[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 30, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51466-51476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17005]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 533

[Docket No. 2005-22144]
RIN 2127-AJ71


Light Truck Average Fuel Economy Standards--Model Years 2008-
2011; 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 new and 
updated information regarding vehicle manufacturers' future product 
plans to assist the agency in analyzing the proposed light truck 
corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for MY 2008-2011, which 
are discussed in a companion document published elsewhere in this issue 
of the Federal Register. The agency is seeking information that will 
help it assess the effect of the proposed standards on fuel economy, 
manufacturers, consumers, the economy, and motor vehicle safety.

DATE: Comments must be received on or before November 22, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number 
2005-22144] by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Web site: http://dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
    <bullet> Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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 International Policy, 
Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, at (202) 366-0846, facsimile (202) 
493-2290, electronic mail <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83e8e8e2f7f9c3edebf7f0e2ade7ecf7ade4ecf5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="432828223739032d2b3730226d272c376d242c35">[email protected]</span></a>. For legal issues, call 
Steve Wood or Christopher Calamita, Office of the Chief Counsel, at 
(202) 366-2992 or by facsimile at (202) 366-3820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    In December 1975, during the aftermath of the energy crisis created 
by the oil embargo of 1973-74, Congress enacted the Energy Policy and 
Conservation Act (EPCA). The Act established an automotive fuel economy 
regulatory program by adding Title V, ``Improving Automotive 
Efficiency,'' to the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Saving Act. 
Title V has been amended from time to time and codified without 
substantive change as Chapter 329 of Title 49 of the United States 
Code. Chapter 329 provides for the issuance of average fuel economy 
standards for passenger automobiles and automobiles that are not 
passenger automobiles (light trucks).
    Section 32902(a) of Chapter 329 states that the Secretary of 
Transportation shall prescribe by regulation corporate average fuel 
economy (CAFE) standards for light trucks for each model year. That 
section also states that ``[e]ach standard shall be the maximum 
feasible average fuel economy level that the Secretary decides the 
manufacturers can achieve in that model year.'' (The Secretary has 
delegated the authority to implement the automotive fuel economy 
program to the Administrator of NHTSA. 49 CFR 1.50(f).) Section 
32902(f) provides that, in determining the maximum feasible average 
fuel economy level, we shall consider four criteria: technological 
feasibility, economic practicability, the effect of other motor vehicle 
standards of the Government on fuel economy, and the need of the United 
States to conserve energy.
    In a companion document, a notice of proposed rulemaking, published 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, NHTSA is proposing 
light truck average fuel economy standards for model years (MYs) 2008-
2011 under a new reformed structure. To assist the agency in analyzing 
these proposed CAFE standards, NHTSA has included a number of 
additional questions, found in an appendix to this notice, directed 
primarily toward vehicle manufacturers.
    To facilitate our analysis of the potential impacts of the 
proposal, we are seeking detailed comments relative to the requests 
found in the appendix of this document. The Appendix requests 
information from manufacturers regarding their product plans--including 
data about engines and transmissions--MY 2005 through MY

[[Page 51467]]

2012, and the assumptions underlying those plans. The Appendix also 
asks for estimates of the future vehicle population and the fuel 
economy improvement attributed to technologies.
    To facilitate comments and to ensure the conformity of data 
received regarding manufacturers' product plans from MY 2005 through MY 
2012, NHTSA has developed spreadsheet templates for manufacturers' use. 
The uniformity provided by these spreadsheets is intended to aid and 
expedite our review of the information provided. These templates are 
the preferred format for data submittal, and can be found under the 
CAFE heading of the Laws and Regulations section of the NHTSA Web site 
(www.nhtsa.dot.gov). The Appendix also includes sample tables that 
manufacturers may refer to when submitting their data to the Agency.
    For those manufacturers that submitted information to the previous 
request for product plan information (68 FR 74931, December 29, 2003; 
Docket No 16709), the agency will be providing spreadsheet files 
containing each manufacturer's confidential data directly to each 
manufacturer. The agency requests that manufacturers utilize these 
files when providing revised plans. Manufacturers that didn't supply 
the agency with product plan data in response to the previous request 
for product plan information are asked to use these templates for their 
data submission.
    Additionally, the agency has placed in the docket for this notice a 
2005 document, prepared under the auspices of the Department of Energy 
(DOE) for NHTSA, updating the estimates of light-truck fuel economy 
potential and costs in the 2001 NAS report, ``Effectiveness and Import 
of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards.'' The agency seeks 
comments on this document. After having this document peer reviewed, 
the agency will place the peer reviewers' reports in the docket for 
public comment.
    We note that the introduction of the 2005 DOE document states that 
that document does not address the costs and benefits of hybrid and 
diesel technology because these matters have been documented in a 2004 
Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc. (EEA) study for the DOE. The 
title of that study is ``Future Potential of Hybrid and Diesel 
Powertrains in the U.S. Light-Duty Vehicle Market.'' \1\ The agency has 
placed that study in the docket and seeks comments on it as well.
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    \1\ See http://www-cta.ornl.gov/cta/Publications/pdf/ORNL_TM_2004_181_HybridDiesel.pdf.
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II. Comments

Submission of Comments

How Can I Influence NHTSA's Thinking on This Notice?
    In developing the notice of proposed rulemaking for MY 2008-2011 
light truck standards, we tried to address the concerns of all our 
stakeholders. Your comments will help us determine what standards 
should be set for light truck fuel economy. We welcome your views on 
all aspects of this notice, but request comments on specific issues 
throughout this notice. Your comments will be most effective if you 
follow the suggestions below:

--Explain your views and reasoning as clearly as possible.
--Provide empirical evidence, wherever possible, to support your views.
--If you estimate potential costs, explain how you arrived at the 
estimate.
--Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
--Offer specific alternatives.
--Refer your comments to specific sections of the notice, such as the 
units or page numbers of the preamble, or the regulatory sections.
--Be sure to include the name, date, and docket number of the 
proceeding with your comments.
How Do I Prepare and Submit Comments?
    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.
    Your comments must not be more than 15 pages long. (49 CFR 553.21). 
We established this limit to encourage you to write your primary 
comments in a concise fashion. However, you may attach necessary 
additional documents to your comments. There is no limit on the length 
of the attachments.
    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 Web site at http://dms.dot.gov. Click on ``Help & Information'' or ``Help/Info'' to obtain 
instructions for filing the document electronically.
How Can I Be Sure That My Comments Were Received?
    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.
How Do I Submit Confidential Business Information?
    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. 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.)
Will the Agency Consider Late Comments?
    We will consider all comments that Docket Management receives 
before the close of business on the comment closing date indicated 
above under DATES. Due to the statutory deadline (April 1, 2006), we 
will be very limited in our ability to consider comments filed after 
the comment closing date. If Docket Management receives a comment too 
late for us to consider it in developing a final rule, we will consider 
that comment as an informal suggestion for future rulemaking action.
How Can I Read the Comments Submitted by Other People?
    You may read the comments received by Docket Management at the 
address given above under ADDRESSES. The hours of the Docket are 
indicated above in the same location.
    You may also see the comments on the Internet. To read the comments 
on the Internet, take the following steps:
    (1) Go to the Docket Management System (DMS) Web page of the 
Department of Transportation (http://dms.dot.gov/).
    (2) On that page, click on ``search.''
    (3) On the next page (http://dms.dot.gov/search/searchFormSimple.cfm), type in the

[[Page 51468]]

four-digit docket number shown at the beginning of this document. 
Example: If the docket number were ``NHTSA-1998-1234,'' you would type 
``1234.'' After typing the docket number, click on ``search.''
    (4) On the next page, which contains docket summary information for 
the docket you selected, click on the desired comments. You may 
download the comments. However, since the comments are imaged 
documents, instead of word processing documents, the downloaded 
comments are not word searchable. Please note that even after the 
comment closing date, we will continue to file relevant information in 
the Docket as it becomes available. Accordingly, we recommend that you 
periodically check the Docket for new material.
    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

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

    Issued on: August 23, 2005.
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:

A--Atkinson cycle
AM--Atkinson/Miller cycle
D--Diesel cycle
M--Miller cycle
O--Otto cycle
OA--Otto/Atkinson cycle
V--V-shaped
I--Inline
R--Rotary
DI--Direct injection
IDI--Indirect injection
MPFI--Multipoint fuel injection
PFI--Port fuel injection
SEFI--Sequential electronic fuel injection
TBI--Throttle body fuel injection
NA--Naturally aspirated
T--Turbocharged
S--Supercharged
FFS--Feedback fuel system
2C--Two-stroke engines
C--Camless
OHV--Overhead valve
SOHC--Single overhead camshaft
DOHC--Dual overhead camshafts
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
DCL--Dual cam lobes
E--Exhaust continuous phasing
EIE--Equal continuous intake and exhaust phasing
ICP--Intake continuous phasing
IIE--Independent continuous intake and exhaust
CV--Continuously variable valve lift
F--Fixed valve lift
SVI--Stepped variable intake with 2 or more fixed profiles
SVIE--Stepped variable intake and exhaust with 2 or more fixed 
profiles

    4. ``Domestically manufactured'' is used as defined in Section 
32904(b)(2) of Chapter 329, 49 U.S.C. 32904(b)(2).
    5. ``Footprint'' means the product of a vehicle's wheelbase and 
average track width, presented in square feet. For purposes of this 
definition, track width is the lateral distance between the 
centerlines of the tires at ground when the tires are mounted on 
rims with zero offset. For purposes of this definition, wheelbase is 
the longitudinal distance between front and rear wheel centerlines. 
In case of multiple rear axles, wheelbase is measured to the 
midpoint of the centerlines of the wheels on the rearmost axle.
    6. ``Light truck'' means an automobile of the type described in 
49 CFR 523.3 and 523.5.
    7. A ``model'' is a vehicle line, such as the Chevrolet Impala, 
Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, etc., which exists within a 
manufacturer's fleet.
    8. ``Model Type'' is used as defined in 40 CFR 600.002-
85(a)(19).
    9. ``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 2005 model year vehicles in the equivalent class.
    10. ``Percent production implementation rate'' means that 
percentage which corresponds to the maximum number of vehicles 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.
    11. ``Production percentage'' means the percent of respondent's 
vehicles of a specified model projected to be manufactured in a 
specified model year.
    12. ``Project'' or ``projection'' refers to the best estimates 
made by respondent, whether or not based on less than certain 
information.
    13. ``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.
    14. ``Relating to'' means constituting, defining, containing, 
explaining, embodying, reflecting, identifying, stating, referring 
to, dealing with, or in any way pertaining to.
    15. ``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.
    16. ``Test Weight'' is used as defined in 40 CFR 86.082-2.
    17. ``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.
    18. ``Truckline'' means the name assigned by the Environmental 
Protection Agency to a 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.
    19. ``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--Light Truck Data

    Go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/CAFE/rulemaking.htm for 
spreadsheet templates.
    1. Identify all light truck models currently offered for sale in 
MY 2005 whose production you project discontinuing before MY 2008 
and identify the last model year in which each will be offered.

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    2. Identify all basic engines offered by respondent in MY 2005 
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 2005-2012, 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 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. Number--a unique number assigned to each model
    2. Manufacturer--manufacturer abbreviation (e.g., GMC)
    3. Model--name of model (i.e., Escalade)
    4. Nameplate--vehicle nameplate (i.e., Escalade ESV)
    5. Fuel Economy--measured in miles per gallon; weighted (FTP + 
highway) fuel economy
    6. Actual FE (FFVs)--measured in miles per gallon; for flexible 
fuel vehicles, fuel economy when vehicle is operated on gasoline
    7. Engine Code--unique number assigned to each engine
    A. Manufacturer--manufacturer abbreviation
    B. Name--name of engine
    C. Configuration--classified as V = V4, V6, V8, or V10; I = 
inline; R=rotary
    D. Fuel--classified as CNG = compressed natural gas, D = diesel, 
E = electricity, E85 = ethanol flexible-fuel, E100 = neat ethanol, G 
= gasoline, H = hydrogen, LNG = liquefied natural gas, LPG = 
propane, M85 = methanol flexible-fuel, M100 = neat methanol
    E. Engine's country of origin
    F. Engine Oil Viscosity--typical values as text include 0W20, 
5W20, etc.; ratio between the applied shear stress and the rate of 
shear, which measures the resistance of flow of the engine oil (as 
per SAE Glossary of Automotive Terms)
    G. Cycle--combustion cycle of engine. Classified as A = 
Atkinson, AM = Atkinson/Miller, D = Diesel, M = Miller, O = Otto, OA 
= Otto/Atkinson
    H. Air/Fuel Ratio--the weighted (FTP + highway) air/fuel ratio 
(mass): a number generally around 14.7
    I. Fuel System--mechanism that delivers fuel to engine. 
Classified as DI = direct injection, IDI = indirect injection, MPFI 
= multipoint fuel injection, PFI = port fuel injection, SEFI = 
sequential electronic fuel injection, TBI = throttle body fuel 
injection
    J. Aspiration--based on breathing or induction process of engine 
(as per SAE Automotive Dictionary). Classified as NA = naturally 
aspirated, S = supercharged, T = turbocharged
    K. Valvetrain Design--describes design of the total mechanism 
from camshaft to valve of an engine that actuates the lifting and 
closing of a valve (as per SAE Glossary of Automotive Terms). 
Classified as C = camless, DOHC = dual overhead cam, OHV = overhead 
valve, SOHC = single overhead cam
    L. Valve Actuation/Timing--based on valve opening and closing 
points in the operating cycle (as per SAE J604). Classified as 
CC=continuously controlled, EIE = equal continuous intake and 
exhaust phasing, DCL = dual cam lobes, E = exhaust continuous 
phasing, F = fixed, I = intake continuous phasing, IIE = independent 
continuous intake and exhaust phasing
    M. Valve Lift--describes the manner in which the valve is raised 
during combustion (as per SAE Automotive Dictionary). Classified as 
CV = continuously variable (throttled), F = fixed, SVI = stepped 
variable intake with 2 or more fixed profiles, SVIE = stepped 
variable intake and exhaust with 2 or more fixed profiles
    N. Cylinders--the number of engine cylinders. An integer 
equaling 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10
    O. Valves/Cylinder--the number of valves per cylinder. An 
integer equaling 2, 3, or 4
    P. Deactivation--weighted (FTP + highway) aggregate degree of 
deactivation. Classified as Y= valve deactivation on half of the 
cylinders, N= no valve deactivation, 0.0-? (e.g., for deactivation 
of half the cylinders over half the drive cycle, enter 0.25)
    Q. Displacement--total volume displaced by a piston in a single 
stroke, measured in liters
    R. Compression Ratio (min)--typically a number around 8; for 
fixed CR engines, should be identical to maximum CR
    S. Compression Ratio (max)--a number between 8 and 14; for fixed 
CR engines, should be identical to minimum CR
    T. Horsepower--the maximum power of the engine, measured as 
horsepower/KW@rpm
    U. Torque--the maximum torque of the engine, measured as lb-
ft@rpm
    8. Transmission Code--an integer; unique number assigned to each 
transmission
    A. Manufacturer--manufacturer abbreviation
    B. Name--name of transmission
    C. Country of origin--where the transmission is manufactured
    D. Type--type of transmission. Classified as C = clutch, CVT1 = 
belt or chain CVT, CVT2 = other CVT, T = torque converter
    E. Number of Forward Gears--integer indicating number of forward 
gears
    F. Control--classified as A = automatic, M = manual; ASMT would 
be coded as Type = C, Control = A
    G. Logic--indicates aggressivity of automatic shifting. 
Classified as A = aggressive, C = conventional U.S.
    9. Origin--classification as domestic or import, listed as D = 
domestic, I = international
    b. Sales--actual and projected U.S. production for MY2005 to MY 
2012 inclusive, measured in thousands of vehicles:
    c. Vehicle Information:
    1. Style--classified as Pickup; Sport Utility; or Van
    2. Class--classified as Cargo Van; Crossover Vehicle; Large 
Pickup; Midsize Pickup; Minivan; Passenger Van; Small Pickup; Sport 
Utility Vehicle; or Sport Utility Truck
    3. Structure--classified as either Ladder or Unibody
    4. Drive--classified as A = all-wheel drive; F = front-wheel 
drive; R = rear-wheel-drive; 4 = 4-wheel drive
    5. Wheelbase--measured in inches; defined per SAE J1100, L101 
(July 2002)
    6. Track Width (front)--measured in inches; defined per SAE 
J1100, W101-1 (July 2002), and clarified above
    7. Track Width (rear)--measured in inches; defined per SAE 
J1100, W101-2 (July 2002), and clarified above
    8. Footprint--wheelbase times average track width; measured in 
square feet
    9. Curb Weight--total weight of vehicle including batteries, 
lubricants, and other expendable supplies but excluding the driver, 
passengers, and other payloads (as per SAE J1100); measured in 
pounds
    10. Test Weight--weight of vehicle as tested, including the 
driver, operator (if necessary), and all instrumentation (as per SAE 
J1263); measured in pounds
    11. GVWR--Gross Vehicle Weight Rating; weight of loaded vehicle, 
including passengers and cargo; measured in pounds
    12. Frontal Area--a measure of the height times width of the 
front of a vehicle, e.g. 35 square feet.
    13. Drag Coefficient, C\d\--a dimensionless measure of the 
aerodynamic sleekness of an object, e.g., 0.25.
    14. Coefficient of Rolling Resistance, C\r\--a dimensionless 
measure of the resistance to motion experienced by one body rolling 
upon another, e.g., 0.0012.
    15. Seating (max)--number of usable seat belts before folding 
and removal of seats (where accomplished without special tools); 
provided in integer form
    16. Fuel Capacity--measured in gallons of diesel fuel or 
gasoline; MJ (LHV) of other fuels (or chemical battery energy)
    17. Electrical System Voltage--measured in volts, e.g. 12 volt, 
42 volts
    18. Front Head Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE J1100, 
H61 (July 2002)
    19. Rear Head Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE J1100, 
H63, H86 (July 2002)
    20. Front Shoulder Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE 
J1100, W3, W85 (July 2002)
    21. Rear Shoulder Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE 
J1100, W4, W86 (July 2002)
    22. Front Hip Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE J1100, 
W5 (July 2002)
    23. Rear Hip Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE J1100, W6 
(July 2002)
    24. Front Leg Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE J1100, 
L34 (July 2002)
    25. Rear Leg Room--measured in inches; defined per SAE J1100, 
L51, L86 (July 2002)
    26. Turning Circle--diameter of the circle made by the front 
wheel with the steering at full lock (the left or right stop) and 
the vehicle perpendicular to the roadway (as per SAE J695); measured 
in feet
    d. MSRP--measured in dollars (2005); actual and projected 
average MSRP (sales-

[[Page 51470]]

weighted, including options) for MY2005 to MY 2012 inclusive
    e. Type (Hybridization)--the type of hybridization of the 
vehicle, if any. Classified as E = electric, H = hydraulic
    f. Planning and Assembly:
    1. US/Canadian/Mexican Content--measured as a percentage; 
overall percentage, by value, that originated in U.S., Canada and 
Mexico
    2. Predecessor--number and name of model upon which current 
model is based, if any
    3. Last Freshening--model year
    4. Next Freshening--model year
    5. Last Redesign--model year; where 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.
    6. Next Redesign--model year
    7. Employment Hours Per Vehicle--number of hours of U.S. labor 
applied per vehicle produced
    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 
2005-2012? 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 2005 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 2005-2012, 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 2005 baseline technologies and the 2005 
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 2005 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 2005 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 2005-2012, 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 2005-2012 light truck model types that have 
higher average test weights than comparable MY 2004 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 2005 
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

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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 2005 through 2012, 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. Sport Utility Trucks (e.g., Avalanche, Ridgeline)
    See Table III-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 
2005 through 2012, inclusive. Please subdivide the data into 4x2 and 
4x4 sales and 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 2005 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 2005-2012.
    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 Table III-A refer to the 
items in Section III, Specifications.


                                                          Table III-A.--Technology Improvements
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Percent                  Models on       Production share of model with technological
                                                  Baseline       fuel      Basis for      which                         improvement
           Technological improvement             technology    economy    improvement  technology ------------------------------------------------------
                                                             improvement    estimate   is applied     2005       2006       2007       2008      2009+
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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. Light Truck Sales
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Amalgamated Motors light truck sales projections
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Model year
            Model Line             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        2005             2006                 2007                 2008                 2009                2010+
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.................
Sport Utility Truck...............
                                   --------------
    Total.........................          TBD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                       Table III-C.--Total U.S. Light Truck Sales
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Model type                  2005             2006                 2007                 2008                 2009                2010+
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compact Pickup....................
Standard Pickup--Light............
Standard Pickup--Heavy............

[[Page 51472]]

 
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.................
Sport Utility Truck...............
                                   --------------
    Total.........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Cost and Potential Fuel Economy Improvements of Technologies

    The agency requests that each manufacturer and other interested 
parties provide estimates of the range of costs and fuel economy 
improvements of available fuel economy technologies. These estimates 
should follow the format provided by Tables IV-A through IV-D. For 
comparison purposes the agency has listed the technologies included 
in the NAS report, together with the range (low and high) of fuel 
economy improvement and cost estimates for all of the technologies 
included in the report.
    The agency has also added some technologies to these tables as 
well as separate rows for the cost and fuel economy improvement 
estimates when technologies are applied to engines having a 
different number of cylinders or when they are applied to vehicles 
with different numbers of gears. Thus, for example, if a 
manufacturer or other interested party has different cost and fuel 
economy improvement estimates for the application of a technology to 
a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder engine, these estimates should be 
represented as separate rows on its table. Likewise, for example, if 
a manufacturer or other interested party has different cost and fuel 
economy improvement estimates for using 6-speed automatic 
transmission versus a 4-speed and a 5-speed automatic transmission, 
these estimates should be represented as separate rows on its table.
    The agency is also interested in whether different cost and fuel 
economy improvement estimates apply to different vehicle classes. 
Thus, the agency is asking for any information regarding the 
effectiveness and cost of fuel economy technologies on a vehicle 
class basis. Light truck vehicle classes are listed in Tables III-B 
and III-C.
    If respondents have information that breaks out the cost and 
fuel economy improvement estimates by vehicle classes, the agency 
asks that in addition to providing charts which provide a 
respondent's complete range of estimates, that respondents provide 
separate charts for each vehicle class following the example of 
Tables IV-B and IV-D. Spreadsheet templates for these tables can be 
found at: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/CAFE/rulemaking.htm.
    If a manufacturer or other interested party has fuel economy 
improvement and cost estimates for technologies not included on 
these tables, the agency asks the manufacturer or other interested 
party to provide that information to the agency.

BILLING CODE 490-59-P

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[FR Doc. 05-17005 Filed 8-24-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-C


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