By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Leaders for Canada, Mexico and the United States have signed a new regional trade pact to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is now subject to ratification procedures by each country to implement the accord.  

The U.S. International Trade Commission has been directed to issue a report reviewing the potential economic impact of the deal. The Trump Administration must notify the U.S. Congress of any necessary changes to U.S. law needed to implement the accord, and Congress must then approve the changes in the form of enacting legislation. President Trump announced that he will begin a six-month process to withdraw the United States from NAFTA, pressuring Congress to ratify the USMCA or revert to pre-NAFTA trading rules. However, it is unclear if the president has authority to unilaterally withdraw the United States from the pact without Congressional approval.

Major provisions of the USMCA include a requirement that vehicles have 75% North American content, compared with 62.5% currently. At least 40%–45% of the vehicle content must be made by workers earning at least $16 an hour. Labor standard provisions included in the accord could lead to higher wages in Mexico. The new USMCA accord includes an automatic 16-year sunset clause, although reviews every six years can keep extending the pact. The accord outlines how each nation must allow cross-border enforcement of IP rights. The pact includes enforceable rules to curb countries from manipulating their monetary exchange rates. Mexico and Canada would not be subject to national-security tariffs if such were imposed on imported automobiles and auto parts.  However, relief from the current national-security tariffs on steel and aluminum are subject to separate negotiations. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein, SEMA senior director, federal government affairs, at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day ceasefire on tariffs being imposed by each country. Tariffs levied by the United States on $200 billion worth of Chinese products, including many auto parts, will remain at 10% rather than rise to 25% on January 1. There will be no change to the 25% tariffs imposed last summer on $50 billion worth of Chinese products, including some metal, rubber and plastic parts for auto equipment. 

For its part, China will reportedly reduce tariffs on U.S. farm, energy, industrial goods and American-made cars. The two countries will restart talks aimed at reaching agreement within three months on outstanding disputes, which include the U.S./China trade imbalance, coercive licensing of U.S. technology, theft of intellectual property and non-tariff trade barriers. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein, SEMA senior director, federal government affairs, at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day ceasefire on tariffs being imposed by each country. Tariffs levied by the United States on $200 billion worth of Chinese products, including many auto parts, will remain at 10% rather than rise to 25% on January 1. There will be no change to the 25% tariffs imposed last summer on $50 billion worth of Chinese products, including some metal, rubber and plastic parts for auto equipment. 

For its part, China will reportedly reduce tariffs on U.S. farm, energy, industrial goods and American-made cars. The two countries will restart talks aimed at reaching agreement within three months on outstanding disputes, which include the U.S./China trade imbalance, coercive licensing of U.S. technology, theft of intellectual property and non-tariff trade barriers. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein, SEMA senior director, federal government affairs, at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day ceasefire on tariffs being imposed by each country. Tariffs levied by the United States on $200 billion worth of Chinese products, including many auto parts, will remain at 10% rather than rise to 25% on January 1. There will be no change to the 25% tariffs imposed last summer on $50 billion worth of Chinese products, including some metal, rubber and plastic parts for auto equipment. 

For its part, China will reportedly reduce tariffs on U.S. farm, energy, industrial goods and American-made cars. The two countries will restart talks aimed at reaching agreement within three months on outstanding disputes, which include the U.S./China trade imbalance, coercive licensing of U.S. technology, theft of intellectual property and non-tariff trade barriers. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein, SEMA senior director, federal government affairs, at stuartg@sema.org.

Since July, Google Chrome started turning businesses away from your website if it deemed your site to be unencrypted.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2018/12/check-your-encryption

Since July, Google Chrome started turning businesses away from your website if it deemed your site to be unencrypted.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2018/12/check-your-encryption

Standardized product data that include enhanced digital assets, such as photos and video clips, gain access to a wider range of resellers.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2018/12/enhancing-product-data

Standardized product data that include enhanced digital assets, such as photos and video clips, gain access to a wider range of resellers.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2018/12/enhancing-product-data

Here’s the ’20 RAM Power Wagon, completely undisguised while testing in Metro Detroit.

The Power Wagon’s hallmark is its hardcore standard equipment: locking differentials in the front and rear, a double-jointed front suspension with a front anti-roll bar disconnect and a 12,000-lb. Warn winch integrated within the front bumper. Don’t expect any significant changes here.

Exterior styling should run parallel to the RAM 1500 Rebel, but in a slightly more muscular fashion. Inside, expect the HD to mimic the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with an 8.4-in. screen or the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Expect the Power Wagon to soldier on with its 410hp, 6.4L V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, likely the North American International Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’20 RAM Power Wagon, completely undisguised while testing in Metro Detroit.

The Power Wagon’s hallmark is its hardcore standard equipment: locking differentials in the front and rear, a double-jointed front suspension with a front anti-roll bar disconnect and a 12,000-lb. Warn winch integrated within the front bumper. Don’t expect any significant changes here.

Exterior styling should run parallel to the RAM 1500 Rebel, but in a slightly more muscular fashion. Inside, expect the HD to mimic the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with an 8.4-in. screen or the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Expect the Power Wagon to soldier on with its 410hp, 6.4L V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, likely the North American International Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde