By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” was approved by the Connecticut Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. 

Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The bill will now be sent to the Connecticut House of Representatives for a vote by all members. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” was approved by the Connecticut Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. 

Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The bill will now be sent to the Connecticut House of Representatives for a vote by all members. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” was approved by the Connecticut Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. 

Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The bill will now be sent to the Connecticut House of Representatives for a vote by all members. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Working with state lawmakers, SEMA helped amend legislation that originally threatened to ban any covering that reduced the visibility of required motor vehicle lighting. Under the amendment, which was approved by the Arkansas House Public Transportation Committee, these coverings would be prohibited only when required lamps are in use. SEMA expressed its concern that the original bill could be misinterpreted to include such items as removable ornamental lamp covers, which are often used for shows, exhibitions and for street use during daylight hours. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Working with state lawmakers, SEMA helped amend legislation that originally threatened to ban any covering that reduced the visibility of required motor vehicle lighting. Under the amendment, which was approved by the Arkansas House Public Transportation Committee, these coverings would be prohibited only when required lamps are in use. SEMA expressed its concern that the original bill could be misinterpreted to include such items as removable ornamental lamp covers, which are often used for shows, exhibitions and for street use during daylight hours. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The U.S. Congress will soon hold hearings on whether to modify the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). The law mandates that an increasing amount of ethanol or other biofuels be blended into gasoline each year—levels that may be unattainable in the current marketplace. Congress enacted the RFS in 2005 and then dramatically expanded the volume of renewables to be blended each year, from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The RFS has been the driving force behind a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the content of ethanol in gasoline to rise from 10% (E10) to 15% ethanol (E15). E15 then becomes the way refiners will meet RFS mandates. 

In order to track compliance with the RFS quotas, the fuel producers are assigned “renewable identification numbers” (RIN) by the EPA. The producers are permitted to sell and trade RINs to meet their individual quota. However, there is now a struggle to meet the increasing ethanol quotas since few gas stations are selling the fuel and the car companies will deny warranties for E15-related damage. As a result, RIN prices have skyrocketed from $.07 in January to more than $1. The gasoline refiners are warning that we have reached the “blend wall”—the point at which the gasoline supply cannot handle any more ethanol.

Key Congressional leaders have now issued a letter to the EPA asking for immediate action to address the issue of rising RIN costs and potential fuel price increases. SEMA is working with a diverse coalition of organizations to oppose E15 and set realistic goals for the Reformulate Fuel Standard. SEMA supports HR 875 and S. 344 to halt E15 sales. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

The U.S. Congress will soon hold hearings on whether to modify the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). The law mandates that an increasing amount of ethanol or other biofuels be blended into gasoline each year—levels that may be unattainable in the current marketplace. Congress enacted the RFS in 2005 and then dramatically expanded the volume of renewables to be blended each year, from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The RFS has been the driving force behind a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the content of ethanol in gasoline to rise from 10% (E10) to 15% ethanol (E15). E15 then becomes the way refiners will meet RFS mandates. 

In order to track compliance with the RFS quotas, the fuel producers are assigned “renewable identification numbers” (RIN) by the EPA. The producers are permitted to sell and trade RINs to meet their individual quota. However, there is now a struggle to meet the increasing ethanol quotas since few gas stations are selling the fuel and the car companies will deny warranties for E15-related damage. As a result, RIN prices have skyrocketed from $.07 in January to more than $1. The gasoline refiners are warning that we have reached the “blend wall”—the point at which the gasoline supply cannot handle any more ethanol.

Key Congressional leaders have now issued a letter to the EPA asking for immediate action to address the issue of rising RIN costs and potential fuel price increases. SEMA is working with a diverse coalition of organizations to oppose E15 and set realistic goals for the Reformulate Fuel Standard. SEMA supports HR 875 and S. 344 to halt E15 sales. 

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

	The Scion FR-S—winner of the 2012 SEMA Award for the Hottest Sport Compact—was selected as the race car of choice for the upcoming 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the 39th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Scion FR-S Joins List of Stars Competing in 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
In addition to the celebrities and personalities competing in the 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race as part of the 39th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, there is one star on the list that occupies a special place in the hearts of many customizers—the Scion FR-S.

SEMA members and industry enthusiasts recognize the Scion FR-S as a SEMA Award winner in 2012, taking home the SEMA Award for the Hottest Sport Compact. Due to the vehicle's potential for specialty-equipment, several accessory manufacturers have expressed their hopefulness that the emergence of true sport compacts—like the FR-S—could serve as the kindling to reignite the creativity throughout that specific market.

Celebrities, including Jenna Elfman (“Dharma & Greg;” “1600 Penn”), Michelle Rodriguez (Fast & Furious; Avatar) and Jesse Metcalfe (“Desperate Housewives;” “Dallas”), will tear up the pavement in the 210hp FR-S on Saturday, April 20, in downtown Long Beach, California. Pro drivers competing against the stars for the title include motocross champion and MTV’s “Nitro Circus” star Andy Bell, 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner and comedian Adam Carolla, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tyler Clary and NHRA driver Melanie Troxel. More information on the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is available at www.toyotaracing.com/series/toyota-pro-celebrity.html.

Motor Trend's YouTube Channel Hits One Million Subscribers
Motor Trend recently announced that its YouTube Channel reached a milestone of one million subscribers. According to Motor Trend, the channel has experienced more than 600% audience growth since switching to episodic programming in February 2012. Regularly attracting almost four million views and 30,000 new subscribers each week, the Motor Trend Channel has amassed an audience equivalent to a Top 30 TV market in the United States, according to Nielsen numbers.

“We’ve set it up as an on-demand video channel with a deliberate programming strategy,” said Source Interlink Media Chief Content Officer Angus MacKenzie. “Our focus is automotive, but our programs appeal to different people in that audience. There’s something for everyone.” The Motor Trend Channel is available at www.youtube.com/MotorTrend.

Falken Tire, Tread Lightly! Form Marketing Partnership
High-performance tire manufacturer Falken Tire has entered into a marketing partnership with Tread Lightly!, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible recreation across the country. As part of its partnership, which makes Falken the Official Tire of Tread Lightly!, Falken has pledged a $100 rebate on a set of Falken WildPeak A/T tires to individuals who join Tread Lightly!’s membership at the $50 level and above. As an incentive for individuals to renew their membership in Tread Lightly!, Falken is providing a $50 rebate to any person who renews their existing membership at the base level of $25.

“Falken Tire strongly supports Tread Lightly!’s mission and echoes the need to educate consumers about the importance of respecting the outdoors,” stated Nick Fousekis, Falken Motorsports Marketing and Events Director. “And while Falken is a strong advocate of off-road racing and other events, we always respect the environment, using the proper trails and designated facilities and want to encourage all enthusiasts to embrace these goals.”

Part of Falken’s goal in establishing this partnership is to help Tread Lightly! continue to speak to the general public on the need to maintain the environment in its natural condition.

	Galpin Auto Sports' “Iron Orchid,” built from a 1934 Ford Five-Window Coupe, was publicly debuted earlier this month at the 2013 Detroit Autorama and took home five awards, which was the most awards earned by any car at the show.

Galpin Debuts "Iron Orchid," Takes Home Five Awards
Galpin Auto Sports' (GAS) newest creation—a one-off fully custom show car dubbed “Iron Orchid,” built from a ’34 Ford Five-Window Coupe—had its public debut earlier this month at the 2013 Detroit Autorama. The vehicle secured five awards, which was the most awards earned by any car at the show—including a first place for the Altered Street Coupe class and honors such as Outstanding Street Rod, Outstanding Engine-Rod, Outstanding Undercarriage and Outstanding Use of Color Design. In addition, “Iron Orchid” was also selected for the Street Rodder magazine Top 100 award.

The ’34 Ford was designed and built by Dave Shuten at Galpin’s North Hills, California, shop over the course of 18 months, under the watchful eye of GAS President Beau Boeckmann. Built to emulate the extreme show cars of the ’60s, Shuten relied on a combination of period-correct, pre-’65 parts with hundreds of custom fabricated pieces to finish the car.

All Wright Enterprises Acquires Fidanza Engineering Corp.
All Wright Enterprises LLC (AWE) acquired Fidanza Engineering Corp. from race car builder and company founder Lou Fidanza. The company, now doing business as Fidanza Performance, will be led by 10-year company veteran, current president and now owner Jeff Jenkins.

“Lou has been producing great products under the Fidanza name for nearly 20 years and has grown Fidanza to a world-recognized brand,” said Jenkins. “We have a great team of people here, a great product offering and great customers, so it is just a matter of continuing to do what we do best while looking at opportunities to improve and grow the new company.”

Lou Fidanza will continue on as a key consultant to the company as he begins to enjoy his well-earned retirement. According to a release, the change to the Fidanza Performance brand name and new company logo will be completed by end of first quarter 2013.

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.

The next SEMA Measuring Session will feature ’14 GM next-generation fullsize light-duty trucks, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at the Warren Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.

The next SEMA Measuring Session will feature ’14 GM next-generation fullsize light-duty trucks, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at the Warren Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.