By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump has decided not to reimpose 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported into the United States from Brazil following discussions with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. On December 2, President Trump announced the tariff hike on steel and aluminum from both Brazil and Argentina, but a formal Proclamation to officially implement the tariffs was never issued. It is unclear whether the president still intends to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum from Argentina. At issue was a contention that the two nations were unfairly devaluing their currencies, making U.S. exports to those countries more expensive.  

The metal tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.) but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.). Australia and South Korea have been exempted from the steel tariffs based on trade quotas, and Mexico and Canada were exempted in May 2019 from both metal tariffs as part of the new U.S./Mexico/Canada trade pact.  

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump has decided not to reimpose 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported into the United States from Brazil following discussions with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. On December 2, President Trump announced the tariff hike on steel and aluminum from both Brazil and Argentina, but a formal Proclamation to officially implement the tariffs was never issued. It is unclear whether the president still intends to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum from Argentina. At issue was a contention that the two nations were unfairly devaluing their currencies, making U.S. exports to those countries more expensive.  

The metal tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.) but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.). Australia and South Korea have been exempted from the steel tariffs based on trade quotas, and Mexico and Canada were exempted in May 2019 from both metal tariffs as part of the new U.S./Mexico/Canada trade pact.  

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump has decided not to reimpose 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported into the United States from Brazil following discussions with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. On December 2, President Trump announced the tariff hike on steel and aluminum from both Brazil and Argentina, but a formal Proclamation to officially implement the tariffs was never issued. It is unclear whether the president still intends to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum from Argentina. At issue was a contention that the two nations were unfairly devaluing their currencies, making U.S. exports to those countries more expensive.  

The metal tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.) but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.). Australia and South Korea have been exempted from the steel tariffs based on trade quotas, and Mexico and Canada were exempted in May 2019 from both metal tariffs as part of the new U.S./Mexico/Canada trade pact.  

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

As part of Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) commitment to increase engagement and support for the racing industry, the organization has launched a search for two executive positions, including the new position of President to be based out of Indianapolis, Indiana.

With a focus on building, promoting and protecting the motorsports industry, PRI’s president will oversee the strategic vision, leadership and executive management of all PRI initiatives. Based in Indianapolis, what many consider to be the center of the racing industry, the president will work closely with racing-related businesses, as well as individual racers, race teams, racing facilities, sanctioning bodies, and parts suppliers to develop programs and services to benefit the motorsports community.

In addition to the president in Indianapolis, PRI will hire a general manager in Southern California who will be responsible for the daily operations of PRI’s Trade Show, magazine and online media content. Bill Miller, the current general manager, will continue to support the PRI team while focusing on his responsibilities as senior vice president of operations for SEMA, which has owned and operated Performance Racing Industry since 2012.

“Having dedicated executives leading PRI will ensure that the needs of racing-related businesses and racers are met,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The motorsports industry is a unique community filled with passion, innovation and enthusiasm. We’re looking for individuals who share that passion as PRI looks to enhance the resources and programs for the industry.”

Successful candidates will have proven leadership skills and a strong work ethic, and be motivated to serve the motorsports industry. Additional skills and requirements, as well as complete job descriptions, can be found at performanceracing.com/candidates. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online.

By SEMA Editors

As part of Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) commitment to increase engagement and support for the racing industry, the organization has launched a search for two executive positions, including the new position of President to be based out of Indianapolis, Indiana.

With a focus on building, promoting and protecting the motorsports industry, PRI’s president will oversee the strategic vision, leadership and executive management of all PRI initiatives. Based in Indianapolis, what many consider to be the center of the racing industry, the president will work closely with racing-related businesses, as well as individual racers, race teams, racing facilities, sanctioning bodies, and parts suppliers to develop programs and services to benefit the motorsports community.

In addition to the president in Indianapolis, PRI will hire a general manager in Southern California who will be responsible for the daily operations of PRI’s Trade Show, magazine and online media content. Bill Miller, the current general manager, will continue to support the PRI team while focusing on his responsibilities as senior vice president of operations for SEMA, which has owned and operated Performance Racing Industry since 2012.

“Having dedicated executives leading PRI will ensure that the needs of racing-related businesses and racers are met,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The motorsports industry is a unique community filled with passion, innovation and enthusiasm. We’re looking for individuals who share that passion as PRI looks to enhance the resources and programs for the industry.”

Successful candidates will have proven leadership skills and a strong work ethic, and be motivated to serve the motorsports industry. Additional skills and requirements, as well as complete job descriptions, can be found at performanceracing.com/candidates. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online.

By SEMA Editors

Yokohama Tire Wins Two GOOD DESIGN Awards

Yokohama's GEOLANDAR X-AT and the performance SUV/crossover GEOLANDAR X-CV each won 2019 GOOD DESIGN awards in the transportation category from The Chicago Athenaeum.

Yokohama Tire announced that its all-terrain GEOLANDAR X-AT and the performance SUV/crossover GEOLANDAR X-CV each won 2019 GOOD DESIGN awards in the transportation category from The Chicago Athenaeum.

“Winning two impressive GOOD DESIGN awards is a great honor and another testament to our new product development,” said Andrew Briggs, Yokohama’s vice president of marketing and product management. “The X-AT was the most decorated tire in the industry this year. It was also named “Best New Tire” at SEMA and earned two Global Media Awards as well. And the X-CV was a 2020 SEMA New Product runner-up.”

According to The Chicago Athenaeum, the GOOD DESIGN awards program, which began in 1950, creates awareness about contemporary design and honors products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have chartered new directions for innovation and pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace.

By SEMA Editors

Ford has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020. 

2020 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2020
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2020

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by January 27, 2020. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2020 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by February 3, 2020. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker’s compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social-media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner and Sherry Kollien
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Ford has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020. 

2020 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2020
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2020

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by January 27, 2020. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2020 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by February 3, 2020. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker’s compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social-media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner and Sherry Kollien
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Ford has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020. 

2020 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2020
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2020

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by January 27, 2020. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2020 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by February 3, 2020. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker’s compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social-media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner and Sherry Kollien
semainfo@ford.com

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening in the Distributors/Retailers category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seat is open for this year’s election:

• Distributors/Retailers (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include a brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Friday, January 3, 2020. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE

SEMA President & CEO