News

A version of SEMA-model legislation has been reintroduced in the Tennessee State Senate to create a vehicle registration and titling classification for custom vehicles. The bill defines a custom-built car as a vehicle that is built for private use and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle it most closely resembles.

NEWS NUGGETS

The Ford Flex is among the 2009 models for which Ford is accepting project car proposals.

Ford Motor Company is once again presenting two Ford Styling Awards at the SEMA Spring Expo in Indianapolis. Known as the “2008 Ford Styling Awards—Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck or SUV," the awards recognize creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship for accessorized Ford vehicles.

The spy photographers from Brenda Priddy & Co. grabbed these winter testing shots of the much-anticipated Hummer H3T CrewCab. Although the original concept was a shortbed pickup with just two doors, economic decisions made the four-door H3 variant more affordable to produce, Priddy says.

SEMA-model legislation has been introduced in the Utah State Legislature that would exempt certain owners or occupants of land in a municipality from ordinances or land-use regulations that prevent automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby. Junked, wrecked or inoperable vehicles, including parts cars, stored on private property would only need to be maintained out of ordinary public view.

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Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)

The MRC would like to recognize the SEMA/MRC members who attended the Manufacturers' Representatives Educational Research Foundation's (MRERF) Certified Professional Manufacturer Representative (CPMR) 101 at Arizona State University in January. The participants completed their first year of the CPMR training course and are headed toward CPMR Certification.

In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions. The bill was considered in committee on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle.