By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The U.S. Congress will soon hold hearings on whether to modify the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). The law mandates that an increasing amount of ethanol or other biofuels be blended into gasoline each year—levels that may be unattainable in the current marketplace. Congress enacted the RFS in 2005 and then dramatically expanded the volume of renewables to be blended each year, from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The RFS has been the driving force behind a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the content of ethanol in gasoline to rise from 10% (E10) to 15% ethanol (E15). E15 then becomes the way refiners will meet RFS mandates. 

In order to track compliance with the RFS quotas, the fuel producers are assigned “renewable identification numbers” (RIN) by the EPA. The producers are permitted to sell and trade RINs to meet their individual quota. However, there is now a struggle to meet the increasing ethanol quotas since few gas stations are selling the fuel and the car companies will deny warranties for E15-related damage. As a result, RIN prices have skyrocketed from $.07 in January to more than $1. The gasoline refiners are warning that we have reached the “blend wall”—the point at which the gasoline supply cannot handle any more ethanol.

Key Congressional leaders have now issued a letter to the EPA asking for immediate action to address the issue of rising RIN costs and potential fuel price increases. SEMA is working with a diverse coalition of organizations to oppose E15 and set realistic goals for the Reformulate Fuel Standard. SEMA supports HR 875 and S. 344 to halt E15 sales. 

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

	The Scion FR-S—winner of the 2012 SEMA Award for the Hottest Sport Compact—was selected as the race car of choice for the upcoming 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the 39th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Scion FR-S Joins List of Stars Competing in 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
In addition to the celebrities and personalities competing in the 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race as part of the 39th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, there is one star on the list that occupies a special place in the hearts of many customizers—the Scion FR-S.

SEMA members and industry enthusiasts recognize the Scion FR-S as a SEMA Award winner in 2012, taking home the SEMA Award for the Hottest Sport Compact. Due to the vehicle's potential for specialty-equipment, several accessory manufacturers have expressed their hopefulness that the emergence of true sport compacts—like the FR-S—could serve as the kindling to reignite the creativity throughout that specific market.

Celebrities, including Jenna Elfman (“Dharma & Greg;” “1600 Penn”), Michelle Rodriguez (Fast & Furious; Avatar) and Jesse Metcalfe (“Desperate Housewives;” “Dallas”), will tear up the pavement in the 210hp FR-S on Saturday, April 20, in downtown Long Beach, California. Pro drivers competing against the stars for the title include motocross champion and MTV’s “Nitro Circus” star Andy Bell, 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner and comedian Adam Carolla, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tyler Clary and NHRA driver Melanie Troxel. More information on the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is available at www.toyotaracing.com/series/toyota-pro-celebrity.html.

Motor Trend's YouTube Channel Hits One Million Subscribers
Motor Trend recently announced that its YouTube Channel reached a milestone of one million subscribers. According to Motor Trend, the channel has experienced more than 600% audience growth since switching to episodic programming in February 2012. Regularly attracting almost four million views and 30,000 new subscribers each week, the Motor Trend Channel has amassed an audience equivalent to a Top 30 TV market in the United States, according to Nielsen numbers.

“We’ve set it up as an on-demand video channel with a deliberate programming strategy,” said Source Interlink Media Chief Content Officer Angus MacKenzie. “Our focus is automotive, but our programs appeal to different people in that audience. There’s something for everyone.” The Motor Trend Channel is available at www.youtube.com/MotorTrend.

Falken Tire, Tread Lightly! Form Marketing Partnership
High-performance tire manufacturer Falken Tire has entered into a marketing partnership with Tread Lightly!, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible recreation across the country. As part of its partnership, which makes Falken the Official Tire of Tread Lightly!, Falken has pledged a $100 rebate on a set of Falken WildPeak A/T tires to individuals who join Tread Lightly!’s membership at the $50 level and above. As an incentive for individuals to renew their membership in Tread Lightly!, Falken is providing a $50 rebate to any person who renews their existing membership at the base level of $25.

“Falken Tire strongly supports Tread Lightly!’s mission and echoes the need to educate consumers about the importance of respecting the outdoors,” stated Nick Fousekis, Falken Motorsports Marketing and Events Director. “And while Falken is a strong advocate of off-road racing and other events, we always respect the environment, using the proper trails and designated facilities and want to encourage all enthusiasts to embrace these goals.”

Part of Falken’s goal in establishing this partnership is to help Tread Lightly! continue to speak to the general public on the need to maintain the environment in its natural condition.

	Galpin Auto Sports' “Iron Orchid,” built from a 1934 Ford Five-Window Coupe, was publicly debuted earlier this month at the 2013 Detroit Autorama and took home five awards, which was the most awards earned by any car at the show.

Galpin Debuts "Iron Orchid," Takes Home Five Awards
Galpin Auto Sports' (GAS) newest creation—a one-off fully custom show car dubbed “Iron Orchid,” built from a ’34 Ford Five-Window Coupe—had its public debut earlier this month at the 2013 Detroit Autorama. The vehicle secured five awards, which was the most awards earned by any car at the show—including a first place for the Altered Street Coupe class and honors such as Outstanding Street Rod, Outstanding Engine-Rod, Outstanding Undercarriage and Outstanding Use of Color Design. In addition, “Iron Orchid” was also selected for the Street Rodder magazine Top 100 award.

The ’34 Ford was designed and built by Dave Shuten at Galpin’s North Hills, California, shop over the course of 18 months, under the watchful eye of GAS President Beau Boeckmann. Built to emulate the extreme show cars of the ’60s, Shuten relied on a combination of period-correct, pre-’65 parts with hundreds of custom fabricated pieces to finish the car.

All Wright Enterprises Acquires Fidanza Engineering Corp.
All Wright Enterprises LLC (AWE) acquired Fidanza Engineering Corp. from race car builder and company founder Lou Fidanza. The company, now doing business as Fidanza Performance, will be led by 10-year company veteran, current president and now owner Jeff Jenkins.

“Lou has been producing great products under the Fidanza name for nearly 20 years and has grown Fidanza to a world-recognized brand,” said Jenkins. “We have a great team of people here, a great product offering and great customers, so it is just a matter of continuing to do what we do best while looking at opportunities to improve and grow the new company.”

Lou Fidanza will continue on as a key consultant to the company as he begins to enjoy his well-earned retirement. According to a release, the change to the Fidanza Performance brand name and new company logo will be completed by end of first quarter 2013.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

The next SEMA Measuring Session will feature ’14 GM next-generation fullsize light-duty trucks, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at the Warren Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.

The next SEMA Measuring Session will feature ’14 GM next-generation fullsize light-duty trucks, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at the Warren Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.

For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry. With the intent of turning heads, sparking ideas and igniting the imagination, these vehicles serve as mobile canvases for technicians and product engineers to realize their creative visions and provide a visual representation of what the industry and its companies are all about.

A new photo collection of the vehicles that helped make the 2012 SEMA Show a visual extravaganza are included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features a collection of vehicles from Scion.

For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry. With the intent of turning heads, sparking ideas and igniting the imagination, these vehicles serve as mobile canvases for technicians and product engineers to realize their creative visions and provide a visual representation of what the industry and its companies are all about.

A new photo collection of the vehicles that helped make the 2012 SEMA Show a visual extravaganza are included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features a collection of vehicles from Scion.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the facelifted Dodge Charger SRT8 testing in the wintry north, providing a first glimpse at the refreshed sport sedan. Chrysler's product plan was presented to the media earlier this year, and three updates to the SRT lineup were listed among the coming changes. This SRT-tuned Charger is one of those three.

So far, the changes all seem to be directed to the front fascia, with a rather thorough camouflage bra covering the entire front clip. The basic frontal architecture looks similar to the current model. It's expected that SRT stylists may tone down the "gaping maw" effect of the Charger's SRT-specific grille, for something a little more refined. A further refinement of the Dodge crosshairs may also be in the works.

At this point, there appear to be no changes to the Charger SRT8's rearend. This is an early prototype for the revamped Charger, however, so a redesign to the car's current LED-heavy taillight array can't be ruled out.

Details on power or performance upgrades are slim at this early date. This Charger SRT8 update is expected to hit the market in the 2014 calendar year as a ’15 model.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the facelifted Dodge Charger SRT8 testing in the wintry north, providing a first glimpse at the refreshed sport sedan. Chrysler's product plan was presented to the media earlier this year, and three updates to the SRT lineup were listed among the coming changes. This SRT-tuned Charger is one of those three.

So far, the changes all seem to be directed to the front fascia, with a rather thorough camouflage bra covering the entire front clip. The basic frontal architecture looks similar to the current model. It's expected that SRT stylists may tone down the "gaping maw" effect of the Charger's SRT-specific grille, for something a little more refined. A further refinement of the Dodge crosshairs may also be in the works.

At this point, there appear to be no changes to the Charger SRT8's rearend. This is an early prototype for the revamped Charger, however, so a redesign to the car's current LED-heavy taillight array can't be ruled out.

Details on power or performance upgrades are slim at this early date. This Charger SRT8 update is expected to hit the market in the 2014 calendar year as a ’15 model.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the facelifted Dodge Charger SRT8 testing in the wintry north, providing a first glimpse at the refreshed sport sedan. Chrysler's product plan was presented to the media earlier this year, and three updates to the SRT lineup were listed among the coming changes. This SRT-tuned Charger is one of those three.

So far, the changes all seem to be directed to the front fascia, with a rather thorough camouflage bra covering the entire front clip. The basic frontal architecture looks similar to the current model. It's expected that SRT stylists may tone down the "gaping maw" effect of the Charger's SRT-specific grille, for something a little more refined. A further refinement of the Dodge crosshairs may also be in the works.

At this point, there appear to be no changes to the Charger SRT8's rearend. This is an early prototype for the revamped Charger, however, so a redesign to the car's current LED-heavy taillight array can't be ruled out.

Details on power or performance upgrades are slim at this early date. This Charger SRT8 update is expected to hit the market in the 2014 calendar year as a ’15 model.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

	The SEMA Board of Directors

The candidates for the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors have been announced. The members of SEMA's Board of volunteer their time to provide industry insight and a business-level perspective that contributes to the direction of the Association. That direction plays a strategic role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Voting for the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors Election will be open and available online between May 15 and June 11. Voting is open to current SEMA members, and votes must be submitted by the designated primary contact of each voting SEMA-member company.

The eight candidates vying for the four open seats on the SEMA's Board of Directors are:

Chairman-Elect Category

• Doug Evans – Source Interlink Media
• Tim Martin – K&N Engineering

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Al Azadi – Omix-ADA Inc./Rugged Ridge
• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.
• Tim Watts – Superlift Suspension Systems

Manufacturer’s Representative Category (one open seat)

• Jeff Bates – Bob Cook Sales
• Greg Bernheisel – Considine Sales & Marketing

Winners will be announced in June and will be formally introduced as the newest members of SEMA's Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Banquet in July. All industry professionals are invited to join the celebration and welcome the new Board members by attending the gala on July 26.

For more information about the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, e-mail Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678.