For the first time, the U.S. government is establishing standards for fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions for large trucks and buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have proposed 20% cuts in fuel use by 2018.

The standards would apply to model year ’14–’18 buses along with three separate truck classes: combination tractors that typically pull trailers, heavy-duty pickups and delivery vans, and “vocational” trucks (e.g.: utility vehicles, fire and garbage trucks). The standards would also produce unspecified reductions in nitrogen oxides, methane, particulate matter and other pollutants. The EPA and NHTSA estimate that achieving the standards could cost the truck manufacturing and trucking industry $7.7 billion invested in four technological areas: engines, aerodynamics, tires and reduced engine idling.

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

The SPC Select Committee contributed the most money among SEMA councils to the SEMA Political Action Committee.

After an exciting two-month-long competition, the 2010 SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) “Council Challenge” has a winner. The Street Performance Council (SPC) Select Committee held off a late rally from other councils to take the first SEMA PAC “Council Challenge” contest. SPC’s Select Committee contributed the most money to the PAC and was also 100% PAC-approved.

The contest helped raise awareness of SEMA PAC throughout the industry. SEMA PAC allows the industry to work together towards a common goal. As we know, political decisions made in Washington directly affect the strength of our industry. From “Cash for Clunkers” to the health care debate, SEMA has fought hard to protect our member companies. SEMA PAC is a crucial tool for increasing the industry’s visibility and clout.

SPC’s Select Committee will be awarded special recognition at this year’s SEMA Show, including a banner announcing their achievement to be hung in the main lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center, special seating and acknowledgment at this year’s banquet, an opportunity to meet the banquet entertainer, James Gregory, and $1,000 to be used toward a council activity. In addition, a special article will appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News highlighting SPC and its involvement in SEMA PAC.

The new SEMA PAC website makes it easy for industry members to quickly become “PAC-approved”—an authorization form required by federal law that allows SEMA to share information about the PAC—and to make online, secure contributions. We encourage all members to visit the new site, become PAC-approved, and learn how SEMA PAC is protecting your future. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski.

SEMA PAC—Your industry. Your voice. Your Future.

The SPC Select Committee contributed the most money among SEMA councils to the SEMA Political Action Committee.

After an exciting two-month-long competition, the 2010 SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) “Council Challenge” has a winner. The Street Performance Council (SPC) Select Committee held off a late rally from other councils to take the first SEMA PAC “Council Challenge” contest. SPC’s Select Committee contributed the most money to the PAC and was also 100% PAC-approved.

The contest helped raise awareness of SEMA PAC throughout the industry. SEMA PAC allows the industry to work together towards a common goal. As we know, political decisions made in Washington directly affect the strength of our industry. From “Cash for Clunkers” to the health care debate, SEMA has fought hard to protect our member companies. SEMA PAC is a crucial tool for increasing the industry’s visibility and clout.

SPC’s Select Committee will be awarded special recognition at this year’s SEMA Show, including a banner announcing their achievement to be hung in the main lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center, special seating and acknowledgment at this year’s banquet, an opportunity to meet the banquet entertainer, James Gregory, and $1,000 to be used toward a council activity. In addition, a special article will appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News highlighting SPC and its involvement in SEMA PAC.

The new SEMA PAC website makes it easy for industry members to quickly become “PAC-approved”—an authorization form required by federal law that allows SEMA to share information about the PAC—and to make online, secure contributions. We encourage all members to visit the new site, become PAC-approved, and learn how SEMA PAC is protecting your future. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski.

SEMA PAC—Your industry. Your voice. Your Future.

The www.enjoythedrive.com website contains a photo gallery of all of the vehicles on display at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The collection of photos are searchable by various categories, including make, model and exhibiting company's name.

The www.enjoythedrive.com website contains a photo gallery of all of the vehicles on display at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The collection of photos are searchable by various categories, including make, model and exhibiting company's name.

With just a few days left before the start of the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the October Consumer Demand Index Report has been released with some great news. Recovering from a recent 12-point decline experienced in August, the index jumped 26 points to 57 for October. This is the highest level the index has seen since July 2009, when the index also reached 57. The following chart shows the overall index, in blue, as well as the three-month moving averages, in red.

The value for October represents an 84% increase for the year, compared to the value of 31 that was reached in January 2010. The segment that experienced the most improvement for October was that of specialty accessories and appearance products. This segment experienced an increase of 88% compared to September, jumping from an index of 42 to 79 this month.

Keeping in mind that the purpose of the index is to predict purchases made in the upcoming three months, the index and indices included in the report can be used as a forecasting tool. That being said, 15% of U.S. households plan on purchasing specialty-equipment products within the next three months.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were, on average, the most likely to have been accessorized. Also, car dealerships were the most popular purchase destinations for those planning to purchase specialty-equipment products.

To download a copy of this report along with past copies of the Consumer Demand Index, visit www.sema.org/research/padi.

With just a few days left before the start of the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the October Consumer Demand Index Report has been released with some great news. Recovering from a recent 12-point decline experienced in August, the index jumped 26 points to 57 for October. This is the highest level the index has seen since July 2009, when the index also reached 57. The following chart shows the overall index, in blue, as well as the three-month moving averages, in red.

The value for October represents an 84% increase for the year, compared to the value of 31 that was reached in January 2010. The segment that experienced the most improvement for October was that of specialty accessories and appearance products. This segment experienced an increase of 88% compared to September, jumping from an index of 42 to 79 this month.

Keeping in mind that the purpose of the index is to predict purchases made in the upcoming three months, the index and indices included in the report can be used as a forecasting tool. That being said, 15% of U.S. households plan on purchasing specialty-equipment products within the next three months.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were, on average, the most likely to have been accessorized. Also, car dealerships were the most popular purchase destinations for those planning to purchase specialty-equipment products.

To download a copy of this report along with past copies of the Consumer Demand Index, visit www.sema.org/research/padi.

	The Ford F-Series leads the SEMA Awards' hottest truck competition for the third consecutive week.

The final week of the SEMA Challenge is in progress, and enthusiasts have one last chance to place their votes for an opportunity to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show. Fans have been eagerly casting their votes over the last three weeks as to which vehicles exhibitors will choose as the hottest car, truck and 4x4-SUV on the market through the SEMA Award presentation.

Here’s the update in the polls as we head into the final week of voting:

• Chevy Camaro is leading in the hottest car category, and the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger are vying for second.
• The Ford F-Series is leading in the hottest truck competition with the Chevy Silverado close behind.
• It’s still a tight competition in the 4x4-SUV category, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee leading the Jeep Wrangler.

Whether or not you have already cast your opinion, you can sound off again in this final week to increase your chances of winning the sweepstakes. For every correct choice you make, you will receive one sweepstakes entry that will qualify you to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show, including air and hotel accommodations.

The SEMA Challenge ends November 1, so get your choices in now on the SEMA Facebook page or here. See if you can predict what vehicles exhibitors are choosing to invest in. Then stay tuned as the winners are announced on November 2 live at the SEMA Show!

	The Ford F-Series leads the SEMA Awards' hottest truck competition for the third consecutive week.

The final week of the SEMA Challenge is in progress, and enthusiasts have one last chance to place their votes for an opportunity to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show. Fans have been eagerly casting their votes over the last three weeks as to which vehicles exhibitors will choose as the hottest car, truck and 4x4-SUV on the market through the SEMA Award presentation.

Here’s the update in the polls as we head into the final week of voting:

• Chevy Camaro is leading in the hottest car category, and the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger are vying for second.
• The Ford F-Series is leading in the hottest truck competition with the Chevy Silverado close behind.
• It’s still a tight competition in the 4x4-SUV category, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee leading the Jeep Wrangler.

Whether or not you have already cast your opinion, you can sound off again in this final week to increase your chances of winning the sweepstakes. For every correct choice you make, you will receive one sweepstakes entry that will qualify you to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show, including air and hotel accommodations.

The SEMA Challenge ends November 1, so get your choices in now on the SEMA Facebook page or here. See if you can predict what vehicles exhibitors are choosing to invest in. Then stay tuned as the winners are announced on November 2 live at the SEMA Show!

	The Ford F-Series leads the SEMA Awards' hottest truck competition for the third consecutive week.

The final week of the SEMA Challenge is in progress, and enthusiasts have one last chance to place their votes for an opportunity to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show. Fans have been eagerly casting their votes over the last three weeks as to which vehicles exhibitors will choose as the hottest car, truck and 4x4-SUV on the market through the SEMA Award presentation.

Here’s the update in the polls as we head into the final week of voting:

• Chevy Camaro is leading in the hottest car category, and the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger are vying for second.
• The Ford F-Series is leading in the hottest truck competition with the Chevy Silverado close behind.
• It’s still a tight competition in the 4x4-SUV category, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee leading the Jeep Wrangler.

Whether or not you have already cast your opinion, you can sound off again in this final week to increase your chances of winning the sweepstakes. For every correct choice you make, you will receive one sweepstakes entry that will qualify you to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show, including air and hotel accommodations.

The SEMA Challenge ends November 1, so get your choices in now on the SEMA Facebook page or here. See if you can predict what vehicles exhibitors are choosing to invest in. Then stay tuned as the winners are announced on November 2 live at the SEMA Show!