SEMA News—January 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: The Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. This bill, opposed by SEMA, only supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles but would allow them to make subjective judgments on whether a modified exhaust system on any passenger vehicle or truck is in violation.

Massachusetts Single Plate: SEMA is supporting a bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The Joint Transportation Committee considered the bill, but no vote has yet been taken. The measure, favored by state hobbyists, requires that the single registration plate be attached on the rear of applicable motor vehicles.

Michigan Historic Military Vehicles: Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate. Under the bill, the plate must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers if it is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle.

Ohio Headlamps: SEMA is working with Ohio legislators to ensure that legislation to require headlamps to display a “white light” would further incorporate federal standards regarding lighting equipment. Under the federal lighting standard, it is possible to design a headlamp that emits a light that is perceived as having a blue tint but which nevertheless remains within the boundaries that define “white.”

Wisconsin Collector Cars: The full Wisconsin Assembly passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law. The measure would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Back-Up Cameras for New Cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) encouraging manufacturers to equip new vehicles with rearview video systems. The cameras are intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. NCAP has a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP recommendation is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require that all new passenger cars be equipped with rearview camera systems. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display-screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.

Health-Care Law: SEMA has created a webpage (www.sema.org/healthcare) with information to help members understand the “Affordable Care Act.” The so-called “Obamacare” requires employers with 50 or more fulltime workers to offer health-care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee. The “play or pay” mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014, but will not be enforced until 2015 to give the business community more time to understand and comply with the law. The decision does not affect small employers with fewer than 50 workers, since they are not required to offer insurance under the law. All employers were required to provide written notice of available health-care coverage options to their employees by October 2013 and to future workers going forward, regardless of company size or whether the company offers health-care coverage. The notice may be distributed electronically. Links to a sample notice are posted on the SEMA health-care webpage. There is no penalty for failure to distribute the notice.

SEMA News—January 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: The Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. This bill, opposed by SEMA, only supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles but would allow them to make subjective judgments on whether a modified exhaust system on any passenger vehicle or truck is in violation.

Massachusetts Single Plate: SEMA is supporting a bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The Joint Transportation Committee considered the bill, but no vote has yet been taken. The measure, favored by state hobbyists, requires that the single registration plate be attached on the rear of applicable motor vehicles.

Michigan Historic Military Vehicles: Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate. Under the bill, the plate must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers if it is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle.

Ohio Headlamps: SEMA is working with Ohio legislators to ensure that legislation to require headlamps to display a “white light” would further incorporate federal standards regarding lighting equipment. Under the federal lighting standard, it is possible to design a headlamp that emits a light that is perceived as having a blue tint but which nevertheless remains within the boundaries that define “white.”

Wisconsin Collector Cars: The full Wisconsin Assembly passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law. The measure would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Back-Up Cameras for New Cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) encouraging manufacturers to equip new vehicles with rearview video systems. The cameras are intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. NCAP has a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP recommendation is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require that all new passenger cars be equipped with rearview camera systems. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display-screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.

Health-Care Law: SEMA has created a webpage (www.sema.org/healthcare) with information to help members understand the “Affordable Care Act.” The so-called “Obamacare” requires employers with 50 or more fulltime workers to offer health-care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee. The “play or pay” mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014, but will not be enforced until 2015 to give the business community more time to understand and comply with the law. The decision does not affect small employers with fewer than 50 workers, since they are not required to offer insurance under the law. All employers were required to provide written notice of available health-care coverage options to their employees by October 2013 and to future workers going forward, regardless of company size or whether the company offers health-care coverage. The notice may be distributed electronically. Links to a sample notice are posted on the SEMA health-care webpage. There is no penalty for failure to distribute the notice.

SEMA News—January 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: The Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. This bill, opposed by SEMA, only supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles but would allow them to make subjective judgments on whether a modified exhaust system on any passenger vehicle or truck is in violation.

Massachusetts Single Plate: SEMA is supporting a bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The Joint Transportation Committee considered the bill, but no vote has yet been taken. The measure, favored by state hobbyists, requires that the single registration plate be attached on the rear of applicable motor vehicles.

Michigan Historic Military Vehicles: Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate. Under the bill, the plate must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers if it is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle.

Ohio Headlamps: SEMA is working with Ohio legislators to ensure that legislation to require headlamps to display a “white light” would further incorporate federal standards regarding lighting equipment. Under the federal lighting standard, it is possible to design a headlamp that emits a light that is perceived as having a blue tint but which nevertheless remains within the boundaries that define “white.”

Wisconsin Collector Cars: The full Wisconsin Assembly passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law. The measure would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Back-Up Cameras for New Cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) encouraging manufacturers to equip new vehicles with rearview video systems. The cameras are intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. NCAP has a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP recommendation is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require that all new passenger cars be equipped with rearview camera systems. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display-screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.

Health-Care Law: SEMA has created a webpage (www.sema.org/healthcare) with information to help members understand the “Affordable Care Act.” The so-called “Obamacare” requires employers with 50 or more fulltime workers to offer health-care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee. The “play or pay” mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014, but will not be enforced until 2015 to give the business community more time to understand and comply with the law. The decision does not affect small employers with fewer than 50 workers, since they are not required to offer insurance under the law. All employers were required to provide written notice of available health-care coverage options to their employees by October 2013 and to future workers going forward, regardless of company size or whether the company offers health-care coverage. The notice may be distributed electronically. Links to a sample notice are posted on the SEMA health-care webpage. There is no penalty for failure to distribute the notice.

SEMA News—January 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: The Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. This bill, opposed by SEMA, only supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles but would allow them to make subjective judgments on whether a modified exhaust system on any passenger vehicle or truck is in violation.

Massachusetts Single Plate: SEMA is supporting a bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The Joint Transportation Committee considered the bill, but no vote has yet been taken. The measure, favored by state hobbyists, requires that the single registration plate be attached on the rear of applicable motor vehicles.

Michigan Historic Military Vehicles: Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate. Under the bill, the plate must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers if it is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle.

Ohio Headlamps: SEMA is working with Ohio legislators to ensure that legislation to require headlamps to display a “white light” would further incorporate federal standards regarding lighting equipment. Under the federal lighting standard, it is possible to design a headlamp that emits a light that is perceived as having a blue tint but which nevertheless remains within the boundaries that define “white.”

Wisconsin Collector Cars: The full Wisconsin Assembly passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law. The measure would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Back-Up Cameras for New Cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) encouraging manufacturers to equip new vehicles with rearview video systems. The cameras are intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. NCAP has a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP recommendation is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require that all new passenger cars be equipped with rearview camera systems. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display-screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.

Health-Care Law: SEMA has created a webpage (www.sema.org/healthcare) with information to help members understand the “Affordable Care Act.” The so-called “Obamacare” requires employers with 50 or more fulltime workers to offer health-care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee. The “play or pay” mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014, but will not be enforced until 2015 to give the business community more time to understand and comply with the law. The decision does not affect small employers with fewer than 50 workers, since they are not required to offer insurance under the law. All employers were required to provide written notice of available health-care coverage options to their employees by October 2013 and to future workers going forward, regardless of company size or whether the company offers health-care coverage. The notice may be distributed electronically. Links to a sample notice are posted on the SEMA health-care webpage. There is no penalty for failure to distribute the notice.

SEMA News—January 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: The Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. This bill, opposed by SEMA, only supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles but would allow them to make subjective judgments on whether a modified exhaust system on any passenger vehicle or truck is in violation.

Massachusetts Single Plate: SEMA is supporting a bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The Joint Transportation Committee considered the bill, but no vote has yet been taken. The measure, favored by state hobbyists, requires that the single registration plate be attached on the rear of applicable motor vehicles.

Michigan Historic Military Vehicles: Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate. Under the bill, the plate must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers if it is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle.

Ohio Headlamps: SEMA is working with Ohio legislators to ensure that legislation to require headlamps to display a “white light” would further incorporate federal standards regarding lighting equipment. Under the federal lighting standard, it is possible to design a headlamp that emits a light that is perceived as having a blue tint but which nevertheless remains within the boundaries that define “white.”

Wisconsin Collector Cars: The full Wisconsin Assembly passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law. The measure would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Back-Up Cameras for New Cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) encouraging manufacturers to equip new vehicles with rearview video systems. The cameras are intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. NCAP has a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP recommendation is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require that all new passenger cars be equipped with rearview camera systems. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display-screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.

Health-Care Law: SEMA has created a webpage (www.sema.org/healthcare) with information to help members understand the “Affordable Care Act.” The so-called “Obamacare” requires employers with 50 or more fulltime workers to offer health-care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee. The “play or pay” mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014, but will not be enforced until 2015 to give the business community more time to understand and comply with the law. The decision does not affect small employers with fewer than 50 workers, since they are not required to offer insurance under the law. All employers were required to provide written notice of available health-care coverage options to their employees by October 2013 and to future workers going forward, regardless of company size or whether the company offers health-care coverage. The notice may be distributed electronically. Links to a sample notice are posted on the SEMA health-care webpage. There is no penalty for failure to distribute the notice.

SEMA News—January 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: The Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. This bill, opposed by SEMA, only supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles but would allow them to make subjective judgments on whether a modified exhaust system on any passenger vehicle or truck is in violation.

Massachusetts Single Plate: SEMA is supporting a bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The Joint Transportation Committee considered the bill, but no vote has yet been taken. The measure, favored by state hobbyists, requires that the single registration plate be attached on the rear of applicable motor vehicles.

Michigan Historic Military Vehicles: Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate. Under the bill, the plate must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers if it is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle.

Ohio Headlamps: SEMA is working with Ohio legislators to ensure that legislation to require headlamps to display a “white light” would further incorporate federal standards regarding lighting equipment. Under the federal lighting standard, it is possible to design a headlamp that emits a light that is perceived as having a blue tint but which nevertheless remains within the boundaries that define “white.”

Wisconsin Collector Cars: The full Wisconsin Assembly passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law. The measure would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Back-Up Cameras for New Cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) encouraging manufacturers to equip new vehicles with rearview video systems. The cameras are intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. NCAP has a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP recommendation is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require that all new passenger cars be equipped with rearview camera systems. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display-screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.

Health-Care Law: SEMA has created a webpage (www.sema.org/healthcare) with information to help members understand the “Affordable Care Act.” The so-called “Obamacare” requires employers with 50 or more fulltime workers to offer health-care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee. The “play or pay” mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014, but will not be enforced until 2015 to give the business community more time to understand and comply with the law. The decision does not affect small employers with fewer than 50 workers, since they are not required to offer insurance under the law. All employers were required to provide written notice of available health-care coverage options to their employees by October 2013 and to future workers going forward, regardless of company size or whether the company offers health-care coverage. The notice may be distributed electronically. Links to a sample notice are posted on the SEMA health-care webpage. There is no penalty for failure to distribute the notice.

SEMA News—January 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: The Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. This bill, opposed by SEMA, only supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles but would allow them to make subjective judgments on whether a modified exhaust system on any passenger vehicle or truck is in violation.

Massachusetts Single Plate: SEMA is supporting a bill to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The Joint Transportation Committee considered the bill, but no vote has yet been taken. The measure, favored by state hobbyists, requires that the single registration plate be attached on the rear of applicable motor vehicles.

Michigan Historic Military Vehicles: Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate. Under the bill, the plate must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers if it is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle.

Ohio Headlamps: SEMA is working with Ohio legislators to ensure that legislation to require headlamps to display a “white light” would further incorporate federal standards regarding lighting equipment. Under the federal lighting standard, it is possible to design a headlamp that emits a light that is perceived as having a blue tint but which nevertheless remains within the boundaries that define “white.”

Wisconsin Collector Cars: The full Wisconsin Assembly passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law. The measure would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Back-Up Cameras for New Cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) encouraging manufacturers to equip new vehicles with rearview video systems. The cameras are intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. NCAP has a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP recommendation is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require that all new passenger cars be equipped with rearview camera systems. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display-screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.

Health-Care Law: SEMA has created a webpage (www.sema.org/healthcare) with information to help members understand the “Affordable Care Act.” The so-called “Obamacare” requires employers with 50 or more fulltime workers to offer health-care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee. The “play or pay” mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014, but will not be enforced until 2015 to give the business community more time to understand and comply with the law. The decision does not affect small employers with fewer than 50 workers, since they are not required to offer insurance under the law. All employers were required to provide written notice of available health-care coverage options to their employees by October 2013 and to future workers going forward, regardless of company size or whether the company offers health-care coverage. The notice may be distributed electronically. Links to a sample notice are posted on the SEMA health-care webpage. There is no penalty for failure to distribute the notice.

SEMA News—January 2014

EVENTS
By Russell Datz

Heard on the Floor

SEMA Show Exhibitors Share Their Perspectives

The 2013 SEMA Show was the biggest in the event’s 47-year history, with more than 126,000 people converging on the Las Vegas Convention Center to do business at the world’s largest annual automotive trade show. We visited a few random exhibitors to ask how the Show was going from their perspective, and this is what we heard.

Woodward Fab

Phil Heck owns Woodward Fab, a 47-year-old, family-run metalworking equipment maker. Woodward Fab’s tools—English wheels, throatless sheers, slip rolls and others—range in price from $89–$30,000, and most are of the company’s own design.

Heck joined the association in 2001 when his company first exhibited at the SEMA Show. As a newcomer, Woodward Fab was relegated to displaying in the parking lot, but now the company has a modest 20x10-ft. space in North Hall.

“The SEMA experience has all been positive,” Heck said. “We meet a lot of our customer base who walk through that door. We see a lot of repeat customers year after year, so we’re building on that.”

Heck’s daughter and son-in-law recently joined the company but weren’t working the booth.

“We fight for who does the Show,” Heck said with a chuckle. “They didn’t rank high enough.”

GoPro

GoPro makes portable digital cameras and built a brand by adding a new perspective to homemade movies. So what is the company doing at the SEMA Show?

A surfer and auto-racing enthusiast, founder Nicholas Woodman’s idea of a rugged, wrist-mounted camera grew when the motorsports world picked up on it. To leverage that interest, Woodman set up a 10x10-ft. display at the 2008 SEMA Show. His strategy worked. GoPro now has one of the largest and most popular displays.

“One of the biggest ways people use our camera is within automotive,” said Ruben Ducheyn, GoPro’s senior lifestyle marketing manager.

“SEMA really brings the whole industry together, whether it’s from the racing side or the enthusiast show-car side or just your everyday driver. For us to be able to be here and cover such a broad spectrum is really beneficial. We’ll be here for sure next year.”

Westin Automotive Products

Westin Automotive Products has been exhibiting at the SEMA Show for 35 years. Starting as a replacement truck bumper manufacturer, the company now makes a full line of truck accessories, thanks in part to the SEMA Show.

“The SEMA Show is a really good part of how we go to market,” said Junior Calvert, vice president of sales. “Your whole customer base comes into one location. It’s great market research. [The SEMA Show] gives us an opportunity to see where other competition is at.”

Calvert noted that the 2013 SEMA Show included a company plan to learn more about the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC).

“We brought our entire data team with us,” Calvert said. “The SDC is something that we really want to get behind, to get our things faster to market. If you don’t have the correct data, your company won’t last very long.”

SEMA News—January 2014

EVENTS
By Russell Datz

Heard on the Floor

SEMA Show Exhibitors Share Their Perspectives

The 2013 SEMA Show was the biggest in the event’s 47-year history, with more than 126,000 people converging on the Las Vegas Convention Center to do business at the world’s largest annual automotive trade show. We visited a few random exhibitors to ask how the Show was going from their perspective, and this is what we heard.

Woodward Fab

Phil Heck owns Woodward Fab, a 47-year-old, family-run metalworking equipment maker. Woodward Fab’s tools—English wheels, throatless sheers, slip rolls and others—range in price from $89–$30,000, and most are of the company’s own design.

Heck joined the association in 2001 when his company first exhibited at the SEMA Show. As a newcomer, Woodward Fab was relegated to displaying in the parking lot, but now the company has a modest 20x10-ft. space in North Hall.

“The SEMA experience has all been positive,” Heck said. “We meet a lot of our customer base who walk through that door. We see a lot of repeat customers year after year, so we’re building on that.”

Heck’s daughter and son-in-law recently joined the company but weren’t working the booth.

“We fight for who does the Show,” Heck said with a chuckle. “They didn’t rank high enough.”

GoPro

GoPro makes portable digital cameras and built a brand by adding a new perspective to homemade movies. So what is the company doing at the SEMA Show?

A surfer and auto-racing enthusiast, founder Nicholas Woodman’s idea of a rugged, wrist-mounted camera grew when the motorsports world picked up on it. To leverage that interest, Woodman set up a 10x10-ft. display at the 2008 SEMA Show. His strategy worked. GoPro now has one of the largest and most popular displays.

“One of the biggest ways people use our camera is within automotive,” said Ruben Ducheyn, GoPro’s senior lifestyle marketing manager.

“SEMA really brings the whole industry together, whether it’s from the racing side or the enthusiast show-car side or just your everyday driver. For us to be able to be here and cover such a broad spectrum is really beneficial. We’ll be here for sure next year.”

Westin Automotive Products

Westin Automotive Products has been exhibiting at the SEMA Show for 35 years. Starting as a replacement truck bumper manufacturer, the company now makes a full line of truck accessories, thanks in part to the SEMA Show.

“The SEMA Show is a really good part of how we go to market,” said Junior Calvert, vice president of sales. “Your whole customer base comes into one location. It’s great market research. [The SEMA Show] gives us an opportunity to see where other competition is at.”

Calvert noted that the 2013 SEMA Show included a company plan to learn more about the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC).

“We brought our entire data team with us,” Calvert said. “The SDC is something that we really want to get behind, to get our things faster to market. If you don’t have the correct data, your company won’t last very long.”

SEMA News—January 2014

EVENTS
By Russell Datz

Heard on the Floor

SEMA Show Exhibitors Share Their Perspectives

The 2013 SEMA Show was the biggest in the event’s 47-year history, with more than 126,000 people converging on the Las Vegas Convention Center to do business at the world’s largest annual automotive trade show. We visited a few random exhibitors to ask how the Show was going from their perspective, and this is what we heard.

Woodward Fab

Phil Heck owns Woodward Fab, a 47-year-old, family-run metalworking equipment maker. Woodward Fab’s tools—English wheels, throatless sheers, slip rolls and others—range in price from $89–$30,000, and most are of the company’s own design.

Heck joined the association in 2001 when his company first exhibited at the SEMA Show. As a newcomer, Woodward Fab was relegated to displaying in the parking lot, but now the company has a modest 20x10-ft. space in North Hall.

“The SEMA experience has all been positive,” Heck said. “We meet a lot of our customer base who walk through that door. We see a lot of repeat customers year after year, so we’re building on that.”

Heck’s daughter and son-in-law recently joined the company but weren’t working the booth.

“We fight for who does the Show,” Heck said with a chuckle. “They didn’t rank high enough.”

GoPro

GoPro makes portable digital cameras and built a brand by adding a new perspective to homemade movies. So what is the company doing at the SEMA Show?

A surfer and auto-racing enthusiast, founder Nicholas Woodman’s idea of a rugged, wrist-mounted camera grew when the motorsports world picked up on it. To leverage that interest, Woodman set up a 10x10-ft. display at the 2008 SEMA Show. His strategy worked. GoPro now has one of the largest and most popular displays.

“One of the biggest ways people use our camera is within automotive,” said Ruben Ducheyn, GoPro’s senior lifestyle marketing manager.

“SEMA really brings the whole industry together, whether it’s from the racing side or the enthusiast show-car side or just your everyday driver. For us to be able to be here and cover such a broad spectrum is really beneficial. We’ll be here for sure next year.”

Westin Automotive Products

Westin Automotive Products has been exhibiting at the SEMA Show for 35 years. Starting as a replacement truck bumper manufacturer, the company now makes a full line of truck accessories, thanks in part to the SEMA Show.

“The SEMA Show is a really good part of how we go to market,” said Junior Calvert, vice president of sales. “Your whole customer base comes into one location. It’s great market research. [The SEMA Show] gives us an opportunity to see where other competition is at.”

Calvert noted that the 2013 SEMA Show included a company plan to learn more about the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC).

“We brought our entire data team with us,” Calvert said. “The SDC is something that we really want to get behind, to get our things faster to market. If you don’t have the correct data, your company won’t last very long.”