This final rule affects motor vehicle manufacturers, and air bag manufacturers, almost all of which would not qualify as small businesses. There are some small volume manufacturers that operate primarily in the United States that would qualify as small businesses. The Coalition of Small Volume Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. supports having alternatives available that give small business more flexibility. This final rule allows an additional alternative method of compliance, which small businesses could utilize. No vehicle manufacturer, regardless of its size, will be required to take any action as a result of the final rule.
Manufacturers can continue using the air bags already designed for their vehicles.
There is also an issue of leadtime for second stage manufacturers that are small businesses. This issue was discussed in the previous section.