Interpretation ID: nht89-1.12

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 02/03/89

FROM: KENNETH E. MADDEN -- RESEARCH ASSOCIATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

TO: ERIKA JONES -- CHIEF COUNSEL NHTSA

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 03/24/89 FROM ERIKA Z. JONES -- NHTSA TO KEITH E. MADDEN, REDBOOK A33 (2), CUSTOM REGULATIONS; LETTER DATED 12/04/87 FROM PAUL L. PETERSCHMIDT TO GEORGE PARKER

TEXT: Dear Ms. Jones:

Over a year ago we sent the inclosed coorespondence to DOT detailing the test plans for the importation and testing of three neat ethanol pickups under DOT Form HS 7, Item 7. We now have progressed to ordering the vehicles. Auto-Latino, Sao Paulo, Br azil routinely exports gas and diesel vehicles into Baltimore, Md. but has never exported the ethanol vehicle. Mr. Walter D'Alesandro, Export Manager Ford Brazil, specifically requests some form of official acquiescence to this procedure before producti on and shipment of the vehicles.

We have requested this assurance from DOT and have been referred to your office in phone conversations with Mr. Clive Van Orden and Mr. Taylor Vincent. I appreciate the fact that Mr. D'Alesandro is not subject to US jurisdiction, but he is concerned a bout repurcussions if things are not in order. A letter from your agency to the University of Iowa stating that there are no legal or administrative roadblocks to this importation would be appreciated.

We would appreciate your earliest accomodation to this matter since we must hold off ordering these vehicles until some assurance can be sent to Sao Paulo, Brazil. If there is any question regarding the test plan or this request please contact me at (319) 335-1415 or 1400. Thank you.

Sincerely,