For individuals in the market for a new vehicle, understanding where its parts originate can be a significant factor in the purchasing decision. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides reports designed to aid consumers by detailing the U.S./Canadian content of passenger motor vehicles. This information is derived from reports submitted by vehicle manufacturers, adhering to the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA). This article will explore the concept of Labelled Car Parts and what this labeling signifies for consumers.
What is the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA)?
The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) is legislation that mandates vehicle manufacturers to disclose the percentage of U.S./Canadian parts content in passenger motor vehicles. According to the AALA, a passenger motor vehicle is defined as one designed to carry no more than 12 people and having a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. This definition encompasses multipurpose passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks, but excludes motorcycles and trucks not primarily intended for passenger transport, such as delivery trucks. The purpose of this act is to ensure transparency for consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions based on the origin of vehicle components.
Key Information on Labelled Car Parts
Every new passenger motor vehicle is required to display a label containing six critical pieces of information related to its parts content and origin. These labelled car parts disclosures include:
Percentage of U.S./Canadian Equipment (Parts) Content
This is a primary piece of information on the label, indicating the percentage by value of vehicle equipment (parts) originating from the U.S. and Canada. This figure gives consumers a clear indication of the North American content within the vehicle.
Countries Contributing 15% or More of Equipment Content
If any countries other than the U.S. and Canada individually contribute 15 percent or more to the vehicle’s equipment content, their names and respective percentage contributions must be listed on the label. A maximum of two such countries are required to be disclosed.
Final Assembly Point
The label must specify the final assembly point of the vehicle, including the city, state (if applicable), and country. This helps consumers understand where the vehicle was ultimately manufactured.
Country of Origin of the Engine
The country where the vehicle’s engine was manufactured must be clearly stated. This is a key component for many buyers concerned about the origin of critical parts.
Country of Origin of the Transmission
Similar to the engine, the label also discloses the country of origin for the vehicle’s transmission, another vital component.
Disclaimer Regarding Parts Content
Finally, the label includes a statement clarifying that the parts content percentage does not encompass final assembly costs (excluding engine and transmission assembly), distribution, or other non-parts expenses. This ensures consumers understand the scope of the parts content labeling.
How is U.S./Canadian Content Calculated for Labelled Car Parts?
It’s important to note that the percentage of U.S./Canadian equipment content is calculated on a “carline” basis, rather than for each individual vehicle. A “carline” refers to a group of vehicles with common construction elements, such as body and chassis. Light duty trucks are considered distinct carlines from passenger cars. This calculation is performed by vehicle manufacturers prior to the model year’s commencement.
Manufacturers estimate the number of vehicles and subgroups within each carline, considering factors like base and high-line models. The calculation of the U.S./Canadian content percentage for each carline involves:
- Determining the U.S./Canadian content (by value) for every piece of motor vehicle equipment used in assembling vehicles within the carline.
- Establishing the total value of each equipment item, representing the price paid by the manufacturer (typically sourced from suppliers).
- Estimating the total number of each equipment item required to assemble all vehicles within the carline during the model year.
For optional equipment, manufacturers estimate installation rates. For instance, if a carline offers both manual and automatic transmissions, the manufacturer will project the number of vehicles expected to be built with each transmission type.
Accessing Information on Labelled Car Parts
The labelled car parts information is prominently displayed on each new passenger motor vehicle, positioned where it is easily readable from the exterior when the doors are closed. This label may be integrated into the Monroney price information label, the fuel economy label, or presented as a separate label.
For more detailed information, NHTSA provides public access to the original submissions from vehicle manufacturers. The NHTSA Technical Information Services (TIS) Reading Room is accessible to the public for research. TIS staff are available to assist visitors. For those unable to visit in person, written requests for extensive searches can be submitted for a fee. Contact information, including address, phone number, email, and fax, is available for those seeking further details or research assistance regarding Part 583 submissions and labelled car parts.
Conclusion
Understanding labelled car parts and the regulations surrounding their disclosure, as mandated by the AALA, empowers consumers with crucial information when purchasing new vehicles. By providing transparency about the origin of vehicle components, these labels contribute to informed decision-making and a clearer understanding of vehicle manufacturing origins. For further in-depth information, resources like the NHTSA and its Technical Information Services are available to the public, ensuring access to comprehensive data on vehicle parts content.
