The German government has updated its guidelines regarding aerodynamic parts. For the first time, German testing agencies are expected to approve products affixed to the outside of a vehicle only if they comply with the EC pedestrian protection requirements. This is a significant expansion of the EC pedestrian protection laws passed in 2003 which cover only the original car and therefore are requirements solely of vehicle manufacturers. These guidelines, while they don’t have the force of law, will likely be treated as such by the testing agencies and extend way beyond the intent of the European Union. 

Known as VdTÜV Specification Data Sheet MB FZMO 744 Testing of External Vehicle Parts on Class M1 and N1 Motor Vehicles Revision 03.2005, the guideline notes that spoilers, bumpers, hoods, and tailgates, as well as air deflectors attached thereto, and front and rear skirts and similar parts would be required to provide proof of compliance with Directive 2003/102/EC as part of their type approval.

German specialty-equipment associations are seeking to have this partially or fully repealed. Specialty-equipment companies have estimated that the cost for testing a single part for a single vehicle model can cost more than 11,000 euro ($15,968 USD).

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

German regulators have sent notices to the various government-approved testing services reminding them that all aftermarket wheels sold throughout Germany must strictly adhere to the German national directive for light-alloy wheels. The government is seeking to crack down on certain technical services which have provided wheel manufacturers or importers, or their customers, with the official stamp of approval based on these products meeting other internationally recognized standards, such as those issued by SAE. The government has announced that testing officials and companies that do not strictly comply with the wheel regulations will be held liable in case of an accident.

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Phillipe Jean, the new head of the Automotive Industry Unit of the European Commission based in Brussels, Belgium, recently met with SEMA and the European-wide association of seven national associations (ETO) to provide assurances that the Commission has no immediate intent to create new regulations regarding the specialty-equipment industry.

Jean noted that Article 31 legislation, which was passed by the European Parliament last spring following the inclusion of SEMA- and ETO-sponsored amendments, provides the Commission with the power to regulate only those products which can pose environmental or safety concerns.

At this time, he said no such concerns have been raised and thus no action is currently planned by the European Executive branch.

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Looking for some money for school or to pay off existing college loans? Applications for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship are now being accepted. To access the form, criteria and available loan amounts, click here.

Founded in 1984, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund fosters leadership opportunities in the specialty-equipment marketplace and supports educational goals for students. Over the past two decades, SEMA scholarships have supported over 400 students with more than $1 million in awards. In response to the rising costs of education, the SEMA Scholarship program was restructured in 2004 to cover a broader base of students attending various universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in both the United States and Canada. To offer further incentives for students to apply for SEMA scholarships, the award categories were increased with incentives positioned for the top applicant with the highest academic standing in select categories.

For a complete list of the past scholarship winners or to access a SEMA scholarship application, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

Registration for SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD, February 8–9, 2008, is open! The spring events deliver the acclaimed SEMA Show experience to the Indianapolis area and surrounding regions. Attendees can interact face-to-face with industry manufacturers, save money through multiple exhibitor specials and take advantage of free seminars and presentations designed to help streamline and grow business.

The free sessions kick-off on Thursday, February 7, 1:00–2:30 p.m., with "Making Your Business a Great Investment for You," where you'll gain access to an online calculator that provides updates on your investment returns and how to create larger dividends.

The following morning from 9:45–10:45 a.m., don't miss keynote speaker Richard Picciotto, the highest-ranking New York firefighter to survive the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11. Be inspired and motivated as Picciotto recounts his leadership during that harrowing day, lessons that you can apply to your business and life.

Additional topics in the educational series include "5 Powerful Ways to Boost Your Business and Increase Revenue," "Internet Mediums (Websites, Blogs and Podcasts) to Maximize your Marketing Success" and "Merchandising Restyling to New Car Dealers."

For times and a complete event calendar, click here.

With a special emphasis on trucks and SUVs, SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD exhibitors will display a variety of products and services covering accessories, restyling, wheels and tires, and mobile electronics. To see all industry manufacturers exhibiting at SSE/SOR, click here

For more information, visit www.semaspringexpo.com and www.semaoffroad.com.

SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (left), Chairman-Elect Rick Rollins and President/CEO Chris Kersting (right) discussed industry challenges, such as legislation and vehicle technology, at the State of the Association presentation, February 7.

Discover how SEMA can help specialty-equipment market businesses in 2008 by listening to the State of the Association presentation, delivered Thursday, February 7, at 12:00 p.m. (EST) during the SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD in Indianapolis. Those who were unable to tune in to the live presentation can download an archived audio file of the presentation next week. Visit www.sema.org/webinar for details.

Held annually, the State of the Association traditionally features SEMA executives discussing current programs and informing members about what to expect in the coming year. The 2008 program featured a new format, with television personality and current SEMA Board member Dennis Gage moderating the hour-long presentation. Gage was joined by SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie, Chairman-Elect Rick Rollins and President and CEO Chris Kersting, who explained what the association is doing to assist members in overcoming today’s tough economic challenges.

Kersting discussed several association initiatives, including the importance of technology-based partnerships with OEMs and urged members to get more active in the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC). Meanwhile, Cozzie discussed the importance of industry education and supporting the jobber base during a challenging economic climate.

"The thing about this industry is no one ever lays down," Cozzie said. "Everyone in this industry has the attitude of 'it's just another speed bump in the road. We have to get by it.'"

The audio presentation of the 2008 SEMA State of the Association will be available online next week at www.sema.org/webinar.

Also, don't miss next month's featured webinar:

For those consumers looking to 'personalize their ride,' SEMA will display this year's most accessory-friendly vehicles at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, February 8–17, 2008, at McCormick Place.

The vehicles that will be on display are the 2008 SEMA Design Award winners: the Nissan Titan (truck); Cadillac CTS (car); Hummer H2 (SUV); and the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. The display marks the fourth consecutive year that SEMA has brought the popularity of vehicle customization and personalization to Chicago.

"Consumers want something unique, something that reflects their own personal style," says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "They're purchasing vehicles that are reliable and safe, but personalizing them so they look distinctive and perform even better. It's exciting to see more and more mainstream consumers discovering the benefits of vehicle personalization."

While every vehicle on the road today can be personalized, the SEMA awards were created to recognize and celebrate newly introduced vehicles that best exemplify the collaboration between the automakers and specialty-equipment industry. Winners are selected by a group of voting SEMA members who work directly on designing and developing automotive parts and accessories.

"Automakers strive to differentiate their products and capture the interest of trendsetters, giving special attention to automotive accessories," continues MacGillivray. "The SEMA Design Awards celebrate this innovation and help steer consumers toward the vehicles that are the most accessory-friendly and offer the most options."

"The Chicago Auto Show is known for its record of being the largest consumer auto show in the world," MacGillivray adds. "What better place to showcase the unlimited specialty-equipment possibilities on these four vehicles?"

To learn more about the automotive specialty-equipment products available to personalize today's cars, trucks and SUVs, visit www.enjoythedrive.com.

SEMA members, here is an opportunity for you to take part in the SEMA Hall of Fame selection process. It's time once again to gather your thoughts and recommend, for consideration, nominees for the 2008 Hall of Fame. Induction into the prestigious SEMA Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors the industry can bestow on individual members. It is an annual tribute to those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills and an incomparable dedication to industry affairs and progress.

It is important that you review the criteria for Hall of Fame honorees. Click here to view the criteria.

To avoid nominating someone who is already a member of the Hall of Fame, please click here to review the list of prior recipients.

To submit a nominee online, click here to complete the nomination form. When completed, return it via e-mail to christineb@sema.org. The Hall of Fame Task Force follows strict guidelines during the selection process, which means your input, comments and opinions are essential to a fair and complete evaluation.

All recommendations must be received in the SEMA office by mail or online (to the attention of Christine Papavero) by February 22 to be considered. To view the SEMA Hall of Fame online, please visit http://semahalloffame.com.

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