By Katie Carson

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will conclude its series of general membership meetings at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association event taking place Thursday, August 24, in Pleasanton, California.

The meetings serve as a great opportunity to connect with the council that represents the hot-rod industry. Learn about the latest initiatives and projects the council is working on, and let your voice be heard by bringing your ideas to the table. Select committee members and SEMA staff will be on-site to network and discuss opportunities to become more involved. We hope to see you there!

HRIA General Membership Meeting-Pleasanton, California

When: Thursday, August 24, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds, Palm Pavilion
Register Here

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A House Joint Resolution to create a mileage-based user-fee study committee to determine the feasibility of implementing such a program instead of the gas tax was not considered in committee before the legislature adjourned for the year. In addition to creating privacy concerns, the results of the committee’s study could penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage.

As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects. The bill is eligible for consideration next year.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A House Joint Resolution to create a mileage-based user-fee study committee to determine the feasibility of implementing such a program instead of the gas tax was not considered in committee before the legislature adjourned for the year. In addition to creating privacy concerns, the results of the committee’s study could penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage.

As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects. The bill is eligible for consideration next year.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to allow a camping or fifth-wheel trailer more than 25 years old to be permanently registered for a $52.50 fee died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had already been approved by the Missouri House of Representatives and was awaiting consideration by the full Senate.

The measure also allowed those possessing a year-of-manufacture license plate more than 25 years old to use the plate as a historic trailer plate if the configuration of letters and numbers had not been issued to someone else.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to allow a camping or fifth-wheel trailer more than 25 years old to be permanently registered for a $52.50 fee died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had already been approved by the Missouri House of Representatives and was awaiting consideration by the full Senate.

The measure also allowed those possessing a year-of-manufacture license plate more than 25 years old to use the plate as a historic trailer plate if the configuration of letters and numbers had not been issued to someone else.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The legislation also applied to personalized plates.

Had it been enacted into law, the measure would still have accommodated registered owners eligible to receive a second plate (e.g. certain property-carrying commercial motor-vehicle applicants). 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The legislation also applied to personalized plates.

Had it been enacted into law, the measure would still have accommodated registered owners eligible to receive a second plate (e.g. certain property-carrying commercial motor-vehicle applicants). 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

By SEMA Editors

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is working tirelessly to get the next-generation RAM to the streets, and is anticipating a sales bump from truck-hungry customers. The truck will hit the market with more of the innovations and refinements that have helped the current truck stand out.

The wheelbase pictured may provide a preview into a vastly roomier model with more space inside for passengers and cargo. Chrysler is expected to upgrade the interior, especially on popular top-tier models, with the latest UConnect systems and other technologies previewed in the 2017 Pacifica minivan.

Based on the images, the new RAM should also have an innovative split tailgate as an option. The RAM 1500 will build on the current model's technical traits, so air suspension and the RAM Boxes are expected.

The V6 and V8 engines should carry on in the lineup, but with a few updates. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel will should stay put, but FCA’s ongoing problem with the EPA over diesel emissions may alter those plans. The next RAM will also gain a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, which sounds like the perfect place to put a turbocharged four in (which was already spied).

The RAM will be seen throughout the year, but its debut will likely be the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde