[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 77 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19729-19730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9842]
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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
16 CFR Part 259
Request for Comment on the Guide Concerning Fuel Advertising for
New Automobiles
AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.
ACTION: Request for public comment.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') requests public
comment on the overall costs and benefits and the continuing need for
its Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles
(``Fuel Economy Guide'' or ``Guide''), 16 CFR Part 259, as part of the
Commission's systematic review of all
[[Page 19730]]
current Commission regulations and guides.
DATES: Written comments will be accepted until June 21, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Mailed comments should be directed to: Secretary, Federal
Trade Commission, Room H-159, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20580. Mailed comments should be identified as `` Fuel Guide, 16 CFR
Part 256--Comment.'' E-Mail comments will be accepted at
[FuelGuide@ftc.gov]. Those who comment by e-mail should give a mailing
address to which an acknowledgment can be sent.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Willie L. Greene, Investigator,
Federal Trade Commission, Cleveland Regional Office, Cleveland, OH
44114, telephone number (216) 236-3406.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Commission adopted the Guide Concerning Fuel Economy
Advertising for New Automobiles in 1975 to prevent deceptive fuel
economy advertising and to facilitate the use of fuel economy in
advertising. Since its enactment, the Guide has advised marketers to
disclose the established fuel economy of the vehicle as determined by
EPA's Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 2206) in
advertisements that make representations regarding the fuel economy of
a new vehicle. These EPA fuel economy numbers also appear on window
labels attached to new automobiles.
In 1978 and 1995, the Commission amended the Guide to make it
consistent with EPA Information Disclosure Act changes regarding fuel
economy disclosures. 43 FR 55757 (November 29, 1978); 60 FR 56230 (Nov.
8, 1995).
II. Regulatory Review Program
The Commission has determined to review all current Commission
rules and guides periodically. These reviews seek information about the
cost and benefits of the Commission's rules and guides and their
regulatory and economic impact. The information obtained assists the
Commission in identifying rules and guides that warrant modification or
rescission. Therefore, the Commission solicits comments on, among other
things, the economic impact of and the continuing need for the Guide
concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles; possible
conflict between the Guide and state, local or other federal laws; and
the effect on the Guide of any technological, economic, or other
industry changes.
III. Request for Comment
The Commission solicits written public comments on the following
questions:
(1) Is there a continuing need for the Guide Concerning Fuel
Economy Advertising for New Automobiles?
(a) What benefits has the Guide provided to purchasers of the
product affected by the Guide?
(b) Has the Guide imposed costs on purchasers?
(2) What changes, if any, should be made to the Guide to increase
the benefits of the Guide to purchasers? How would these changes affect
the costs the Guide imposes on firms who conform to its advice? How
would these changes affect the benefits to purchasers?
(3) What significant burdens or costs, including costs of
compliance, has the Guide imposed on firms who conform to its advice?
Has the Guide provided benefits to such firms? If so, what benefits?
(4) What changes, if any, should be made to the Guide to reduce the
burdens or costs imposed on firms who conform to its advice? How would
these changes affect the benefits provided by the Guide?
(5) Does the Guide overlap or conflict with other federal, state,
or local laws or regulations?
(6) Since the Guide was issued, what effects have changes in
relevant technology or economic conditions had on the Guide? Do sellers
of automobiles use E-mail or the Internet to promote or sell by using
fuel economy advertisements? Does the use of this new technology affect
consumers' rights or advertisers' responsibilities under the Guide?
(7) Are there any abuses occurring in the promotion or advertising
of fuel economy that are not covered by the Guide? If so, what
mechanisms should be explored to address such abuses (e.g., consumer
education, industry self-regulation, revisions to the Guide)?
List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 259
Advertising, Fuel economy, Trade practices.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.
By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-9842 Filed 4-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-P
