When you’re in the market for a new car, you’re likely considering factors like fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and features. But have you ever noticed the label detailing the car’s U.S./Canadian parts content? This label is mandated by the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) and provides valuable insights into where your vehicle’s components come from. As car experts at carparteu.com, we’re here to break down what this label means and why it matters.
What is the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA)?
The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) is a regulation enacted to inform consumers about the North American parts content of passenger motor vehicles. Administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), AALA requires vehicle manufacturers to disclose the percentage of U.S./Canadian parts in their vehicles. This act aims to increase transparency and help buyers make informed decisions based on the origin of vehicle components.
The AALA defines a passenger motor vehicle 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 excludes motorcycles and vehicles not primarily designed for passenger transport, such as delivery trucks. These Labeled Car Parts are a key piece of information for consumers.
Decoding the Labeled Car Parts: What Information is Provided?
Every new passenger motor vehicle must display a label containing six crucial pieces of information about its labeled car parts and origin. Understanding these elements can empower you as a buyer:
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Percentage of U.S./Canadian Equipment (Parts) Content: This is the headline figure, indicating the proportion of the vehicle’s parts, by value, that originate from the U.S. or Canada.
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Countries of Origin (Other than 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 such countries must be listed along with their respective percentage contributions. This highlights significant global sourcing.
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Final Assembly Point: The label specifies the city, state (if applicable), and country where the vehicle was finally assembled. This pinpoints the vehicle’s manufacturing location.
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Country of Origin of the Engine: Knowing where the engine was manufactured provides insight into the powertrain’s origin.
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Country of Origin of the Transmission: Similar to the engine, the transmission’s country of origin is also disclosed.
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Explanatory Statement: A crucial statement clarifies that the parts content percentage excludes costs associated with final assembly (except for engine and transmission assembly), distribution, and other non-parts expenses. This ensures consumers understand what the percentage truly represents.
It’s important to note that the U.S./Canada content percentage and other country percentages are calculated on a “carline” basis, not for each individual vehicle. A “carline” refers to a group of vehicles with shared construction elements like body and chassis. This means the label reflects an average for a particular model line. Percentages are also rounded to the nearest 5 percent for simplicity.
How is U.S./Canadian Content for Labeled Car Parts Calculated?
Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for calculating the equipment content percentages for each carline before the model year begins. This calculation involves a detailed estimation process:
- U.S./Canadian Content of Each Part: Manufacturers assess the value of each piece of equipment (part) used in assembling vehicles within a carline that originates from the U.S. or Canada.
- Total Value of Each Part: They determine the total cost of each part, typically based on supplier pricing.
- Quantity of Each Part: Manufacturers estimate the number of each part required to assemble all vehicles within the carline during the model year.
When vehicles offer optional equipment, manufacturers also factor in the estimated installation rates for those options. For example, if a carline offers both manual and automatic transmissions, they will estimate the proportion of vehicles expected to be built with each transmission type to ensure accurate labeled car parts content calculation.
Where to Find the Labeled Car Parts Information?
The AALA label must be placed in a prominent location on each vehicle so it’s easily readable from the outside when the doors are closed. It can be integrated into the Monroney price information label (the window sticker) or the fuel economy label. In some cases, it might be a separate, dedicated label, but always readily visible to potential buyers.
Accessing NHTSA Data on Labeled Car Parts
NHTSA compiles reports based on the information submitted by vehicle manufacturers regarding labeled car parts. These reports are publicly available and offer a valuable resource for consumers seeking detailed information. NHTSA provides these reports in two main formats:
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Part 583 AALA Reports, Alphabetical: Organized alphabetically by manufacturer and further broken down by year, these reports allow you to easily find data for specific brands.
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Part 583 AALA Reports, Percentage: These reports focus on U.S./Canadian parts content, categorized by percentage and year, allowing for quick comparisons of domestic content across different vehicles.
These tables typically include the percentage of U.S./Canadian content, the vehicle type (passenger car, MPV, etc.), and the manufacturing locations (U.S./Canada, elsewhere, or both). You can determine your vehicle type by checking the certification label usually located on the driver’s door or doorjamb.
Beyond labeled car parts data, NHTSA’s website (NHTSA.gov) offers extensive information on vehicle safety, including standard and optional safety equipment and crash test ratings from the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). For direct assistance, you can contact NHTSA’s Auto Safety Hotline.
For researchers or those wanting to delve deeper into the original manufacturer submissions, NHTSA’s Technical Information Services (TIS) provides access to Part 583 submissions. You can visit the TIS Reading Room or submit written requests for information, potentially for a fee for extensive searches.
Contact Information for NHTSA Technical Information Services (TIS):
- Address: Technical Information Services (NPO-411), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., East Building (E12-100), Washington, DC 20590
- Phone: 888-327-4236 (General inquiries, reference requests required for TIS)
- Email: [email protected] (For written requests)
- Fax: (202-493-2833) (For submitting requests)
- TIS Services & Fees: TIS Services
For questions specifically about Part 583 submissions, you can contact Ahmad Barnes at [email protected].
Conclusion
Understanding labeled car parts and the AALA label is a valuable step towards becoming a more informed car buyer. By utilizing the information provided on these labels and the resources offered by NHTSA, you can gain a clearer picture of your vehicle’s origins and make purchasing decisions that align with your preferences. Explore the NHTSA website and reports to further research labeled car parts and ensure you’re well-equipped with knowledge when choosing your next vehicle.
