SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.”

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles: SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.” Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest 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 $2,000.

Hawaii Collector Car Appreciation Day:Resolutions have been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate seeking recognition by the state for July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” Earlier this year, SEMA announced this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate the nation’s automotive heritage.

Illinois Ethanol: The Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15 blended fuel to consumers. The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives that would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale.

Maryland Historic Vehicles: The Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee will put aside legislation that originally threatened to limit the use of historic vehicles despite the inclusion of SEMA amendments that would have protected the vehicle owners. House and Senate lawmakers intend to further research the issue. SEMA has committed to bill sponsors that it will continue to participate in efforts to help enact a version of the bill next year that will allow these vehicles continued eligibility for the historic class upon their 20th year, not require collector insurance policies and retain the “occasional use” provision.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly.

New Jersey Street Rods/Customs: A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly. Last year, comparable legislation was not enacted into law in New Jersey prior to the legislature’s adjournment. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1948 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows a kit car or replica vehicle to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation the body of the vehicle most closely resembles.

Utah Vintage Travel Trailers: A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah State Legislature and now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and would be exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements. The measure defines a “vintage travel trailer” as a travel trailer, camping trailer or fifth-wheel trailer that is 30 years old or older and primarily a collector’s item that is used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, occasional recreational or vacation use and other similar uses.

Virginia Restoration Projects: Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise the amount charged from $100 to $500 for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was approved by the Virginia State Legislature and now has been sent to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Additional amendments to the bill drafted by SEMA will now totally exempt from the license tax all vehicles and parts cars that are stored on private property for the purpose of restoration or repair. Vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempted from the tax.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly.

Washington Restoration/Custom Shops:A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire. Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time-and-materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and in some cases yet-to-be-fabricated parts.

West Virginia Property Tax: A bill that originally provided a fair cap on property taxes paid by owners of antique and classic motor vehicles was amended and approved by the West Virginia State Legislature with a new $5,000 assessed value for all of these cars. The previous version of the bill contained an assessed value provision of $1,000, which meant that the maximum actual property tax paid by antique or classic motor vehicle owners would be only about $30 per year. Under the version that was approved by the entire Legislature and sent to the governor for his consideration, the actual maximum tax paid would be $150. This bill now benefits only antique and classic vehicle owners whose cars are worth more than $5,000. It would penalize antique and classic vehicle owners whose cars are worth less than $5,000.

Wisconsin Motor VehicleRegistration Rights: Legislation that originally sought to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with clear titles, required safety equipment and in good working order was passed unanimously by the Wisconsin Senate and will now be considered by the House. However, the bill was amended to now affect only Former Military Vehicles due to opposition from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Several pro-hobby provisions of the bill with application to all hobby vehicles were eliminated to allow it to pass in the Senate. While the amended bill does not solve the many problems associated with registering a hobby car in Wisconsin, it does provide incremental improvement to the rules governing Former Military Vehicles.

SEMA is compiling a list of events being organized to commemorate Friday, July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving.

Collector Car Appreciation Day: SEMA is compiling a list of events being organized to commemorate Friday, July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance encourage SEMA-member companies to host an event, organize a “drive your collector car to work” campaign or otherwise honor the day. CCAD celebrates the nation’s automotive heritage and the well-paying, high-skilled jobs that are supported through vehicle restoration and customization. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on the 13th, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July. Events are listed at www.semasan.com.

Distracted Drivers: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving. The draft guidelines would be voluntary and apply specifically to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles. The electronic devices covered include “information, navigation, communications and entertainment” products that require drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. For example, certain functions such as inputting an address into a navigation system, text messaging, dialing a phone number or browsing the Internet would be disabled until the vehicle is in park. Operations that require less than two seconds and one hand to achieve would be permitted. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has already developed a set of best practices for telematic devices that forms a basis for NHTSA’s draft guidelines. In the future, the agency intends to issue a second guidance document for aftermarket products. Such devices include smart phones, electronic tablets and other mobile communications devices. NHTSA could also issue a third set of guidelines covering voice-activated control devices offered by the automakers and aftermarket.

EPA Chromium EmissionStandards: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new emissions standards for chromium electroplating and anodizing operations. For decorative chrome plating, the EPA wants to lower the emissions levels for existing sources from 0.01 milligrams per dry standard cubic meter (mg/dscm) to 0.007 mg/dscm. New sources would be required to meet a 0.006 mg/dscm limit. The EPA is also pursuing a reduction in the bath surface tension, arguing that it will achieve further reductions in actual emissions. The agency would ban the use of perflouroctyle sulfonates, substances that reduce the bath surface tension. SEMA is concerned that alternative wetting-agent fume suppressants are not as effective and that businesses may have a difficult time meeting the new standards. SEMA also questions the need for additional regulations at a time when, according to the EPA’s own data, industry’s emissions have been reduced by 99.7% since 1995. The plating and finishing industry’s total U.S. emissions are less than 1% of all chromium emissions from various other sources.

SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.”

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles: SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.” Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest 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 $2,000.

Hawaii Collector Car Appreciation Day:Resolutions have been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate seeking recognition by the state for July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” Earlier this year, SEMA announced this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate the nation’s automotive heritage.

Illinois Ethanol: The Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15 blended fuel to consumers. The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives that would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale.

Maryland Historic Vehicles: The Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee will put aside legislation that originally threatened to limit the use of historic vehicles despite the inclusion of SEMA amendments that would have protected the vehicle owners. House and Senate lawmakers intend to further research the issue. SEMA has committed to bill sponsors that it will continue to participate in efforts to help enact a version of the bill next year that will allow these vehicles continued eligibility for the historic class upon their 20th year, not require collector insurance policies and retain the “occasional use” provision.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly.

New Jersey Street Rods/Customs: A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly. Last year, comparable legislation was not enacted into law in New Jersey prior to the legislature’s adjournment. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1948 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows a kit car or replica vehicle to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation the body of the vehicle most closely resembles.

Utah Vintage Travel Trailers: A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah State Legislature and now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and would be exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements. The measure defines a “vintage travel trailer” as a travel trailer, camping trailer or fifth-wheel trailer that is 30 years old or older and primarily a collector’s item that is used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, occasional recreational or vacation use and other similar uses.

Virginia Restoration Projects: Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise the amount charged from $100 to $500 for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was approved by the Virginia State Legislature and now has been sent to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Additional amendments to the bill drafted by SEMA will now totally exempt from the license tax all vehicles and parts cars that are stored on private property for the purpose of restoration or repair. Vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempted from the tax.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly.

Washington Restoration/Custom Shops:A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire. Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time-and-materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and in some cases yet-to-be-fabricated parts.

West Virginia Property Tax: A bill that originally provided a fair cap on property taxes paid by owners of antique and classic motor vehicles was amended and approved by the West Virginia State Legislature with a new $5,000 assessed value for all of these cars. The previous version of the bill contained an assessed value provision of $1,000, which meant that the maximum actual property tax paid by antique or classic motor vehicle owners would be only about $30 per year. Under the version that was approved by the entire Legislature and sent to the governor for his consideration, the actual maximum tax paid would be $150. This bill now benefits only antique and classic vehicle owners whose cars are worth more than $5,000. It would penalize antique and classic vehicle owners whose cars are worth less than $5,000.

Wisconsin Motor VehicleRegistration Rights: Legislation that originally sought to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with clear titles, required safety equipment and in good working order was passed unanimously by the Wisconsin Senate and will now be considered by the House. However, the bill was amended to now affect only Former Military Vehicles due to opposition from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Several pro-hobby provisions of the bill with application to all hobby vehicles were eliminated to allow it to pass in the Senate. While the amended bill does not solve the many problems associated with registering a hobby car in Wisconsin, it does provide incremental improvement to the rules governing Former Military Vehicles.

SEMA is compiling a list of events being organized to commemorate Friday, July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving.

Collector Car Appreciation Day: SEMA is compiling a list of events being organized to commemorate Friday, July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance encourage SEMA-member companies to host an event, organize a “drive your collector car to work” campaign or otherwise honor the day. CCAD celebrates the nation’s automotive heritage and the well-paying, high-skilled jobs that are supported through vehicle restoration and customization. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on the 13th, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July. Events are listed at www.semasan.com.

Distracted Drivers: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving. The draft guidelines would be voluntary and apply specifically to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles. The electronic devices covered include “information, navigation, communications and entertainment” products that require drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. For example, certain functions such as inputting an address into a navigation system, text messaging, dialing a phone number or browsing the Internet would be disabled until the vehicle is in park. Operations that require less than two seconds and one hand to achieve would be permitted. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has already developed a set of best practices for telematic devices that forms a basis for NHTSA’s draft guidelines. In the future, the agency intends to issue a second guidance document for aftermarket products. Such devices include smart phones, electronic tablets and other mobile communications devices. NHTSA could also issue a third set of guidelines covering voice-activated control devices offered by the automakers and aftermarket.

EPA Chromium EmissionStandards: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new emissions standards for chromium electroplating and anodizing operations. For decorative chrome plating, the EPA wants to lower the emissions levels for existing sources from 0.01 milligrams per dry standard cubic meter (mg/dscm) to 0.007 mg/dscm. New sources would be required to meet a 0.006 mg/dscm limit. The EPA is also pursuing a reduction in the bath surface tension, arguing that it will achieve further reductions in actual emissions. The agency would ban the use of perflouroctyle sulfonates, substances that reduce the bath surface tension. SEMA is concerned that alternative wetting-agent fume suppressants are not as effective and that businesses may have a difficult time meeting the new standards. SEMA also questions the need for additional regulations at a time when, according to the EPA’s own data, industry’s emissions have been reduced by 99.7% since 1995. The plating and finishing industry’s total U.S. emissions are less than 1% of all chromium emissions from various other sources.

SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.”

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles: SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.” Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest 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 $2,000.

Hawaii Collector Car Appreciation Day:Resolutions have been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate seeking recognition by the state for July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” Earlier this year, SEMA announced this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate the nation’s automotive heritage.

Illinois Ethanol: The Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15 blended fuel to consumers. The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives that would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale.

Maryland Historic Vehicles: The Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee will put aside legislation that originally threatened to limit the use of historic vehicles despite the inclusion of SEMA amendments that would have protected the vehicle owners. House and Senate lawmakers intend to further research the issue. SEMA has committed to bill sponsors that it will continue to participate in efforts to help enact a version of the bill next year that will allow these vehicles continued eligibility for the historic class upon their 20th year, not require collector insurance policies and retain the “occasional use” provision.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly.

New Jersey Street Rods/Customs: A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly. Last year, comparable legislation was not enacted into law in New Jersey prior to the legislature’s adjournment. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1948 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows a kit car or replica vehicle to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation the body of the vehicle most closely resembles.

Utah Vintage Travel Trailers: A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah State Legislature and now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and would be exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements. The measure defines a “vintage travel trailer” as a travel trailer, camping trailer or fifth-wheel trailer that is 30 years old or older and primarily a collector’s item that is used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, occasional recreational or vacation use and other similar uses.

Virginia Restoration Projects: Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise the amount charged from $100 to $500 for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was approved by the Virginia State Legislature and now has been sent to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Additional amendments to the bill drafted by SEMA will now totally exempt from the license tax all vehicles and parts cars that are stored on private property for the purpose of restoration or repair. Vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempted from the tax.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly.

Washington Restoration/Custom Shops:A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire. Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time-and-materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and in some cases yet-to-be-fabricated parts.

West Virginia Property Tax: A bill that originally provided a fair cap on property taxes paid by owners of antique and classic motor vehicles was amended and approved by the West Virginia State Legislature with a new $5,000 assessed value for all of these cars. The previous version of the bill contained an assessed value provision of $1,000, which meant that the maximum actual property tax paid by antique or classic motor vehicle owners would be only about $30 per year. Under the version that was approved by the entire Legislature and sent to the governor for his consideration, the actual maximum tax paid would be $150. This bill now benefits only antique and classic vehicle owners whose cars are worth more than $5,000. It would penalize antique and classic vehicle owners whose cars are worth less than $5,000.

Wisconsin Motor VehicleRegistration Rights: Legislation that originally sought to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with clear titles, required safety equipment and in good working order was passed unanimously by the Wisconsin Senate and will now be considered by the House. However, the bill was amended to now affect only Former Military Vehicles due to opposition from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Several pro-hobby provisions of the bill with application to all hobby vehicles were eliminated to allow it to pass in the Senate. While the amended bill does not solve the many problems associated with registering a hobby car in Wisconsin, it does provide incremental improvement to the rules governing Former Military Vehicles.

SEMA is compiling a list of events being organized to commemorate Friday, July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving.

Collector Car Appreciation Day: SEMA is compiling a list of events being organized to commemorate Friday, July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance encourage SEMA-member companies to host an event, organize a “drive your collector car to work” campaign or otherwise honor the day. CCAD celebrates the nation’s automotive heritage and the well-paying, high-skilled jobs that are supported through vehicle restoration and customization. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on the 13th, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July. Events are listed at www.semasan.com.

Distracted Drivers: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving. The draft guidelines would be voluntary and apply specifically to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles. The electronic devices covered include “information, navigation, communications and entertainment” products that require drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. For example, certain functions such as inputting an address into a navigation system, text messaging, dialing a phone number or browsing the Internet would be disabled until the vehicle is in park. Operations that require less than two seconds and one hand to achieve would be permitted. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has already developed a set of best practices for telematic devices that forms a basis for NHTSA’s draft guidelines. In the future, the agency intends to issue a second guidance document for aftermarket products. Such devices include smart phones, electronic tablets and other mobile communications devices. NHTSA could also issue a third set of guidelines covering voice-activated control devices offered by the automakers and aftermarket.

EPA Chromium EmissionStandards: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new emissions standards for chromium electroplating and anodizing operations. For decorative chrome plating, the EPA wants to lower the emissions levels for existing sources from 0.01 milligrams per dry standard cubic meter (mg/dscm) to 0.007 mg/dscm. New sources would be required to meet a 0.006 mg/dscm limit. The EPA is also pursuing a reduction in the bath surface tension, arguing that it will achieve further reductions in actual emissions. The agency would ban the use of perflouroctyle sulfonates, substances that reduce the bath surface tension. SEMA is concerned that alternative wetting-agent fume suppressants are not as effective and that businesses may have a difficult time meeting the new standards. SEMA also questions the need for additional regulations at a time when, according to the EPA’s own data, industry’s emissions have been reduced by 99.7% since 1995. The plating and finishing industry’s total U.S. emissions are less than 1% of all chromium emissions from various other sources.

China

“Chinese consumers practically worship prestigious brand names, and Jeep still carries a certain swagger in the People’s Republic of China,” wrote Mike Dunne, president of the Dunne & Co. consultancy, in Automotive News.

Chrysler currently sells the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass and Patriot models in China. All are imported, which boosts the price considerably because of an import tax. The Compass was the best-selling model in 2011.

In 2012, Chrysler plans to add the Grand Cherokee Spring Special, Wrangler Arctic and a Wrangler special to China. Designed in the U.S., the special will be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April.

“We have a robust plan to keep expanding Jeep’s portfolio in China,” said a spokesperson for Jeep in China.

That portfolio will likely soon include locally produced models. Chrysler owner Fiat SpA formed a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. in 2009. The joint venture is currently building a plant in Changsha, located in central China’s Hunan province. The plant, which should be operational in a few months, will have a capacity of 500,000 units, according to Chrysler sources.

Local production of the Compass small SUV and Grand Cherokee is being discussed, according to Chrysler sources, but no decisions have been reached. One problem, the sources said, is that Fiat also wants to produce Fiat models in the Changsha plant. And another problem is that China’s central government recently made it more difficult for new foreign automakers to get permission to produce in China. Mike Manley, CEO of the Jeep brand, has said that Jeep may start local production in China in 2013 or 2014.

Chrysler aggressively markets the Jeep brand in China. The campaign includes hosting an “Ultimate Journey” road trip to Burma in 2011 and “Camp Jeep” events in rugged areas of China. Jeep dealers in China also organized the on- and off-line Jeep Experience Center, where Jeep fans can meet and organize events. Hundreds of Jeep owners participate annually in those events, Chrysler said.

The Jeep brand probably has the highest customization rate among SUVs in China, according to Yale Zhang, a Grand Cherokee owner and president of the Shanghai-based consultancy Automotive Foresight. Popular customization includes lighting, bumpers, roof racks and radios, said Zhang, who noted that typical Jeep owners in China are male and dream of off-road adventures more than purchasers of other brands of SUVs.

Russia

	Currently, Chrysler sells the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass, and Patriot models in China, and plans to add the Grand Cherokee Spring Special, Wrangler Arctic, and a Wrangler special to the lineup later this year. While all of these models are imported, Mike Manley, CEO of the Jeep brand, has said Jeep may start local production in China in 2013 or 2014. Photo Courtesy of To Jeep Racing

Prestige is a big selling point for the Jeep brand in Russia, as is its ability to navigate rough and snowy roads, said Tatiana Hristova, a Moscow-based senior analyst at IHS Automotive.

“Jeep is one of the image brands in Russia,” she said. “Jeep stands for safe vehicles that are appropriate for Russian roads and have an attractive design.”

The Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Wrangler and Compass are currently sold in Russia. All are imports.

In late February of this year, Fiat signed a letter of intent with Russia’s Sberbank to provide financing for and take a minority equity stake in a joint venture to produce Jeeps in Russia. Initial capacity will be 120,000 units, according to a Fiat press release. There was no news on what models will be produced.

Binding agreements will be finalized in the first half of 2012, said Fiat. That won’t be a moment too soon. According to Hristova, competition in the SUV segment is heating up in Russia.

A typical Russian Jeep owner is a successful male businessman between the ages of 30 and 50, said Hristova. But he is probably not dreaming of off-road adventures so much as of finding a parking spot in Moscow. “I have a Jeep; I park where I want,” is a typical joke among Jeep drivers, she said. The Jeep brand is also popular among Russia’s wealthy “gilded youth” because of its solid look, she added.

Jeep owners in Russia tend to buy the most premium accessory package, according to Hristova. A journalist at Maxi Tuning Russia told SEMA that wheels are often customized, and Hristova said that four-wheel drive is especially important for Jeep in Russia.

“Without it, only the image will be the key selling point,” she said.