VCP-17 - Original Nissan Skyline GT-R and GTS petition - PDF
Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(l)(A),a motor vehicle that was not originally
manufactured to conform to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety
standards shall be refused admission into the United States unless NHTSA has decided that the motor vehicle is substantially similar to a motor vehicle
originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the United States,
certified under 49U.S.C. 30115, and of the same model year as the model of the
motor vehicle to be compared, and is capable of being readily altered to
conform to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Where there is
no substantially similar U.S.-certified motor vehicle, 49U.S.C.30141(a)(l)(B)
permits a nonconforming motor vehicle to be admitted into the United States if
its safety features comply with, or are capable of being altered to comply with,
all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards based on destructive
test data or such other evidence as NHTSA decides to be adequate.
Petitions for eligibility decisions may be submitted by either manufacturers or
importers who have registered with NHTSA pursuant to 49CFRpart 592.As
specified in 49 CFR 593.7,NHTSA
This document announces the decision by NHTSA that 1990-1999 Nissan GTS and GTR Passenger cars not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards are eligible for importation into the United States because they have safety features that comply with, or are capable of being altered to comply with such standards.
102 Transmission Shift Lever Sequence. . . (based on comparison of components to
those on comparable U.S.-certified models, such as the Nissan 300ZXTurbo),
I03 Defrosting and Defogging Systems (based on engineering analysis
and comparison of components to those on comparable U.S.-certified models,
such as the Nissan 300ZXand 300ZXTurbo),
104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems (based on engineering
analysis and comparison of components to those on comparable U.S.-certified
models, such as the Nissan 24OSX, 3OOZX,300ZXTurbo, and Maxima),
105 Hydraulic Brake Systems (based on engineering analysis and comparison of
components to those on comparable U.S.-certified models, such as the
Nissan 300ZXand Maxima),
106Brake Hoses (based on comparison of components to those on comparable
U.S.-certified models and on visual inspection of certification markings),
109 New Pneumatic Tires (based on visual inspection of certification
markings),
113 Hood Latch Systems (based on comparison of components to
those on comparable U.S.-certified models, such as the Nissan 300ZXTurbo),
116 Brake Fluids (based on visual inspection of certification markings),
124 Accelerator Control Systems (based on engineering analysis
and comparison of components to those on comparable U.S.-certified models,
such as the Nissan 300ZXTurbo, which also utilize dual return springs, either of
which is capable of closing the throttle when the other is disconnected),
202 Head Restraints (based on results of dynamic tests conducted for petitioner
by MGAResearch Corporation to establish vehicles’ compliance with
Standards 208and 301),
203 Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System (based on
results of dynamic tests conducted for petitioner by MGAResearch
Corporation to establish vehicles’ compliance with Standard 208),
204 Steering Control Rearward Displacement (based on results of
dynamic tests conducted for petitioner by MGAResearch Corporation to
establish vehicles’ compliance with Standard 208),
205 Glazing Materials (based on comparison of components to
those on comparable U.S.-certified models and on visual inspection of
certification markings),
206 Door Locks and Door Retention Components (based on results of dynamic tests conducted
for petitioner by MGAResearch Corporation to establish vehicles’ compliance with Standards 208and 301,in which forces exerted far exceed those specified in Standard 206),
209 Seat Belt Assemblies (based on comparison of components to those on
comparable U.S.-certified models and on visual inspection of certification
markings),
216 Roof Crush Resistance (based on comparison of roof structure
to that of comparable U.S. certified models, such as the Nissan 300ZX,and
on engineering analysis),
219 Windshield Zone Intrusion (based on test data), and 302Flammability of
Interior Materials (based on comparison of components to those on comparable
U.S.-certified models).
Petitioner also stated that based on engineering analysis the 1990-1999Nissan GTSand GTR passenger cars comply with the Bumper Standard found at 49 CFR part 581.The petitioner
observed that the bumpers are of a customary plastic/nylon design impregnated with body color and that they are mounted with high energy absorption components.
The petitioner also contended that 1990-1999Nissan GTSand GTR passenger cars are capable of being altered to comply with the following standards, in the manner indicated:
Standard No. 101Controls and Displays: (a) substitution of a lens
marked “Brake” for a lens with an ECE symbol on the brake failure indicator
lamp; (b)installation of a speedometer/odometer calibrated in miles per hour.
Petitioner stated that it is also silk screening its own custom faces to meet
the standard. Petitioner further stated that the remaining controls and displays
are identical to those found on comparable U.S.-certified models, such
as the Nissan 3OOZX.
Standard No. 108Lamps, Reflective
Devices and Associated Equipment: (a)
Installation of U.S.-model headlamps
and front sidemarker lights; (b)
installation of U.S.-model rear
sidemarker lights and reflectors; (c)
installation of a high mounted stop
lamp, if the vehicle is not already so
equipped. The petitioner asserts that the
tail lamp assemblies meet the standard
in all respects.
Standard No. 110Tire Selection and
Rims: installation of a tire information
placard. Petitioner stated that the rims
that are equipped on the vehicle have
DOT certification markings and are
identical to those found on comparable
U.S.-certified models, such as the
Nissan 300ZXTurbo.
Standard No. 111Rearview Mirrors:
replacement of the passenger side
rearview mirror with a U.S.-model
component.
Standard No. 114Theft Protection:
installation of a U.S.-model warning
buzzer in the steering lock electrical
circuit on all models and installation of
a U.S.-model seatbelt warning system on
1990-1993 models, Petitioner stated
that the components installed on GTSmodels will be identical to those found
on the Nissan Maxima, and the
components installed on GTR models
will be identical to those found on the
Nissan 3OOZXTurbo.
Standard No. 118Power-Operated
Window Systems: installation of a relay
(identical to that found on the Nissan
~ooZX)in the power window system of
1990-1993models so that the window
transport is inoperative when the
ignition is switched off. Petitioner stated
that 1994-1999 models are already
equipped with this component.
On May 12,1999,uner49CFRpart
512, NHTSA’s Office of Chief Counsel
granted J.K.‘srequest for confidential
treatment of structural drawings
submitted with the petition to
demonstrate the capability of the
vehicles to be conformed to Standard
Nos. 201,207,208,210,214,and 301,
but denied J.K.‘srequest for confidential
treatment of test data submitted with the
petition that confirmed the vehicles’
conformity with the standards. The
material for which confidentiality was
denied has been placed in the public
docket, together with a copy of the
petition.
Standard No. 201Occupant
Protection in Interior Impact: The
petitioner stated that compliance with
Standard 201was demonstrated in
dynamic tests conducted for the
petitioner by MGAResearch
Corporation to establish the vehicles’
compliance with Standards 208and
301.These tests were conducted after
the petitioner had made structural
modifications to the dash area of the
vehicles.
Standard No. 207Seating Systems:
The petitioner stated that compliance
with Standard 207was demonstrated in
dynamic tests conducted for the
petitioner by MGAResearch
Corporation to establish the vehicles’
compliance with Standards 208and
301.These tests were conducted after
the petitioner had made structural
modifications to the seat frames.
Standard No. 208Occupant Crash
Protection: (a) Replacement of the
driver’s side airbagon 1990-1993models, and the driver’s and passenger’s
side airbagson 1994-1999models with
components manufactured to
petitioner’s specifications based on the
results of static and dynamic tests
conducted by MGAResearch
Corporation. These tests were
conducted after petitioner had made
certain structural modifications to the
vehicle; (b)installation of an airbagwarning label on each sun visor.
Petitioner stated that the vehicle is
equipped with a seatbeltwarning lamp
and buzzer that are identical to
components found on comparable U.S.certified
models. The petitioner also
stated that the vehicles are equipped
with combination lap and shoulder
restraints that adjust by means of an
automatic retractor and release by
means of a single push button at all
front and rear designated seating
positions.
Standard No. 210 Seat Belt Assembly
Anchorages: The petitioner stated that
compliance with Standard 207was
demonstrated in dynamic tests
conducted for the petitioner by MGAResearch Corporation to establish the
vehicles’ compliance with Standards
208 and 301.These tests were
conducted after structural modifications
at seat belt assembly anchorage points.
That are depicted in structural drawings
that were granted confidentiality by
NHTSA’sOffice of Chief Counsel under
49 CFR part 512.
Standard No. 212 Windshield Retention: application of adhesives to
the windshield’s edges.
Standard No. 214 Side Impact
Protection: The petitioner stated that
compliance with Standard 214 was
demonstrated in dynamic tests on both
sides of the vehicle conducted for the
petitioner by MGAResearch
Corporation. These tests were
conducted after certain structural
modifications to the vehicle. The
petitioner observed that no doors
opened on impact in the course of these
tests.
Standard No. 301 Fuel System Integrity: The petitioner stated that
compliance with Standard 301was demonstrated in dynamic tests
conducted for the petitioner by MGAResearch Corporation. These tests were
made after fuel system modifications made in conjunction with those
necessary to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
The petitioner additionally stated that a vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate must be attached to the left windshield post and a reference and
certification label must be added in the left front door post area to meet 49 CFR
part 565.
No comments were received in response to the notice of petition.
Based on its review of the information submitted by the petitioner, NHTSAhas
decided to grant the petition. Vehicle Eligibility Number for Subject Vehicles
The importer of a vehicle admissible under any final determination must
indicate on the form HS-7accompanying entry the appropriate
vehicle eligibility number indicating
that the vehicle is eligible for entry.
VCP-17 is the vehicle eligibility number
assigned to vehicles admissible under
this determination.
Final Decision
Accordingly, on the basis of the foregoing, NHTSA hereby decides that
1990-1999 Nissan GTS and GTR Passenger cars are eligible for
importation into the United States because they have safety features that
comply with, or are capable of being altered to comply with, all applicable
Federal motor vehicle safety standards.
However though , the DOT rescinded VCP-17 . They modified it to only include 1996-1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R and GTS. This runs into issues with the EPA on a vehicle that is 1996 or newer. The confidential modifications, made it impossible for anyone other than Motorex to merely copy what Motorex did.
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