For anyone in the market for a new car, understanding where its parts come from and how much of it is made in the U.S. or Canada can be valuable information. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides resources to help consumers understand this through labeled parts information on new passenger vehicles, as mandated by the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA). This guide will break down what these labels mean and how you can use them.
What is the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA)?
The American Automobile Labeling Act, or AALA, is a regulation designed to increase transparency for consumers about the origin of parts in passenger vehicles. It requires vehicle manufacturers to disclose the percentage of U.S./Canadian parts content in their vehicles. According to AALA, a passenger motor vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle designed to carry 12 or fewer people and having a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. This includes cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks, but notably excludes motorcycles and trucks not primarily designed for passengers, such as delivery trucks.
The AALA ensures that every new passenger motor vehicle displays a label detailing specific content information right up to its first retail sale. This empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on the origin of vehicle components.
Decoding the Label: 6 Key Pieces of Information
When you look at the labeled parts sticker on a new car, you’ll find six essential pieces of information. These are standardized to give you a clear snapshot of the vehicle’s composition:
- Percentage of U.S./Canadian Parts Content: This is perhaps the most prominent piece of information. It represents the percentage by value of vehicle equipment (parts) originating from the U.S. and Canada.
- Countries with Significant Parts Contribution (Beyond U.S./Canada): If any country other than the U.S. or Canada contributes 15 percent or more to the equipment 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.
- Country of Origin for the Engine: This clearly states the country where the vehicle’s engine was manufactured.
- Country of Origin for the Transmission: Similarly, this indicates the country where the vehicle’s transmission was produced.
- Explanatory Statement: A crucial 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 helps to ensure consumers understand exactly what the percentage represents.
It’s important to note that the U.S./Canada parts content and other country percentages are calculated based on the “carline,” not individual vehicles. These percentages may also be rounded to the nearest 5 percent for simplicity. A “carline” refers to a group of vehicles sharing common construction elements like body and chassis, often representing all vehicles under a specific nameplate. For instance, all models within a particular car series are considered part of the same carline. Light duty trucks and passenger cars are classified as different carlines.
How Vehicle Parts Content Percentages Are Calculated
Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for calculating these equipment content percentages for each carline before the start of a model year. This process involves estimations and several key factors:
- U.S./Canadian Content Value: Manufacturers assess the value of each piece of equipment (part) from the U.S. and Canada that will be used in assembling vehicles within a specific carline.
- Total Value of Each Equipment Item: This refers to the price the manufacturer pays for each part, typically provided by their suppliers.
- Total Number of Equipment Items: Manufacturers estimate the total quantity of each equipment item needed to assemble all vehicles within the carline during the model year.
When considering optional equipment, manufacturers also estimate how frequently these options will be installed across the carline. For example, if a carline offers both manual and automatic transmissions, they will project the number of vehicles expected to be built with each type.
Where to Locate the Parts Content Label
The AALA mandates that the parts content label must be placed in a location where it is easily visible from the exterior of the vehicle when the doors are closed. You can typically find this label in one of three places:
- Monroney Price Information Label: Often referred to as the “window sticker,” this label provides comprehensive pricing and feature information.
- Fuel Economy Label: This label details the vehicle’s fuel efficiency ratings.
- Separate Label: In some cases, the parts content information may be displayed on a standalone label.
Regardless of its format, the label is designed to be readily accessible for consumers to review before making a purchase decision.
Accessing Further Information from NHTSA
The tables referenced in the original NHTSA document provide a snapshot of the data submitted by vehicle manufacturers, highlighting the U.S./Canadian content percentage, vehicle type, and manufacturing locations. However, NHTSA offers even more resources for consumers seeking detailed information.
For additional safety information, including standard and optional safety equipment and systems, you can visit the NHTSA website. The site also provides data from the agency’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), including frontal and side crash protection ratings and rollover resistance information. For immediate assistance, you can contact the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
For those interested in delving deeper into the original manufacturer submissions or conducting research on Part 583 submissions, the NHTSA Technical Information Services (TIS) offers resources. You can visit their Reading Room in Washington, D.C., or submit detailed research requests in writing, potentially incurring a fee for extensive searches. Contact TIS via mail or email at [email protected] for more information.
Technical Information Services (NPO-411)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.
East Building (E12-100)
Washington, DC 20590
For general inquiries, the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 can provide assistance. For specific research requests to TIS, it’s recommended to submit them in writing. Fax requests can be sent to (202-493-2833), but responses will be provided via mail or courier. More details on TIS Services and associated fees are available online. For questions regarding Part 583 submissions, Ahmad Barnes at [email protected] is the responsible contact person.
Conclusion: Empowering Informed Car Buyers
Understanding the labeled parts information on new vehicles empowers consumers to make choices that align with their preferences regarding domestic content and manufacturing origins. By utilizing the resources provided by NHTSA and understanding the AALA guidelines, car buyers can gain valuable insights into the composition of their vehicles. This knowledge contributes to a more informed and transparent car buying experience.
