Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 201 / Thursday, October 19, 2017 / Notices 48741 

it for full exemption from the partsmarking requirements. 

GM’s proposed device lacks an 

audible or visible alarm. Therefore, this 

device cannot perform one of the 

functions listed in 49 CFR part 

543.6(a)(3), that is, to call attention to 

unauthorized attempts to enter or move 

the vehicle. Based on comparison of the 

reduction in the theft rates of Chevrolet 

Corvettes using a passive antitheft 

device along with an audible/visible 

alarm system to the reduction in theft 

rates for the Chevrolet Camaro and the 

Pontiac Firebird models equipped with 

a passive antitheft device without an 

alarm, GM finds that the lack of an 

alarm or attention-attracting device does 

not compromise the theft deterrent 

performance of a device such as PASSKey III+ device. In these instances, the 

agency has concluded that the lack of an 

audible or visible alarm has not 

prevented these antitheft devices from 

being effective protection against theft. 

Based on the evidence submitted by 

GM, the agency believes that the 

antitheft device for the Cadillac XT4 

vehicle line is likely to be as effective 

in reducing and deterring motor vehicle 

theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Theft 

Prevention Standard (49 CFR 541). 

Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 

CFR 543.7(b), the agency grants a 

petition for exemption from the partsmarking requirements of Part 541, either 

in whole or in part, if it determines that, 

based upon substantial evidence, the 

standard equipment antitheft device is 

likely to be as effective in reducing and 

deterring motor vehicle theft as 

compliance with the parts-marking 

requirements of Part 541. The agency 

finds that GM has provided adequate 

reasons for its belief that the antitheft 

device for the Cadillac XT4 vehicle line 

is likely to be as effective in reducing 

and deterring motor vehicle theft as 

compliance with the parts-marking 

requirements of the Theft Prevention 

Standard (49 CFR part 541). This 

conclusion is based on the information 

GM provided about its device. 

The agency concludes that the device 

will provide four of the five types of 

performance listed in § 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. 

For the foregoing reasons, the agency 

hereby grants in full GM’s petition for 

exemption for the Cadillac XT4 vehicle 

line from the parts-marking 

requirements of 49 CFR part 541, 

beginning with its model year (MY) 

2019 vehicles. The agency notes that 49 

CFR part 541, Appendix A–1, identifies 

those lines that are exempted from the 

Theft Prevention Standard for a given 

model year. 49 CFR part 543.7(f) 

contains publication requirements 

incident to the disposition of all Part 

543 petitions. Advanced listing, 

including the release of future product 

nameplates, the beginning model year 

for which the petition is granted and a 

general description of the antitheft 

device is necessary in order to notify 

law enforcement agencies of new 

vehicle lines exempted from the parts 

marking requirements of the Theft 

Prevention Standard. 

If GM 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 parts 541.5 and 541.6 

(marking of major component parts and 

replacement parts). 

NHTSA notes that if GM wishes in the 

future to modify the device on which 

this exemption is based, the company 

may have to submit a petition to modify 

the exemption. Part 543.7(d) states that 

a Part 543 exemption applies only to 

vehicles that belong to a line exempted 

under this part and equipped with the 

antitheft device on which the line’s 

exemption is based. Further, Part 

543.9(c)(2) provides for the submission 

of petitions ‘‘to modify an exemption to 

permit the use of an antitheft device 

similar to but differing from the one 

specified in that exemption.’’ 

The agency wishes to minimize the 

administrative burden that Part 

543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted 

vehicle manufacturers and itself. The 

agency did not intend in drafting Part 

543 to require the submission of a 

modification petition for every change 

to the components or design of an 

antitheft device. The significance of 

many such changes could be de 

minimis. Therefore, 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. 

Issued in Washington, DC, under authority 

delegated in 49 CFR Part 1.95. 

Raymond R. Posten, 

Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. 

[FR Doc. 2017–22660 Filed 10–18–17; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–59–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration 

Petition for Exemption From the 

Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention 

Standard; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles 

US LLC 

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration (NHTSA), 

Department of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption. 

SUMMARY: This document grants in full 

the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC’s, 

(FCA) petition for exemption of the Jeep 

Wrangler vehicle line in accordance 

with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from 

Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard. This 

petition is granted because the agency 

has determined that the antitheft device 

to be placed on the line as standard 

equipment is likely to be as effective in 

reducing and deterring motor vehicle 

theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Federal 

Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention 

Standard. (Theft Prevention Standard). 

DATES: The exemption granted by this 

notice is effective beginning with 2018 

model year (MY). 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Carlita Ballard, International Policy, 

Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, 

NHTSA, West Building, W43–439, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, 

DC 20590. Ms. Ballard’s phone number 

is (202) 366–5222. Her fax number is 

(202) 493–2990. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a 

petition dated June 2, 2017, FCA 

requested an exemption from the partsmarking requirements of the Theft 

Prevention Standard for its Jeep 

Wrangler vehicle line beginning with 

MY 2018. The petition requested an 

exemption from parts-marking pursuant 

to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from 

Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard, 

based on the installation of an antitheft 

device as standard equipment for the 

entire vehicle line. 

Under 49 CFR part 543.5(a), a 

manufacturer may petition NHTSA to 

grant an exemption for one vehicle line 

per model year. In its petition, FCA 

provided a detailed description and 

diagram of the identity, design, and 

location of the components of the 

antitheft device for its Jeep Wrangler 

vehicle line. FCA stated that its MY 

2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicle line will be 

installed with the Sentry Key 

Immobilizer System (SKIS) antitheft 

device as standard equipment on the 

entire vehicle line. The SKIS will 

provide passive vehicle protection by 


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48742 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 201 / Thursday, October 19, 2017 / Notices 

preventing the engine from operating 

unless a valid electronically encoded 

key is inside the cabin of the vehicle 

and a valid key code is detected in the 

ignition system of the vehicle. Key 

components of the antitheft device will 

include an immobilizer, a Radio 

Frequency Hub Module (RFHM), Engine 

Control Module (ECM), Body Controller 

Module (BCM), a Transponder Key/ 

Finger Operated Button (FOB) with 

Integrated Key (FOBIK) and an 

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) which 

contains the telltale function only. 

According to FCA, these components 

work collectively to perform the 

immobilizer function. FCA will not 

provide an audible alert, however, the 

vehicle will be equipped with a security 

indicator in the instrument panel cluster 

that will flash if an invalid transponder 

key is detected. Specifically, FCA stated 

that its Wrangler vehicles will be 

equipped with a security indicator that 

acts as a diagnostic indicator. If the 

RFHM detects an invalid transponder 

key or if a transponder key related fault 

occurs, the security indicator will flash. 

If the RFHM detects a system 

malfunction or the SKIS becomes 

ineffective, the security indicator will 

stay on. The SKIS also performs a selftest each time the ignition system is 

turned to the RUN position and will 

store fault information in its RFHM 

memory if a system malfunction is 

detected. 

FCA’s submission is considered a 

complete petition as required by 49 CFR 

543.7 in that it meets the general 

requirements contained in 543.5 and the 

specific content requirements of 543.6. 

In addressing the specific content 

requirements of 49 CFR part 543.6, FCA 

provided information on the reliability 

and durability of the device. FCA 

conducted tests based on its own 

specified standards (i.e., voltage range 

and temperature range) and stated its 

belief that the device meets the stringent 

performance standards prescribed. 

Specifically, FCA stated that its device 

must demonstrate a minimum of 95 

percent reliability with 90 percent 

confidence and 100 percent system 

functionality prior to being shipped 

from the supplier to the vehicle 

assembly plant for installation in the 

vehicles. FCA also stated that each 

transponder key has a unique 

identification code that is permanently 

programmed into it by the manufacturer 

and must be programmed into the 

RFHM. Once a transponder key has 

been programmed to a particular 

vehicle, it cannot be used on any other 

vehicle. 

FCA stated that the SKIS immobilizer 

feature is activated when the 

transponder key is removed from the 

ignition system (whether the doors are 

open or not) and the ignition system is 

in the ‘‘OFF’’ position. Specifically, 

once the SKIS is activated, only a valid 

transponder key that is recognized by 

the ignition system will disable it and 

allow the vehicle to start and continue 

to run. FCA stated that the functions 

and features of the SKIS are all integral 

to the BCM in this vehicle. The RFHM 

contains a Radio Frequency (RF) 

transceiver and a microprocessor and it 

initiates the ignition process by 

communicating with the BCM. The 

RFHM and the ECM both use software 

that includes a rolling code algorithm 

strategy which helps to reduce the 

possibility of unauthorized SKIS 

disarming. The microprocessor-based 

SKIS hardware and software also uses 

electronic messages to communicate 

with other electronic modules in the 

vehicle over the Controller Area 

Network (CAN) data bus. 

FCA further stated that the SKIS uses 

RF communication with an Advanced 

Encryption System (AES) to obtain 

confirmation that the transponder key is 

a valid FOBIK for operating the vehicle. 

The RFHM initiates the ignition process 

by communicating with the BCM. The 

RFHM contains an RF transceiver and a 

microprocessor. The RFHM is paired 

with a Keyless Go START/STOP push 

button (also known as the Keyless 

Ignition Node (‘‘KIN’’)). The RFHM 

receives Low Frequency (LF) and/or RF 

signals from the Sentry Key transponder 

through a tuned RF antenna. When the 

Keyless Go START/STOP button is 

pressed on the KIN, the RFHM transmits 

an LF signal to the transponder key. The 

RFHM then waits for a RF signal 

response from the transponder in the 

FOBIK. If the response received 

identifies the FOBIK as valid, the 

communication between the RFHM, the 

BCM, and the ECM proceeds, and the 

ECM allows the engine to start. If the 

ECM receives an invalid key message or 

receives no message from the RFHM 

over the CAN data bus, the engine will 

be disabled. FCA further stated that its 

antitheft immobilizer device prevents 

the engine from running for more than 

two seconds unless a valid transponder 

key is recognized by the ignition system. 

Additionally, FCA stated that only six 

consecutive invalid start attempts will 

be permitted and that all other attempts 

will be locked out by preventing the fuel 

injectors from firing and disabling the 

starter. 

FCA stated that it expects the Jeep 

Wrangler vehicle line to mirror the 

lower theft rate results achieved by the 

Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicle line when 

ignition immobilizer systems were 

installed as standard equipment on the 

line. FCA stated that it has offered the 

SKIS immobilizer device as standard 

equipment on all Jeep Grand Cherokee 

vehicles since MY 1999. According to 

FCA, the average theft rate for Jeep 

Grand Cherokee vehicles, based on 

NHTSA’s theft rate data for the four 

model years prior to 1999 (1995–1998), 

when a vehicle immobilizer device was 

not installed as standard equipment was 

5.3574 per one thousand vehicles 

produced. This was significantly higher 

than the 1990/1991 median theft rate of 

3.5826. However, FCA also indicated 

that the average theft rate for the Jeep 

Grand Cherokee for the nine model 

years (1999–2009, excluding MY 2007 

and 2009) after installation of the 

standard immobilizer device was 

2.5704, significantly lower than the 

median. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 

vehicle line was also granted an 

exemption from the parts-marking 

requirements beginning with MY 2004 

(67 FR 79687, December 30, 2002). FCA 

further exerts that NHTSA’s theft rate 

data for the Jeep Grand Cherokee 

indicates that the inclusion of a 

standard immobilizer device resulted in 

a 52 percent net average reduction in 

vehicle thefts. Theft rate data reported 

in the Federal Register notices 

published by the agency show that the 

theft rate for the Jeep Wrangler vehicle 

line, using an average of three MYs’ data 

(2012–2014) is also 0.3980, which is 

significantly lower than the median 

theft rate established by the agency. 

Based on the evidence submitted by 

FCA, the agency believes that the 

antitheft device for the Jeep Wrangler 

vehicle line is likely to be as effective 

in reducing and deterring motor vehicle 

theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Theft 

Prevention Standard (49 CFR 41). The 

agency concludes that the device will 

provide four of the five types of 

performance listed in 49 CFR part 

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. 

Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 

CFR part 543.7(b), the agency grants a 

petition for exemption from the partsmarking requirements of part 541, either 

in whole or in part, if it determines that, 

based upon substantial evidence, the 

standard equipment antitheft device is 

likely to be as effective in reducing and 

deterring motor vehicle theft as 

compliance with the parts-marking 

requirements of Part 541. The agency 

finds that FCA has provided adequate 

reasons for its belief that the antitheft 


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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 201 / Thursday, October 19, 2017 / Notices 48743 

device for the vehicle line is likely to be 

as effective in reducing and deterring 

motor vehicle theft as compliance with 

the parts-marking requirements of the 

Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 

541). This conclusion is based on the 

information FCA provided about its 

device. 

For the foregoing reasons, the agency 

hereby grants in full FCA’s petition for 

exemption for its Jeep Wrangler vehicle 

line from the parts-marking 

requirements of 49 CFR part 541, 

beginning with its MY 2018 Jeep 

Wrangler vehicles. The agency notes 

that 49 CFR part 541, Appendix A–1, 

identifies those lines that are exempted 

from the Theft Prevention Standard for 

a given model year. 49 CFR part 543.7(f) 

contains publication requirements 

incident to the disposition of all part 

543 petitions. Advanced listing, 

including the release of future product 

nameplates, the beginning model year 

for which the petition is granted and a 

general description of the antitheft 

device is necessary in order to notify 

law enforcement agencies of new 

vehicle lines exempted from the parts 

marking requirements of the Theft 

Prevention Standard. FCA stated that an 

official nameplate for the vehicle has 

not yet been determined. 

If FCA decides not to use the 

exemption for this vehicle line, it must 

formally notify the agency. If such a 

decision is made, the vehicle line must 

be fully marked as required by 49 CFR 

parts 541.5 and 541.6 (marking of major 

component parts and replacement 

parts). 

NHTSA notes that if FCA wishes in 

the future to modify the device on 

which this exemption is based, the 

company may have to submit a petition 

to modify the exemption. 49 CFR part 

543.7(d) states that a part 543 exemption 

applies only to vehicles that belong to 

a line exempted under this part and 

equipped with the anti-theft device on 

which the line’s exemption is based. 

Further, 49 CFR part 543.9(c)(2) 

provides for the submission of petitions 

‘‘to modify an exemption to permit the 

use of an antitheft device similar to but 

differing from the one specified in that 

exemption.’’ 

The agency wishes to minimize the 

administrative burden that 49 CFR part 

543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted 

vehicle manufacturers and itself. The 

agency did not intend in drafting part 

543 to require the submission of a 

modification petition for every change 

to the components or design of an 

antitheft device. The significance of 

many such changes could be de 

minimis. Therefore, 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. 

Issued in Washington, DC, under authority 

delegated in 49 CFR part 1.95. 

Raymond R. Posten, 

Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. 

[FR Doc. 2017–22659 Filed 10–18–17; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–59–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration 

Petition for Exemption From the 

Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention 

Standard; Toyota Motor North 

America, Inc. 

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration, Department of 

Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption. 

SUMMARY: This document grants in full 

the Toyota Motor North America, Inc.’s, 

(Toyota) petition for an exemption of 

the Avalon vehicle line. This petition is 

granted because the agency has 

determined that the antitheft device to 

be placed on the line as standard 

equipment is likely to be as effective in 

reducing and deterring motor vehicle 

theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Federal 

Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention 

Standard (Theft Prevention Standard). 

DATES: The exemption granted by this 

notice is applicable beginning with the 

2019 model year (MY). 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Hisham Mohamed, International Policy, 

Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, 

NHTSA, W43–437, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Mr. 

Mohamed’s phone number is (202) 366– 

0307. His fax number is (202) 493–2990. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a 

petition dated June 19, 2017, Toyota 

requested an exemption from the partsmarking requirements of the Theft 

Prevention Standard for the Avalon 

vehicle line beginning with MY 2019. 

The petition requested an exemption 

from parts-marking pursuant to 49 CFR 

part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft 

Prevention Standard, based on the 

installation of an antitheft device as 

standard equipment for the entire 

vehicle line. 

Under 49 CFR part 543.5(a), a 

manufacturer may petition NHTSA to 

grant an exemption for one vehicle line 

per model year. In its petition, Toyota 

provided a detailed description and 

diagram of the identity, design, and 

location of the components of the 

antitheft device for the Avalon vehicle 

line. Toyota stated that its MY 2019 

Avalon vehicle line will be installed 

with a ‘‘smart entry and start’’ system 

and an engine immobilizer as standard 

equipment. Key components of the 

‘‘smart entry and start’’ system device 

on the Avalon vehicle line will include, 

a certification electronic control unit 

(ECU), engine switch, steering lock ECU, 

security indicator, door control receiver, 

electrical key, an engine immobilizer 

and an electronic control module 

(ECM). Toyota stated that there will also 

be position switches installed on the 

vehicle to protect the hood and doors 

from unauthorized tampering/opening. 

Toyota further explained that locking 

the doors can be accomplished through 

use of a key, wireless switch or its smart 

entry system, and that unauthorized 

tampering with the hood or door 

without using one of these methods will 

cause the position switches to trigger its 

antitheft device to operate. Toyota 

stated that it will not incorporate an 

audible and visual alarm system as 

standard equipment on its trim-line 

vehicles. 

Toyota’s submission is considered a 

complete petition as required by 49 CFR 

543.7 in that it meets the general 

requirements contained in § 543.5 and 

the specific content requirements of 

§ 543.6. 

In addressing the specific content 

requirements of § 543.6, Toyota 

provided information on the reliability 

and durability of its proposed device. 

To ensure reliability and durability of 

the device, Toyota conducted tests 

based on its own specified standards. 

Toyota provided a detailed list of the 

tests conducted (i.e., high and low 

temperature operation, overvoltage, 

strength, impact, vibration, electromagnetic interference, etc.). Toyota 

stated that it believes that its device is 

reliable and durable because it complied 

with its own specific design standards 

and the antitheft device is installed on 

other vehicle lines for which the agency 

has granted a parts-marking exemption. 

As an additional measure of reliability 

and durability, Toyota stated that its 

vehicle key cylinders are covered with 

casting cases to prevent the key cylinder 

from easily being broken. Toyota further 

explained that there are approximately 

10,000 combinations for inner cut keys 

which makes it difficult to unlock the 

doors without using a valid key because 

the key cylinders would spin out and 

cause the locks to not operate. 

Toyota stated that its ‘‘smart entry and 

start system’’ device is activated when 

the engine switch is pushed from the 


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