Legislation to provide that classic vehicles and classic rods would be exempted from emissions inspections if owners pay a one-time $6 fee and submit a certification that their vehicle will not be driven more than 5,000 miles per year was passed unanimously by the full Nevada Senate. Having already been passed by the Nevada Assembly, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Currently, classic rods and classic vehicles are subject to a 2,500-mile-per-year limit to qualify for an emissions exemption and must pass an initial two-speed idle emissions inspection to qualify. Also, each year, the owners of classic rods and classic vehicles must fill out a certification that their vehicles have not been driven more than 2,500 miles during the previous year and the certification must be verified by a DMV emissions technician. Under A.B. 2, the initial emissions inspection would no longer be required. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have expanded the amount of fuel-economy information contained on the new-vehicle window sticker. Among other changes, the information will now include the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle. The agencies adopted a SEMA-supported approach to incorporate graphics, increase type size and use other visual tools to help focus consumer attention on fuel economy. The agencies abandoned a proposal to use an A–D letter-grading system, which SEMA deemed to be too simplistic. Instead, cars will be ranked on a fleetwide 10-point scale for both fuel economy and greenhouse gas ratings and smog emissions. The labels are required on all new cars starting in 2013, although automakers and dealers may voluntarily use them sooner. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have expanded the amount of fuel-economy information contained on the new-vehicle window sticker. Among other changes, the information will now include the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle. The agencies adopted a SEMA-supported approach to incorporate graphics, increase type size and use other visual tools to help focus consumer attention on fuel economy. The agencies abandoned a proposal to use an A–D letter-grading system, which SEMA deemed to be too simplistic. Instead, cars will be ranked on a fleetwide 10-point scale for both fuel economy and greenhouse gas ratings and smog emissions. The labels are required on all new cars starting in 2013, although automakers and dealers may voluntarily use them sooner. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA joined with a number of other organizations representing the off-road industry and enthusiasts to support legislation in Congress that would release 42 million acres of land from a wilderness designation. The lands have been set aside as “wilderness study areas” (WSAs) or “inventoried roadless areas.” WSAs are lands that have been identified as having wilderness potential. However, following extensive reviews, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service have identified the 42 million acres included in the legislation as not suitable as wilderness. Mechanized equipment is forbidden on lands designated as wilderness and the federal agencies usually manage WSAs in a restrictive manner pending a final decision on whether to release the land. The legislation directs the agencies to manage the 42 million acres for multiple uses, including motorized recreation.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA joined with a number of other organizations representing the off-road industry and enthusiasts to support legislation in Congress that would release 42 million acres of land from a wilderness designation. The lands have been set aside as “wilderness study areas” (WSAs) or “inventoried roadless areas.” WSAs are lands that have been identified as having wilderness potential. However, following extensive reviews, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service have identified the 42 million acres included in the legislation as not suitable as wilderness. Mechanized equipment is forbidden on lands designated as wilderness and the federal agencies usually manage WSAs in a restrictive manner pending a final decision on whether to release the land. The legislation directs the agencies to manage the 42 million acres for multiple uses, including motorized recreation.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved by a 10-0 vote legislation to help shut down rogue websites that sell counterfeit goods. Entitled the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act” (PROTECT IP), the SEMA-supported bill would authorize the Justice Department to obtain court orders requiring search engines in the United States to stop displaying links to domain names. The legislation would address the growing problem of online sales of counterfeit and pirated goods, whether specialty auto parts, pharmaceuticals or movies. These products cost thousands of American jobs, expose consumers to health and safety threats and tarnish business reputations. 

Companies can already pursue trademark infringement actions against people trafficking in counterfeit goods. However, the PROTECT IP Act would allow companies to ask the federal government to help combat infringement by blocking access to the website, search engine references and consumer payments. The legislation is especially important in combating foreign-operated sites or domain names that are not registered through a United States-based registry. The PROTECT IP Act would nevertheless provide the domain operator full due process protections, including the right to argue its case in court and prove that its site is not engaged in IP theft. 

SEMA is working with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a number of other groups to support passage of the bill. For more information, visit www.fightonlinetheft.com or contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved by a 10-0 vote legislation to help shut down rogue websites that sell counterfeit goods. Entitled the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act” (PROTECT IP), the SEMA-supported bill would authorize the Justice Department to obtain court orders requiring search engines in the United States to stop displaying links to domain names. The legislation would address the growing problem of online sales of counterfeit and pirated goods, whether specialty auto parts, pharmaceuticals or movies. These products cost thousands of American jobs, expose consumers to health and safety threats and tarnish business reputations. 

Companies can already pursue trademark infringement actions against people trafficking in counterfeit goods. However, the PROTECT IP Act would allow companies to ask the federal government to help combat infringement by blocking access to the website, search engine references and consumer payments. The legislation is especially important in combating foreign-operated sites or domain names that are not registered through a United States-based registry. The PROTECT IP Act would nevertheless provide the domain operator full due process protections, including the right to argue its case in court and prove that its site is not engaged in IP theft. 

SEMA is working with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a number of other groups to support passage of the bill. For more information, visit www.fightonlinetheft.com or contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

	The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the SEMA block offers a nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel.

Booking your hotel rooms through Travel Planners, the official SEMA Show Housing Bureau, will ensure you the best rates possible, and booking early is more important than ever with many hotels offering special “early-bird” rates to SEMA exhibitors and attendees, many of which expire in August. More people are taking advantage of these great rates through SEMA's hotel program—up 300% over last year at this same time.

SEMA has locked in incredible rates yet again and has been able to waive the resort fees, which more and more properties in Las Vegas are adopting—some as much as $20 per night. Book through the official housing block and you won’t have to pay them (with the exception of the Signature at MGM Grand, which has always had a resort fee with its additional services that are not provided to other MGM Grand guests). SEMA also will provide free shuttle service from each of its host hotels.

And who says there is nothing new to see in Las Vegas this year? Newly opened this past December and quickly becoming one of the hottest and most exciting properties on the Strip, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is truly changing the way people are experiencing Las Vegas. SEMA is pleased to have The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the block at an unbelievable nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel. Book fast, though, as space is limited and these rooms will go fast. There is no need to wait for cheaper rates. If you book through Travel Planners and the rates go down, you'll get the new, cheaper rate.

Please note: Travel Planners is the only official housing company associated with the 2011 SEMA Show. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering housing for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with the Show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.

If you have any questions regarding housing for the upcoming 2011 SEMA Show, please don’t hesitate to contact the Travel Planners at 800/221-3531 or 212/532-1660. For more information on travel and lodging for the 2011 SEMA Show, click here.

	The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the SEMA block offers a nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel.

Booking your hotel rooms through Travel Planners, the official SEMA Show Housing Bureau, will ensure you the best rates possible, and booking early is more important than ever with many hotels offering special “early-bird” rates to SEMA exhibitors and attendees, many of which expire in August. More people are taking advantage of these great rates through SEMA's hotel program—up 300% over last year at this same time.

SEMA has locked in incredible rates yet again and has been able to waive the resort fees, which more and more properties in Las Vegas are adopting—some as much as $20 per night. Book through the official housing block and you won’t have to pay them (with the exception of the Signature at MGM Grand, which has always had a resort fee with its additional services that are not provided to other MGM Grand guests). SEMA also will provide free shuttle service from each of its host hotels.

And who says there is nothing new to see in Las Vegas this year? Newly opened this past December and quickly becoming one of the hottest and most exciting properties on the Strip, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is truly changing the way people are experiencing Las Vegas. SEMA is pleased to have The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the block at an unbelievable nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel. Book fast, though, as space is limited and these rooms will go fast. There is no need to wait for cheaper rates. If you book through Travel Planners and the rates go down, you'll get the new, cheaper rate.

Please note: Travel Planners is the only official housing company associated with the 2011 SEMA Show. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering housing for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with the Show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.

If you have any questions regarding housing for the upcoming 2011 SEMA Show, please don’t hesitate to contact the Travel Planners at 800/221-3531 or 212/532-1660. For more information on travel and lodging for the 2011 SEMA Show, click here.

The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

Looking for ways to make your business better, faster and improve its overall efficiency? The Business Services category at the SEMA Show is experiencing significant growth, and more companies are committing to the Show earlier than ever. According to Show Management, the number of exhibitors in the section year-to-date, as of May 26, has increased 37% compared to the 2010 Show. Not only are companies showing early interest in the section, but also exhibitors are committing to larger displays, with the amount of exhibit share footage increasing 177% year-to-date.

There are several services that all automotive businesses need, and this section is one of the most unique within the SEMA Show because it attracts buyers as well as other exhibitors. Regardless of the market niche, companies can discover the resources available for inventory control, shipping, computer systems and business software, web design, as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives and help with insurance and finances.

The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

“Many exhibitors in this section have a proven history of helping our industry and offer unique programs catered to our audience,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Everyone at the Show is encouraged to stop by this section to see what’s new and how they might be able to be more efficient and save money.”

To buy a booth or to register as a buyer for 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. Have questions about how to exhibit or plan for the Show? Contact ConvExx Show Management at salesmgr@convExx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 120.