The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone in Nashville, Tennessee.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone to inform attendees about how they can get involved in the group’s legislative advocacy efforts. The Power Zone is designed as a new outreach endeavor aimed at the country music fan base, many of whom share a passion for automobiles. The new Power Zone is accessible free of charge during the CMA Music Festival taking place Thursday through Sunday, June 9–12, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The CMA Music Festival attracts more than 250,000 fans yearly from all 50 states and 28 foreign countries.

Martin & Company Automotive Aftermarket Solutions has been a catalyst in the development of the new Power Zone. Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors said, “For many years now, I have recognized that the automotive aftermarket needs new ways to lure customers into our fold. This event does just that because both groups have a high level of demographic similarity. And for those people who are big racing fans and true gearheads, we know they will immediately gravitate to the Power Zone to see what’s the hottest from the aftermarket!”

Several SEMA-member companies are participating in the Power Zone with exhibit booths and custom show cars or trucks on display. These brands include Traxxas—a leading manufacturer of radio-controlled vehicles; A.R.E.—manufacturers of fiberglass truck cap and tonneau covers; Firestone Tires; E3 Spark Plugs; newly merged Edge Products and Superchips; K&N Performance Filters; Hot Rod magazine; and Skyjacker Suspensions. Several vehicles of note will be on display, including A.R.E.’s Pro Football Hall of Fame truck, the unique Chevy-body BigFoot truck, Dan Fletcher’s NHRA World Championship Super Stock Camaro and Martin & Company’s ’57 Chevy Wagon, dubbed the “Zandy.” Several OEM project vehicles will also be in attendance, including the Superchips Jeep and several Skyjacker Suspension GM trucks.

“The current economic and legislative environment is emboldening governments to become more aggressive with their anti-auto-hobby legislation,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “States are seeking new avenues for generating revenue and new ways of dictating what you can and cannot do with your vehicles. We are incredibly grateful that Zan Martin and her staff have given us this opportunity to bring our message to the thousands of country music fans who share our passion for custom and classic cars and trucks.”

The SAN is a partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs and members of the automotive specialty-parts industry in the United States and Canada who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With nearly 50,000 members, 3 million contacts and an ability to reach 30 million enthusiasts through print and press, the SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of the vehicle hobby. The SAN is free to join with no obligations or commitments.

Television personalities Stacey David of "Gearz" on SPEED TV, Kevin Tetz co-host of "TRUCKS! TV" on Spike and Ben “Cooter” Jones with the “General Lee” from the hit TV show "Dukes of Hazzard" will be on hand for autographs. A lineup of automotive-themed interactive challenges pitting country artists against fans and several bands will provide entertainment from the Power Zone Stage.

For more information on the Power Zone or the 2012 CMA Music Fest, please contact Rachal Smith at rachal.smith@martincoadvertising.com or 615/876-1822. For more information on the 2011 CMA Music Fest, visit CMAfest.com.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone in Nashville, Tennessee.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone to inform attendees about how they can get involved in the group’s legislative advocacy efforts. The Power Zone is designed as a new outreach endeavor aimed at the country music fan base, many of whom share a passion for automobiles. The new Power Zone is accessible free of charge during the CMA Music Festival taking place Thursday through Sunday, June 9–12, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The CMA Music Festival attracts more than 250,000 fans yearly from all 50 states and 28 foreign countries.

Martin & Company Automotive Aftermarket Solutions has been a catalyst in the development of the new Power Zone. Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors said, “For many years now, I have recognized that the automotive aftermarket needs new ways to lure customers into our fold. This event does just that because both groups have a high level of demographic similarity. And for those people who are big racing fans and true gearheads, we know they will immediately gravitate to the Power Zone to see what’s the hottest from the aftermarket!”

Several SEMA-member companies are participating in the Power Zone with exhibit booths and custom show cars or trucks on display. These brands include Traxxas—a leading manufacturer of radio-controlled vehicles; A.R.E.—manufacturers of fiberglass truck cap and tonneau covers; Firestone Tires; E3 Spark Plugs; newly merged Edge Products and Superchips; K&N Performance Filters; Hot Rod magazine; and Skyjacker Suspensions. Several vehicles of note will be on display, including A.R.E.’s Pro Football Hall of Fame truck, the unique Chevy-body BigFoot truck, Dan Fletcher’s NHRA World Championship Super Stock Camaro and Martin & Company’s ’57 Chevy Wagon, dubbed the “Zandy.” Several OEM project vehicles will also be in attendance, including the Superchips Jeep and several Skyjacker Suspension GM trucks.

“The current economic and legislative environment is emboldening governments to become more aggressive with their anti-auto-hobby legislation,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “States are seeking new avenues for generating revenue and new ways of dictating what you can and cannot do with your vehicles. We are incredibly grateful that Zan Martin and her staff have given us this opportunity to bring our message to the thousands of country music fans who share our passion for custom and classic cars and trucks.”

The SAN is a partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs and members of the automotive specialty-parts industry in the United States and Canada who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With nearly 50,000 members, 3 million contacts and an ability to reach 30 million enthusiasts through print and press, the SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of the vehicle hobby. The SAN is free to join with no obligations or commitments.

Television personalities Stacey David of "Gearz" on SPEED TV, Kevin Tetz co-host of "TRUCKS! TV" on Spike and Ben “Cooter” Jones with the “General Lee” from the hit TV show "Dukes of Hazzard" will be on hand for autographs. A lineup of automotive-themed interactive challenges pitting country artists against fans and several bands will provide entertainment from the Power Zone Stage.

For more information on the Power Zone or the 2012 CMA Music Fest, please contact Rachal Smith at rachal.smith@martincoadvertising.com or 615/876-1822. For more information on the 2011 CMA Music Fest, visit CMAfest.com.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone in Nashville, Tennessee.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone to inform attendees about how they can get involved in the group’s legislative advocacy efforts. The Power Zone is designed as a new outreach endeavor aimed at the country music fan base, many of whom share a passion for automobiles. The new Power Zone is accessible free of charge during the CMA Music Festival taking place Thursday through Sunday, June 9–12, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The CMA Music Festival attracts more than 250,000 fans yearly from all 50 states and 28 foreign countries.

Martin & Company Automotive Aftermarket Solutions has been a catalyst in the development of the new Power Zone. Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors said, “For many years now, I have recognized that the automotive aftermarket needs new ways to lure customers into our fold. This event does just that because both groups have a high level of demographic similarity. And for those people who are big racing fans and true gearheads, we know they will immediately gravitate to the Power Zone to see what’s the hottest from the aftermarket!”

Several SEMA-member companies are participating in the Power Zone with exhibit booths and custom show cars or trucks on display. These brands include Traxxas—a leading manufacturer of radio-controlled vehicles; A.R.E.—manufacturers of fiberglass truck cap and tonneau covers; Firestone Tires; E3 Spark Plugs; newly merged Edge Products and Superchips; K&N Performance Filters; Hot Rod magazine; and Skyjacker Suspensions. Several vehicles of note will be on display, including A.R.E.’s Pro Football Hall of Fame truck, the unique Chevy-body BigFoot truck, Dan Fletcher’s NHRA World Championship Super Stock Camaro and Martin & Company’s ’57 Chevy Wagon, dubbed the “Zandy.” Several OEM project vehicles will also be in attendance, including the Superchips Jeep and several Skyjacker Suspension GM trucks.

“The current economic and legislative environment is emboldening governments to become more aggressive with their anti-auto-hobby legislation,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “States are seeking new avenues for generating revenue and new ways of dictating what you can and cannot do with your vehicles. We are incredibly grateful that Zan Martin and her staff have given us this opportunity to bring our message to the thousands of country music fans who share our passion for custom and classic cars and trucks.”

The SAN is a partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs and members of the automotive specialty-parts industry in the United States and Canada who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With nearly 50,000 members, 3 million contacts and an ability to reach 30 million enthusiasts through print and press, the SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of the vehicle hobby. The SAN is free to join with no obligations or commitments.

Television personalities Stacey David of "Gearz" on SPEED TV, Kevin Tetz co-host of "TRUCKS! TV" on Spike and Ben “Cooter” Jones with the “General Lee” from the hit TV show "Dukes of Hazzard" will be on hand for autographs. A lineup of automotive-themed interactive challenges pitting country artists against fans and several bands will provide entertainment from the Power Zone Stage.

For more information on the Power Zone or the 2012 CMA Music Fest, please contact Rachal Smith at rachal.smith@martincoadvertising.com or 615/876-1822. For more information on the 2011 CMA Music Fest, visit CMAfest.com.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone in Nashville, Tennessee.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone to inform attendees about how they can get involved in the group’s legislative advocacy efforts. The Power Zone is designed as a new outreach endeavor aimed at the country music fan base, many of whom share a passion for automobiles. The new Power Zone is accessible free of charge during the CMA Music Festival taking place Thursday through Sunday, June 9–12, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The CMA Music Festival attracts more than 250,000 fans yearly from all 50 states and 28 foreign countries.

Martin & Company Automotive Aftermarket Solutions has been a catalyst in the development of the new Power Zone. Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors said, “For many years now, I have recognized that the automotive aftermarket needs new ways to lure customers into our fold. This event does just that because both groups have a high level of demographic similarity. And for those people who are big racing fans and true gearheads, we know they will immediately gravitate to the Power Zone to see what’s the hottest from the aftermarket!”

Several SEMA-member companies are participating in the Power Zone with exhibit booths and custom show cars or trucks on display. These brands include Traxxas—a leading manufacturer of radio-controlled vehicles; A.R.E.—manufacturers of fiberglass truck cap and tonneau covers; Firestone Tires; E3 Spark Plugs; newly merged Edge Products and Superchips; K&N Performance Filters; Hot Rod magazine; and Skyjacker Suspensions. Several vehicles of note will be on display, including A.R.E.’s Pro Football Hall of Fame truck, the unique Chevy-body BigFoot truck, Dan Fletcher’s NHRA World Championship Super Stock Camaro and Martin & Company’s ’57 Chevy Wagon, dubbed the “Zandy.” Several OEM project vehicles will also be in attendance, including the Superchips Jeep and several Skyjacker Suspension GM trucks.

“The current economic and legislative environment is emboldening governments to become more aggressive with their anti-auto-hobby legislation,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “States are seeking new avenues for generating revenue and new ways of dictating what you can and cannot do with your vehicles. We are incredibly grateful that Zan Martin and her staff have given us this opportunity to bring our message to the thousands of country music fans who share our passion for custom and classic cars and trucks.”

The SAN is a partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs and members of the automotive specialty-parts industry in the United States and Canada who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With nearly 50,000 members, 3 million contacts and an ability to reach 30 million enthusiasts through print and press, the SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of the vehicle hobby. The SAN is free to join with no obligations or commitments.

Television personalities Stacey David of "Gearz" on SPEED TV, Kevin Tetz co-host of "TRUCKS! TV" on Spike and Ben “Cooter” Jones with the “General Lee” from the hit TV show "Dukes of Hazzard" will be on hand for autographs. A lineup of automotive-themed interactive challenges pitting country artists against fans and several bands will provide entertainment from the Power Zone Stage.

For more information on the Power Zone or the 2012 CMA Music Fest, please contact Rachal Smith at rachal.smith@martincoadvertising.com or 615/876-1822. For more information on the 2011 CMA Music Fest, visit CMAfest.com.

Legislation to provide that classic vehicles and classic rods would be exempted from emissions inspections if owners pay a one-time $6 fee and submit a certification that their vehicle will not be driven more than 5,000 miles per year was passed unanimously by the full Nevada Senate. Having already been passed by the Nevada Assembly, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Currently, classic rods and classic vehicles are subject to a 2,500-mile-per-year limit to qualify for an emissions exemption and must pass an initial two-speed idle emissions inspection to qualify. Also, each year, the owners of classic rods and classic vehicles must fill out a certification that their vehicles have not been driven more than 2,500 miles during the previous year and the certification must be verified by a DMV emissions technician. Under A.B. 2, the initial emissions inspection would no longer be required. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Legislation to provide that classic vehicles and classic rods would be exempted from emissions inspections if owners pay a one-time $6 fee and submit a certification that their vehicle will not be driven more than 5,000 miles per year was passed unanimously by the full Nevada Senate. Having already been passed by the Nevada Assembly, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Currently, classic rods and classic vehicles are subject to a 2,500-mile-per-year limit to qualify for an emissions exemption and must pass an initial two-speed idle emissions inspection to qualify. Also, each year, the owners of classic rods and classic vehicles must fill out a certification that their vehicles have not been driven more than 2,500 miles during the previous year and the certification must be verified by a DMV emissions technician. Under A.B. 2, the initial emissions inspection would no longer be required. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have expanded the amount of fuel-economy information contained on the new-vehicle window sticker. Among other changes, the information will now include the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle. The agencies adopted a SEMA-supported approach to incorporate graphics, increase type size and use other visual tools to help focus consumer attention on fuel economy. The agencies abandoned a proposal to use an A–D letter-grading system, which SEMA deemed to be too simplistic. Instead, cars will be ranked on a fleetwide 10-point scale for both fuel economy and greenhouse gas ratings and smog emissions. The labels are required on all new cars starting in 2013, although automakers and dealers may voluntarily use them sooner. 

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have expanded the amount of fuel-economy information contained on the new-vehicle window sticker. Among other changes, the information will now include the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle. The agencies adopted a SEMA-supported approach to incorporate graphics, increase type size and use other visual tools to help focus consumer attention on fuel economy. The agencies abandoned a proposal to use an A–D letter-grading system, which SEMA deemed to be too simplistic. Instead, cars will be ranked on a fleetwide 10-point scale for both fuel economy and greenhouse gas ratings and smog emissions. The labels are required on all new cars starting in 2013, although automakers and dealers may voluntarily use them sooner. 

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

SEMA joined with a number of other organizations representing the off-road industry and enthusiasts to support legislation in Congress that would release 42 million acres of land from a wilderness designation. The lands have been set aside as “wilderness study areas” (WSAs) or “inventoried roadless areas.” WSAs are lands that have been identified as having wilderness potential. However, following extensive reviews, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service have identified the 42 million acres included in the legislation as not suitable as wilderness. Mechanized equipment is forbidden on lands designated as wilderness and the federal agencies usually manage WSAs in a restrictive manner pending a final decision on whether to release the land. The legislation directs the agencies to manage the 42 million acres for multiple uses, including motorized recreation.

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

SEMA joined with a number of other organizations representing the off-road industry and enthusiasts to support legislation in Congress that would release 42 million acres of land from a wilderness designation. The lands have been set aside as “wilderness study areas” (WSAs) or “inventoried roadless areas.” WSAs are lands that have been identified as having wilderness potential. However, following extensive reviews, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service have identified the 42 million acres included in the legislation as not suitable as wilderness. Mechanized equipment is forbidden on lands designated as wilderness and the federal agencies usually manage WSAs in a restrictive manner pending a final decision on whether to release the land. The legislation directs the agencies to manage the 42 million acres for multiple uses, including motorized recreation.

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