Case Study: A Win Today, But More Challenges on the Horizon
By Chris Kersting
One of our top priorities for 2021 is to reinforce the automotive specialty aftermarket’s presence in Washington, D.C., and state capitals around the country. We know regulatory activity will be on the rise, especially in light of recent federal elections. Success over the next few years will require dedicated effort along with support from the industry. With sustained effort, we can prevail.
Building relationships with legislators, their staffs and officials who implement policy is a long-term proposition. Perseverance is of critical importance and can yield important results for the industry. The value of persistence on Capitol Hill is apparent when we look at the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act—a SEMA-led bill that became law in 2015 and only now, years later, is ready for implementation. The law allows low-volume auto manufacturers to produce completed replica vehicles (think classic roadsters and ’60s musclecars) under a streamlined regulatory structure, eliminating roadblocks that until now have prevented the production of turnkey heritage cars.
To get where we are today, SEMA worked closely with a core group of member companies to craft legislation introduced in Congress in 2011. A solid grassroots enthusiast campaign and media effort helped get the message across to legislators. The law was passed in 2015, but there were still details to be ironed out.
Two important steps were achieved when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidelines regarding permissible engine packages, and the California Air Resources Board issued a regulation for certifying the vehicles and engine packages.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, having a duty to issue regulations to activate the law, moved at a much slower pace. It was ultimately necessary for SEMA to ask a federal court to intervene, and a lawsuit in 2019 helped spur issuance of proposed regulations in January 2020. Industry members suggested a few changes that were incorporated into the final rule issued in January 2021. That was almost a favorable ending, but the rule is now again on hold because it was not officially published in the Federal Register before the Biden Administration took office. Once that review is completed, SEMA expects that the rule will be officially published by spring. The details of the final rule are included on p. 32 of this issue.
Looking ahead, we can expect new legislation and regulatory challenges affecting our industry. We’ve seen broad pronouncements about the end of the internal-combustion engine, new safety technologies that threaten to lock out vehicle modifiers, and the still-present threat from the EPA claiming that it is illegal to convert an emissions-certified vehicle into a race car. SEMA and our race-friendly supporters in Congress will be reintroducing the RPM Act to address that last matter. And similar to the effort required for the Low Volume Manufacturers Act, we will need to be relentless with Congress until we get the legislation passed.
For the association’s part, the Board of Directors and staff are dedicating more resources to the cause. That means putting more resources into our Washington, D.C., offices and resources to help build grassroots networks to support our cause.
The foundation of SEMA’s grassroots program is the SEMA Action Network (SAN)—a nationwide partnership between SEMA, car clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty auto parts industry. It costs nothing to become a member of the SAN, and it’s an easy way for you to stay informed and help protect the hobby. Join the SAN at www.semasan.org/join.
Another critical tool to grow the industry’s voice is the SEMA Political Action Committee, which supports those in Congress who help our industry. It’s more important now than ever, so please visit www.semapac.org and contribute to the cause.
Thanks in advance for your involvement and assistance. Working together with perseverance and persistence, we can help the industry thrive, even in a challenging political climate.
The SDC is “data central” for the specialty-equipment segment, containing millions of products and vehicle fitments from performance and accessories brands. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data warehouse, complete with comprehensive online tools, and a team of dedicated data and technology experts to assist manufacturers and resellers with product data needs. Learn more at 
Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group) hired Sophia Polsinelli as its newest account coordinator. Polsinelli joined MBE Group as a communications intern in late September 2020 as part of the company’s recently launched internship program. During her time with MBE Group, Polsinelli supported the company’s in-house marketing initiatives in addition to various client projects. As an account coordinator, Polsinelli will support client account teams with writing, media relations, social media, integrated branding campaigns, and digital marketing activities. Prior to joining MBE Group, she served as a marketing and sales intern for Bosch Battery Systems in Orion, Michigan.
Haig Partners LLC announced that Pete Thiel joined the team as managing director. Prior to joining Haig Partners, Thiel was vice president at AutoNation. He has been involved in the purchase or sale of more than 130 dealerships for a value of $2 billion, as well as the evaluation of more than 1,000 acquisition opportunities.
Denso Products and Services Americas Inc., an affiliate of Denso Corp., named Joseph Wright its new director of Americas operations. Wright is responsible for overseeing all Denso shipping and receiving operations across North America, including Denso’s warehouse and distribution centers in California and Indiana. Wright brings more than 20 years of experience in warehousing, transportation, global logistics, procurement and production to
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced the retirement of Lynn Parker and the selection of Larry Magee (pictured) as president of the board of trustees. Magee has been involved with the foundation for more than 25 years and currently serves on the foundation’s executive committee, recipient review committee, strategic planning committee, and golf committee. Parker served on the AACF board for more than 20 years and as AACF board president the last three years. During his career in the aftermarket, Magee held CEO/president positions with several companies, including Bridgestone/Firestone and Magnolia Enterprise Group.
Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. announced the addition of Vince Callaghan as vice president of information technology. Callaghan will be responsible for all company information tools, communication systems, computer systems and networks, and he will ensure the proper security of the company’s information assets. He will take on the challenge of planning the information technology future to support the next levels of growth for Hopkins, be an advocate for the implementation of new tools and technologies to advance the company, and increase efficiency while also continuing to support current operations.
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SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learning through new and engaging webinars.
With more than five weeks to go before the SEMA Show space agreement deadline, Show management reports that more than 1,000 exhibitors have already been confirmed for the 2021 event. The news is significant, and underscores the work that Las Vegas and its businesses are doing to welcome back large-venue events like the SEMA Show.
SEMA’s On-Demand Virtual Education library includes comprehensive presentations, insightful discussions and short videos that teach, inform, inspire and entertain automotive specialty-equipment professionals.
