPB electronic engine immobilizer system will render 
ineffective, conventional theft methods, such as hot-wiring, attacking 
the ignition lock cylinder and drive-away thefts.
    Ford also stated that it believes that installation of the 
SecuriLock/PATS device and IAwPB system are an effective deterrent 
against vehicle theft. Since the same aspects of performance (i.e., 
arming and the immobilization feature) are still provided, the agency 
believes that the same level of protection is being met. Since the 
agency granted Ford's exemption for its MY 2006 Focus vehicle line, the 
latest available theft rate using an average of 3 MY's data is 2.8629 
which is still below the median theft rate.
    The agency has evaluated Ford's MY 2012 petition to modify the 
exemption for the Focus vehicle line from the parts-marking 
requirements of 49 CFR part 541, and has decided to grant it. The 
agency believes that the proposed device will continue to provide the 
four

[[Page 50038]]

types of performance listed in Sec.  543.6(a)(3): Promoting activation; 
preventing defeat or circumvention of the device by unauthorized 
persons; preventing operation of the vehicle by unauthorized entrants; 
and ensuring the reliability and durability of the device.
    If Ford decides not to use the exemption for this line, it should 
formally notify the agency. If such a decision is made, the line must 
be fully marked according to the requirements under 49 CFR 541.5 and 
541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement parts).
    NHTSA suggests that if the manufacturer contemplates making any 
changes, the effects of which might be characterized as de minimis, it 
should consult the agency before preparing and submitting a petition to 
modify.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 33106; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50.

    Issued on: August 10, 2010.
Joseph S. Carra,
Acting Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2010-20165 Filed 8-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-M