By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Legislation has been reintroduced in Pennsylvania to extend the emissions-inspection exemption to vehicles never before registered in the state or any other jurisdiction for 10 years from the date of original registration. Current law only exempts new vehicles that have less than 5,000 miles on their odometer for one year after their first registration. The bill would still require that the newest 10 model-year vehicles be subject to visual anti-tampering inspections for the presence of emissions-control components installed on the vehicle by manufacturers. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The House Natural Resources Committee has approved the “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Establishment Act,” (HR 1676) sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California. The Marines would have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area for up to 60 days per year for training exercises, but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved in perpetuity. The bill will now be considered by the House Armed Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), who has co-sponsored the legislation.
 
HR 1676 protects OHV activities by establishing the "Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area" under continued management by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The legislation provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities.

Johnson Valley is the largest OHV area in the United States, totaling nearly 189,000 acres. The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts, as well as mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters. The area is also home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers event.

SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN) continue to urge lawmakers to adopt the solution and enact the legislation into law. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for OHV vehicles and, through the SAN, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these vehicles. 

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The House Natural Resources Committee has approved the “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Establishment Act,” (HR 1676) sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California. The Marines would have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area for up to 60 days per year for training exercises, but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved in perpetuity. The bill will now be considered by the House Armed Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), who has co-sponsored the legislation.
 
HR 1676 protects OHV activities by establishing the "Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area" under continued management by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The legislation provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities.

Johnson Valley is the largest OHV area in the United States, totaling nearly 189,000 acres. The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts, as well as mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters. The area is also home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers event.

SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN) continue to urge lawmakers to adopt the solution and enact the legislation into law. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for OHV vehicles and, through the SAN, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these vehicles. 

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The House Natural Resources Committee has approved the “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Establishment Act,” (HR 1676) sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California. The Marines would have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area for up to 60 days per year for training exercises, but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved in perpetuity. The bill will now be considered by the House Armed Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), who has co-sponsored the legislation.
 
HR 1676 protects OHV activities by establishing the "Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area" under continued management by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The legislation provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities.

Johnson Valley is the largest OHV area in the United States, totaling nearly 189,000 acres. The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts, as well as mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters. The area is also home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers event.

SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN) continue to urge lawmakers to adopt the solution and enact the legislation into law. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for OHV vehicles and, through the SAN, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these vehicles. 

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

George Barris, Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and Joe Schubeck will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame—an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.



Hundreds of industry professionals will gather and pay tribute to the new Hall of Fame members during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 26, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. Those interested in learning more about the celebration or how to attend may contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org, 909-978-6737.

The 2013 inductees include:

	George Barris

George Barris: A legendary vehicle customizer, well-known for his celebrity creations that include the Batmobile, Munster Koach, KITT from "Knight Rider" and the "Dukes of Hazzard’s" General Lee.



In addition to building vehicles, Barris authored many “how to” articles for magazines, such as Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Car Craft and Rod & Custom.



As a pioneer and icon in the industry, Barris continues to actively influence the industry’s styles and trends. A regular attendee at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Barris is admired and respected by many in the industry.



Eric Grant

Eric Grant: When issues such as clean air and emissions began to arise in the ’60s, SEMA turned to Eric Grant for guidance. At the time, Grant represented the government agency that eventually evolved to be the California Air Resources Board.



Grant met with SEMA members and advised them about the situation, so much so that Grant became an ally for the association and eventually came to serve as SEMA’s executive director.

 As the association’s executive director, Grant was instrumental in advocating for the specialty-equipment industry and helping to solve a number of industry compliance issues.

	Wade Kawasaki

Wade Kawasaki: During his 30-year career, Kawasaki has volunteered and contributed to dozens of SEMA projects.

In addition to serving several terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, Kawasaki is a past chairman for the SEMA Show Committee, Governance Committee, International Task Force and Audit Review Committee. He was instrumental in the creation of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) and the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), and he served as the association’s secretary/treasurer working alongside the Board of Directors. 



His SEMA Hall of Fame induction follows a number of honors that have been bestowed upon him, including 1996 SEMA Young Executive of the Year, 2003 SEMA Chairman’s Service Award recipient and 2007 SEMA Person of the Year.



Joe Schubeck

Joe Schubeck: Known by many as “Gentleman Joe,” Schubeck began his top-fuel racing career in the ’60s. While he spent many years successfully racing, his greatest contribution to the industry came during his post-racing career.



Schubeck founded Lakewood Industries, which manufactured life-saving racing products, such as the bell housing that many continue to refer to simply as the “Lakewood.”



Schubeck was a former SEMA Board member and served on the association’s first Safety Committee. An avid enthusiast and contributor to the industry, he continues to attend the SEMA Show annually.



For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.

By Della Domingo

George Barris, Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and Joe Schubeck will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame—an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.



Hundreds of industry professionals will gather and pay tribute to the new Hall of Fame members during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 26, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. Those interested in learning more about the celebration or how to attend may contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org, 909-978-6737.

The 2013 inductees include:

	George Barris

George Barris: A legendary vehicle customizer, well-known for his celebrity creations that include the Batmobile, Munster Koach, KITT from "Knight Rider" and the "Dukes of Hazzard’s" General Lee.



In addition to building vehicles, Barris authored many “how to” articles for magazines, such as Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Car Craft and Rod & Custom.



As a pioneer and icon in the industry, Barris continues to actively influence the industry’s styles and trends. A regular attendee at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Barris is admired and respected by many in the industry.



Eric Grant

Eric Grant: When issues such as clean air and emissions began to arise in the ’60s, SEMA turned to Eric Grant for guidance. At the time, Grant represented the government agency that eventually evolved to be the California Air Resources Board.



Grant met with SEMA members and advised them about the situation, so much so that Grant became an ally for the association and eventually came to serve as SEMA’s executive director.

 As the association’s executive director, Grant was instrumental in advocating for the specialty-equipment industry and helping to solve a number of industry compliance issues.

	Wade Kawasaki

Wade Kawasaki: During his 30-year career, Kawasaki has volunteered and contributed to dozens of SEMA projects.

In addition to serving several terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, Kawasaki is a past chairman for the SEMA Show Committee, Governance Committee, International Task Force and Audit Review Committee. He was instrumental in the creation of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) and the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), and he served as the association’s secretary/treasurer working alongside the Board of Directors. 



His SEMA Hall of Fame induction follows a number of honors that have been bestowed upon him, including 1996 SEMA Young Executive of the Year, 2003 SEMA Chairman’s Service Award recipient and 2007 SEMA Person of the Year.



Joe Schubeck

Joe Schubeck: Known by many as “Gentleman Joe,” Schubeck began his top-fuel racing career in the ’60s. While he spent many years successfully racing, his greatest contribution to the industry came during his post-racing career.



Schubeck founded Lakewood Industries, which manufactured life-saving racing products, such as the bell housing that many continue to refer to simply as the “Lakewood.”



Schubeck was a former SEMA Board member and served on the association’s first Safety Committee. An avid enthusiast and contributor to the industry, he continues to attend the SEMA Show annually.



For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.

By Della Domingo

George Barris, Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and Joe Schubeck will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame—an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.



Hundreds of industry professionals will gather and pay tribute to the new Hall of Fame members during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 26, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. Those interested in learning more about the celebration or how to attend may contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org, 909-978-6737.

The 2013 inductees include:

	George Barris

George Barris: A legendary vehicle customizer, well-known for his celebrity creations that include the Batmobile, Munster Koach, KITT from "Knight Rider" and the "Dukes of Hazzard’s" General Lee.



In addition to building vehicles, Barris authored many “how to” articles for magazines, such as Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Car Craft and Rod & Custom.



As a pioneer and icon in the industry, Barris continues to actively influence the industry’s styles and trends. A regular attendee at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Barris is admired and respected by many in the industry.



Eric Grant

Eric Grant: When issues such as clean air and emissions began to arise in the ’60s, SEMA turned to Eric Grant for guidance. At the time, Grant represented the government agency that eventually evolved to be the California Air Resources Board.



Grant met with SEMA members and advised them about the situation, so much so that Grant became an ally for the association and eventually came to serve as SEMA’s executive director.

 As the association’s executive director, Grant was instrumental in advocating for the specialty-equipment industry and helping to solve a number of industry compliance issues.

	Wade Kawasaki

Wade Kawasaki: During his 30-year career, Kawasaki has volunteered and contributed to dozens of SEMA projects.

In addition to serving several terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, Kawasaki is a past chairman for the SEMA Show Committee, Governance Committee, International Task Force and Audit Review Committee. He was instrumental in the creation of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) and the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), and he served as the association’s secretary/treasurer working alongside the Board of Directors. 



His SEMA Hall of Fame induction follows a number of honors that have been bestowed upon him, including 1996 SEMA Young Executive of the Year, 2003 SEMA Chairman’s Service Award recipient and 2007 SEMA Person of the Year.



Joe Schubeck

Joe Schubeck: Known by many as “Gentleman Joe,” Schubeck began his top-fuel racing career in the ’60s. While he spent many years successfully racing, his greatest contribution to the industry came during his post-racing career.



Schubeck founded Lakewood Industries, which manufactured life-saving racing products, such as the bell housing that many continue to refer to simply as the “Lakewood.”



Schubeck was a former SEMA Board member and served on the association’s first Safety Committee. An avid enthusiast and contributor to the industry, he continues to attend the SEMA Show annually.



For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.

By SEMA Staff

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will moderate a panel of experts at Telematics Detroit. The panel will discuss accelerating the deployment of connected vehicle technology aftermarket products and services in the 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads.

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will moderate a panel of experts, entitled, "The Aftermarket: Democratizing the Connected Vehicle Experience," at Telematics Detroit, June 5, in Novi, Michigan. The panel will discuss new opportunities being created by efforts, such as Ford’s OpenXC platform for integrating open-source hardware and software that lets drivers extend their vehicles through custom applications and plug-in modules for personalization.

The panel will review the critical role of the aftermarket in enhancing the driver experience and accelerating the deployment of connected vehicle technologies in the 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads. Panelists include Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing at Pioneer Car Electronics; David Pio, engineering partner at Facebook; and Zoran Lazovski, solution delivery director at Covisint. SEMA members planning to attend can receive a $100 discount by registering at the Telematics Detroit website and entering code "2231SEMA.

"

The Telematics Detroit 2013 Conference & Exhibition (June 5–6, in Novi, Michigan) will bring together the global telematics ecosystem to master the connected car user experience and build a brand affinity that lasts a lifetime. Here are some of the highlights:

• 100+ expert speakers, including GM, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Progressive, Continental and Mercedes-Benz, will deliver their visions for the connected car and the evolving automotive apps ecosystem that is set to revolutionize consumer interaction with the vehicle.

• Network with 1,800+ senior-level execs from OEMs, dealerships, insurers, government, tier ones, content providers and wireless carriers to secure crucial relationships and elevate your business’ global profile in this rapidly evolving marketplace.

• Five conference tracks, including sessions on connectivity business models, end-to-end telematics platforms, V2X technologies, big data, open app development and the dealer relationship, will allow you to build an agenda tailored to your business.

Take a look at complete event overview.

By SEMA Staff

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will moderate a panel of experts at Telematics Detroit. The panel will discuss accelerating the deployment of connected vehicle technology aftermarket products and services in the 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads.

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will moderate a panel of experts, entitled, "The Aftermarket: Democratizing the Connected Vehicle Experience," at Telematics Detroit, June 5, in Novi, Michigan. The panel will discuss new opportunities being created by efforts, such as Ford’s OpenXC platform for integrating open-source hardware and software that lets drivers extend their vehicles through custom applications and plug-in modules for personalization.

The panel will review the critical role of the aftermarket in enhancing the driver experience and accelerating the deployment of connected vehicle technologies in the 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads. Panelists include Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing at Pioneer Car Electronics; David Pio, engineering partner at Facebook; and Zoran Lazovski, solution delivery director at Covisint. SEMA members planning to attend can receive a $100 discount by registering at the Telematics Detroit website and entering code "2231SEMA.

"

The Telematics Detroit 2013 Conference & Exhibition (June 5–6, in Novi, Michigan) will bring together the global telematics ecosystem to master the connected car user experience and build a brand affinity that lasts a lifetime. Here are some of the highlights:

• 100+ expert speakers, including GM, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Progressive, Continental and Mercedes-Benz, will deliver their visions for the connected car and the evolving automotive apps ecosystem that is set to revolutionize consumer interaction with the vehicle.

• Network with 1,800+ senior-level execs from OEMs, dealerships, insurers, government, tier ones, content providers and wireless carriers to secure crucial relationships and elevate your business’ global profile in this rapidly evolving marketplace.

• Five conference tracks, including sessions on connectivity business models, end-to-end telematics platforms, V2X technologies, big data, open app development and the dealer relationship, will allow you to build an agenda tailored to your business.

Take a look at complete event overview.

Compiled by Jason Catullo

	Laurie Bundschu was promoted to vice president of product supply for CARQUEST Auto Parts.

CARQUEST Auto Parts Promotes Laurie Bundschu to VP of Product Supply
announced that Laurie Bundschu was promoted to vice president of product supply. She will lead product forecasting, purchasing and inventory management for CARQUEST US and CARQUEST Canada. Bundschu joined CARQUEST in November 2010 as director of demand planning and transitioned into senior director of demand management in September 2011 when she assumed responsibility for store assortment planning. Prior to CARQUEST, Bundschu held leadership roles that included supply chain/logistics, purchasing, inventory management and operations planning at Eaton and Caterpillar.

“With 15 years’ experience in supply chain operations and leadership, Laurie is highly qualified for her new role and we are pleased to welcome her to CARQUEST’s senior leadership team,” said Braxton O’Neal, senior vice president of global product supply.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association's new Texas Road Tour begins Friday, September 27, and cruises to the Texas Motor Speedway by Thursday, October 3, a journey that covers 1,969 total miles.

Goodguys Announces New Texas Road Tour
Goodguys announced a new Texas Road Tour this fall that takes rodders from the Goodguys headquarters in Pleasanton, California, to the 21st Lone Star Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway. The tour will begin Friday, September 27, and cruise to the Texas Motor Speedway by Thursday, October 3, a journey that covers 1,969 total miles. The pace car for the tour will be a new 525hp Goodguys G/RS '69 Camaro.

The seven-day road tour travels through California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, stopping at the Southwest’s finest rod shops, car collections, museums, race shops and more. There is a one-time entry fee of $1,500 which covers nightly hotels, most meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and commemorative tour booklet. The entry fee also includes two tee shirts, two caps, two decals, entry to the Goodguys 21st Lone Star Nationals October 4–6 at Texas Motor Speedway and a special at-event parking area exclusive to Road Tour cars only. Only 50 spots are available and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information and to register, visit www.good-guys.com/goodguys-road-tour.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Signs Agreement With Messe Frankfurt
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has signed an international cooperation agreement with Messe Frankfurt. Through the agreement, AAAA will promote six Automechanika trade fairs of interest to Australian aftermarket businesses. "The Australian aftermarket now exports about $800 million worth of product a year," AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said. "This agreement will increase international marketing opportunities and lower costs for innovative Australian aftermarket businesses." Charity also said that this strategic partnership will deliver benefits to Association members who exhibit or visit the Frankfurt, Dubai, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Moscow and New Delhi Automechanika trade fairs.

Kahn Media to Handle PR for Dinan Engineering
Kahn Media announced that the agency will provide public relations, media outreach, strategic communications and social media marketing for Dinan Engineering. As one of its first initiatives, Kahn will help Dinan launch its latest line of tuned BMW Sport Sedans and promote its performance parts, national dealer network and motorsports programs. Kahn will also work with Dinan to promote new vehicle launches, coordinate press drives and publicize Dinan’s engineering projects.

Accessories Marketing Inc., Sealant Systems International Inc. Prevail in Patent Infringement Action
Accessories Marketing Inc. (AMI) and Sealant Systems International Inc. (SSI), manufacturers and sellers of Slime and Fix-A-Flat tire-repair sealant products and retail and OEM tire-repair kits, have prevailed in their patent-infringement action against TEK Corporation (TEK). A jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California found that TEK's tire repair kits infringed AMI's U.S. Patent No. 6,789,581. The jury awarded damages to AMI for all of TEK's sales of its TEK 400 and TEK 500 kits dating back to 2007. There are also on-going royalties for any future sales of such kits that are not enjoined by the court. A tire repair kit is a combination of an air compressor and sealant that is used to repair punctured or flat tires on vehicles, and it may be used in lieu of a spare tire. The Court earlier invalidated TEK's U.S. Patent No. 7,789,110, also relating to tire-repair kits, which TEK had asserted against SSI.

National Performance Warehouse Acquires Performance Warehouse’s Sacramento, California Wholesale Operations
National Performance Warehouse has purchased the California wholesale business unit of Performance Warehouse of Portland, Oregon. The Performance Warehouse facilities in Sacramento, California, will become a Speed Warehouse location. The companies have a transition plan in place where jobber ordering, delivery and product availability will continue without interruption and as is the tradition of an NPW acquisition, the staff and management are being retained to service the customer base. Bob Baptiste will continue to manage the sales and operations out of Sacramento. The National Performance Warehouse Companies operate five other facilities in California: Vernon, Tustin, Sacramento (Arden), Hayward and its main facility in San Jose.

2012 SEMA Show Coverage Featured This Weekend on "Chop Cut Rebuild"
The "Chop Cut Rebuild" episode featuring action from the 2012 SEMA Show will premiere this weekend, Sunday, May 19 (10:30 a.m., EDT), on the SPEED channel. Surf City Garage joined this season of Chop Cut Rebuild to demonstrate the effort and energy put into putting product into packages and a proper presentation at the SEMA show. Also in the season nine finale, Auto Metal Direct showcases a custom ’71 Nova with a Grimmes Family motor that will rock any engine dyno.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.