By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has approved a SEMA-supported bill (HR 819) to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. It has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for further action. A similar bill (S. 486) is scheduled to be considered by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in June.  

The bills would reverse a 2012 management plan issued by the National Park Service that banned OHV access to large portions of the seashore. Under current restrictions, about 39% of the seashore is closed to OHV recreation while 42% of the seashore is open year-round and 19% is open at different times during the year. The legislation would reinstate a previous management strategy that provides a better balance between wildlife protections and responsible OHV access. It also protects local retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and campgrounds that have seen a negative economic impact because of reduced visits by OHV enthusiasts.  

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has approved a SEMA-supported bill (HR 819) to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. It has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for further action. A similar bill (S. 486) is scheduled to be considered by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in June.  

The bills would reverse a 2012 management plan issued by the National Park Service that banned OHV access to large portions of the seashore. Under current restrictions, about 39% of the seashore is closed to OHV recreation while 42% of the seashore is open year-round and 19% is open at different times during the year. The legislation would reinstate a previous management strategy that provides a better balance between wildlife protections and responsible OHV access. It also protects local retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and campgrounds that have seen a negative economic impact because of reduced visits by OHV enthusiasts.  

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

KGP Photography's man in Europe has caught a Lexus-based mule for what appears to be a future crossover to slot in beneath the RX. The mule—based on a modified Lexus CT200h body with a higher-riding suspension setup—was among an assembly of varied crossover/SUV offerings outside of a Toyota workshop in Europe. The benchmark vehicles on hand consisted of a Nissan Qashqai, a Skoda Yeti and an Audi Q3.

The spectre of a sub-RX Lexus crossover has been rumored for more than one year now, and most analysts made the logical assumption that such an offering would spring forth from the recently updated Toyota RAV4. The CT200h-based mule caught here would seem to throw the RAV4-based assumptions into question. A CT200h-based crossover would seem to be consistent with the attack taken by Mercedes with its upcoming A-class-based GLA.

It now seems clear that Lexus is taking concrete development steps toward a smaller crossover, although the early indications is that the first mule is taking a different approach than originally predicted. 

Photo credit: KGP Photography

KGP Photography's man in Europe has caught a Lexus-based mule for what appears to be a future crossover to slot in beneath the RX. The mule—based on a modified Lexus CT200h body with a higher-riding suspension setup—was among an assembly of varied crossover/SUV offerings outside of a Toyota workshop in Europe. The benchmark vehicles on hand consisted of a Nissan Qashqai, a Skoda Yeti and an Audi Q3.

The spectre of a sub-RX Lexus crossover has been rumored for more than one year now, and most analysts made the logical assumption that such an offering would spring forth from the recently updated Toyota RAV4. The CT200h-based mule caught here would seem to throw the RAV4-based assumptions into question. A CT200h-based crossover would seem to be consistent with the attack taken by Mercedes with its upcoming A-class-based GLA.

It now seems clear that Lexus is taking concrete development steps toward a smaller crossover, although the early indications is that the first mule is taking a different approach than originally predicted. 

Photo credit: KGP Photography

KGP Photography's man in Europe has caught a Lexus-based mule for what appears to be a future crossover to slot in beneath the RX. The mule—based on a modified Lexus CT200h body with a higher-riding suspension setup—was among an assembly of varied crossover/SUV offerings outside of a Toyota workshop in Europe. The benchmark vehicles on hand consisted of a Nissan Qashqai, a Skoda Yeti and an Audi Q3.

The spectre of a sub-RX Lexus crossover has been rumored for more than one year now, and most analysts made the logical assumption that such an offering would spring forth from the recently updated Toyota RAV4. The CT200h-based mule caught here would seem to throw the RAV4-based assumptions into question. A CT200h-based crossover would seem to be consistent with the attack taken by Mercedes with its upcoming A-class-based GLA.

It now seems clear that Lexus is taking concrete development steps toward a smaller crossover, although the early indications is that the first mule is taking a different approach than originally predicted. 

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

This year, exhibitors who register their products for display in the New Products Showcase will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek digital marketplace.

Introducing SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek—a new digital marketplace for SEMA exhibitors to showcase their products to automotive enthusiasts 365 days/year.

With your New Products Showcase Registration, you will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace. To ensure your product has the greatest visibility and placement, visit the SEMA Collection website for information on package upgrades. There, you will also find information on how your company can be eligible for a digital advertising package valued at $30,000.

All exhibitors are eligible to participate in this program through the upgrade options.

Stay Informed

Opt-in to receive e-mails about SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek and you could win a $50 American Express gift card.

Upgrade your Package

Register now to lock in introductory pricing and get more information.

Questions?

Send an e-mail to SEMACollection@autoweek.com.

By SEMA Editors

This year, exhibitors who register their products for display in the New Products Showcase will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek digital marketplace.

Introducing SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek—a new digital marketplace for SEMA exhibitors to showcase their products to automotive enthusiasts 365 days/year.

With your New Products Showcase Registration, you will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace. To ensure your product has the greatest visibility and placement, visit the SEMA Collection website for information on package upgrades. There, you will also find information on how your company can be eligible for a digital advertising package valued at $30,000.

All exhibitors are eligible to participate in this program through the upgrade options.

Stay Informed

Opt-in to receive e-mails about SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek and you could win a $50 American Express gift card.

Upgrade your Package

Register now to lock in introductory pricing and get more information.

Questions?

Send an e-mail to SEMACollection@autoweek.com.

By SEMA Editors

This year, exhibitors who register their products for display in the New Products Showcase will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek digital marketplace.

Introducing SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek—a new digital marketplace for SEMA exhibitors to showcase their products to automotive enthusiasts 365 days/year.

With your New Products Showcase Registration, you will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace. To ensure your product has the greatest visibility and placement, visit the SEMA Collection website for information on package upgrades. There, you will also find information on how your company can be eligible for a digital advertising package valued at $30,000.

All exhibitors are eligible to participate in this program through the upgrade options.

Stay Informed

Opt-in to receive e-mails about SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek and you could win a $50 American Express gift card.

Upgrade your Package

Register now to lock in introductory pricing and get more information.

Questions?

Send an e-mail to SEMACollection@autoweek.com.