[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 18, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19444-19445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-9504]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[Docket No. 92-58; Notice 4]
Kewet Industri; Grant of Application for Renewal of Temporary
Exemption From Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208
Kewet Industri of Hadsund, Denmark, applied for a two-year renewal
of its temporary exemption from the automatic restraint requirements of
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection. The
exemption, NHTSA Temporary Exemption No. 93-1, was published on
February 10, 1993 (58 FR 7905). The basis of the application was that a
continued exemption would facilitate the development and field
evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not unreasonably
lower the safety level of the vehicle.
Notice of receipt of the application was published on January 12,
1995, and an opportunity afforded for comment (60 FR 3026).
Kewet manufactures a passenger car called the El-Jet. The vehicle
is powered by on-board rechargeable batteries which drive an electric
traction motor. The El-Jet, which produces no emissions, is therefore a
``low-emission motor vehicle'' within the meaning of NHTSA's authority
to provide temporary exemptions.
In 1992, Kewet argued that the granting of a temporary exemption
would facilitate the development of an electric vehicle industry in the
United States. The vehicle is so small that it could serve as a
replacement for the 3-wheel Cushman type meter reader vehicle in
municipal fleets. It provides greater safety for the operator at a
substantially lower price. Further, an exemption would promote learning
and exchange of information between the Danish electric vehicle
industry and the U.S. one. Finally, the El Jet would demonstrate the
commercial viability of a ``neighborhood electric vehicle.''
Petitioner also argued that an exemption would not unreasonably
degrade the safety of the vehicle. The El-Jet is equipped with a 3-
point restraint system, and will otherwise comply with all applicable
Federal motor vehicle safety standards. It complies with all current
European motor safety standards and has passed a crash test at 50 kph
(30 mph). Its top speed is only 40 mph, reducing the risk of injury.
Although Kewet expected to be able to provide a driver's side air bag
in all cars manufactured after September 1993, the target date is now
the 1996 model year. Originally, Kewet projected sales of 30 to 50
vehicles through 1993; in actuality, sales in 1994 as of August 30 were
``less than 35.''
In Kewet's opinion, a temporary exemption would be in the public
interest and consistent with traffic safety objectives because it is a
participant in the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Electrical
Vehicle Testing Program. It comments that ``[p]roviding test data to
the national testing program * * * is an important development to the
electric vehicle industry.'' Kewet does not feel that lack of an air
bag ``has been a safety hazard'' because of the El-Jet's low top speed,
and intended non-freeway use. The vehicle is equipped with lap and
torso belts, and employs ``steel roll cage construction.''
No comments were received in response to the notice.
While the application was pending, NHTSA asked Kewet to provide
further information on the 50 kph crash test to which it had referred.
Kewet supplied a copy of a test report by TNO laboratory of Delft, the
Netherlands, and a video of the test. The test was conducted to the
requirements of ECE R-12 in 1990, and indicates conformance. The El Jet
also passed the body block tests at 24.1 kph on the steering wheel,
according to the requirements of ECE-12. Kewet confirmed to NHTSA that
it will install both a driver and passenger airbag ``before the end of
1995.''
With respect to the three-point belt system that has been and will
be provided in the interim, Kewet submitted a report on its seat belt
anchorages by the Danish Technology Institute verifying compliance with
E.E.C. Regulation 76/115/E.E.C. These reports have provided NHTSA with
the assurance necessary to find that an exemption would not
unreasonably lower the safety level of the car. NHTSA notes, too, that
the vehicle is certified as complying with all other Federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
Although Kewet's market in the U.S. has been extremely limited
under its exemption, the El Jet is one of the few exempted vehicles of
foreign manufacture, and one which is a purpose-built electric vehicle
and not a conversion. Thus, to extend the exemption would enhance the
evaluation of electric vehicles under U.S. road conditions. The public
interest will be served by the continued participation of the El Jet in
ARPA's electric vehicle test program.
Although a one-year extension would appear to be sufficient for
Kewet, the agency is providing one of 18 months in the event that
unforeseen delays are [[Page 19445]] encountered in introducing airbag
technology into production.
In consideration of the foregoing, it is hereby found that an
extension of Kewet's exemption will facilitate the development and
field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not
unreasonably lower the safety level of the vehicle, and, further, that
such extension is in the public interest and consistent with the
objectives of traffic safety. Accordingly, NHTSA Temporary Exemption
No. 93-1 from S4.1.4 of 49 CFR 571.208 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection, is hereby extended to July 1, 1996.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30113; delegation of authority at 49 CFR
1.50.
Issued on April 12, 1995.
Ricardo Martinez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-9504 Filed 4-17-95; 8:45 am]
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