By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 47 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. Only a few items are auto-related, including:

• Fuel filters for internal-combustion engines, each consisting of a cylindrical case of plastics with an internal mesh filter measuring not more than 8 cm in length and not more than 5.5 cm in diameter (described in statistical reporting number 8421.23.0000).
• Jacks of steel with zinc coating for supporting the tongues of trailers, each measuring not less than 60 cm in retracted condition and not less than 85 cm in extended condition, with a maximum width of 17 cm and a maximum load capacity of 455 kg (described in statistical reporting number 8425.49.0000).
• AC motors, single phase, each of an output exceeding 74.6 W but not exceeding 335 W, measuring not more than 13 cm in diameter and not more than 13 cm in height and with a shaft measuring not more than 39 cm in length (described in statistical reporting number 8501.40.4040).
• View the entire list. 

The time period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018–August 7, 2020, no matter when the exclusion request is granted. (Originally the USTR was not going to grant exclusions for the September 24, 2018–May 8, 2019, time period when the tariffs were at 10%, but still provide one year after the exclusion was granted. Instead, the USTR decided that a fixed time period would be easier to administer as it continues to process thousands of exclusion requests.) The time period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019.

An exclusion is product-specific, not company-specific. That means a company which did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied. For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 47 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. Only a few items are auto-related, including:

• Fuel filters for internal-combustion engines, each consisting of a cylindrical case of plastics with an internal mesh filter measuring not more than 8 cm in length and not more than 5.5 cm in diameter (described in statistical reporting number 8421.23.0000).
• Jacks of steel with zinc coating for supporting the tongues of trailers, each measuring not less than 60 cm in retracted condition and not less than 85 cm in extended condition, with a maximum width of 17 cm and a maximum load capacity of 455 kg (described in statistical reporting number 8425.49.0000).
• AC motors, single phase, each of an output exceeding 74.6 W but not exceeding 335 W, measuring not more than 13 cm in diameter and not more than 13 cm in height and with a shaft measuring not more than 39 cm in length (described in statistical reporting number 8501.40.4040).
• View the entire list. 

The time period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018–August 7, 2020, no matter when the exclusion request is granted. (Originally the USTR was not going to grant exclusions for the September 24, 2018–May 8, 2019, time period when the tariffs were at 10%, but still provide one year after the exclusion was granted. Instead, the USTR decided that a fixed time period would be easier to administer as it continues to process thousands of exclusion requests.) The time period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019.

An exclusion is product-specific, not company-specific. That means a company which did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied. For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

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

This is the ’21 Ford F-150 Hybrid, caught testing virtually undisguised in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is giving the F-150 a significant overhaul about six years after the current, aluminum-intensive model made its debut. While the sheetmetal is said to be changed, under the light camouflage, it looks to keep similar styling cues to the facelifted ’18 model that continues today, save for a heavily revised grille and front end.

Changes under the skin are set to be dominated by a new 4.8L V8 that is expected to replace the current 5.0L option, although the engine lineup will continue to be dominated by EcoBoost engines. The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 is expected to continue now that GM and FCA offer diesel pickups, while a gas-electric hybrid is also planned to join the engine lineup with this latest version. A plug-in hybrid may also follow, while a full-electric F-150 is also said to be in the works—and may have some input with new partner Rivian. Finally, it’s expected the high-performance, off-road Raptor variant will get rear coil springs, while other models will retain the leaf springs.

Inside, the F-150 will get a substantial makeover with Ford’s latest interior designs. A fully digital instrument cluster and larger infotainment screen may be part of the program, as well as more upscale materials for high-trim models. But the overall interior space is likely to be similar to the current truck, considering the platform will remain largely unchanged.

The mainstream variants of the ’21 F-150 should go on sale in early fall 2020, with other models, including a hybrid or Raptor following as soon as early ’21. Expect the F-150 to be shown this summer, possibly at June’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’21 Ford F-150 Hybrid, caught testing virtually undisguised in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is giving the F-150 a significant overhaul about six years after the current, aluminum-intensive model made its debut. While the sheetmetal is said to be changed, under the light camouflage, it looks to keep similar styling cues to the facelifted ’18 model that continues today, save for a heavily revised grille and front end.

Changes under the skin are set to be dominated by a new 4.8L V8 that is expected to replace the current 5.0L option, although the engine lineup will continue to be dominated by EcoBoost engines. The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 is expected to continue now that GM and FCA offer diesel pickups, while a gas-electric hybrid is also planned to join the engine lineup with this latest version. A plug-in hybrid may also follow, while a full-electric F-150 is also said to be in the works—and may have some input with new partner Rivian. Finally, it’s expected the high-performance, off-road Raptor variant will get rear coil springs, while other models will retain the leaf springs.

Inside, the F-150 will get a substantial makeover with Ford’s latest interior designs. A fully digital instrument cluster and larger infotainment screen may be part of the program, as well as more upscale materials for high-trim models. But the overall interior space is likely to be similar to the current truck, considering the platform will remain largely unchanged.

The mainstream variants of the ’21 F-150 should go on sale in early fall 2020, with other models, including a hybrid or Raptor following as soon as early ’21. Expect the F-150 to be shown this summer, possibly at June’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’21 Ford F-150 Hybrid, caught testing virtually undisguised in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is giving the F-150 a significant overhaul about six years after the current, aluminum-intensive model made its debut. While the sheetmetal is said to be changed, under the light camouflage, it looks to keep similar styling cues to the facelifted ’18 model that continues today, save for a heavily revised grille and front end.

Changes under the skin are set to be dominated by a new 4.8L V8 that is expected to replace the current 5.0L option, although the engine lineup will continue to be dominated by EcoBoost engines. The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 is expected to continue now that GM and FCA offer diesel pickups, while a gas-electric hybrid is also planned to join the engine lineup with this latest version. A plug-in hybrid may also follow, while a full-electric F-150 is also said to be in the works—and may have some input with new partner Rivian. Finally, it’s expected the high-performance, off-road Raptor variant will get rear coil springs, while other models will retain the leaf springs.

Inside, the F-150 will get a substantial makeover with Ford’s latest interior designs. A fully digital instrument cluster and larger infotainment screen may be part of the program, as well as more upscale materials for high-trim models. But the overall interior space is likely to be similar to the current truck, considering the platform will remain largely unchanged.

The mainstream variants of the ’21 F-150 should go on sale in early fall 2020, with other models, including a hybrid or Raptor following as soon as early ’21. Expect the F-150 to be shown this summer, possibly at June’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’21 Ford F-150 Hybrid, caught testing virtually undisguised in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is giving the F-150 a significant overhaul about six years after the current, aluminum-intensive model made its debut. While the sheetmetal is said to be changed, under the light camouflage, it looks to keep similar styling cues to the facelifted ’18 model that continues today, save for a heavily revised grille and front end.

Changes under the skin are set to be dominated by a new 4.8L V8 that is expected to replace the current 5.0L option, although the engine lineup will continue to be dominated by EcoBoost engines. The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 is expected to continue now that GM and FCA offer diesel pickups, while a gas-electric hybrid is also planned to join the engine lineup with this latest version. A plug-in hybrid may also follow, while a full-electric F-150 is also said to be in the works—and may have some input with new partner Rivian. Finally, it’s expected the high-performance, off-road Raptor variant will get rear coil springs, while other models will retain the leaf springs.

Inside, the F-150 will get a substantial makeover with Ford’s latest interior designs. A fully digital instrument cluster and larger infotainment screen may be part of the program, as well as more upscale materials for high-trim models. But the overall interior space is likely to be similar to the current truck, considering the platform will remain largely unchanged.

The mainstream variants of the ’21 F-150 should go on sale in early fall 2020, with other models, including a hybrid or Raptor following as soon as early ’21. Expect the F-150 to be shown this summer, possibly at June’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’21 Ford F-150 Hybrid, caught testing virtually undisguised in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is giving the F-150 a significant overhaul about six years after the current, aluminum-intensive model made its debut. While the sheetmetal is said to be changed, under the light camouflage, it looks to keep similar styling cues to the facelifted ’18 model that continues today, save for a heavily revised grille and front end.

Changes under the skin are set to be dominated by a new 4.8L V8 that is expected to replace the current 5.0L option, although the engine lineup will continue to be dominated by EcoBoost engines. The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 is expected to continue now that GM and FCA offer diesel pickups, while a gas-electric hybrid is also planned to join the engine lineup with this latest version. A plug-in hybrid may also follow, while a full-electric F-150 is also said to be in the works—and may have some input with new partner Rivian. Finally, it’s expected the high-performance, off-road Raptor variant will get rear coil springs, while other models will retain the leaf springs.

Inside, the F-150 will get a substantial makeover with Ford’s latest interior designs. A fully digital instrument cluster and larger infotainment screen may be part of the program, as well as more upscale materials for high-trim models. But the overall interior space is likely to be similar to the current truck, considering the platform will remain largely unchanged.

The mainstream variants of the ’21 F-150 should go on sale in early fall 2020, with other models, including a hybrid or Raptor following as soon as early ’21. Expect the F-150 to be shown this summer, possibly at June’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Juliet Marshall

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators.

SEMA is offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to qualified college students who are pursuing careers in the automotive industry, and to employees of SEMA-member companies who still have outstanding student loans.

Scholarships are available to those who have earned or are pursuing academic degrees and skilled trades certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to accounting, automotive technology, business management, collision repair, engineering, graphic design, information technology, journalism, marketing and welding.

Along with the great benefit of tuition assistance, SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness award winners will get the chance to participate in invaluable networking opportunities and receive SEMA industry recognition and spotlight, along with an exclusive invitation to the 2020 SEMA Show.*

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CST, Thursday, March 5, 2020, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Share this opportunity with a student or friend who should apply or download the eligibility requirements and application checklist.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

*Includes two (2) SEMA Show credentials good for the week. If under 21, you must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. If attending with your school, please consult with your school official.

By Juliet Marshall

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators.

SEMA is offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to qualified college students who are pursuing careers in the automotive industry, and to employees of SEMA-member companies who still have outstanding student loans.

Scholarships are available to those who have earned or are pursuing academic degrees and skilled trades certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to accounting, automotive technology, business management, collision repair, engineering, graphic design, information technology, journalism, marketing and welding.

Along with the great benefit of tuition assistance, SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness award winners will get the chance to participate in invaluable networking opportunities and receive SEMA industry recognition and spotlight, along with an exclusive invitation to the 2020 SEMA Show.*

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CST, Thursday, March 5, 2020, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Share this opportunity with a student or friend who should apply or download the eligibility requirements and application checklist.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

*Includes two (2) SEMA Show credentials good for the week. If under 21, you must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. If attending with your school, please consult with your school official.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

CAD Designer
Truck Hero is hiring a senior CAD designer responsible for product design of pickup bed covers and related components. This position requires strong knowledge and experience in automotive exterior design (Class A surfaces, injection molding, etc.), and includes conceptual development through start of production, as well as advanced concept engineering. Projects mainly target aftermarket product lines, with growth potential into OEM product lines also available. A minimum two-year associate of applied science degree in CAD/design or equivalent and at least three years of hands-on, professional automotive product design experience working in OEM or Tier 1 body/exterior/sealing/mechanisms or equivalent are required.

IT Tech Assistant
Power Automedia is hiring a part-time or full-time IT support tech/web development assistant experienced in troubleshooting computer issues, networking, peripheral setup and common software applications. This individual would also work as part of the company’s bug and quality-control team, as well as assist with web development projects. Successful candidates should have experience troubleshooting issues with operating systems and an in-depth understanding of Google apps for business.

Mechanical Engineer
Mahle Motorsport is hiring a mechanical engineer responsible for all aspects of application and/or sales duties for the assigned customer accounts and motorsports product lines. It includes interface with customers, teams and individuals on various different subjects and in coordination with the company’s tech centers in Detroit and Germany, and with various MAHLE production facilities. A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited four-year college or university and two to four years’ related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience are required.