Industry guides: New automobiles; fuel economy advertising,

[Federal Register: April 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 77)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 19729-19730]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr22ap99-17]

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

16 CFR Part 259

Request for Comment on the Guide Concerning Fuel Advertising for New Automobiles

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Request for public comment.

SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') requests public comment on the overall costs and benefits and the continuing need for its Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles (``Fuel Economy Guide'' or ``Guide''), 16 CFR Part 259, as part of the Commission's systematic review of all

[[Page 19730]]

current Commission regulations and guides.

DATES: Written comments will be accepted until June 21, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Mailed comments should be directed to: Secretary, Federal Trade Commission, Room H-159, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20580. Mailed comments should be identified as `` Fuel Guide, 16 CFR Part 256--Comment.'' E-Mail comments will be accepted at

[FuelGuide@ftc.gov] . Those who comment by e-mail should give a mailing address to which an acknowledgment can be sent.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Willie L. Greene, Investigator, Federal Trade Commission, Cleveland Regional Office, Cleveland, OH 44114, telephone number (216) 236-3406.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

   The Commission adopted the Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles in 1975 to prevent deceptive fuel economy advertising and to facilitate the use of fuel economy in advertising. Since its enactment, the Guide has advised marketers to disclose the established fuel economy of the vehicle as determined by EPA's Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 2206) in advertisements that make representations regarding the fuel economy of a new vehicle. These EPA fuel economy numbers also appear on window labels attached to new automobiles.

   In 1978 and 1995, the Commission amended the Guide to make it consistent with EPA Information Disclosure Act changes regarding fuel economy disclosures. 43 FR 55757 (November 29, 1978); 60 FR 56230 (Nov. 8, 1995).

2. Regulatory Review Program

   The Commission has determined to review all current Commission rules and guides periodically. These reviews seek information about the cost and benefits of the Commission's rules and guides and their regulatory and economic impact. The information obtained assists the Commission in identifying rules and guides that warrant modification or rescission. Therefore, the Commission solicits comments on, among other things, the economic impact of and the continuing need for the Guide concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles; possible conflict between the Guide and state, local or other federal laws; and the effect on the Guide of any technological, economic, or other industry changes.

3. Request for Comment

   The Commission solicits written public comments on the following questions:

   (1) Is there a continuing need for the Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles?

   (a) What benefits has the Guide provided to purchasers of the product affected by the Guide?

   (b) Has the Guide imposed costs on purchasers?

   (2) What changes, if any, should be made to the Guide to increase the benefits of the Guide to purchasers? How would these changes affect the costs the Guide imposes on firms who conform to its advice? How would these changes affect the benefits to purchasers?

   (3) What significant burdens or costs, including costs of compliance, has the Guide imposed on firms who conform to its advice? Has the Guide provided benefits to such firms? If so, what benefits?

   (4) What changes, if any, should be made to the Guide to reduce the burdens or costs imposed on firms who conform to its advice? How would these changes affect the benefits provided by the Guide?

   (5) Does the Guide overlap or conflict with other federal, state, or local laws or regulations?

   (6) Since the Guide was issued, what effects have changes in relevant technology or economic conditions had on the Guide? Do sellers of automobiles use E-mail or the Internet to promote or sell by using fuel economy advertisements? Does the use of this new technology affect consumers' rights or advertisers' responsibilities under the Guide?

   (7) Are there any abuses occurring in the promotion or advertising of fuel economy that are not covered by the Guide? If so, what mechanisms should be explored to address such abuses (e.g., consumer education, industry self-regulation, revisions to the Guide)?

   List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 259

   Advertising, Fuel economy, Trade practices.

   Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.

   By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary.

   [FR Doc. 99-9842Filed4-21-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 6750-01-P