[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 157 (Monday, August 16, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50036-50038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20165]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Petition To Modify an Exemption of a Previously Approved
Antitheft Device; Ford Motor Company
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA);
Department of Transportation (DOT).
[[Page 50037]]
ACTION: Grant of petition to modify an exemption of a previously
approved antitheft device.
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SUMMARY: On February 14, 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) granted in full Ford Motor Company's (Ford)
petition for an exemption in accordance with Sec. 543.9(c)(2) of 49
CFR part 543, Exemption from the Theft Prevention Standard for the Ford
Focus vehicle line beginning with model year (MY 2006). On June 18,
2010, Ford submitted a petition to modify its previously approved
exemption for the Ford Focus vehicle line beginning with model year
(MY) 2012. NHTSA is granting Ford's petition to modify the exemption in
full because it has determined that the modified device is also likely
to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention
Standard.
DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with
the 2012 model year (MY).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carlita Ballard, Office of
International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Ballard's telephone
number is (202) 366-0846. Her fax number is (202) 493-2990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 14, 2006, NHTSA published in the
Federal Register a notice granting in full a petition from Ford for an
exemption from the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention
Standard (49 part CFR 541) for the Focus vehicle line beginning with
its MY 2006 vehicles. The 2006 Ford Focus is currently equipped with a
passive antitheft device (See 71 FR 7824) and offered with an optional
perimeter alarm system.
On June 18, 2010, Ford submitted a petition to modify the
previously approved exemption for the Focus vehicle line. This notice
grants in full Ford's petition to modify the exemption for the Focus
vehicle line. Ford's submission is a complete petition, as required by
49 CFR 543.9(d), in that it meets the general requirements contained in
49 CFR 543.5 and the specific content requirements of 49 CFR 543.6.
Ford's petition provides a detailed description and diagram of the
identity, design, and location of the components of the antitheft
device proposed for installation beginning with the 2012 model year.
The MY 2006 passive antitheft device installed as standard
equipment on the Ford Focus is the Passive Antitheft Electronic Engine
Immobilizer System (PATS)/SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft Electronic
Powertrain Immobilizer System (SecuriLock). Features of the antitheft
device include an electronic key, ignition lock, and a transponder-
based electronic passive immobilizer. The MY 2006 device also
incorporates an optional perimeter alarm system which monitors all the
doors, decklid and hood of the vehicle.
Ford stated that integration of the transponder into the normal
operation of the ignition key assures activation of the device. When
the ignition key is turned to the start position, the transceiver
module reads the ignition key code and transmits an encrypted message
to the cluster. Once validation of the key is determined, the engine
can be started once a separate encrypted message is sent to the
powertrain's electronic control module (PCM). The powertrain will
function only if the key code matches the unique identification key
code previously programmed into the PCM. If the codes do not match, the
powertrain engine starter will be disabled.
In its 2012 modification, Ford will continue to offer the
SecuriLock System/PATS device as standard equipment on its base trim
level vehicles but all other trim level vehicles will have either the
SecuriLock System/PATS device as standard equipment or the optional
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start (IAwPB). Key components of
the IAwPB system is an electronic keyfob, remote function actuator,
body control module, power train control module and a passive
immobilizer. Ford stated that both devices are always active and
require no other operator action. Ford stated that in addition to a
programmed electronic key, there are three modules, the BCM, the IAwPB/
RFA module and the PCM, that must be matched together to start the
vehicle. These matched modules will not function in other vehicles if
separated from each other, adding even an additional level of security
to the IAwPB device. Specifically, in the SecuriLock/PATS device, when
the ignition key is turned to the ``start'' position, the transceiver
module reads the ignition key code and transmits an encrypted message
from the keycode to the control module, which then determines key
validity and authorizes engine starting by sending a separate encrypted
message to the powertrain control module (PCM). In the IAwPB device,
when the ``start'' button is pressed, and the brake pedal is depressed,
the Body Control Module (BCM) triggers the Remote Function Actuator
(RFA) to search for a key inside the vehicle. If a key is detected, the
RFA compares the keycode to the stored valid codes in the RFA and
reports back to the BCM whether a valid key was found. In both devices,
if the codes do not match, the vehicle will be inoperable. Ford also
stated that its MY 2012 Ford Focus vehicle line will also be equipped
with several other standard antitheft features common to Ford vehicles,
(i.e., counterfeit resistant VIN labels; secondary VINs, cabin
accessibility only with a valid key fob).
Ford stated that its MY 2012 modification will continue to
incorporate some of the same theft prevention features that made it
very difficult to defeat its MY 2006 device. Specifically, some of
those features include: Encrypted communication between the transponder
and the control function, 28 trillion possible codes, making key
duplication virtually impossible, no moving parts; inability to
mechanically override the device to start the vehicle; and the body
control module/remote function actuator and the power train control
module share security data that during vehicle assembly form matched
modules that if separated from each other will not function in other
vehicles. Ford also stated that an audible perimeter alarm system will
also be installed as standard equipment on its MY 2012 Ford Focus
vehicles with a premier trim package, adding another level of security.
The audible/visual perimeter alarm system will not be offered on
vehicles with the base trim package.
Ford stated that it believes that the planned addition of the
optional IAwPB electronic engine immobilizer system will render
ineffective, conventional theft methods, such as hot-wiring, attacking
the ignition lock cylinder and drive-away thefts.
Ford also stated that it believes that installation of the
SecuriLock/PATS device and IAwPB system are an effective deterrent
against vehicle theft. Since the same aspects of performance (i.e.,
arming and the immobilization feature) are still provided, the agency
believes that the same level of protection is being met. Since the
agency granted Ford's exemption for its MY 2006 Focus vehicle line, the
latest available theft rate using an average of 3 MY's data is 2.8629
which is still below the median theft rate.
The agency has evaluated Ford's MY 2012 petition to modify the
exemption for the Focus vehicle line from the parts-marking
requirements of 49 CFR part 541, and has decided to grant it. The
agency believes that the proposed device will continue to provide the
four
[[Page 50038]]
types of performance listed in Sec. 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.
If Ford 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 541.5 and
541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement parts).
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.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 33106; delegation of authority at 49 CFR
1.50.
Issued on: August 10, 2010.
Joseph S. Carra,
Acting Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2010-20165 Filed 8-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-M