When purchasing a new vehicle in the United States, you might notice a label providing details about its origin and component sources. This label, often found on the car door or doorjamb, is mandated by the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA). It’s designed to inform consumers about the percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts in their vehicles, helping them make informed decisions. This article will delve into the specifics of these “Car Door Parts Labeled” disclosures, explaining what they mean and why they are important.
The AALA, enacted to increase transparency in the automotive industry, requires vehicle manufacturers to disclose the U.S./Canadian content of passenger vehicles. This includes cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and light-duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. Motorcycles and heavier trucks designed primarily for purposes other than carrying passengers are excluded. Understanding this labeling helps consumers gauge the North American economic contribution in their vehicle’s manufacturing.
Every new passenger motor vehicle must display a label with six key pieces of information regarding its parts content and assembly. These are crucial elements to look for when examining “car door parts labeled” information:
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U.S./Canadian Parts Content Percentage: This is the headline figure, indicating the percentage by value of vehicle equipment (parts) originating from the U.S. and Canada. This percentage is calculated for the vehicle’s “carline,” a term referring to a group of vehicles with shared construction characteristics like body and chassis, rather than each individual vehicle.
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Countries with Significant Parts Contribution (Non-US/Canada): If any single country other than the U.S. or Canada contributes 15 percent or more to the vehicle’s parts content, up to two of these countries must be listed, along with their respective percentage contributions. This provides transparency into other major global sources of vehicle components.
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Final Assembly Point: The label specifies the city, state (if applicable), and country where the vehicle was finally assembled. This indicates the vehicle’s manufacturing location.
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Engine Origin Country: The country of origin for the vehicle’s engine is clearly stated.
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Transmission Origin Country: Similarly, the country of origin for the vehicle’s transmission is also provided.
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Disclaimer 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 expenses. This ensures consumers understand that the percentage reflects component value, not the total vehicle cost breakdown.
It’s important to understand that the U.S./Canadian content percentage, along with percentages for other countries, are calculated at the “carline” level. Vehicle manufacturers perform these calculations before each model year begins. They estimate production volumes for different vehicle configurations within each carline, considering variations like base and high-line models. The calculation process involves:
- Determining the U.S./Canadian content value for every piece of motor vehicle equipment used in assembling vehicles within a carline.
- Calculating the total value of each equipment item, based on the manufacturer’s purchase price (typically obtained from suppliers).
- Estimating the total quantity of each equipment item needed for the carline’s production during the model year.
When vehicles within a carline offer optional equipment, manufacturers estimate the installation rates for these options. For instance, if a carline includes both manual and automatic transmissions, they will project the number of vehicles expected to be built with each transmission type. These estimations are crucial for accurately calculating the overall parts content percentages.
The “car door parts labeled” information is designed to be easily accessible to consumers. The label must be placed in a prominent location on each vehicle, visible from the exterior when the doors are closed. It can be integrated into the Monroney price sticker (window sticker), the fuel economy label, or presented as a separate, dedicated label. Regardless of format, its purpose is to readily inform potential buyers about the vehicle’s parts origins.
For those seeking more detailed information, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiles reports submitted by vehicle manufacturers. These reports, accessible to the public, provide a deeper dive into the data behind the “car door parts labeled” percentages. NHTSA’s website, NHTSA.gov, offers additional resources on vehicle safety equipment, crash test ratings (NCAP), and rollover resistance. For direct assistance or to request research on Part 583 submissions (AALA reports), you can contact NHTSA’s Technical Information Services (TIS).
Contacting NHTSA for Further Information:
For those wanting to explore the original manufacturer submissions or request research based on Part 583 filings, NHTSA’s Technical Information Services (TIS) is available. Their Reading Room in Washington, D.C. is open to the public during specific hours. TIS staff can assist visitors with their research needs. For security reasons, contacting the Reference Desk beforehand is advisable.
Individuals unable to visit in person can submit detailed written requests for extensive searches, potentially subject to a fee. These requests can be mailed to the provided address or emailed, although responses will be sent via mail or courier.
NHTSA Technical Information Services Contact Details:
Technical Information Services (NPO-411)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.
East Building (E12-100)
Washington, DC 20590
General inquiries can be made via phone, but specific research requests should be submitted in writing to allow TIS to properly log and assign them. Fax submissions are also accepted, with responses delivered by mail. Further details about TIS services and associated fees, along with information about the Reading Room, are available via a provided link on the NHTSA website.
In Conclusion:
The “car door parts labeled” information, mandated by the American Automobile Labeling Act, plays a vital role in informing consumers about the origins of their vehicles’ components. By providing transparency into U.S./Canadian content, assembly locations, and engine/transmission origins, these labels empower buyers to make informed decisions aligned with their preferences. For deeper research and access to detailed manufacturer reports, NHTSA’s Technical Information Services stands as a valuable resource, ensuring public access to comprehensive vehicle parts content information.
