Thu, 03/14/2013 - 08:40

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its Form I-9, which is used to verify the authorized work status of new hires. All U.S. employers are required to process I-9 forms. The key revisions are added data fields, including the employee's foreign passport information (if applicable) and telephone and e-mail addresses. The form’s layout has been expanded from one to two pages. Employers must begin using the revised I-9 form immediately, although there is a 60-day grace period (until May 7, 2013). 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 08:23

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have introduced SEMA-supported legislation to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Spearheaded by North Carolina lawmakers, the legislation would reverse a 2012 management plan issued by the National Park Service that banned OHV access to large portions of the seashore with a goal of protecting nesting sea turtles and birds. Under that plan, about 39% of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is off-limits to OHV recreation, 40% is open year-round and 19% is open at different times during the year. 

The legislation would reinstate a management strategy that better balances wildlife protections with responsible OHV access. The 2012 decision has had a negative impact on local retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and campgrounds with reduced visits by OHV enthusiasts. A House Natural Resources Subcommittee held a hearing on the House bill (HR 819). No action has yet taken place on the Senate bill (S. 486). 

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

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 08:23

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have introduced SEMA-supported legislation to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Spearheaded by North Carolina lawmakers, the legislation would reverse a 2012 management plan issued by the National Park Service that banned OHV access to large portions of the seashore with a goal of protecting nesting sea turtles and birds. Under that plan, about 39% of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is off-limits to OHV recreation, 40% is open year-round and 19% is open at different times during the year. 

The legislation would reinstate a management strategy that better balances wildlife protections with responsible OHV access. The 2012 decision has had a negative impact on local retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and campgrounds with reduced visits by OHV enthusiasts. A House Natural Resources Subcommittee held a hearing on the House bill (HR 819). No action has yet taken place on the Senate bill (S. 486). 

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

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 14:44
By SEMA Staff

  2013 sema show, exhibitors, confidence
SEMA Show organizers have reported an increase in the number of booth space applications from exhibitors for all of the SEMA Show's 12 sections.
   

Booth space applications for the 2013 SEMA Show are currently being accepted. Early indicators reveal an increase in exhibitor activity, and SEMA Show organizers are also reporting an increase in interest and booth applications for each of the Show's 12 sections. The numbers are currently outpacing the amount of applications received at this time last year. The 2013 SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.  

Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2013 SEMA Show are encouraged to submit booth space applications to ensure participation in the Priority Booth Selection Process. While booth space applications (commonly referred to as the Exhibitor Space Rental Agreement) are accepted anytime before the Show in November, manufacturers who return their applications with a deposit by April 5, 2013, will be included in the Priority Booth Selection Process—the first opportunity exhibitors have to select their booth locations for the upcoming SEMA Show.

To get started and ensure that your company participates in the Priority Booth Selection Process, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth

"It's clear that Show exhibitors are picking up where they left off, making the commitment to the SEMA Show earlier in the year and building off of last year's momentum," said Peter MacGillivray, vice president of communications and events. "We are working to attract increased numbers of qualified buyers while providing exhibitors with the ideal venue to showcase their newest products and innovations and boost the return on their investment."

The 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and last year's New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 12 categories of the SEMA Show are: Collision Repair & Refinish; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Wheels & Accessories; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Tools & Equipment; Restoration Marketplace; Trucks, SUVs, Off-Road; Racing & Performance; Business Services; Hot Rod Alley; Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 14:44
By SEMA Staff

  2013 sema show, exhibitors, confidence
SEMA Show organizers have reported an increase in the number of booth space applications from exhibitors for all of the SEMA Show's 12 sections.
   

Booth space applications for the 2013 SEMA Show are currently being accepted. Early indicators reveal an increase in exhibitor activity, and SEMA Show organizers are also reporting an increase in interest and booth applications for each of the Show's 12 sections. The numbers are currently outpacing the amount of applications received at this time last year. The 2013 SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.  

Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2013 SEMA Show are encouraged to submit booth space applications to ensure participation in the Priority Booth Selection Process. While booth space applications (commonly referred to as the Exhibitor Space Rental Agreement) are accepted anytime before the Show in November, manufacturers who return their applications with a deposit by April 5, 2013, will be included in the Priority Booth Selection Process—the first opportunity exhibitors have to select their booth locations for the upcoming SEMA Show.

To get started and ensure that your company participates in the Priority Booth Selection Process, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth

"It's clear that Show exhibitors are picking up where they left off, making the commitment to the SEMA Show earlier in the year and building off of last year's momentum," said Peter MacGillivray, vice president of communications and events. "We are working to attract increased numbers of qualified buyers while providing exhibitors with the ideal venue to showcase their newest products and innovations and boost the return on their investment."

The 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and last year's New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 12 categories of the SEMA Show are: Collision Repair & Refinish; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Wheels & Accessories; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Tools & Equipment; Restoration Marketplace; Trucks, SUVs, Off-Road; Racing & Performance; Business Services; Hot Rod Alley; Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 14:14
By SEMA Staff

april

SEMA News is the monthly trade magazine published by SEMA that reaches more than 18,000 key automotive specialty-equipment businesses. Here's what's coming up in the April 2013 issue:

New Vehicle Technology

A look at the technologies of new vehicles now coming online, what we may see in five years and how these newest technologies may affect the specialty-parts industry.

’14 New Models

As new-car sales continue to gain momentum, the Toyota Tundra, Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Ford Fiesta XT and Kia Forte five-door were among the ’14 models rolled out at the Chicago Auto Show.

Newest Truck, SUV and 4x4 Products and Trends

Aftermarket experts identify hot trends in the truck market, and SEMA News showcases hundreds of new truck, SUV and 4x4 products from the SEMA Show's New Products Showcase.

To advertise in SEMA News, contact:

Brian Paik
Industry Sales Director 


brianp@sema.org 


909-978-6677



Check out the 2013 rate card and editorial calendar now!

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 14:14
By SEMA Staff

april

SEMA News is the monthly trade magazine published by SEMA that reaches more than 18,000 key automotive specialty-equipment businesses. Here's what's coming up in the April 2013 issue:

New Vehicle Technology

A look at the technologies of new vehicles now coming online, what we may see in five years and how these newest technologies may affect the specialty-parts industry.

’14 New Models

As new-car sales continue to gain momentum, the Toyota Tundra, Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Ford Fiesta XT and Kia Forte five-door were among the ’14 models rolled out at the Chicago Auto Show.

Newest Truck, SUV and 4x4 Products and Trends

Aftermarket experts identify hot trends in the truck market, and SEMA News showcases hundreds of new truck, SUV and 4x4 products from the SEMA Show's New Products Showcase.

To advertise in SEMA News, contact:

Brian Paik
Industry Sales Director 


brianp@sema.org 


909-978-6677



Check out the 2013 rate card and editorial calendar now!

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 12:56
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 different Mustang models and styles.
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 12:56
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 different Mustang models and styles.
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 12:32

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has analyzed real-world crash data to determine if LED stop lamps and center high-mounted stop lamps are more beneficial than incandescent lamps at preventing rear-impact collisions. The data was inconclusive when considering other factors, such as vehicle redesign and a change to the rear-lighting configuration. The NHTSA will continue to review future crash data in case it provides more guidance on whether there is a measureable difference. 

View a copy of the report. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.