SEMA News—March 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

California Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A bill to require the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to approve a greenhouse gas emissions limit by 2050 that is equivalent to 80% below the 1990 level was introduced in the California Senate. The bill would also authorize CARB to adopt interim targets to be achieved by 2030 and 2040. This measure is a follow-up to the state’s greenhouse gas law of 2006, which required CARB to adopt a statewide emissions limit to 1990 levels by 2020 and to adopt rules and regulations to achieve the maximum, technologically feasible and cost-effective greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

California Regulations: SEMA is supporting legislation introduced by newly elected Assemblymember Ling Ling Chang that calls for a system-wide evaluation of state agency regulations. The evaluation would include a measurement of the impact of regulations on job growth. Assemblymember Chang represents the Diamond Bar district in which SEMA’s headquarters is based.

Missouri Plates: Legislation has been introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives to allow a vehicle owner to petition the state for the right to display only a rear plate if the front plate will cause destruction to the vehicle or undue hardship. Under the measure, proof of approval by the director of revenue would be kept in the vehicle and available for review by law enforcement officials.

Oregon VMT: The Oregon Legislature has drafted legislation to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax program to a mandatory program. The mandatory program would apply to all vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not pay the gas tax that would apply to all other vehicles. Under the draft, if a vehicle is subject to the mandatory VMT, owners may choose to pay a flat annual fee in lieu of a fee based on actual miles driven.

Pennsylvania Emissions: Legislation to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles never before registered for five years from the model year in which the vehicle was manufactured died when the legislature adjourned for 2014. Current law exempts only new vehicles that have fewer than 5,000 miles on their odometers for one year after their first registration. A bill to extend the emissions exemption for the first 10 years also died. In addition, a measure to excuse from emissions inspections vehicles registered in counties with populations of less than 116,500 residents was not considered before the legislature adjourned. The bill would have impacted only vehicle owners in Lycoming County. All other similarly populated counties are already exempt.

Texas VMT: A bill has been introduced in the Texas House of Representatives to impose a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax on motor vehicles that travel 5,000 or more miles a year. Vehicles bearing antique, custom, street-rod or former military vehicle license plates would not be subject to the tax under the measure. The VMT tax will be calculated by charging 1 cent per mile driven during the inspection period minus the estimated fuel taxes paid by the vehicle’s owner.

Virginia Exhaust Noise: SEMA is again supporting legislation introduced in the Virginia Senate that would allow Virginia’s antique vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket exhaust systems. Currently, all vehicles are required to have exhaust systems of a type installed as standard factory equipment or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment. The House of Delegates approved similar legislation last year. Under the House version, antique vehicles would be exempt from the requirement that they have exhaust systems of a type installed as standard factory equipment but would be required to be “in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise.”

FEDERAL UPDATE

Business Tax Credits: The U.S. Congress passed legislation to renew more than 50 tax breaks for businesses and individuals that expired at the end of 2013. While many lawmakers sought to permanently extend many of the credits and deductions, the new law simply renews the tax breaks through the end of 2014. Of particular importance to SEMA members, the new law extends the research-and-development tax credit through 2014. It also extends the IRS Section 179 provision by allowing companies to write off 100% of their capital investments placed in service during 2014 up to $500,000, with a $2 million phase-out level. Absent the renewal, the allowance would have been $25,000, with a $200,000 phase-out. The “bonus depreciation” was also extended through 2014, allowing businesses to write off 50% of capital investments in the first year with no phase-out.

Ozone Standard: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to lower the ozone pollution standard limits to between 65 and 70 parts per billion rather than the current 75 parts per billion. The EPA contends that the stricter standard is needed to address asthma and other respiratory problems it associates with exposure to ground-level ozone, also known as smog. While there are many sources for these pollutants, stationary sources such as utilities, factories and refineries could be a primary target. If the rule is finalized, the deadlines for implementation would be staggered over many years based on whether a region is already complying with the current rule or is still struggling to meet the 1997 standard of 84 parts per billion. The EPA estimates that costs to comply with the standard by 2025 would range from $3 billion to $15 billion, with a public-health benefit of between $6.4 billion and $19 billion.

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Access: The U.S. Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which directs how defense monies are to be spent in 2015. Lawmakers took advantage of this legislation to include more than 60 land-use provisions not directly tied to the military. Of particular interest to SEMA members, the new law requires the National Park Service (NPS) to amend its 2012 rule restricting OHV access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area. The NPS must consider extending access to seasonal routes for longer periods during the fall and spring. It also requires that wildlife protection buffers be adjusted to ensure that they don’t constitute a larger area than needed to protect endangered species and directs the NPS to construct new vehicle access points and roads. The law also designates 70,650 acres of federal land in the San Juan National Forest (La Plata County, Colorado) as the “Hermosa Creek Special Management Area.” Local and state advocates for the OHV community worked closely with lawmakers to protect continued motorized vehicle and snowmobile access within the recreation area. 

SEMA News—March 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

California Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A bill to require the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to approve a greenhouse gas emissions limit by 2050 that is equivalent to 80% below the 1990 level was introduced in the California Senate. The bill would also authorize CARB to adopt interim targets to be achieved by 2030 and 2040. This measure is a follow-up to the state’s greenhouse gas law of 2006, which required CARB to adopt a statewide emissions limit to 1990 levels by 2020 and to adopt rules and regulations to achieve the maximum, technologically feasible and cost-effective greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

California Regulations: SEMA is supporting legislation introduced by newly elected Assemblymember Ling Ling Chang that calls for a system-wide evaluation of state agency regulations. The evaluation would include a measurement of the impact of regulations on job growth. Assemblymember Chang represents the Diamond Bar district in which SEMA’s headquarters is based.

Missouri Plates: Legislation has been introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives to allow a vehicle owner to petition the state for the right to display only a rear plate if the front plate will cause destruction to the vehicle or undue hardship. Under the measure, proof of approval by the director of revenue would be kept in the vehicle and available for review by law enforcement officials.

Oregon VMT: The Oregon Legislature has drafted legislation to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax program to a mandatory program. The mandatory program would apply to all vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not pay the gas tax that would apply to all other vehicles. Under the draft, if a vehicle is subject to the mandatory VMT, owners may choose to pay a flat annual fee in lieu of a fee based on actual miles driven.

Pennsylvania Emissions: Legislation to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles never before registered for five years from the model year in which the vehicle was manufactured died when the legislature adjourned for 2014. Current law exempts only new vehicles that have fewer than 5,000 miles on their odometers for one year after their first registration. A bill to extend the emissions exemption for the first 10 years also died. In addition, a measure to excuse from emissions inspections vehicles registered in counties with populations of less than 116,500 residents was not considered before the legislature adjourned. The bill would have impacted only vehicle owners in Lycoming County. All other similarly populated counties are already exempt.

Texas VMT: A bill has been introduced in the Texas House of Representatives to impose a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax on motor vehicles that travel 5,000 or more miles a year. Vehicles bearing antique, custom, street-rod or former military vehicle license plates would not be subject to the tax under the measure. The VMT tax will be calculated by charging 1 cent per mile driven during the inspection period minus the estimated fuel taxes paid by the vehicle’s owner.

Virginia Exhaust Noise: SEMA is again supporting legislation introduced in the Virginia Senate that would allow Virginia’s antique vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket exhaust systems. Currently, all vehicles are required to have exhaust systems of a type installed as standard factory equipment or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment. The House of Delegates approved similar legislation last year. Under the House version, antique vehicles would be exempt from the requirement that they have exhaust systems of a type installed as standard factory equipment but would be required to be “in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise.”

FEDERAL UPDATE

Business Tax Credits: The U.S. Congress passed legislation to renew more than 50 tax breaks for businesses and individuals that expired at the end of 2013. While many lawmakers sought to permanently extend many of the credits and deductions, the new law simply renews the tax breaks through the end of 2014. Of particular importance to SEMA members, the new law extends the research-and-development tax credit through 2014. It also extends the IRS Section 179 provision by allowing companies to write off 100% of their capital investments placed in service during 2014 up to $500,000, with a $2 million phase-out level. Absent the renewal, the allowance would have been $25,000, with a $200,000 phase-out. The “bonus depreciation” was also extended through 2014, allowing businesses to write off 50% of capital investments in the first year with no phase-out.

Ozone Standard: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to lower the ozone pollution standard limits to between 65 and 70 parts per billion rather than the current 75 parts per billion. The EPA contends that the stricter standard is needed to address asthma and other respiratory problems it associates with exposure to ground-level ozone, also known as smog. While there are many sources for these pollutants, stationary sources such as utilities, factories and refineries could be a primary target. If the rule is finalized, the deadlines for implementation would be staggered over many years based on whether a region is already complying with the current rule or is still struggling to meet the 1997 standard of 84 parts per billion. The EPA estimates that costs to comply with the standard by 2025 would range from $3 billion to $15 billion, with a public-health benefit of between $6.4 billion and $19 billion.

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Access: The U.S. Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which directs how defense monies are to be spent in 2015. Lawmakers took advantage of this legislation to include more than 60 land-use provisions not directly tied to the military. Of particular interest to SEMA members, the new law requires the National Park Service (NPS) to amend its 2012 rule restricting OHV access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area. The NPS must consider extending access to seasonal routes for longer periods during the fall and spring. It also requires that wildlife protection buffers be adjusted to ensure that they don’t constitute a larger area than needed to protect endangered species and directs the NPS to construct new vehicle access points and roads. The law also designates 70,650 acres of federal land in the San Juan National Forest (La Plata County, Colorado) as the “Hermosa Creek Special Management Area.” Local and state advocates for the OHV community worked closely with lawmakers to protect continued motorized vehicle and snowmobile access within the recreation area. 

SEMA News—March 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

California Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A bill to require the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to approve a greenhouse gas emissions limit by 2050 that is equivalent to 80% below the 1990 level was introduced in the California Senate. The bill would also authorize CARB to adopt interim targets to be achieved by 2030 and 2040. This measure is a follow-up to the state’s greenhouse gas law of 2006, which required CARB to adopt a statewide emissions limit to 1990 levels by 2020 and to adopt rules and regulations to achieve the maximum, technologically feasible and cost-effective greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

California Regulations: SEMA is supporting legislation introduced by newly elected Assemblymember Ling Ling Chang that calls for a system-wide evaluation of state agency regulations. The evaluation would include a measurement of the impact of regulations on job growth. Assemblymember Chang represents the Diamond Bar district in which SEMA’s headquarters is based.

Missouri Plates: Legislation has been introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives to allow a vehicle owner to petition the state for the right to display only a rear plate if the front plate will cause destruction to the vehicle or undue hardship. Under the measure, proof of approval by the director of revenue would be kept in the vehicle and available for review by law enforcement officials.

Oregon VMT: The Oregon Legislature has drafted legislation to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax program to a mandatory program. The mandatory program would apply to all vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not pay the gas tax that would apply to all other vehicles. Under the draft, if a vehicle is subject to the mandatory VMT, owners may choose to pay a flat annual fee in lieu of a fee based on actual miles driven.

Pennsylvania Emissions: Legislation to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles never before registered for five years from the model year in which the vehicle was manufactured died when the legislature adjourned for 2014. Current law exempts only new vehicles that have fewer than 5,000 miles on their odometers for one year after their first registration. A bill to extend the emissions exemption for the first 10 years also died. In addition, a measure to excuse from emissions inspections vehicles registered in counties with populations of less than 116,500 residents was not considered before the legislature adjourned. The bill would have impacted only vehicle owners in Lycoming County. All other similarly populated counties are already exempt.

Texas VMT: A bill has been introduced in the Texas House of Representatives to impose a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax on motor vehicles that travel 5,000 or more miles a year. Vehicles bearing antique, custom, street-rod or former military vehicle license plates would not be subject to the tax under the measure. The VMT tax will be calculated by charging 1 cent per mile driven during the inspection period minus the estimated fuel taxes paid by the vehicle’s owner.

Virginia Exhaust Noise: SEMA is again supporting legislation introduced in the Virginia Senate that would allow Virginia’s antique vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket exhaust systems. Currently, all vehicles are required to have exhaust systems of a type installed as standard factory equipment or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment. The House of Delegates approved similar legislation last year. Under the House version, antique vehicles would be exempt from the requirement that they have exhaust systems of a type installed as standard factory equipment but would be required to be “in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise.”

FEDERAL UPDATE

Business Tax Credits: The U.S. Congress passed legislation to renew more than 50 tax breaks for businesses and individuals that expired at the end of 2013. While many lawmakers sought to permanently extend many of the credits and deductions, the new law simply renews the tax breaks through the end of 2014. Of particular importance to SEMA members, the new law extends the research-and-development tax credit through 2014. It also extends the IRS Section 179 provision by allowing companies to write off 100% of their capital investments placed in service during 2014 up to $500,000, with a $2 million phase-out level. Absent the renewal, the allowance would have been $25,000, with a $200,000 phase-out. The “bonus depreciation” was also extended through 2014, allowing businesses to write off 50% of capital investments in the first year with no phase-out.

Ozone Standard: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to lower the ozone pollution standard limits to between 65 and 70 parts per billion rather than the current 75 parts per billion. The EPA contends that the stricter standard is needed to address asthma and other respiratory problems it associates with exposure to ground-level ozone, also known as smog. While there are many sources for these pollutants, stationary sources such as utilities, factories and refineries could be a primary target. If the rule is finalized, the deadlines for implementation would be staggered over many years based on whether a region is already complying with the current rule or is still struggling to meet the 1997 standard of 84 parts per billion. The EPA estimates that costs to comply with the standard by 2025 would range from $3 billion to $15 billion, with a public-health benefit of between $6.4 billion and $19 billion.

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Access: The U.S. Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which directs how defense monies are to be spent in 2015. Lawmakers took advantage of this legislation to include more than 60 land-use provisions not directly tied to the military. Of particular interest to SEMA members, the new law requires the National Park Service (NPS) to amend its 2012 rule restricting OHV access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area. The NPS must consider extending access to seasonal routes for longer periods during the fall and spring. It also requires that wildlife protection buffers be adjusted to ensure that they don’t constitute a larger area than needed to protect endangered species and directs the NPS to construct new vehicle access points and roads. The law also designates 70,650 acres of federal land in the San Juan National Forest (La Plata County, Colorado) as the “Hermosa Creek Special Management Area.” Local and state advocates for the OHV community worked closely with lawmakers to protect continued motorized vehicle and snowmobile access within the recreation area. 

SEMA News—March 2015 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Tom Fredrickson has been named COO at Lucas Oil Products Inc. After joining the company in 2002, Fredrickson served as general manager and chief administration officer. His new title continues his corporate responsibilities, encompassing production, marketing, sales and R&D. Prior to joining Lucas Oil, Fredrickson spent 17 years with Lutheran Brotherhood, a not-for-profit financial services company. Lucas Oil Products, Corona, CA; 951-270-0154.

Champion Oil selected Innovative Marketing Services (IMS) as its newest rep agency covering the Western United States and Western Canada. IMS has been nominated for SEMA Rep Agency of the Year three out of the past five years. Company founder Jerry Nuñez is a member of SEMA’s Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) Hall of Fame. IMS CEO Lynne Trimble also serves on the MRN select committee. Dick Hedman, Scott Freeny, Joe Bovee and Jeff Gloden round out the IMS team. Champion Oil, Clinton, MO; 660-890-6231. Innovative Marketing Services, Tempe, AZ; 480-203-7933.

Turn 14 Distribution has opened a new distribution center in Reno, Nevada, to meet customer and supplier demand for increased distribution and market penetration in the Western United States. The new distribution center will be the company’s second 52,000-sq.-ft. location. With the Reno addition, Turn 14 will be able to service 33% of the United States with next-day ground shipping (including Southern and Northern California), 83% of the United States in two days or less and 100% of the continental United States in three days or less. Turn 14 Distribution, Montgomeryville, PA; 267-468-0350.

Luken Communications launched its latest network, Rev’n, in December 2014. The new network currently claims 30 affiliate stations in 28 markets, reaching an estimated 36.3 million DMA households. Geared toward automotive performance enthusiasts, Rev’n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Automotive content includes “Two Guys Garage,” “Bidding Wars,” “Truck U,” “My Classic Car” and “Road Test Magazine.”

Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers and SEMA Board of Directors member, received the 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award in January 2014. Presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI), the award recognizes professional women in the automotive industry for outstanding professional achievements, community involvement and contributions to the automotive industry. Other honorees included Celeste Briggs, director of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network; Ruth Fruehauf, founder and CEO of the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society; Debbie Pollack, Luxury Automotive Marketing senior strategist; Elaine Robertazzi, retired former owner of Liberty Lincoln-Mercury; and Susan Scarola, president of the DCH Charitable Foundation. eTool Developers, Grand Rapids, MI; 616-451-2335.

Heatshield Products is celebrating 30 years of business in 2015. The company started with two products—Thermal Sleeving and Thermaflect Shield (originally called Heat Blanket)—and the Heatshield Products line has grown to more than 400 products that span the automotive, marine, industrial and military markets. Today, Heatshield Products has two manufacturing facilities and plans to open a third in 2015. Heatshield Products Inc. Valley Center, CA; 760-751-0441.

Rupes S.p.A. acquired Cyclo Toolmakers of Longmont, Colorado, producers of the Cyclo orbital polisher. Rupes is an Italian manufacturer of electric and pneumatic power tools and vacuum systems and is known for its polishing system, BigFoot. Cyclo manufactures its polishers in its Colorado facility, which is slated to become the center of Rupes’ and Cyclo’s operations in North America. The new company will operate as Rupes USA Inc. Rupes S.p.A., Vermezzo, Italy; +39-366-5826-966.

ClassicCars.com launched ClassicCars.com One-Step eBay Listing Program, which provides classic-car dealers with inventory on eBay Motors. The program is targeted at both high- and low-volume classic- and collector-car dealerships. Dealers log into their ClassicCars.com Dealer Dashboard and select vehicles to publish on eBay Motors. From there, ClassicCars.com and eBay utilize proprietary platform technology to automatically create effective eBay listings using a format and template designed to facilitate buyer-seller communications. ClassicCars.com, Phoenix, AZ; 480-285-1600.

A ’37 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show at the second-annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January 2014. The pre-war cabriolet, owned by Thomas Taffet of Chatsworth, California, was brought to the Arizona Concours by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The 540 K earlier won Best of Class in the European Classics group.

SEMA News—March 2015 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Tom Fredrickson has been named COO at Lucas Oil Products Inc. After joining the company in 2002, Fredrickson served as general manager and chief administration officer. His new title continues his corporate responsibilities, encompassing production, marketing, sales and R&D. Prior to joining Lucas Oil, Fredrickson spent 17 years with Lutheran Brotherhood, a not-for-profit financial services company. Lucas Oil Products, Corona, CA; 951-270-0154.

Champion Oil selected Innovative Marketing Services (IMS) as its newest rep agency covering the Western United States and Western Canada. IMS has been nominated for SEMA Rep Agency of the Year three out of the past five years. Company founder Jerry Nuñez is a member of SEMA’s Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) Hall of Fame. IMS CEO Lynne Trimble also serves on the MRN select committee. Dick Hedman, Scott Freeny, Joe Bovee and Jeff Gloden round out the IMS team. Champion Oil, Clinton, MO; 660-890-6231. Innovative Marketing Services, Tempe, AZ; 480-203-7933.

Turn 14 Distribution has opened a new distribution center in Reno, Nevada, to meet customer and supplier demand for increased distribution and market penetration in the Western United States. The new distribution center will be the company’s second 52,000-sq.-ft. location. With the Reno addition, Turn 14 will be able to service 33% of the United States with next-day ground shipping (including Southern and Northern California), 83% of the United States in two days or less and 100% of the continental United States in three days or less. Turn 14 Distribution, Montgomeryville, PA; 267-468-0350.

Luken Communications launched its latest network, Rev’n, in December 2014. The new network currently claims 30 affiliate stations in 28 markets, reaching an estimated 36.3 million DMA households. Geared toward automotive performance enthusiasts, Rev’n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Automotive content includes “Two Guys Garage,” “Bidding Wars,” “Truck U,” “My Classic Car” and “Road Test Magazine.”

Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers and SEMA Board of Directors member, received the 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award in January 2014. Presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI), the award recognizes professional women in the automotive industry for outstanding professional achievements, community involvement and contributions to the automotive industry. Other honorees included Celeste Briggs, director of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network; Ruth Fruehauf, founder and CEO of the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society; Debbie Pollack, Luxury Automotive Marketing senior strategist; Elaine Robertazzi, retired former owner of Liberty Lincoln-Mercury; and Susan Scarola, president of the DCH Charitable Foundation. eTool Developers, Grand Rapids, MI; 616-451-2335.

Heatshield Products is celebrating 30 years of business in 2015. The company started with two products—Thermal Sleeving and Thermaflect Shield (originally called Heat Blanket)—and the Heatshield Products line has grown to more than 400 products that span the automotive, marine, industrial and military markets. Today, Heatshield Products has two manufacturing facilities and plans to open a third in 2015. Heatshield Products Inc. Valley Center, CA; 760-751-0441.

Rupes S.p.A. acquired Cyclo Toolmakers of Longmont, Colorado, producers of the Cyclo orbital polisher. Rupes is an Italian manufacturer of electric and pneumatic power tools and vacuum systems and is known for its polishing system, BigFoot. Cyclo manufactures its polishers in its Colorado facility, which is slated to become the center of Rupes’ and Cyclo’s operations in North America. The new company will operate as Rupes USA Inc. Rupes S.p.A., Vermezzo, Italy; +39-366-5826-966.

ClassicCars.com launched ClassicCars.com One-Step eBay Listing Program, which provides classic-car dealers with inventory on eBay Motors. The program is targeted at both high- and low-volume classic- and collector-car dealerships. Dealers log into their ClassicCars.com Dealer Dashboard and select vehicles to publish on eBay Motors. From there, ClassicCars.com and eBay utilize proprietary platform technology to automatically create effective eBay listings using a format and template designed to facilitate buyer-seller communications. ClassicCars.com, Phoenix, AZ; 480-285-1600.

A ’37 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show at the second-annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January 2014. The pre-war cabriolet, owned by Thomas Taffet of Chatsworth, California, was brought to the Arizona Concours by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The 540 K earlier won Best of Class in the European Classics group.

SEMA News—March 2015 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Tom Fredrickson has been named COO at Lucas Oil Products Inc. After joining the company in 2002, Fredrickson served as general manager and chief administration officer. His new title continues his corporate responsibilities, encompassing production, marketing, sales and R&D. Prior to joining Lucas Oil, Fredrickson spent 17 years with Lutheran Brotherhood, a not-for-profit financial services company. Lucas Oil Products, Corona, CA; 951-270-0154.

Champion Oil selected Innovative Marketing Services (IMS) as its newest rep agency covering the Western United States and Western Canada. IMS has been nominated for SEMA Rep Agency of the Year three out of the past five years. Company founder Jerry Nuñez is a member of SEMA’s Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) Hall of Fame. IMS CEO Lynne Trimble also serves on the MRN select committee. Dick Hedman, Scott Freeny, Joe Bovee and Jeff Gloden round out the IMS team. Champion Oil, Clinton, MO; 660-890-6231. Innovative Marketing Services, Tempe, AZ; 480-203-7933.

Turn 14 Distribution has opened a new distribution center in Reno, Nevada, to meet customer and supplier demand for increased distribution and market penetration in the Western United States. The new distribution center will be the company’s second 52,000-sq.-ft. location. With the Reno addition, Turn 14 will be able to service 33% of the United States with next-day ground shipping (including Southern and Northern California), 83% of the United States in two days or less and 100% of the continental United States in three days or less. Turn 14 Distribution, Montgomeryville, PA; 267-468-0350.

Luken Communications launched its latest network, Rev’n, in December 2014. The new network currently claims 30 affiliate stations in 28 markets, reaching an estimated 36.3 million DMA households. Geared toward automotive performance enthusiasts, Rev’n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Automotive content includes “Two Guys Garage,” “Bidding Wars,” “Truck U,” “My Classic Car” and “Road Test Magazine.”

Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers and SEMA Board of Directors member, received the 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award in January 2014. Presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI), the award recognizes professional women in the automotive industry for outstanding professional achievements, community involvement and contributions to the automotive industry. Other honorees included Celeste Briggs, director of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network; Ruth Fruehauf, founder and CEO of the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society; Debbie Pollack, Luxury Automotive Marketing senior strategist; Elaine Robertazzi, retired former owner of Liberty Lincoln-Mercury; and Susan Scarola, president of the DCH Charitable Foundation. eTool Developers, Grand Rapids, MI; 616-451-2335.

Heatshield Products is celebrating 30 years of business in 2015. The company started with two products—Thermal Sleeving and Thermaflect Shield (originally called Heat Blanket)—and the Heatshield Products line has grown to more than 400 products that span the automotive, marine, industrial and military markets. Today, Heatshield Products has two manufacturing facilities and plans to open a third in 2015. Heatshield Products Inc. Valley Center, CA; 760-751-0441.

Rupes S.p.A. acquired Cyclo Toolmakers of Longmont, Colorado, producers of the Cyclo orbital polisher. Rupes is an Italian manufacturer of electric and pneumatic power tools and vacuum systems and is known for its polishing system, BigFoot. Cyclo manufactures its polishers in its Colorado facility, which is slated to become the center of Rupes’ and Cyclo’s operations in North America. The new company will operate as Rupes USA Inc. Rupes S.p.A., Vermezzo, Italy; +39-366-5826-966.

ClassicCars.com launched ClassicCars.com One-Step eBay Listing Program, which provides classic-car dealers with inventory on eBay Motors. The program is targeted at both high- and low-volume classic- and collector-car dealerships. Dealers log into their ClassicCars.com Dealer Dashboard and select vehicles to publish on eBay Motors. From there, ClassicCars.com and eBay utilize proprietary platform technology to automatically create effective eBay listings using a format and template designed to facilitate buyer-seller communications. ClassicCars.com, Phoenix, AZ; 480-285-1600.

A ’37 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show at the second-annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January 2014. The pre-war cabriolet, owned by Thomas Taffet of Chatsworth, California, was brought to the Arizona Concours by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The 540 K earlier won Best of Class in the European Classics group.

SEMA News—March 2015 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Tom Fredrickson has been named COO at Lucas Oil Products Inc. After joining the company in 2002, Fredrickson served as general manager and chief administration officer. His new title continues his corporate responsibilities, encompassing production, marketing, sales and R&D. Prior to joining Lucas Oil, Fredrickson spent 17 years with Lutheran Brotherhood, a not-for-profit financial services company. Lucas Oil Products, Corona, CA; 951-270-0154.

Champion Oil selected Innovative Marketing Services (IMS) as its newest rep agency covering the Western United States and Western Canada. IMS has been nominated for SEMA Rep Agency of the Year three out of the past five years. Company founder Jerry Nuñez is a member of SEMA’s Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) Hall of Fame. IMS CEO Lynne Trimble also serves on the MRN select committee. Dick Hedman, Scott Freeny, Joe Bovee and Jeff Gloden round out the IMS team. Champion Oil, Clinton, MO; 660-890-6231. Innovative Marketing Services, Tempe, AZ; 480-203-7933.

Turn 14 Distribution has opened a new distribution center in Reno, Nevada, to meet customer and supplier demand for increased distribution and market penetration in the Western United States. The new distribution center will be the company’s second 52,000-sq.-ft. location. With the Reno addition, Turn 14 will be able to service 33% of the United States with next-day ground shipping (including Southern and Northern California), 83% of the United States in two days or less and 100% of the continental United States in three days or less. Turn 14 Distribution, Montgomeryville, PA; 267-468-0350.

Luken Communications launched its latest network, Rev’n, in December 2014. The new network currently claims 30 affiliate stations in 28 markets, reaching an estimated 36.3 million DMA households. Geared toward automotive performance enthusiasts, Rev’n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Automotive content includes “Two Guys Garage,” “Bidding Wars,” “Truck U,” “My Classic Car” and “Road Test Magazine.”

Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers and SEMA Board of Directors member, received the 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award in January 2014. Presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI), the award recognizes professional women in the automotive industry for outstanding professional achievements, community involvement and contributions to the automotive industry. Other honorees included Celeste Briggs, director of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network; Ruth Fruehauf, founder and CEO of the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society; Debbie Pollack, Luxury Automotive Marketing senior strategist; Elaine Robertazzi, retired former owner of Liberty Lincoln-Mercury; and Susan Scarola, president of the DCH Charitable Foundation. eTool Developers, Grand Rapids, MI; 616-451-2335.

Heatshield Products is celebrating 30 years of business in 2015. The company started with two products—Thermal Sleeving and Thermaflect Shield (originally called Heat Blanket)—and the Heatshield Products line has grown to more than 400 products that span the automotive, marine, industrial and military markets. Today, Heatshield Products has two manufacturing facilities and plans to open a third in 2015. Heatshield Products Inc. Valley Center, CA; 760-751-0441.

Rupes S.p.A. acquired Cyclo Toolmakers of Longmont, Colorado, producers of the Cyclo orbital polisher. Rupes is an Italian manufacturer of electric and pneumatic power tools and vacuum systems and is known for its polishing system, BigFoot. Cyclo manufactures its polishers in its Colorado facility, which is slated to become the center of Rupes’ and Cyclo’s operations in North America. The new company will operate as Rupes USA Inc. Rupes S.p.A., Vermezzo, Italy; +39-366-5826-966.

ClassicCars.com launched ClassicCars.com One-Step eBay Listing Program, which provides classic-car dealers with inventory on eBay Motors. The program is targeted at both high- and low-volume classic- and collector-car dealerships. Dealers log into their ClassicCars.com Dealer Dashboard and select vehicles to publish on eBay Motors. From there, ClassicCars.com and eBay utilize proprietary platform technology to automatically create effective eBay listings using a format and template designed to facilitate buyer-seller communications. ClassicCars.com, Phoenix, AZ; 480-285-1600.

A ’37 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show at the second-annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January 2014. The pre-war cabriolet, owned by Thomas Taffet of Chatsworth, California, was brought to the Arizona Concours by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The 540 K earlier won Best of Class in the European Classics group.

SEMA News—March 2015 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Tom Fredrickson has been named COO at Lucas Oil Products Inc. After joining the company in 2002, Fredrickson served as general manager and chief administration officer. His new title continues his corporate responsibilities, encompassing production, marketing, sales and R&D. Prior to joining Lucas Oil, Fredrickson spent 17 years with Lutheran Brotherhood, a not-for-profit financial services company. Lucas Oil Products, Corona, CA; 951-270-0154.

Champion Oil selected Innovative Marketing Services (IMS) as its newest rep agency covering the Western United States and Western Canada. IMS has been nominated for SEMA Rep Agency of the Year three out of the past five years. Company founder Jerry Nuñez is a member of SEMA’s Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) Hall of Fame. IMS CEO Lynne Trimble also serves on the MRN select committee. Dick Hedman, Scott Freeny, Joe Bovee and Jeff Gloden round out the IMS team. Champion Oil, Clinton, MO; 660-890-6231. Innovative Marketing Services, Tempe, AZ; 480-203-7933.

Turn 14 Distribution has opened a new distribution center in Reno, Nevada, to meet customer and supplier demand for increased distribution and market penetration in the Western United States. The new distribution center will be the company’s second 52,000-sq.-ft. location. With the Reno addition, Turn 14 will be able to service 33% of the United States with next-day ground shipping (including Southern and Northern California), 83% of the United States in two days or less and 100% of the continental United States in three days or less. Turn 14 Distribution, Montgomeryville, PA; 267-468-0350.

Luken Communications launched its latest network, Rev’n, in December 2014. The new network currently claims 30 affiliate stations in 28 markets, reaching an estimated 36.3 million DMA households. Geared toward automotive performance enthusiasts, Rev’n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Automotive content includes “Two Guys Garage,” “Bidding Wars,” “Truck U,” “My Classic Car” and “Road Test Magazine.”

Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers and SEMA Board of Directors member, received the 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award in January 2014. Presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI), the award recognizes professional women in the automotive industry for outstanding professional achievements, community involvement and contributions to the automotive industry. Other honorees included Celeste Briggs, director of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network; Ruth Fruehauf, founder and CEO of the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society; Debbie Pollack, Luxury Automotive Marketing senior strategist; Elaine Robertazzi, retired former owner of Liberty Lincoln-Mercury; and Susan Scarola, president of the DCH Charitable Foundation. eTool Developers, Grand Rapids, MI; 616-451-2335.

Heatshield Products is celebrating 30 years of business in 2015. The company started with two products—Thermal Sleeving and Thermaflect Shield (originally called Heat Blanket)—and the Heatshield Products line has grown to more than 400 products that span the automotive, marine, industrial and military markets. Today, Heatshield Products has two manufacturing facilities and plans to open a third in 2015. Heatshield Products Inc. Valley Center, CA; 760-751-0441.

Rupes S.p.A. acquired Cyclo Toolmakers of Longmont, Colorado, producers of the Cyclo orbital polisher. Rupes is an Italian manufacturer of electric and pneumatic power tools and vacuum systems and is known for its polishing system, BigFoot. Cyclo manufactures its polishers in its Colorado facility, which is slated to become the center of Rupes’ and Cyclo’s operations in North America. The new company will operate as Rupes USA Inc. Rupes S.p.A., Vermezzo, Italy; +39-366-5826-966.

ClassicCars.com launched ClassicCars.com One-Step eBay Listing Program, which provides classic-car dealers with inventory on eBay Motors. The program is targeted at both high- and low-volume classic- and collector-car dealerships. Dealers log into their ClassicCars.com Dealer Dashboard and select vehicles to publish on eBay Motors. From there, ClassicCars.com and eBay utilize proprietary platform technology to automatically create effective eBay listings using a format and template designed to facilitate buyer-seller communications. ClassicCars.com, Phoenix, AZ; 480-285-1600.

A ’37 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show at the second-annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January 2014. The pre-war cabriolet, owned by Thomas Taffet of Chatsworth, California, was brought to the Arizona Concours by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The 540 K earlier won Best of Class in the European Classics group.

SEMA News—March 2015 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Tom Fredrickson has been named COO at Lucas Oil Products Inc. After joining the company in 2002, Fredrickson served as general manager and chief administration officer. His new title continues his corporate responsibilities, encompassing production, marketing, sales and R&D. Prior to joining Lucas Oil, Fredrickson spent 17 years with Lutheran Brotherhood, a not-for-profit financial services company. Lucas Oil Products, Corona, CA; 951-270-0154.

Champion Oil selected Innovative Marketing Services (IMS) as its newest rep agency covering the Western United States and Western Canada. IMS has been nominated for SEMA Rep Agency of the Year three out of the past five years. Company founder Jerry Nuñez is a member of SEMA’s Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) Hall of Fame. IMS CEO Lynne Trimble also serves on the MRN select committee. Dick Hedman, Scott Freeny, Joe Bovee and Jeff Gloden round out the IMS team. Champion Oil, Clinton, MO; 660-890-6231. Innovative Marketing Services, Tempe, AZ; 480-203-7933.

Turn 14 Distribution has opened a new distribution center in Reno, Nevada, to meet customer and supplier demand for increased distribution and market penetration in the Western United States. The new distribution center will be the company’s second 52,000-sq.-ft. location. With the Reno addition, Turn 14 will be able to service 33% of the United States with next-day ground shipping (including Southern and Northern California), 83% of the United States in two days or less and 100% of the continental United States in three days or less. Turn 14 Distribution, Montgomeryville, PA; 267-468-0350.

Luken Communications launched its latest network, Rev’n, in December 2014. The new network currently claims 30 affiliate stations in 28 markets, reaching an estimated 36.3 million DMA households. Geared toward automotive performance enthusiasts, Rev’n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Automotive content includes “Two Guys Garage,” “Bidding Wars,” “Truck U,” “My Classic Car” and “Road Test Magazine.”

Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers and SEMA Board of Directors member, received the 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award in January 2014. Presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI), the award recognizes professional women in the automotive industry for outstanding professional achievements, community involvement and contributions to the automotive industry. Other honorees included Celeste Briggs, director of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network; Ruth Fruehauf, founder and CEO of the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society; Debbie Pollack, Luxury Automotive Marketing senior strategist; Elaine Robertazzi, retired former owner of Liberty Lincoln-Mercury; and Susan Scarola, president of the DCH Charitable Foundation. eTool Developers, Grand Rapids, MI; 616-451-2335.

Heatshield Products is celebrating 30 years of business in 2015. The company started with two products—Thermal Sleeving and Thermaflect Shield (originally called Heat Blanket)—and the Heatshield Products line has grown to more than 400 products that span the automotive, marine, industrial and military markets. Today, Heatshield Products has two manufacturing facilities and plans to open a third in 2015. Heatshield Products Inc. Valley Center, CA; 760-751-0441.

Rupes S.p.A. acquired Cyclo Toolmakers of Longmont, Colorado, producers of the Cyclo orbital polisher. Rupes is an Italian manufacturer of electric and pneumatic power tools and vacuum systems and is known for its polishing system, BigFoot. Cyclo manufactures its polishers in its Colorado facility, which is slated to become the center of Rupes’ and Cyclo’s operations in North America. The new company will operate as Rupes USA Inc. Rupes S.p.A., Vermezzo, Italy; +39-366-5826-966.

ClassicCars.com launched ClassicCars.com One-Step eBay Listing Program, which provides classic-car dealers with inventory on eBay Motors. The program is targeted at both high- and low-volume classic- and collector-car dealerships. Dealers log into their ClassicCars.com Dealer Dashboard and select vehicles to publish on eBay Motors. From there, ClassicCars.com and eBay utilize proprietary platform technology to automatically create effective eBay listings using a format and template designed to facilitate buyer-seller communications. ClassicCars.com, Phoenix, AZ; 480-285-1600.

A ’37 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show at the second-annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January 2014. The pre-war cabriolet, owned by Thomas Taffet of Chatsworth, California, was brought to the Arizona Concours by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The 540 K earlier won Best of Class in the European Classics group.

SEMA News—March 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson and Eric Snyder

Examining the Fresh Faces in Congress

The Future Is Now

Newly elected U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) is a bona fide car guy. Not only did he attend the 2013 SEMA Show, but he also counts his restored ’38 Cadillac Series 65 as a prized possession. Prior to his election to Montana’s sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Zinke served in the Montana State Senate. There, he was a member of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast and Leadership Caucus.

Service has always been a staple in Zinke’s life. Before seeking public office, he was a decorated member of the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six. In Congress, Zinke serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees land-use and off-road issues. The SEMA government-affairs office looks forward to working with him to ensure fair access to federal lands for responsible off-roading.

When U.S. Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) announced his retirement from Congress, there was cause for concern. For nearly two decades, Campbell had been a faithful champion of the industry at both the state and national levels. Losing his voice was potentially a major blow to SEMA members in his district in Orange County, California. Fortunately, his successor comes to Congress already familiar with the industry.

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) knows a thing or two about the auto industry himself. A former Virginia lieutenant governor, he’s the owner of several car dealerships that bear his name in the state. In fact, he’s the former chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.

Since joining Congress, Beyer has aligned himself with the New Democrats Coalition, a group that prides itself on pursuing pro-business legislation. He has also indicated that one of his top priorities will be bringing much-needed reform to the country’s intellectual property rights laws. The government affairs office looks forward to working with him to accomplish that goal.

If you’re looking for car guys, Michigan is always a good place to start. SEMA staffers are excited that former three-term Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI) is now a member of the U.S. Senate. While representing much of Detroit in the House of Representatives, he was a strong advocate for the auto industry. As a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, this former financial advisor has seen SEMA’s footprint in Michigan firsthand.

Newly elected Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) knows quite a bit about cars, having worked for General Motors (GM) for more than 30 years. In addition to running GM’s government and public affairs operations, she worked as a consultant to the American Automobile Policy Council. She also happens to be Rep. Dingell’s wife. While she has been helping to craft policy in Washington for many years, she will now be able to affect change from inside the halls of Congress.

Last, but certainly not least, is U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO). At 40 years of age, he brings a fresh perspective to the Senate after serving two terms in the House. He will be a strong ally for the off-road-vehicle community.

While in the House of Representatives, Gardner sponsored legislation to empower states to develop land conservation management plans that considered public access and use. Before coming to Congress, Sen. Gardner served in the Colorado State Legislature and worked as a senior aide to U.S. Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO), who now chairs the American Motorcyclist Association. The Senator also knows a bit about small business. He grew up working at his family’s farm-equipment dealership. As a result of this experience, he understands the unique challenges that small businesses face.

The start of a new a Congress brings the promise of new opportunities. The slate is wiped clean and all legislation must start from scratch. While SEMA is sorry that some of its friends and allies in Congress have not returned for the new session, we are encouraged that the 2014 election ushered in several capable lawmakers, a number of whom have been long-time supporters of the automotive industry and small business. We look forward to working with them in the next two years to encourage policies that will help SEMA members grow their businesses well into the future.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Paul Van Woensel

“Of all the political organizations from which I receive information, the SEMA PAC is the most valuable,” Van Woensel said.

“It keeps me and my business focused on the legislation and political races that impact the automotive aftermarket industry.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.