By Linda Spencer

Australian taxation authorities are collecting a new 10% Australian goods and services tax on overseas sales of low-value imported goods —defined as having a customs value of $1,000 (AUD) [approximately $750 USD] or less—by consumers into Australia.

On July 1, Australian taxation authorities began collecting a new 10% Australian goods and services tax (GST) on overseas sales of low-value imported goods (LVIG)—defined as having a customs value of $1,000 (AUD) [approximately $750 USD] or less—by consumers into Australia.

What U.S. companies meeting these conditions are required to do:

• Track their Australian sales to determine whether they are made for Australian consumers and, if so, whether they anticipate that they will exceed $75,000 (AUD) [approximately $56,000 USD] per annum in aggregate. If so, they will need to choose whether to increase prices for GST or absorb the additional cost.
• Register with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
• Pay any GST due.

Businesses/sales NOT covered by this new tax:

• Those with sales of $75,000 (AUD) or less to consumers in Australia within a 12-month period.
• Those with sales of low-value imported goods made to Australian GST-registered businesses that purchase for business use.
• Any individual sales more than $1,000 (AUD). These sales will continue to be taxed at the border.

More information, including how to be sure a distributor/customer is an Australian GST-registered business (not a consumer), is available on the Australian Taxation Office’s website here and here.

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Here’s a first look at the production ’19 Camaro ZL1 testing in metro Detroit.

While almost every other Camaro variant was revealed in April, the ZL1 was unfortunately absent. Up front, the ZL1 remains unchanged, but around back, it gets a new toned-down rear bumper, new taillights and what appears to be an additional camera (the normal backup camera is right above the license plate) built into the wing.

Power is still expected to come from the 6.2L LT4, which is good for 650hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, while being mated to either a TREMEC six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the production ’19 Camaro ZL1 testing in metro Detroit.

While almost every other Camaro variant was revealed in April, the ZL1 was unfortunately absent. Up front, the ZL1 remains unchanged, but around back, it gets a new toned-down rear bumper, new taillights and what appears to be an additional camera (the normal backup camera is right above the license plate) built into the wing.

Power is still expected to come from the 6.2L LT4, which is good for 650hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, while being mated to either a TREMEC six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the production ’19 Camaro ZL1 testing in metro Detroit.

While almost every other Camaro variant was revealed in April, the ZL1 was unfortunately absent. Up front, the ZL1 remains unchanged, but around back, it gets a new toned-down rear bumper, new taillights and what appears to be an additional camera (the normal backup camera is right above the license plate) built into the wing.

Power is still expected to come from the 6.2L LT4, which is good for 650hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, while being mated to either a TREMEC six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the production ’19 Camaro ZL1 testing in metro Detroit.

While almost every other Camaro variant was revealed in April, the ZL1 was unfortunately absent. Up front, the ZL1 remains unchanged, but around back, it gets a new toned-down rear bumper, new taillights and what appears to be an additional camera (the normal backup camera is right above the license plate) built into the wing.

Power is still expected to come from the 6.2L LT4, which is good for 650hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, while being mated to either a TREMEC six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the production ’19 Camaro ZL1 testing in metro Detroit.

While almost every other Camaro variant was revealed in April, the ZL1 was unfortunately absent. Up front, the ZL1 remains unchanged, but around back, it gets a new toned-down rear bumper, new taillights and what appears to be an additional camera (the normal backup camera is right above the license plate) built into the wing.

Power is still expected to come from the 6.2L LT4, which is good for 650hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, while being mated to either a TREMEC six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the production ’19 Camaro ZL1 testing in metro Detroit.

While almost every other Camaro variant was revealed in April, the ZL1 was unfortunately absent. Up front, the ZL1 remains unchanged, but around back, it gets a new toned-down rear bumper, new taillights and what appears to be an additional camera (the normal backup camera is right above the license plate) built into the wing.

Power is still expected to come from the 6.2L LT4, which is good for 650hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, while being mated to either a TREMEC six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Linda Spencer

“Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.”

This is the last chance to register for the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with pre-vetted resellers (distributors, retailers and installers), August 15–19, in Shanghai.

Program fees include a list of pre-vetted buyers, a turnkey booth at the China Auto Salon, a car and driver to visit specialty-equipment shops, an interpreter, four nights at the five-star Intercontinental Hotel and meals. In addition to $800 in federal funds available to defray the costs, a number of states also provide funds. For example, qualified California companies are eligible for an additional $1,500 in state funds to participate in the 2018 SEMA China program. North Carolina, Ohio and Connecticut are making funds available to qualified businesses.  

Register now! For more information, visit www.sema.org/china, or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA China Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer.

By Linda Spencer

“Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.”

This is the last chance to register for the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with pre-vetted resellers (distributors, retailers and installers), August 15–19, in Shanghai.

Program fees include a list of pre-vetted buyers, a turnkey booth at the China Auto Salon, a car and driver to visit specialty-equipment shops, an interpreter, four nights at the five-star Intercontinental Hotel and meals. In addition to $800 in federal funds available to defray the costs, a number of states also provide funds. For example, qualified California companies are eligible for an additional $1,500 in state funds to participate in the 2018 SEMA China program. North Carolina, Ohio and Connecticut are making funds available to qualified businesses.  

Register now! For more information, visit www.sema.org/china, or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA China Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer.

By SEMA Editors

AutoCon New York Host RJ de Vera (left) and SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki (right) congratulated Jesus Lopez, whose ’85 Mazda RX-7 will now travel to Las Vegas to compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders at the exclusive 2018 SEMA Show.

In an effort to recognize young talent and foster the future growth of the automotive aftermarket industry, the 2018 SEMA Young Guns Regional Program will provide car builders age 27 or younger throughout the country an opportunity to showcase their vehicles at the 2018 SEMA Show, held October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

Since its inception in 2016, more than 130 Young Guns builders have taken part in the vehicle-build competition. Many of these young builders have gotten a boost toward becoming professional car builders by participating in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

“Young Guns is a strategic initiative to build excitement and involvement among younger builders in our industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “We’ve been very pleased with the reception to the program so far, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

This past weekend, thousands of enthusiasts gathered in New York City for AutoCon New York, where Jesus Lopez joined a group of young builders who have already earned an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2018 SEMA Show. As part of the prize package, Lopez’s ’85 Mazda RX-7 will be transported to Las Vegas to enter the Battle of the Builders competition and will receive a designated feature spot at the Show—a unique benefit reserved exclusively for exhibitors.

“We have partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier and Goodguys to help us discover and foster even more up-and-coming builders this year,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “We are excited to expand the SEMA Young Guns program and give younger enthusiasts who may not already have a vehicle at the 2018 SEMA Show an opportunity to network with industry leaders at the trade-only event.”

Regional Young Guns winners will compete alongside industry icons during the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders contest, which is the basis for a nationwide television special that will premiere on the Velocity Channel. New for 2018 is the recognition of an overall Young Guns winner from the Top 10 finalists chosen by industry judges.

To qualify for the Young Guns designation at each of the regional shows, a builder must be 27 or younger by the final night of the SEMA Show, November 2, and be registered at the participating regional show.

For more information, including a list of participating regional events, visit www.semashow.com/botb.