SEMA News - November 2009

By Megan McKernan

Custom Wheels and Performance Tires

The specialty-equipment market is divided into nine niches. For each of these, there are three segments, one of which is the wheel, tire and suspension category. Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

For the average consumer, wheels and tires are a matter of function. But for an automotive enthusiast, wheels and tires are also about looks and performance. This is evidenced by the popularity of specialty-equipment products, such as low-profile tires and big rims. Custom wheels are often purchased for the addition they make to the overall look of a vehicle. But that is not always the case. A pickup owner who tows a boat or a race-car trailer is also concerned with the strength of the wheel. He or she will likely pick a forged-aluminum wheel rather than a cast-aluminum or multipiece wheel. Of course, this does not mean that design is ignored. There are awesome-looking forged-aluminum wheels available in the market. A similar scenario holds true for tires as well. Enthusiasts will typically purchase a set of new tires to go along with their custom wheels. And, contrary to what some might think, not all tires are created equal. Some are meant for high-performance driving, others are for off-road use, and still others are made for wet road conditions.

In recent years, the original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have ventured into the custom wheel market. Option packages now include wheel upgrades on many vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram 1500. Many vehicles have been equipped with performance tires. For example, the Cadillac STS comes standard with tires made for performance driving, and a Chevy Tahoe Z71 off-road package includes off-road tires. In cases such as these, it is more likely that a vehicle owner would simply change the wheels rather than the wheels and tires together.

What SEMA Members Are Saying

One of SEMA’s numerous councils is the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). Input from council members is very valuable when trying to get a handle on the market. After all, these folks are the ones who live the market every day. According to some WTC members, 2009 is down a bit compared to 2008 but, as most of them mentioned, this was to be expected. Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires noticed that wheel sales are down, particularly for 4x4 vehicles and lifted trucks. On the other hand, companies such as BMF Wheels, which has introduced new wheel designs, have noticed an increase in sales in the past couple of years. Barry Horlick of Voxx Products Inc. believes that “…sales for calendar year 2009 will actually be slightly better than the previous calendar year,” with the expectation that the last four months of 2009 will be healthier than the first eight.

SEMA members have noticed some trends in the wheel and tire market as well. It seems that 17- to 20-inch wheels remain the most popular. WTC Select Committee member Kelly Austin pointed out that trends often differ across different regions of the United States. He said that it’s best “…to listen to your wholesale customers and attend car shows where your products are sold most.” Horlick noticed an increase in sales of OEM replacement-size wheels as dealers work to jazz up their vehicles to move inventory.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Robinson. Russ Fuller of Revolution Supply Inc. has seen an increase in demand for wheels and tires for Ford vehicles. And Horlick noted an emphasis on options for “…CUV, passenger and tuner applications rather than for the truck and SUV market.”

In fact, there may be a correlation between wheel purchases and the decrease in sales for trucks and SUVs and subsequent increases seen in the CUV market. The specialty-equipment market has typically ignored the customization of crossover vehicles, but as the popularity of this segment grows, more attention should be focused here.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires.

One-piece cast wheels represent the majority of custom wheels offered today. These wheels can be painted, polished or chrome plated. Painted wheels—particularly black—are a popular choice among enthusiasts.There are more and more companies offering wheels that look similar to race-car wheels. As mentioned earlier, forged-aluminum wheels are popular for truck owners who tow a lot of weight. Forged wheels are much stronger and more structurally sound than multipiece wheels. Interestingly, multipiece wheels are typically at the higher end of the price spectrum of the custom wheel market. The wheels, often referred to as “bling,” usually fall into this category. SEMA market research reported that custom wheel sales reached $3.8 billion in 2008 in retail sales, down from $4.7 billion in 2007.

Performance Tires

There are various types of performance tires offered in the market today. Tires are made for high-speed driving, racing, snow conditions or off-road use. Enthusiasts with pickups will often replace their stock tires with a set that has a much wider stance. Owners of vehicles such as the Chrysler 300 or Cadillac Escalade will often choose low-profile tires—the type that does not have much rubber between the wheel and tread. Street-performance vehicles will typically be equipped with performance-built tires. In many cases, the tire sizes differ between the front of the vehicle to the back.

Enthusiast Data

Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

The 2009 SEMA Show will be home to more than 260 wheel and tire companies for four days. The aisles of lower South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with shiny wheels and tires of all sizes. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the latest trends in the wheel and tire market and be able to talk directly to the companies that design and produce them. Some of the most exciting features of lower South Hall are vehicles equipped with the latest and greatest that wheel and tire manufacturers have to offer.

Wheels and tires might be a necessity, but that does not mean they can’t be cool.   

SEMA News - November 2009

By Megan McKernan

Custom Wheels and Performance Tires

The specialty-equipment market is divided into nine niches. For each of these, there are three segments, one of which is the wheel, tire and suspension category. Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

For the average consumer, wheels and tires are a matter of function. But for an automotive enthusiast, wheels and tires are also about looks and performance. This is evidenced by the popularity of specialty-equipment products, such as low-profile tires and big rims. Custom wheels are often purchased for the addition they make to the overall look of a vehicle. But that is not always the case. A pickup owner who tows a boat or a race-car trailer is also concerned with the strength of the wheel. He or she will likely pick a forged-aluminum wheel rather than a cast-aluminum or multipiece wheel. Of course, this does not mean that design is ignored. There are awesome-looking forged-aluminum wheels available in the market. A similar scenario holds true for tires as well. Enthusiasts will typically purchase a set of new tires to go along with their custom wheels. And, contrary to what some might think, not all tires are created equal. Some are meant for high-performance driving, others are for off-road use, and still others are made for wet road conditions.

In recent years, the original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have ventured into the custom wheel market. Option packages now include wheel upgrades on many vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram 1500. Many vehicles have been equipped with performance tires. For example, the Cadillac STS comes standard with tires made for performance driving, and a Chevy Tahoe Z71 off-road package includes off-road tires. In cases such as these, it is more likely that a vehicle owner would simply change the wheels rather than the wheels and tires together.

What SEMA Members Are Saying

One of SEMA’s numerous councils is the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). Input from council members is very valuable when trying to get a handle on the market. After all, these folks are the ones who live the market every day. According to some WTC members, 2009 is down a bit compared to 2008 but, as most of them mentioned, this was to be expected. Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires noticed that wheel sales are down, particularly for 4x4 vehicles and lifted trucks. On the other hand, companies such as BMF Wheels, which has introduced new wheel designs, have noticed an increase in sales in the past couple of years. Barry Horlick of Voxx Products Inc. believes that “…sales for calendar year 2009 will actually be slightly better than the previous calendar year,” with the expectation that the last four months of 2009 will be healthier than the first eight.

SEMA members have noticed some trends in the wheel and tire market as well. It seems that 17- to 20-inch wheels remain the most popular. WTC Select Committee member Kelly Austin pointed out that trends often differ across different regions of the United States. He said that it’s best “…to listen to your wholesale customers and attend car shows where your products are sold most.” Horlick noticed an increase in sales of OEM replacement-size wheels as dealers work to jazz up their vehicles to move inventory.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Robinson. Russ Fuller of Revolution Supply Inc. has seen an increase in demand for wheels and tires for Ford vehicles. And Horlick noted an emphasis on options for “…CUV, passenger and tuner applications rather than for the truck and SUV market.”

In fact, there may be a correlation between wheel purchases and the decrease in sales for trucks and SUVs and subsequent increases seen in the CUV market. The specialty-equipment market has typically ignored the customization of crossover vehicles, but as the popularity of this segment grows, more attention should be focused here.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires.

One-piece cast wheels represent the majority of custom wheels offered today. These wheels can be painted, polished or chrome plated. Painted wheels—particularly black—are a popular choice among enthusiasts.There are more and more companies offering wheels that look similar to race-car wheels. As mentioned earlier, forged-aluminum wheels are popular for truck owners who tow a lot of weight. Forged wheels are much stronger and more structurally sound than multipiece wheels. Interestingly, multipiece wheels are typically at the higher end of the price spectrum of the custom wheel market. The wheels, often referred to as “bling,” usually fall into this category. SEMA market research reported that custom wheel sales reached $3.8 billion in 2008 in retail sales, down from $4.7 billion in 2007.

Performance Tires

There are various types of performance tires offered in the market today. Tires are made for high-speed driving, racing, snow conditions or off-road use. Enthusiasts with pickups will often replace their stock tires with a set that has a much wider stance. Owners of vehicles such as the Chrysler 300 or Cadillac Escalade will often choose low-profile tires—the type that does not have much rubber between the wheel and tread. Street-performance vehicles will typically be equipped with performance-built tires. In many cases, the tire sizes differ between the front of the vehicle to the back.

Enthusiast Data

Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

The 2009 SEMA Show will be home to more than 260 wheel and tire companies for four days. The aisles of lower South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with shiny wheels and tires of all sizes. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the latest trends in the wheel and tire market and be able to talk directly to the companies that design and produce them. Some of the most exciting features of lower South Hall are vehicles equipped with the latest and greatest that wheel and tire manufacturers have to offer.

Wheels and tires might be a necessity, but that does not mean they can’t be cool.   

SEMA News - November 2009

By Megan McKernan

Custom Wheels and Performance Tires

The specialty-equipment market is divided into nine niches. For each of these, there are three segments, one of which is the wheel, tire and suspension category. Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

For the average consumer, wheels and tires are a matter of function. But for an automotive enthusiast, wheels and tires are also about looks and performance. This is evidenced by the popularity of specialty-equipment products, such as low-profile tires and big rims. Custom wheels are often purchased for the addition they make to the overall look of a vehicle. But that is not always the case. A pickup owner who tows a boat or a race-car trailer is also concerned with the strength of the wheel. He or she will likely pick a forged-aluminum wheel rather than a cast-aluminum or multipiece wheel. Of course, this does not mean that design is ignored. There are awesome-looking forged-aluminum wheels available in the market. A similar scenario holds true for tires as well. Enthusiasts will typically purchase a set of new tires to go along with their custom wheels. And, contrary to what some might think, not all tires are created equal. Some are meant for high-performance driving, others are for off-road use, and still others are made for wet road conditions.

In recent years, the original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have ventured into the custom wheel market. Option packages now include wheel upgrades on many vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram 1500. Many vehicles have been equipped with performance tires. For example, the Cadillac STS comes standard with tires made for performance driving, and a Chevy Tahoe Z71 off-road package includes off-road tires. In cases such as these, it is more likely that a vehicle owner would simply change the wheels rather than the wheels and tires together.

What SEMA Members Are Saying

One of SEMA’s numerous councils is the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). Input from council members is very valuable when trying to get a handle on the market. After all, these folks are the ones who live the market every day. According to some WTC members, 2009 is down a bit compared to 2008 but, as most of them mentioned, this was to be expected. Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires noticed that wheel sales are down, particularly for 4x4 vehicles and lifted trucks. On the other hand, companies such as BMF Wheels, which has introduced new wheel designs, have noticed an increase in sales in the past couple of years. Barry Horlick of Voxx Products Inc. believes that “…sales for calendar year 2009 will actually be slightly better than the previous calendar year,” with the expectation that the last four months of 2009 will be healthier than the first eight.

SEMA members have noticed some trends in the wheel and tire market as well. It seems that 17- to 20-inch wheels remain the most popular. WTC Select Committee member Kelly Austin pointed out that trends often differ across different regions of the United States. He said that it’s best “…to listen to your wholesale customers and attend car shows where your products are sold most.” Horlick noticed an increase in sales of OEM replacement-size wheels as dealers work to jazz up their vehicles to move inventory.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Robinson. Russ Fuller of Revolution Supply Inc. has seen an increase in demand for wheels and tires for Ford vehicles. And Horlick noted an emphasis on options for “…CUV, passenger and tuner applications rather than for the truck and SUV market.”

In fact, there may be a correlation between wheel purchases and the decrease in sales for trucks and SUVs and subsequent increases seen in the CUV market. The specialty-equipment market has typically ignored the customization of crossover vehicles, but as the popularity of this segment grows, more attention should be focused here.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires.

One-piece cast wheels represent the majority of custom wheels offered today. These wheels can be painted, polished or chrome plated. Painted wheels—particularly black—are a popular choice among enthusiasts.There are more and more companies offering wheels that look similar to race-car wheels. As mentioned earlier, forged-aluminum wheels are popular for truck owners who tow a lot of weight. Forged wheels are much stronger and more structurally sound than multipiece wheels. Interestingly, multipiece wheels are typically at the higher end of the price spectrum of the custom wheel market. The wheels, often referred to as “bling,” usually fall into this category. SEMA market research reported that custom wheel sales reached $3.8 billion in 2008 in retail sales, down from $4.7 billion in 2007.

Performance Tires

There are various types of performance tires offered in the market today. Tires are made for high-speed driving, racing, snow conditions or off-road use. Enthusiasts with pickups will often replace their stock tires with a set that has a much wider stance. Owners of vehicles such as the Chrysler 300 or Cadillac Escalade will often choose low-profile tires—the type that does not have much rubber between the wheel and tread. Street-performance vehicles will typically be equipped with performance-built tires. In many cases, the tire sizes differ between the front of the vehicle to the back.

Enthusiast Data

Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

The 2009 SEMA Show will be home to more than 260 wheel and tire companies for four days. The aisles of lower South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with shiny wheels and tires of all sizes. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the latest trends in the wheel and tire market and be able to talk directly to the companies that design and produce them. Some of the most exciting features of lower South Hall are vehicles equipped with the latest and greatest that wheel and tire manufacturers have to offer.

Wheels and tires might be a necessity, but that does not mean they can’t be cool.   

SEMA News - November 2009

By Megan McKernan

Custom Wheels and Performance Tires

The specialty-equipment market is divided into nine niches. For each of these, there are three segments, one of which is the wheel, tire and suspension category. Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

For the average consumer, wheels and tires are a matter of function. But for an automotive enthusiast, wheels and tires are also about looks and performance. This is evidenced by the popularity of specialty-equipment products, such as low-profile tires and big rims. Custom wheels are often purchased for the addition they make to the overall look of a vehicle. But that is not always the case. A pickup owner who tows a boat or a race-car trailer is also concerned with the strength of the wheel. He or she will likely pick a forged-aluminum wheel rather than a cast-aluminum or multipiece wheel. Of course, this does not mean that design is ignored. There are awesome-looking forged-aluminum wheels available in the market. A similar scenario holds true for tires as well. Enthusiasts will typically purchase a set of new tires to go along with their custom wheels. And, contrary to what some might think, not all tires are created equal. Some are meant for high-performance driving, others are for off-road use, and still others are made for wet road conditions.

In recent years, the original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have ventured into the custom wheel market. Option packages now include wheel upgrades on many vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram 1500. Many vehicles have been equipped with performance tires. For example, the Cadillac STS comes standard with tires made for performance driving, and a Chevy Tahoe Z71 off-road package includes off-road tires. In cases such as these, it is more likely that a vehicle owner would simply change the wheels rather than the wheels and tires together.

What SEMA Members Are Saying

One of SEMA’s numerous councils is the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). Input from council members is very valuable when trying to get a handle on the market. After all, these folks are the ones who live the market every day. According to some WTC members, 2009 is down a bit compared to 2008 but, as most of them mentioned, this was to be expected. Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires noticed that wheel sales are down, particularly for 4x4 vehicles and lifted trucks. On the other hand, companies such as BMF Wheels, which has introduced new wheel designs, have noticed an increase in sales in the past couple of years. Barry Horlick of Voxx Products Inc. believes that “…sales for calendar year 2009 will actually be slightly better than the previous calendar year,” with the expectation that the last four months of 2009 will be healthier than the first eight.

SEMA members have noticed some trends in the wheel and tire market as well. It seems that 17- to 20-inch wheels remain the most popular. WTC Select Committee member Kelly Austin pointed out that trends often differ across different regions of the United States. He said that it’s best “…to listen to your wholesale customers and attend car shows where your products are sold most.” Horlick noticed an increase in sales of OEM replacement-size wheels as dealers work to jazz up their vehicles to move inventory.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Robinson. Russ Fuller of Revolution Supply Inc. has seen an increase in demand for wheels and tires for Ford vehicles. And Horlick noted an emphasis on options for “…CUV, passenger and tuner applications rather than for the truck and SUV market.”

In fact, there may be a correlation between wheel purchases and the decrease in sales for trucks and SUVs and subsequent increases seen in the CUV market. The specialty-equipment market has typically ignored the customization of crossover vehicles, but as the popularity of this segment grows, more attention should be focused here.

In the 4x4 market, some of the most popular vehicles customized with aftermarket tires are Ford and Chevy pickups, Toyota FJ Cruisers and Jeeps, according to Carl Robinson of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires.

One-piece cast wheels represent the majority of custom wheels offered today. These wheels can be painted, polished or chrome plated. Painted wheels—particularly black—are a popular choice among enthusiasts.There are more and more companies offering wheels that look similar to race-car wheels. As mentioned earlier, forged-aluminum wheels are popular for truck owners who tow a lot of weight. Forged wheels are much stronger and more structurally sound than multipiece wheels. Interestingly, multipiece wheels are typically at the higher end of the price spectrum of the custom wheel market. The wheels, often referred to as “bling,” usually fall into this category. SEMA market research reported that custom wheel sales reached $3.8 billion in 2008 in retail sales, down from $4.7 billion in 2007.

Performance Tires

There are various types of performance tires offered in the market today. Tires are made for high-speed driving, racing, snow conditions or off-road use. Enthusiasts with pickups will often replace their stock tires with a set that has a much wider stance. Owners of vehicles such as the Chrysler 300 or Cadillac Escalade will often choose low-profile tires—the type that does not have much rubber between the wheel and tread. Street-performance vehicles will typically be equipped with performance-built tires. In many cases, the tire sizes differ between the front of the vehicle to the back.

Enthusiast Data

Overall, the wheel, tire and suspension category rose nearly 2% in retail sales and 3% in manufacturer sales from 2007 to 2008 (See Chart 1). Light truck is the niche in which wheels, tires and suspension represent the largest percentage at $1.29 billion in manufacturer sales (See Table 1).

The 2009 SEMA Show will be home to more than 260 wheel and tire companies for four days. The aisles of lower South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with shiny wheels and tires of all sizes. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the latest trends in the wheel and tire market and be able to talk directly to the companies that design and produce them. Some of the most exciting features of lower South Hall are vehicles equipped with the latest and greatest that wheel and tire manufacturers have to offer.

Wheels and tires might be a necessity, but that does not mean they can’t be cool.   

SEMA News - November 2009 

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

At this year’s running of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima was the fastest man up the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course. Driving an 880hp, four-wheel-drive Suzuki SX4 clad in carbon and Kevlar composites, Monster missed his goal of breaking the 10-minute barrier; but with a run of 10 minutes, 15.368 seconds, he was still nearly a full minute faster than the next closest competitor.

Fifty years ago, it was a young Bobby Unser who set the pace on the Peak with a 13-minute, 36.5-second run that beat his own previous record. According to Hot Rod magazine’s Ray Brock, both Bobby and younger brother Al were set to race up the Peak in July 1959, but when USAC discovered that Al was still a few months shy of his 21st birthday, they wouldn’t let him run. Bobby surprised everyone by giving up his Jaguar-powered roadster to drive Al’s Pontiac-powered car. His reasoning, said Brock: Although the Jag handled better through the switchbacks, the Pontiac was more powerful and had the acceleration he needed to stay ahead of the other roadsters in his class. Unser acted as his own mechanic at the race and is seen here checking the throttle linkage on the 360-inch Pontiac mill. And, of course, Brock had an extra Hot Rod T-shirt to put on Bobby for the photo. 

 
 

SEMA News - November 2009 

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

At this year’s running of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima was the fastest man up the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course. Driving an 880hp, four-wheel-drive Suzuki SX4 clad in carbon and Kevlar composites, Monster missed his goal of breaking the 10-minute barrier; but with a run of 10 minutes, 15.368 seconds, he was still nearly a full minute faster than the next closest competitor.

Fifty years ago, it was a young Bobby Unser who set the pace on the Peak with a 13-minute, 36.5-second run that beat his own previous record. According to Hot Rod magazine’s Ray Brock, both Bobby and younger brother Al were set to race up the Peak in July 1959, but when USAC discovered that Al was still a few months shy of his 21st birthday, they wouldn’t let him run. Bobby surprised everyone by giving up his Jaguar-powered roadster to drive Al’s Pontiac-powered car. His reasoning, said Brock: Although the Jag handled better through the switchbacks, the Pontiac was more powerful and had the acceleration he needed to stay ahead of the other roadsters in his class. Unser acted as his own mechanic at the race and is seen here checking the throttle linkage on the 360-inch Pontiac mill. And, of course, Brock had an extra Hot Rod T-shirt to put on Bobby for the photo. 

 
 

SEMA News - November 2009

 By Steve McDonald

Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.

Canada (Saskatchewan)

Raised Vehicles: SEMA submitted technical comments to a regulatory proposal issued by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) to regulate raised vehicles in the province. SGI operates the province’s driver’s licensing and vehicle registration system. SGI regulators claim that the number of raised vehicles imported into and operating in Saskatchewan has increased, prompting inquiries from the general public, raised vehicle owners, off-road enthusiasts, vehicle inspection stations and law enforcement with requests to clarify the existing regulations and standards for raised vehicles. Under the proposal, all aftermarket raised vehicles operated on Saskatchewan highways would be subject to a raised vehicle inspection after January 1, 2011. The policy would be rolled out in two phases to mitigate the impact on existing raised vehicle owners and provide time to train and inform the public, inspection stations and law enforcement. Regulators are considering requiring owners to carry a “Letter of Authorization” issued by the province in order to operate a raised vehicle. The letter would signify that the vehicle has passed inspection and would be shown to law enforcement during roadside stops to demonstrate compliance with the applicable frame height limit. 

Indiana

Antiques: State hobbyist groups, working with SEMA and SEMA-member companies, have reached a tentative compromise with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on an agency proposal that originally sought to redefine the term “antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the emissions inspection program. Under existing law, an antique vehicle is defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25 years old.” Under the initial regulation, the definition would be revised to require that the vehicle must be at least 25 years old; registered and plated as an historic motor vehicle; driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar year; and include federally required pollution control equipment for that make and model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced into a vehicle emissions test site to verify that these requirements have been met. Under the current compromise, vehicles 25 years old and older would be exempted from the 3,000-mile limit and the pollution control equipment requirement if they were insured under a collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance policy. 

FEDERAL UPDATE

Health Care Reform: Last August’s town hall meetings helped identify deficiencies in various approaches on health care reform legislation. Lawmakers were challenged to consider pursuing more incremental reform, tackle the root causes of skyrocketing premiums, preserve the private market and maintain fiscal responsibility. SEMA urged President Obama and Congress to focus attention on the structural changes needed to reduce costs and increase competition. SEMA coordinated member grassroots efforts to let lawmakers hear from their small-business constituency.

An estimated 27 million small-business owners, employees and dependents are now uninsured under the current system. SEMA continues to work with the National Federation of Independent Business and through the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Healthcare in pursuit of effective health reform changes. A common message has been the need to allow small businesses to pool their resources when shopping for insurance. This approach would spur competition for the small-group market and, in return, bring more choices for business owners struggling to afford health insurance for their employees.

Federal Tire Fuel-Efficiency Rating Program: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is developing a program for mass-produced replacement tires, whereby tire manufacturers would be required to rate the tires for fuel efficiency, safety and durability based on performance tests established by the NHTSA. The program is required under a 2007 law that included a SEMA provision exempting from the rating system those tires that have been produced or imported in annual units of less than 15,000 and do not exceed 35,000 tires in total brand-name production. The specialty tires at issue are mostly produced for classic and antique cars and for some off-highway vehicles. SEMA urged the NHTSA not to impose unnecessary reporting requirements on the limited-production tires for which manufacturers had claimed the low-volume exemption. SEMA emphasized that a reporting requirement would run counter to the law’s intent, which recognizes that limited-volume tire producers are small businesses and ensures that the specialty tires will continue to be available to the consumer. The NHTSA is expected to finalize the program by December 2009.

Transmission Interlock: The NHTSA will soon require all automatic-transmission vehicles be equipped with an interlock device that requires that the brake pedal be pressed before the driver can shift the transmission out of Park. The action is required under a law passed in 2008 designed to protect children from vehicle rollaways in which a car is inadvertently shifted into Neutral or another gear. The NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114 (Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention) to mandate a brake transmission shift interlock device on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing 10,000 lbs. or less.

Antilock Brakes: The NHTSA reported that antilock brake systems (ABS) have been generally effective in preventing crashes, especially when combined with an electronic stability control (ESC) system. However, the NHTSA observed an unexplained rise in accidents in which ABS-equipped vehicles have “run off the road.” The NHTSA notes that this may diminish as ESC systems are installed on all passenger vehicles by 2011. The report is based on crash data collected between 1997 and 2007. The report revealed significant reductions in collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles and noted that ABS is particularly effective on wet pavements and in improving overall vehicle stability during braking.  

SEMA News - November 2009

 By Steve McDonald

Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.

Canada (Saskatchewan)

Raised Vehicles: SEMA submitted technical comments to a regulatory proposal issued by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) to regulate raised vehicles in the province. SGI operates the province’s driver’s licensing and vehicle registration system. SGI regulators claim that the number of raised vehicles imported into and operating in Saskatchewan has increased, prompting inquiries from the general public, raised vehicle owners, off-road enthusiasts, vehicle inspection stations and law enforcement with requests to clarify the existing regulations and standards for raised vehicles. Under the proposal, all aftermarket raised vehicles operated on Saskatchewan highways would be subject to a raised vehicle inspection after January 1, 2011. The policy would be rolled out in two phases to mitigate the impact on existing raised vehicle owners and provide time to train and inform the public, inspection stations and law enforcement. Regulators are considering requiring owners to carry a “Letter of Authorization” issued by the province in order to operate a raised vehicle. The letter would signify that the vehicle has passed inspection and would be shown to law enforcement during roadside stops to demonstrate compliance with the applicable frame height limit. 

Indiana

Antiques: State hobbyist groups, working with SEMA and SEMA-member companies, have reached a tentative compromise with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on an agency proposal that originally sought to redefine the term “antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the emissions inspection program. Under existing law, an antique vehicle is defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25 years old.” Under the initial regulation, the definition would be revised to require that the vehicle must be at least 25 years old; registered and plated as an historic motor vehicle; driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar year; and include federally required pollution control equipment for that make and model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced into a vehicle emissions test site to verify that these requirements have been met. Under the current compromise, vehicles 25 years old and older would be exempted from the 3,000-mile limit and the pollution control equipment requirement if they were insured under a collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance policy. 

FEDERAL UPDATE

Health Care Reform: Last August’s town hall meetings helped identify deficiencies in various approaches on health care reform legislation. Lawmakers were challenged to consider pursuing more incremental reform, tackle the root causes of skyrocketing premiums, preserve the private market and maintain fiscal responsibility. SEMA urged President Obama and Congress to focus attention on the structural changes needed to reduce costs and increase competition. SEMA coordinated member grassroots efforts to let lawmakers hear from their small-business constituency.

An estimated 27 million small-business owners, employees and dependents are now uninsured under the current system. SEMA continues to work with the National Federation of Independent Business and through the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Healthcare in pursuit of effective health reform changes. A common message has been the need to allow small businesses to pool their resources when shopping for insurance. This approach would spur competition for the small-group market and, in return, bring more choices for business owners struggling to afford health insurance for their employees.

Federal Tire Fuel-Efficiency Rating Program: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is developing a program for mass-produced replacement tires, whereby tire manufacturers would be required to rate the tires for fuel efficiency, safety and durability based on performance tests established by the NHTSA. The program is required under a 2007 law that included a SEMA provision exempting from the rating system those tires that have been produced or imported in annual units of less than 15,000 and do not exceed 35,000 tires in total brand-name production. The specialty tires at issue are mostly produced for classic and antique cars and for some off-highway vehicles. SEMA urged the NHTSA not to impose unnecessary reporting requirements on the limited-production tires for which manufacturers had claimed the low-volume exemption. SEMA emphasized that a reporting requirement would run counter to the law’s intent, which recognizes that limited-volume tire producers are small businesses and ensures that the specialty tires will continue to be available to the consumer. The NHTSA is expected to finalize the program by December 2009.

Transmission Interlock: The NHTSA will soon require all automatic-transmission vehicles be equipped with an interlock device that requires that the brake pedal be pressed before the driver can shift the transmission out of Park. The action is required under a law passed in 2008 designed to protect children from vehicle rollaways in which a car is inadvertently shifted into Neutral or another gear. The NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114 (Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention) to mandate a brake transmission shift interlock device on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing 10,000 lbs. or less.

Antilock Brakes: The NHTSA reported that antilock brake systems (ABS) have been generally effective in preventing crashes, especially when combined with an electronic stability control (ESC) system. However, the NHTSA observed an unexplained rise in accidents in which ABS-equipped vehicles have “run off the road.” The NHTSA notes that this may diminish as ESC systems are installed on all passenger vehicles by 2011. The report is based on crash data collected between 1997 and 2007. The report revealed significant reductions in collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles and noted that ABS is particularly effective on wet pavements and in improving overall vehicle stability during braking.  

SEMA News - November 2009

 By Steve McDonald

Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.

Canada (Saskatchewan)

Raised Vehicles: SEMA submitted technical comments to a regulatory proposal issued by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) to regulate raised vehicles in the province. SGI operates the province’s driver’s licensing and vehicle registration system. SGI regulators claim that the number of raised vehicles imported into and operating in Saskatchewan has increased, prompting inquiries from the general public, raised vehicle owners, off-road enthusiasts, vehicle inspection stations and law enforcement with requests to clarify the existing regulations and standards for raised vehicles. Under the proposal, all aftermarket raised vehicles operated on Saskatchewan highways would be subject to a raised vehicle inspection after January 1, 2011. The policy would be rolled out in two phases to mitigate the impact on existing raised vehicle owners and provide time to train and inform the public, inspection stations and law enforcement. Regulators are considering requiring owners to carry a “Letter of Authorization” issued by the province in order to operate a raised vehicle. The letter would signify that the vehicle has passed inspection and would be shown to law enforcement during roadside stops to demonstrate compliance with the applicable frame height limit. 

Indiana

Antiques: State hobbyist groups, working with SEMA and SEMA-member companies, have reached a tentative compromise with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on an agency proposal that originally sought to redefine the term “antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the emissions inspection program. Under existing law, an antique vehicle is defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25 years old.” Under the initial regulation, the definition would be revised to require that the vehicle must be at least 25 years old; registered and plated as an historic motor vehicle; driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar year; and include federally required pollution control equipment for that make and model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced into a vehicle emissions test site to verify that these requirements have been met. Under the current compromise, vehicles 25 years old and older would be exempted from the 3,000-mile limit and the pollution control equipment requirement if they were insured under a collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance policy. 

FEDERAL UPDATE

Health Care Reform: Last August’s town hall meetings helped identify deficiencies in various approaches on health care reform legislation. Lawmakers were challenged to consider pursuing more incremental reform, tackle the root causes of skyrocketing premiums, preserve the private market and maintain fiscal responsibility. SEMA urged President Obama and Congress to focus attention on the structural changes needed to reduce costs and increase competition. SEMA coordinated member grassroots efforts to let lawmakers hear from their small-business constituency.

An estimated 27 million small-business owners, employees and dependents are now uninsured under the current system. SEMA continues to work with the National Federation of Independent Business and through the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Healthcare in pursuit of effective health reform changes. A common message has been the need to allow small businesses to pool their resources when shopping for insurance. This approach would spur competition for the small-group market and, in return, bring more choices for business owners struggling to afford health insurance for their employees.

Federal Tire Fuel-Efficiency Rating Program: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is developing a program for mass-produced replacement tires, whereby tire manufacturers would be required to rate the tires for fuel efficiency, safety and durability based on performance tests established by the NHTSA. The program is required under a 2007 law that included a SEMA provision exempting from the rating system those tires that have been produced or imported in annual units of less than 15,000 and do not exceed 35,000 tires in total brand-name production. The specialty tires at issue are mostly produced for classic and antique cars and for some off-highway vehicles. SEMA urged the NHTSA not to impose unnecessary reporting requirements on the limited-production tires for which manufacturers had claimed the low-volume exemption. SEMA emphasized that a reporting requirement would run counter to the law’s intent, which recognizes that limited-volume tire producers are small businesses and ensures that the specialty tires will continue to be available to the consumer. The NHTSA is expected to finalize the program by December 2009.

Transmission Interlock: The NHTSA will soon require all automatic-transmission vehicles be equipped with an interlock device that requires that the brake pedal be pressed before the driver can shift the transmission out of Park. The action is required under a law passed in 2008 designed to protect children from vehicle rollaways in which a car is inadvertently shifted into Neutral or another gear. The NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114 (Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention) to mandate a brake transmission shift interlock device on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing 10,000 lbs. or less.

Antilock Brakes: The NHTSA reported that antilock brake systems (ABS) have been generally effective in preventing crashes, especially when combined with an electronic stability control (ESC) system. However, the NHTSA observed an unexplained rise in accidents in which ABS-equipped vehicles have “run off the road.” The NHTSA notes that this may diminish as ESC systems are installed on all passenger vehicles by 2011. The report is based on crash data collected between 1997 and 2007. The report revealed significant reductions in collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles and noted that ABS is particularly effective on wet pavements and in improving overall vehicle stability during braking.  

SEMA News - November 2009

 By Steve McDonald

Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.

Canada (Saskatchewan)

Raised Vehicles: SEMA submitted technical comments to a regulatory proposal issued by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) to regulate raised vehicles in the province. SGI operates the province’s driver’s licensing and vehicle registration system. SGI regulators claim that the number of raised vehicles imported into and operating in Saskatchewan has increased, prompting inquiries from the general public, raised vehicle owners, off-road enthusiasts, vehicle inspection stations and law enforcement with requests to clarify the existing regulations and standards for raised vehicles. Under the proposal, all aftermarket raised vehicles operated on Saskatchewan highways would be subject to a raised vehicle inspection after January 1, 2011. The policy would be rolled out in two phases to mitigate the impact on existing raised vehicle owners and provide time to train and inform the public, inspection stations and law enforcement. Regulators are considering requiring owners to carry a “Letter of Authorization” issued by the province in order to operate a raised vehicle. The letter would signify that the vehicle has passed inspection and would be shown to law enforcement during roadside stops to demonstrate compliance with the applicable frame height limit. 

Indiana

Antiques: State hobbyist groups, working with SEMA and SEMA-member companies, have reached a tentative compromise with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on an agency proposal that originally sought to redefine the term “antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the emissions inspection program. Under existing law, an antique vehicle is defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25 years old.” Under the initial regulation, the definition would be revised to require that the vehicle must be at least 25 years old; registered and plated as an historic motor vehicle; driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar year; and include federally required pollution control equipment for that make and model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced into a vehicle emissions test site to verify that these requirements have been met. Under the current compromise, vehicles 25 years old and older would be exempted from the 3,000-mile limit and the pollution control equipment requirement if they were insured under a collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance policy. 

FEDERAL UPDATE

Health Care Reform: Last August’s town hall meetings helped identify deficiencies in various approaches on health care reform legislation. Lawmakers were challenged to consider pursuing more incremental reform, tackle the root causes of skyrocketing premiums, preserve the private market and maintain fiscal responsibility. SEMA urged President Obama and Congress to focus attention on the structural changes needed to reduce costs and increase competition. SEMA coordinated member grassroots efforts to let lawmakers hear from their small-business constituency.

An estimated 27 million small-business owners, employees and dependents are now uninsured under the current system. SEMA continues to work with the National Federation of Independent Business and through the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Healthcare in pursuit of effective health reform changes. A common message has been the need to allow small businesses to pool their resources when shopping for insurance. This approach would spur competition for the small-group market and, in return, bring more choices for business owners struggling to afford health insurance for their employees.

Federal Tire Fuel-Efficiency Rating Program: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is developing a program for mass-produced replacement tires, whereby tire manufacturers would be required to rate the tires for fuel efficiency, safety and durability based on performance tests established by the NHTSA. The program is required under a 2007 law that included a SEMA provision exempting from the rating system those tires that have been produced or imported in annual units of less than 15,000 and do not exceed 35,000 tires in total brand-name production. The specialty tires at issue are mostly produced for classic and antique cars and for some off-highway vehicles. SEMA urged the NHTSA not to impose unnecessary reporting requirements on the limited-production tires for which manufacturers had claimed the low-volume exemption. SEMA emphasized that a reporting requirement would run counter to the law’s intent, which recognizes that limited-volume tire producers are small businesses and ensures that the specialty tires will continue to be available to the consumer. The NHTSA is expected to finalize the program by December 2009.

Transmission Interlock: The NHTSA will soon require all automatic-transmission vehicles be equipped with an interlock device that requires that the brake pedal be pressed before the driver can shift the transmission out of Park. The action is required under a law passed in 2008 designed to protect children from vehicle rollaways in which a car is inadvertently shifted into Neutral or another gear. The NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114 (Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention) to mandate a brake transmission shift interlock device on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing 10,000 lbs. or less.

Antilock Brakes: The NHTSA reported that antilock brake systems (ABS) have been generally effective in preventing crashes, especially when combined with an electronic stability control (ESC) system. However, the NHTSA observed an unexplained rise in accidents in which ABS-equipped vehicles have “run off the road.” The NHTSA notes that this may diminish as ESC systems are installed on all passenger vehicles by 2011. The report is based on crash data collected between 1997 and 2007. The report revealed significant reductions in collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles and noted that ABS is particularly effective on wet pavements and in improving overall vehicle stability during braking.