By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has established procedures for requesting an exclusion from tariffs being imposed on certain products from China. The request only applies to products on the “Round 1” tariff list covering $34 billion worth of goods at 25% tariffs which were imposed July 6. The proposed Round 2 tariffs covering $16 billion of goods at 25%, and Round 3 tariffs covering $200 billion at 10% have not yet been finalized. They could be imposed as early as October.

• Click here for the exclusion request procedures.
• Click here to file a product exclusion request.
• Deadline: The USTR must receive requests to exclude a product by October 9. When the exclusion request is posted on the docket, it is subject to a 14-day period for public comment in support or opposition. The company filing the request then has seven days to respond to any posted comments.

Quick Reference Guide to Tariffs on Chinese Products

President Trump directed the U.S. government to impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies. The USTR has created two lists for products covered under the tariffs.

1. On July 6, customs began collecting duties on about $34 billion worth of products under the 818 Harmonized Tariff Code listings. The subject product list includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices. This list is subject to exclusion requests.

2. The USTR has not yet finalized the second list covering the other $16 billion worth of products. The list covers 284 tariff categories, including many types of plastics.

3. President Trump is also threatening 10% tariffs on another $200 billion worth of products. The tariffs could be imposed as early as October. The initial list covers hundreds of consumer products from fish to furniture and apparel. It includes many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, steering wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. The deadline for submitting comments on the third round of tariffs is August 17, 2018.

SEMA opposes the Chinese tariffs, along with steel/aluminum tariffs and threatened tariffs on imported autos/parts as misplaced and having the potential to impose significant harm on U.S. businesses and consumers. While it is important to identify and challenge unfair trade practices, tariffs are a form of taxation that lead to unintended trade retaliation and loss of American jobs. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has established procedures for requesting an exclusion from tariffs being imposed on certain products from China. The request only applies to products on the “Round 1” tariff list covering $34 billion worth of goods at 25% tariffs which were imposed July 6. The proposed Round 2 tariffs covering $16 billion of goods at 25%, and Round 3 tariffs covering $200 billion at 10% have not yet been finalized. They could be imposed as early as October.

• Click here for the exclusion request procedures.
• Click here to file a product exclusion request.
• Deadline: The USTR must receive requests to exclude a product by October 9. When the exclusion request is posted on the docket, it is subject to a 14-day period for public comment in support or opposition. The company filing the request then has seven days to respond to any posted comments.

Quick Reference Guide to Tariffs on Chinese Products

President Trump directed the U.S. government to impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies. The USTR has created two lists for products covered under the tariffs.

1. On July 6, customs began collecting duties on about $34 billion worth of products under the 818 Harmonized Tariff Code listings. The subject product list includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices. This list is subject to exclusion requests.

2. The USTR has not yet finalized the second list covering the other $16 billion worth of products. The list covers 284 tariff categories, including many types of plastics.

3. President Trump is also threatening 10% tariffs on another $200 billion worth of products. The tariffs could be imposed as early as October. The initial list covers hundreds of consumer products from fish to furniture and apparel. It includes many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, steering wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. The deadline for submitting comments on the third round of tariffs is August 17, 2018.

SEMA opposes the Chinese tariffs, along with steel/aluminum tariffs and threatened tariffs on imported autos/parts as misplaced and having the potential to impose significant harm on U.S. businesses and consumers. While it is important to identify and challenge unfair trade practices, tariffs are a form of taxation that lead to unintended trade retaliation and loss of American jobs. 

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

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated each week in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2018 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated each week in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2018 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated each week in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2018 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Ross Berlanga

Race Winning Brands Promotes Ross Berlanga to Director of Content

Race Winning Brands (RWB) has named Ross Berlanga director of advertising. Berlanga comes to RWB with more than two decades of marketing, agency, advertising and graphic design expertise. He will lead advertising efforts for all brands under the RWB umbrella, including JE Pistons, K1 Technologies, ProX Racing Parts, Wiseco Performance Products and others. Additionally, Berlanga will be responsible for brand messaging, trade-show management and promotional activities. Berlanga’s tenure in the automotive industry began in 1998 at McMullen-Argus as a graphic designer for publications including Hot Bike, Sport Compact Car and Custom Rodder. Later, he spent time at Edelbrock, KTC Media Group, MagnaFlow, Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) and K&N Engineering. Berlanga also worked on the marketing team at JE Pistons. Mark Gearhart will transition from his role as senior content marketing manager to the newly created role of director of content, where he will lead the content team and manage all sponsorship-related initiatives. He began his career in the automotive performance industry in 1995, and was the editorial director at Power Automedia before working at RWB. 

Dennis Losey	Todd Gilbert

CRP Automotive Announces the Retirement of Dennis Losey, National Sales Director; Appoints Todd Gilbert as OES Business Development Manager

CRP Automotive has announced the retirement of industry veteran and longtime national sales director Dennis Losey. He joined CRP Automotive in 2008 and played a major role in helping CRP Automotive develop and grow its domestic warehouse distributor business in the United States. In addition to CRP, Losey also served in national sales management positions with Henkel/Loctite, Radiator Specialty, Blue Coral/Slick 50 and Loctite Corp. He will continue to work with the CRP team on special projects through the remainder of the year.

In addition, CRP Automotive has named Todd Gilbert business development manager for its OES business. He will be responsible for identifying and developing new opportunities for the company’s products. Previously, Gilbert held various positions in product development, commercial sales and account management with Freudenberg-NOK. Most recently, Gilbert was the distribution sales manager for the Transtec brand of transmission and steering rebuild kits in the United States and Canadian markets.

The Builder’s Block was created to feature top builders and key performance parts manufacturers in one concentrated area.

AMSOIL INC. Signs on as Presenting Sponsor of the Builder’s Block at Syracuse Nationals

The PPG Syracuse Nationals has announced AMSOIL INC. as the presenting sponsor for the newest addition to the event, the Builder’s Block presented by AMSOIL. The Builder’s Block was created to feature top builders and key performance parts manufacturers in one concentrated area, which will also feature vehicles from pro builders and emerging builders looking to make a name for themselves in the hot-rod and restoration world. More than 8,000 hot rods, 450 vendors and 90,000 people representing 34 different states and six Canadian provinces will come together to celebrate the 19th Annual PPG Syracuse Nationals presented by Ford and Hot Wheels Car Care Products.

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. Strengthens Sales Department to Support Growing Business

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced several changes within the sales department to support the company’s growing business and dealer network. Joining the company as director of sales, national strategic accounts is Rob Lovi, who has 14 years of tire industry experience, including in management at Michelin North America. He served the last 10 years as vice president of sales and marketing for Vector Fleet Management LLC. Lovi joins Sam Felberbaum, director of sales for the west, and Mike Snyder, director of sales for the east. All report to Randy Gaetz, senior vice president of sales for Toyo Tires. In the commercial sales division, Mike Graber has been promoted to director of sales, commercial tires. He most recently served as senior product manager for commercial truck tires, and prior to that was a member of the Toyo Tires commercial sale team. Bill Barfield, former director of sales for commercial tires, has taken on the brand-new role of corporate training manager to support a growing field staff and network of commercial tire dealers. Both Barfield and Graber also report to Gaetz.

Patrick Sommerfeld

Premium Guard Inc. Acquires Auto 7 Inc.

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) has reached an agreement to acquire the assets of Auto 7 Inc. PGI will move all of the Auto 7 inventory into its main distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee, to consolidate operations and logistics. For the past three years, Patrick Sommerfeld has served as Auto 7’s vice president of sales, and has now joined the PGI team as director of Auto 7. Prior to Auto 7, Sommerfeld served in various leadership roles in sales, marketing and product at Wells Vehicle Electronics and Goodyear Tire & Rubber for 17 years.

DENSO Partners with Plug and Play to Advance the Future of Mobility

DENSO has announced its Silicon Valley office’s partnership with Plug and Play, joining 40 other automotive players, including Ford, Bosch, Nissan and Toyota Financial Services, as corporate partners in Plug and Play’s mobility program. DENSO will work with Plug and Play’s network of startups to accelerate its business and technology development in four core areas: connectivity, autonomous driving, shared mobility and electrification (CASE). As a member of the Plug and Play ecosystem, DENSO will also contribute firsthand to the growth and success of the startups and entrepreneurs involved. Last year, Japan-based DENSO Corp. partnered with Plug and Play Japan.

Mark and Dennis Mariani’s ’29 Ford Tudor was named Street Rod of the Year, while Stuart Adams’ ’69 Camaro won Street Machine of the Year.

Goodguys Crowns the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year and PPG Street Machine of the Year in Columbus

The Goodguys 2018 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year and Goodguys 2018 PPG Street Machine of the Year winners were crowned Saturday, July 7,  at the Goodguys 21st PPG Nationals. Mark and Dennis Mariani’s ’29 Ford Tudor sedan was named Goodguys 2018 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year. Built by Troy Trepanier and at Rad Rides by Troy, the hand-crafted sedan rides on a one-off chassis with an adjustable front and rear torsion bar suspensions and custom-machined 19- and 20-in. wheels. Power comes from an aluminum small-block Chevy backed by a five-speed. The winner of the Goodguys 2018 PPG Street Machine of the Year was Stuart Adams’ black ’69 Camaro, built by Detroit Speed. It has a Detroit Speed front subframe and QuadraLink rear, with one-off chrome-plated 19- and 20-in. Forgeline wheels. It’s powered by a Kurt Urban-built LS2 topped with a Harrop supercharger and backed by a Bowler-built Tremec six-speed.

“Diesel Brothers,” returns to Discovery, Monday, July 30, at 10:00 p.m. (EDT/PDT) as part of the network’s Motor Mondays lineup.

“Diesel Brothers” Returns to Discovery Channel on July 30 

Heavy D, Diesel Dave and the Dieselsellerz crew are back in an all-new season of “Diesel Brothers,” which returns to Discovery, Monday, July 30, at 10:00 p.m. (EDT/PDT) as part of the network’s Motor Mondays lineup. This season, viewers will see ordinary rigs transformed into decked-out diesel trucks. The show is produced for Discovery Channel by Magilla Entertainment.

VOXX Automotive Forms Strategic Partnership with UniKey

VOXX Automotive and UniKey Technologies have announced a strategic partnership that will see the two companies bring secure, keyless products and vehicle access solutions to the automotive market. A contract awarded to VOXX Automotive by an electric vehicle (EV) maker has the two companies already working on a keyless solution for an EV model to be delivered in 2019. This partnership is expected to yield family key-sharing and car-sharing services as well as similar uses by car-rental firms and auto fleet operators.

Kenneth Selinger

APC Automotive Technologies Names Kenneth L. Selinger Vice President of Product Management for Centric Parts

APC Automotive Technologies LLC (APC) has announced Kenneth L. Selinger has joined the company as vice president of product management for Centric Parts. He will be responsible for all market research, competitive analysis and pricing, new part introduction, cataloging and product lifecycle management for Centric Parts and its Qualis Automotive division. Selinger comes to Centric Parts after a 19-year career at Akebono Brake Corp., where he held several executive positions, including director of sales, marketing and product development; director of marketing and product development, OES and aftermarket; and marketing and product development manager. Prior to Akebono, Selinger spent three years at Federal Mogul as director of marketing for their global aftermarket. He also served as a senior product manager at Raybestos.

Jimmy Dilamarter

Jimmy Dilamarter Chosen as 2018 Bryant Awardee

Jimmy Dilamarter, mechanic, fabricator, car builder, crew chief and team manager, has been named the 2018 recipient of the Peter Bryant Challenger Award for Excellence in Engineering. Dilamarter’s name will be placed on the perpetual award as part of the evening’s activities at The Racing History Project’s special “Riverside Revisited” dinner event, which will be held on the evening of September 8, at the Automotive Driving Museum in El Segundo, California. Dilamarter worked on cars that raced across the world’s most famous racetracks. His name is almost always paired with his boss and long-time friend Parnelli Jones. Dilamarter’s work on race cars with the “Vel’s Parnelli Jones” logo on them includes victories at the Indianapolis 500 and a host of other races.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Showcasing a vehicle at the SEMA Show is a great way to promote products and drive booth traffic.

One of the exclusive SEMA Show exhibitor benefits is having the opportunity to showcase a vehicle at the event, whether it’s in a booth or a feature vehicle spot. Both options are great ways to promote products and drive booth traffic.

Below are some tips to help exhibitors get the most out of a project vehicle at the Show and increase awareness:

• Booth Vehicles: Exhibitors must submit a booth vehicle application so that the vehicle is registered with Show management. Be aware of the guidelines for booth vehicles. This form includes details to ensure a smooth move-in and move-out process. Booth vehicles are great for attracting buyers walking the aisles and should be used to engage customers.

• Feature Vehicles: Applications for feature vehicle space are due July 31. Qualified exhibitors are guaranteed one space if their applications and payment are submitted before the deadline. Exhibitors should also note the guidelines for feature vehicles. Exhibitors should treat feature vehicle spaces as an extension of their booth spaces and use them to promote their own products and drive traffic to their booths.

• Booth and Feature Vehicles: Exhibitors should encourage their vehicle builders to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders. A competition for builders, exhibitors also benefit because vehicle signage is promoted before, during and after the Show. Listings often include the sponsoring exhibitor and promote the products on the builds, and many vehicles are featured in online webisodes and television specials. Exhibitors should provide their builders with company shirts or offer them talking points about their products.

To learn more about how exhibitors can promote their project vehicles and increase awareness at the 2018 SEMA Show, contact an account rep at sales@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Showcasing a vehicle at the SEMA Show is a great way to promote products and drive booth traffic.

One of the exclusive SEMA Show exhibitor benefits is having the opportunity to showcase a vehicle at the event, whether it’s in a booth or a feature vehicle spot. Both options are great ways to promote products and drive booth traffic.

Below are some tips to help exhibitors get the most out of a project vehicle at the Show and increase awareness:

• Booth Vehicles: Exhibitors must submit a booth vehicle application so that the vehicle is registered with Show management. Be aware of the guidelines for booth vehicles. This form includes details to ensure a smooth move-in and move-out process. Booth vehicles are great for attracting buyers walking the aisles and should be used to engage customers.

• Feature Vehicles: Applications for feature vehicle space are due July 31. Qualified exhibitors are guaranteed one space if their applications and payment are submitted before the deadline. Exhibitors should also note the guidelines for feature vehicles. Exhibitors should treat feature vehicle spaces as an extension of their booth spaces and use them to promote their own products and drive traffic to their booths.

• Booth and Feature Vehicles: Exhibitors should encourage their vehicle builders to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders. A competition for builders, exhibitors also benefit because vehicle signage is promoted before, during and after the Show. Listings often include the sponsoring exhibitor and promote the products on the builds, and many vehicles are featured in online webisodes and television specials. Exhibitors should provide their builders with company shirts or offer them talking points about their products.

To learn more about how exhibitors can promote their project vehicles and increase awareness at the 2018 SEMA Show, contact an account rep at sales@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Showcasing a vehicle at the SEMA Show is a great way to promote products and drive booth traffic.

One of the exclusive SEMA Show exhibitor benefits is having the opportunity to showcase a vehicle at the event, whether it’s in a booth or a feature vehicle spot. Both options are great ways to promote products and drive booth traffic.

Below are some tips to help exhibitors get the most out of a project vehicle at the Show and increase awareness:

• Booth Vehicles: Exhibitors must submit a booth vehicle application so that the vehicle is registered with Show management. Be aware of the guidelines for booth vehicles. This form includes details to ensure a smooth move-in and move-out process. Booth vehicles are great for attracting buyers walking the aisles and should be used to engage customers.

• Feature Vehicles: Applications for feature vehicle space are due July 31. Qualified exhibitors are guaranteed one space if their applications and payment are submitted before the deadline. Exhibitors should also note the guidelines for feature vehicles. Exhibitors should treat feature vehicle spaces as an extension of their booth spaces and use them to promote their own products and drive traffic to their booths.

• Booth and Feature Vehicles: Exhibitors should encourage their vehicle builders to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders. A competition for builders, exhibitors also benefit because vehicle signage is promoted before, during and after the Show. Listings often include the sponsoring exhibitor and promote the products on the builds, and many vehicles are featured in online webisodes and television specials. Exhibitors should provide their builders with company shirts or offer them talking points about their products.

To learn more about how exhibitors can promote their project vehicles and increase awareness at the 2018 SEMA Show, contact an account rep at sales@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination, the New Products Showcase is the most valuable resource for exhibitors seeking additional product exposure and company outreach. SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

New Products Promo Package

New for 2018 is the New Products Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity to add value and additional exposure to your presence in the New Products Showcase. The cost is $499 per product, and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January Issue of SEMA News.
• Bonus: Those who purchase this promotion package before September 6 will be included in the Spotlight Product Listing section in the November Show issue of SEMA News.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 6, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.