For anyone interested in the automotive industry or when considering purchasing a new car, understanding where its parts come from can be a significant factor. The labels on new passenger vehicles provide valuable insights into their composition, specifically highlighting the North American parts content. These labels are mandated by the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA), designed to inform consumers about the origin of vehicle components. This article will delve into the details of these “Car Parts Labeled,” explaining what information they provide and why it matters.
What are Car Parts Labels and Why Do They Matter?
The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) requires vehicle manufacturers to disclose the percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts in new passenger vehicles. This act aims to increase transparency for consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions based on the origin of vehicle components. These labels are not just about national pride; they reflect the complex global supply chains within the automotive industry. Understanding these labels helps consumers grasp the economic impact of their vehicle purchases and the interconnectedness of automotive manufacturing. The AALA defines passenger motor vehicles as those designed to carry 12 or fewer people and have a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less, excluding motorcycles and certain trucks not primarily designed for passenger transport.
Key Information Found on Car Parts Labels
Every new passenger vehicle is required to display a label containing six crucial pieces of information about its parts and assembly:
Percentage of U.S./Canadian Parts Content
This is perhaps the most prominent piece of information. The label clearly states the percentage of equipment (parts) originating from the U.S. and Canada. This figure represents the combined value of parts from both countries as a proportion of the total value of all parts in the vehicle.
Countries Contributing 15% or More of Parts Content (Excluding U.S. and Canada)
If any single country other than the U.S. or Canada contributes 15 percent or more to the vehicle’s parts content, up to two such countries must be listed along with their respective percentage contributions. This provides further clarity on significant parts sourcing outside of North America.
Final Assembly Point
The label specifies where the vehicle was finally assembled, including the city, state (if applicable), and country. This helps consumers understand the vehicle’s manufacturing location and potential regional economic impact.
Country of Origin for the Engine
The country where the vehicle’s engine was manufactured is explicitly stated. The engine is a critical component, and its origin is of interest to many buyers.
Country of Origin for the Transmission
Similar to the engine, the label also indicates the country of origin for the vehicle’s transmission. These two powertrain components are often considered key indicators of a vehicle’s overall origin and manufacturing strategy.
Important Disclaimer about Parts Content
Finally, the label includes a statement clarifying that the parts content percentage excludes costs associated with final assembly (except for the engine and transmission), distribution, and other non-parts expenses. This ensures consumers understand that the percentage focuses specifically on the value of the manufactured parts themselves and not the total vehicle cost breakdown.
How is the U.S./Canadian Content Percentage Calculated?
It’s important to note that the U.S./Canadian content percentage is calculated on a “carline” basis, not for each individual vehicle. A “carline” refers to a group of vehicles with shared construction elements, such as body and chassis, typically under a specific nameplate. Light-duty trucks and passenger cars are considered different carlines.
Vehicle manufacturers estimate the U.S./Canadian content percentage before each model year. This calculation involves several factors:
- U.S./Canadian Content Value of Each Part: Manufacturers determine the value of each part sourced from the U.S. and Canada that will be used in vehicles within a specific carline.
- Total Value of Each Part: This refers to the price the manufacturer pays for each part, typically provided by their suppliers.
- Quantity of Each Part: Manufacturers estimate the number of each part required to assemble all vehicles within the carline during the model year.
- Optional Equipment Considerations: For optional equipment like different transmissions, manufacturers estimate the installation rates to accurately reflect the parts content across the carline.
These factors are combined to calculate the overall U.S./Canadian content percentage for each carline, which may be rounded to the nearest 5 percent for labeling purposes.
Where to Find Car Parts Labels on Your Vehicle?
The AALA mandates that the label must be placed in a prominent location where it is easily readable from the exterior of the vehicle, even when the doors are closed. Common locations include:
- Monroney Price Information Label: The parts content label may be integrated into the Monroney label, which is the window sticker displaying the vehicle’s MSRP and other pricing details.
- Fuel Economy Label: It can also be incorporated into the fuel economy label, providing a combined source of important vehicle information.
- Separate Label: In some cases, manufacturers may choose to use a separate label specifically for the parts content information.
Regardless of its format, the label is designed to be readily accessible to consumers at the point of sale.
Accessing More Detailed Vehicle Information from NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiles and publishes reports based on the information submitted by vehicle manufacturers. These reports offer a more comprehensive view of U.S./Canadian parts content across different carlines and manufacturers.
For those seeking even deeper insights, NHTSA’s Technical Information Services (TIS) provides access to the original manufacturer submissions and research data related to Part 583 AALA filings. The TIS Reading Room in Washington, D.C., is open to the public for on-site research, and TIS staff are available to assist users. For remote inquiries requiring extensive research, TIS offers fee-based search services. Contact information for TIS, including address, phone number, email, and fax, is readily available on the NHTSA website for those who wish to delve further into this data.
Conclusion: Be an Informed Consumer with Car Parts Labels
Understanding “car parts labeled” and the information provided on vehicle labels empowers consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions. Whether you are prioritizing domestically sourced components, interested in the global manufacturing footprint of your vehicle, or simply curious about the origins of its parts, these labels provide a valuable window into the composition of your car. By utilizing this readily available information and resources like NHTSA’s TIS, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the automotive industry and the origins of the vehicle you drive.
