FR Doc 03-31891

[Federal Register: December 29, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 248)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 74931-74939]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29de03-24]

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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
kkatz@nhtsa.dot.gov. For legal issues, call Otto Matheke, Office of the
Chief Counsel, at (202) 366-5263, electronic mail
omatheke@nhtsa.dot.gov.

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

[[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