By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to its proposed regulation that gas stations be allowed to sell E15 year-round. E15 is gasoline that contains 15% ethanol. Currently, the EPA prohibits the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog.

Large volumes of ethanol are required to be blended into gasoline under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) enacted by Congress in 2005. The law’s blending mandates appear to be driving the EPA’s push to expand E15 sales since sales of E10 gasoline are not meeting required RFS blending levels. While the RFS law was intended to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, it did not take into consideration the fact that ethanol can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers, especially in older cars and certain high-performance equipment that is not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials.  

The EPA recognized the threat ethanol poses to older vehicles when it made it illegal for motorists to fuel pre-’01 vehicles with E15 gas. Besides opposing an expansion of E15 sales, SEMA has urged the EPA to revisit the E15 warning label to ensure that consumers understand that E15 is incompatible with older vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, small engines and many other machines. The current E15 label is about 3½ x 3 in. SEMA supports making it larger and including the words “WARNING” and “Check your owner’s manual,” along with pictograms of a classic vehicle, boat, motorcycle, ATV, lawnmower, chainsaw and snowmobile.

Download SEMA’s comments to the EPA.  

For additional details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to its proposed regulation that gas stations be allowed to sell E15 year-round. E15 is gasoline that contains 15% ethanol. Currently, the EPA prohibits the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog.

Large volumes of ethanol are required to be blended into gasoline under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) enacted by Congress in 2005. The law’s blending mandates appear to be driving the EPA’s push to expand E15 sales since sales of E10 gasoline are not meeting required RFS blending levels. While the RFS law was intended to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, it did not take into consideration the fact that ethanol can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers, especially in older cars and certain high-performance equipment that is not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials.  

The EPA recognized the threat ethanol poses to older vehicles when it made it illegal for motorists to fuel pre-’01 vehicles with E15 gas. Besides opposing an expansion of E15 sales, SEMA has urged the EPA to revisit the E15 warning label to ensure that consumers understand that E15 is incompatible with older vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, small engines and many other machines. The current E15 label is about 3½ x 3 in. SEMA supports making it larger and including the words “WARNING” and “Check your owner’s manual,” along with pictograms of a classic vehicle, boat, motorcycle, ATV, lawnmower, chainsaw and snowmobile.

Download SEMA’s comments to the EPA.  

For additional details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to its proposed regulation that gas stations be allowed to sell E15 year-round. E15 is gasoline that contains 15% ethanol. Currently, the EPA prohibits the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog.

Large volumes of ethanol are required to be blended into gasoline under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) enacted by Congress in 2005. The law’s blending mandates appear to be driving the EPA’s push to expand E15 sales since sales of E10 gasoline are not meeting required RFS blending levels. While the RFS law was intended to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, it did not take into consideration the fact that ethanol can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers, especially in older cars and certain high-performance equipment that is not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials.  

The EPA recognized the threat ethanol poses to older vehicles when it made it illegal for motorists to fuel pre-’01 vehicles with E15 gas. Besides opposing an expansion of E15 sales, SEMA has urged the EPA to revisit the E15 warning label to ensure that consumers understand that E15 is incompatible with older vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, small engines and many other machines. The current E15 label is about 3½ x 3 in. SEMA supports making it larger and including the words “WARNING” and “Check your owner’s manual,” along with pictograms of a classic vehicle, boat, motorcycle, ATV, lawnmower, chainsaw and snowmobile.

Download SEMA’s comments to the EPA.  

For additional details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

Town Hall meetings serve as a unique chance to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, voice your opinions about the state of the industry and discover how SEMA can help.

SEMA’s next Town Hall meeting will be held Tuesday, May 7, at the Keystone Automotive facility in Flower Mound, Texas. All SEMA members are invited to attend.

Town Hall meetings serve as a unique chance to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, voice your opinions about the state of the industry and discover how SEMA can help. Member participation, involvement and feedback are key to helping SEMA to better understand the needs of both your company and the industry as a whole.

Join SEMA for an evening of shop talk, a bite to eat and drinks.

PLACE
Keystone Automotive Operations
351 Lakeside Pkwy.
Flower Mound, TX 75028               

DATE
Tuesday, May 7
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (CDT)

COST
Attending this event is free.                                 

ATTIRE
Attendees are encouraged to wear their company logo shirts.

This Town Hall meeting is a one-night-only event. Seats are limited; register early to ensure your spot!

For more information, contact Director of Membership Gary Vigil at 909-978-6738 or garyv@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

Town Hall meetings serve as a unique chance to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, voice your opinions about the state of the industry and discover how SEMA can help.

SEMA’s next Town Hall meeting will be held Tuesday, May 7, at the Keystone Automotive facility in Flower Mound, Texas. All SEMA members are invited to attend.

Town Hall meetings serve as a unique chance to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, voice your opinions about the state of the industry and discover how SEMA can help. Member participation, involvement and feedback are key to helping SEMA to better understand the needs of both your company and the industry as a whole.

Join SEMA for an evening of shop talk, a bite to eat and drinks.

PLACE
Keystone Automotive Operations
351 Lakeside Pkwy.
Flower Mound, TX 75028               

DATE
Tuesday, May 7
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (CDT)

COST
Attending this event is free.                                 

ATTIRE
Attendees are encouraged to wear their company logo shirts.

This Town Hall meeting is a one-night-only event. Seats are limited; register early to ensure your spot!

For more information, contact Director of Membership Gary Vigil at 909-978-6738 or garyv@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

The 2019 SEMA council elections kicked off this week. Members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Truck & Offroad Alliance (TORA) and Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) are invited to vote for their respective select committee leaders.

The elected select committee of each council serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their markets and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper.

More About the Council Voting Process

• Ballots have been sent to the primary contact for each council membership, who will vote on behalf of the member company.
• Voting instructions will be included in announcement emails.
• Each company gets one vote per council membership.
• All votes are confidential.
• Primary contacts will receive a confirmation receipt once they have cast their votes.
• Make a difference in the future of our industry. Submit your vote by May 8 at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Member Services Operations Specialist Kristen Fregoso at kristenf@sema.org or 909-978-6681.

By Kristen Fregoso

The 2019 SEMA council elections kicked off this week. Members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Truck & Offroad Alliance (TORA) and Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) are invited to vote for their respective select committee leaders.

The elected select committee of each council serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their markets and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper.

More About the Council Voting Process

• Ballots have been sent to the primary contact for each council membership, who will vote on behalf of the member company.
• Voting instructions will be included in announcement emails.
• Each company gets one vote per council membership.
• All votes are confidential.
• Primary contacts will receive a confirmation receipt once they have cast their votes.
• Make a difference in the future of our industry. Submit your vote by May 8 at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Member Services Operations Specialist Kristen Fregoso at kristenf@sema.org or 909-978-6681.

By SEMA Editors

Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host an open membership meeting, May 16–17, at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport. The meeting serves as an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges, trends and opportunities, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The day kicks off Thursday, May 16, with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The event includes open-forum discussions, breakout sessions and lunch, and will conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by an evening function from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. More details will become available shortly.

All participants will then reconvene Friday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., at the same venue.

Rates start at $141 for those interested in booking a room at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport Hotel.

For questions, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Reserve your tickets.

By SEMA Editors

Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host an open membership meeting, May 16–17, at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport. The meeting serves as an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges, trends and opportunities, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The day kicks off Thursday, May 16, with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The event includes open-forum discussions, breakout sessions and lunch, and will conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by an evening function from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. More details will become available shortly.

All participants will then reconvene Friday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., at the same venue.

Rates start at $141 for those interested in booking a room at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport Hotel.

For questions, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Reserve your tickets.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA News will highlight 35 of the industry’s top young trendsetters in its September 2019 issue.

September’s issue of SEMA News will highlight up-and-coming superstars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2019—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2019 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.