When purchasing a new car in the U.S. or Canada, you might notice a label providing details about its parts content. This isn’t just random information; it’s a requirement under the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA). These Car Parts Labels are designed to offer transparency about where your vehicle’s components come from, helping you make informed decisions.
What Information is on Car Parts Labels?
Every new passenger motor vehicle sold in the U.S. and Canada must display a label containing six key pieces of information related to its car parts labels:
- Percentage of U.S./Canadian Parts Content: This indicates the proportion of equipment (parts) value originating from the United States and Canada.
- Major Non-North American Content Sources: If any single country outside the U.S. and Canada contributes 15 percent or more to the parts content, up to two of these countries must be listed along with their respective percentage contributions.
- Final Assembly Point: The label specifies the city, state (if applicable), and country where the vehicle was finally assembled.
- Engine Origin: The country of origin for the vehicle’s engine is clearly stated.
- Transmission Origin: Similarly, the country of origin for the vehicle’s transmission is provided.
- Important Disclaimer: A statement clarifies that the parts content percentage excludes costs associated with final assembly (except for engine and transmission), distribution, and other non-parts related expenses.
This detailed breakdown on car parts labels empowers consumers with a clearer picture of a vehicle’s manufacturing origins beyond just the brand name.
Understanding US/Canadian Content Calculation
It’s important to note that the percentages displayed on car parts labels are calculated on a “carline” basis, not for each individual vehicle. A “carline” refers to a group of vehicles with similar construction, like body and chassis, often sharing a nameplate. This means the US/Canadian content percentage is an average for a range of vehicles within that carline and is typically rounded to the nearest 5 percent.
Vehicle manufacturers perform these calculations annually, prior to each model year. They estimate production volumes for different models within a carline, considering various equipment options. The calculation of the US/Canadian content percentage involves:
- Determining the U.S./Canadian content value for every part used in vehicles within the carline.
- Calculating the total value (manufacturer’s purchase price) of each part.
- Estimating the quantity of each part to be used throughout the model year for that carline.
- Accounting for optional equipment and its anticipated installation rates across the carline.
This comprehensive approach ensures that car parts labels accurately reflect the average North American content for a vehicle model line.
Where to Find Car Parts Labels on Your Vehicle
The AALA mandates that car parts labels be placed in a prominent location on each new passenger vehicle. This ensures they are easily visible from the exterior, even when the vehicle doors are closed. These labels can be integrated into:
- The Monroney price information label (window sticker).
- The fuel economy label.
- A separate, dedicated label.
Look for these labels typically on the vehicle’s windows to easily access information about car parts labels before making a purchase decision.
Accessing Further Information and NHTSA Reports
The information displayed on car parts labels is derived from reports submitted by vehicle manufacturers to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA makes these reports publicly available, offering even more detailed data.
For those interested in delving deeper, NHTSA provides:
- Part 583 AALA Reports (Alphabetical): Reports organized alphabetically by manufacturer and year.
- Part 583 AALA Reports (Percentage): Reports sorted by US/Canadian parts percentage, broken down by year.
These reports, accessible on the NHTSA website, provide comprehensive listings of vehicle information related to car parts labels.
If you require access to original manufacturer submissions or need research assistance with Part 583 filings, you can contact the NHTSA Technical Information Services (TIS). Their Reading Room in Washington, DC, is open to the public, and TIS staff can assist with inquiries. For remote requests, you can contact them via mail or email for fee-based searches. Contact details are available on the NHTSA website.
Conclusion: Empowering Consumers with Car Parts Labels
Car parts labels are a valuable tool for consumers in the U.S. and Canadian automotive market. They provide essential transparency regarding the origin of vehicle components, empowering buyers to consider this information as part of their purchasing decision. By understanding how to read and interpret these labels, and by knowing where to access further details from NHTSA, consumers can gain a more informed perspective on the vehicles they are considering. This ultimately promotes greater transparency and empowers consumers in the automotive marketplace.
