Cost Evaluation for Nine Federal Motor Vehicle Standards. Volume VI: FMVSS 220 (School Bus, Rollover Protection), 221 (School Bus, Joint Strength), 222 (School Bus, Seating and Crash Protection)

摘要

Total consumer out-of-pocket costs have been estimated for three school bus Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These are the FMVSS 220 Rollover Protection, FMVSS 221 Body Joint Strength, and FMVSS 222 Seating and Crash Protection. From a list of eight major school bus body builders, three were selected for plant visits. The manufacturers representatives were questioned as to the extent of design, material, production, and personnel changes required to meet each standard. A plant inspection tour was made and the types of buses produced and the rates of production were established. The general findings as to the changes in design and production required to meet the new standards were: FMVSS 220--No change; FMVSS 221--Adhesive added to body joints; and FMVSS 222--Seats strengthened, padding added, front barriers added, seat belts added to under 10,000 pound vehicles. The typical variable profit of the manufacturer was established as was an average dealer's discount. The average costs of complying with the standards were established as: FMVSS 220--No cost; FMVSS 221--$242.37; and FMVSS 222--$784.72 (over 10,000 pounds GVWR)--$249.92 (under 10,000 pounds GVWR).