By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation has been reintroduced in the New York Senate to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The bill was approved by the full Senate last session, but died in the Assembly when the legislature adjourned for the year. Under New York law, a historical motor vehicle is either a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years ago or one which has unique characteristics and which is determined to be of historical, classic or exhibition value. 

The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an exhibition piece or collector’s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. The $100 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $28.75. 

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

Last year, legislation was enacted to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program. Under the new law, the DMV will create and issue a series of specialized license plates that replicate plates from the state's past. The plates are now available for pre-order using the California Legacy License Plate Pre-Order Form (REG 17L) form. The plates cost $50 for non-personalized or personalized plates.

Previously, classic car owners could only revive well-maintained old plates that match the vintage of their vehicle. Among other things, the new law will bring a retro look to modern license plates by allowing consumers to choose from one of three classic designs from the ’50s–’60s (black lettering on yellow background or yellow lettering on black background) and ’70s–’80s (yellow lettering on blue background). The Legacy License Plate program does not replace the Year of Manufacture plate program.  

The law specifies that 7,500 applications must be reached by January 1, 2015. If 7,500 applications are not received by that date, any fees paid for the California Legacy plates will be refunded to the applicant.  

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

This story was originally published on January 17, 2013. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Last year, legislation was enacted to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program. Under the new law, the DMV will create and issue a series of specialized license plates that replicate plates from the state's past. The plates are now available for pre-order using the California Legacy License Plate Pre-Order Form (REG 17L) form. The plates cost $50 for non-personalized or personalized plates.

Previously, classic car owners could only revive well-maintained old plates that match the vintage of their vehicle. Among other things, the new law will bring a retro look to modern license plates by allowing consumers to choose from one of three classic designs from the ’50s–’60s (black lettering on yellow background or yellow lettering on black background) and ’70s–’80s (yellow lettering on blue background). The Legacy License Plate program does not replace the Year of Manufacture plate program.  

The law specifies that 7,500 applications must be reached by January 1, 2015. If 7,500 applications are not received by that date, any fees paid for the California Legacy plates will be refunded to the applicant.  

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

This story was originally published on January 17, 2013. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Last year, legislation was enacted to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program. Under the new law, the DMV will create and issue a series of specialized license plates that replicate plates from the state's past. The plates are now available for pre-order using the California Legacy License Plate Pre-Order Form (REG 17L) form. The plates cost $50 for non-personalized or personalized plates.

Previously, classic car owners could only revive well-maintained old plates that match the vintage of their vehicle. Among other things, the new law will bring a retro look to modern license plates by allowing consumers to choose from one of three classic designs from the ’50s–’60s (black lettering on yellow background or yellow lettering on black background) and ’70s–’80s (yellow lettering on blue background). The Legacy License Plate program does not replace the Year of Manufacture plate program.  

The law specifies that 7,500 applications must be reached by January 1, 2015. If 7,500 applications are not received by that date, any fees paid for the California Legacy plates will be refunded to the applicant.  

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

This story was originally published on January 17, 2013. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Last August, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to permit the sale of 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for ’01 and newer model-year cars and light trucks. The full eight-judge panel has now rejected a petition to reconsider that decision. The court found that the groups bringing the lawsuit, which included trade associations representing manufacturers of cars, boats and power equipment, along with the petroleum and food industries, lacked standing to bring the lawsuit. 

SEMA opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. Ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. In light of the Court’s decision, SEMA is turning to the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to ban the sale of E15.

“The Court’s decision is disappointing for the millions of motorists who own older cars or those with high-performance specialty parts,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “These vehicles and parts are threatened with destruction by E15’s chemical properties. The EPA acknowledged the threat but, beyond minimal labeling requirements, took no additional steps to ensure that incompatible vehicles and engines were not misfueled with E15.”

SEMA is seeking passage of federal legislation that would prevent the EPA from introducing E15 into the marketplace until the National Academies has conducted a study on how gasoline blended with 15% to 20% ethanol may impact gas-powered vehicles. The analysis would consider a variety of issues, including tailpipe emissions, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency. 

SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and, through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles. 

Contact: Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202-783-6007, ext. 30.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Last August, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to permit the sale of 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for ’01 and newer model-year cars and light trucks. The full eight-judge panel has now rejected a petition to reconsider that decision. The court found that the groups bringing the lawsuit, which included trade associations representing manufacturers of cars, boats and power equipment, along with the petroleum and food industries, lacked standing to bring the lawsuit. 

SEMA opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. Ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. In light of the Court’s decision, SEMA is turning to the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to ban the sale of E15.

“The Court’s decision is disappointing for the millions of motorists who own older cars or those with high-performance specialty parts,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “These vehicles and parts are threatened with destruction by E15’s chemical properties. The EPA acknowledged the threat but, beyond minimal labeling requirements, took no additional steps to ensure that incompatible vehicles and engines were not misfueled with E15.”

SEMA is seeking passage of federal legislation that would prevent the EPA from introducing E15 into the marketplace until the National Academies has conducted a study on how gasoline blended with 15% to 20% ethanol may impact gas-powered vehicles. The analysis would consider a variety of issues, including tailpipe emissions, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency. 

SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and, through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles. 

Contact: Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202-783-6007, ext. 30.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Last August, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to permit the sale of 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for ’01 and newer model-year cars and light trucks. The full eight-judge panel has now rejected a petition to reconsider that decision. The court found that the groups bringing the lawsuit, which included trade associations representing manufacturers of cars, boats and power equipment, along with the petroleum and food industries, lacked standing to bring the lawsuit. 

SEMA opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. Ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. In light of the Court’s decision, SEMA is turning to the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to ban the sale of E15.

“The Court’s decision is disappointing for the millions of motorists who own older cars or those with high-performance specialty parts,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “These vehicles and parts are threatened with destruction by E15’s chemical properties. The EPA acknowledged the threat but, beyond minimal labeling requirements, took no additional steps to ensure that incompatible vehicles and engines were not misfueled with E15.”

SEMA is seeking passage of federal legislation that would prevent the EPA from introducing E15 into the marketplace until the National Academies has conducted a study on how gasoline blended with 15% to 20% ethanol may impact gas-powered vehicles. The analysis would consider a variety of issues, including tailpipe emissions, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency. 

SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and, through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles. 

Contact: Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202-783-6007, ext. 30.

Compiled By Brenda Priddy & Co.

These photos snapped by a quick-thinking commuter in Detroit show a ’14 Hyundai Equus right in front of Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. The driver managed to grab the pictures before the prototype sped away.

While the pictures don't reveal any aspects of vehicle's the front, spy photographer Brenda Priddy says that its obvious front and rear “facelifts” are in store for the Equus. She also feels that the design updates for the front and rear will most likely mirror its recently introduced Korean-spec sibling.

Copyright: Brenda Priddy & Co.

Compiled By Brenda Priddy & Co.

These photos snapped by a quick-thinking commuter in Detroit show a ’14 Hyundai Equus right in front of Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. The driver managed to grab the pictures before the prototype sped away.

While the pictures don't reveal any aspects of vehicle's the front, spy photographer Brenda Priddy says that its obvious front and rear “facelifts” are in store for the Equus. She also feels that the design updates for the front and rear will most likely mirror its recently introduced Korean-spec sibling.

Copyright: Brenda Priddy & Co.

By Chad Simon

	The ’13 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe were made available to SEMA-member manufacturers last week at American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California.
	Gavin Horlick of Voxx Products (right) says that Measuring Sessions refresh his enthusiasm for the industry by allowing him the chance to get back to the basics of the aftermarket community. "After inspecting the cars, SEMA members lingered and reconnected with industry friends, which provided valuable personal integration not often facilitated by modern online social platforms," he said.
	Sportier and slightly more upscale than its predecessor, the ’13 Civic EX Sedan lends itself to accessorization.
	Several wheel and tire manufacturers showed up to measure the all-new Acura ILX 2.4L.

Twenty-four manufacturers turned up to measure the completely redesigned ’13 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe, Civic EX Sedan and all-new Acura ILX 2.4L during last week's SEMA Measuring Session at American Honda's headquarters in Torrance, California. With four different models available, manufacturers were eager to obtain the specs needed to prepare parts for a vehicle that is projected to be accessory-friendly.

SEMA Measuring Sessions provide an integration platform for different sectors of the aftermarket community. Members acquaint themselves with new vehicles before their release or immediately following their debut. Participants can question manufacturer representatives and offer their feedback regarding the new vehicles.

SEMA acquires first-production or pre-production test vehicles for the sessions, allowing wheel companies, performance groups and cosmetic restyling businesses to shorten the lead-time for new products. SEMA often gathers two or more vehicles for each session, increasing the value of each event. In this case, four Honda and Acura models were made available for specialty-parts manufacturers.

The Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe are all-new for 2013. The exterior length and wheelbase are slightly more compact; however, the inside is more spacious than the previous generation, with increased rear legroom and trunk volume. Fuel efficiency is also improved, with EPA-estimated highway ratings of 36 mpg for the four-cylinder model and 34 mpg for the V6. New technology includes Honda’s Earth Dreams, which is designed to further enhance fuel economy. The Sedan is available in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6 and new Touring trim levels, while the two-door Coupe comes in LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L V6 trim levels.

Standard features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink with audio streaming, USB/iPod integration, a rearview camera and an audio/information screen, dual-zone climate control, Pandora Internet radio integration, an SMS text messaging function and an Eco Assist driving system. Two Earth Dreams powertrains are currently available: an all-new 2.4L four-cylinder with direct injection, and a 3.5L V-6. In early 2013, the Accord lineup will add a new Earth Dreams 2.0-liter four-cylinder/two-motor plug-in hybrid system in the Accord PHEV Sedan.

The ’13 Civic EX Sedan is sportier and looks slightly more upscale with a sculpted front end and new open-mouth lower bumper with a horizontal chrome accent. It’s powered by a 140hp, 1.8L four-cylinder engine that is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating is 39 mpg. The Civic Sedan features 16-in. alloy wheels and a 105.1-in. wheelbase. Technology features include XM Satellite Radio, Pandora Internet radio, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a rearview camera with guidelines and an SMS text messaging function.

The all-new ’13 Acura ILX 2.4L entry-level luxury sedan is designed with the youth market in mind. It is powered by a four-cylinder engine with 201hp mated to a six-speed manual transmission. EPA-estimated city ratings are 22 mpg and 31 mpg on the highway. Technology features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Pandora Internet radio, a rearview camera and an SMS text messaging function. The ILX is equipped with 17-in. aluminum wheels and a 105.1-in. wheelbase.

“Honda owners virtually created the import tuner movement in the late ’80s
 and early ’90s, and vehicle personalization continues to be a big part of
 the Honda scene,” said Honda’s Chris Martin. “With an all-new Accord, a significantly updated Civic and the brand-new Acura ILX each winning new customers every day, we know that many of those buyers will look for opportunities to accessorize their
 vehicles. As a SEMA-member organization, we're glad to be able to offer
 vehicle Measuring Sessions to help the development of more quality
 personalization options for our customers.”

“I find Measuring Sessions to refresh my enthusiasm for the industry by allowing me the chance to get back to the basics of the aftermarket community,” said Gavin Horlick, vice president of Voxx Products. “Instead of sitting behind a desk selling product, answering questions or reviewing data reports, I can interact with the latest vehicles, which allow me to stay informed of advances in the OEM industry and think of ways to improve or expand my product offerings. The Measuring Sessions add value to my SEMA membership. Come and see for yourself what the Measuring Sessions can offer.” 



Measuring Sessions have also been a valuable part of SEMA’s Tech Transfer program, which grants SEMA manufacturing members access to vehicle CAD files provided directly from participating OEMs. The intent of the program is to help streamline production by minimizing or completely eliminating the necessity for reverse engineering. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion are currently participating in the program. SEMA Measuring Sessions and Tech Transfer Program are functions of SEMA's OEM department.

In addition to access to upcoming vehicles, SEMA Measuring Session participants can also ask questions of the participating OEM staff to learn more about the vehicles, the automaker's marketing plans, the intended audience and more.



The next SEMA Measuring Session features the ’14 Mazda6 and will be held January 30, at Mazda North American Operations Western Region Training Center in Irvine, California.

For additional information on Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer and additional programs available through SEMA's OEM Relations department, visit www.sema.org/oem.



The ’13 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe, Civic EX Sedan and Acura ILX 2.4L Measuring Session participants included: