Visit TORA's website.

TORA LRP Attendees Receive Advance Copy of 2011 SEMA Pickup Truck Report

Attend the TORA Long-Range Planning (LRP) session and receive a copy of the 2011 SEMA Pickup Truck Report. The report will provide you valuable market information—weeks in advance of its release to the public! The LRP is Tuesday, May 10, and includes a tour of an F-150 truck plant in the morning, lunch at the hotel, followed by an afternoon of discussion, interaction and goal setting.

What: TORA Long-Range Planning Session
When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Where:
Marriott Detroit Metro Airport Hotel
30559 Flynn Dr.
Romulus, MI 48174
734/729-7555

A low, low rate of $109 per night is offered to TORA attendees. Hotel reservations may be made online at Mariott Detroit Metro Airport Hotel. This link takes you directly to the hotel reservation page, with the “SEMA” rate code already in place. You may also call the Marriott directly at 800/228-9290. Be sure to mention you are part of the “SEMA/TORA” meeting group to be included in the blocked, group rate.

Located at the Detroit Metro airport (DTW), the Marriott offers complimentary airport shuttle and parking. The F-150 truck plant tour is complimentary from SEMA and the Henry Ford Museum, and TORA will provide lunch at the hotel after the tour. The entire day is available to any TORA member. Please R.S.V.P. to Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org, and indicate if you will attend the entire day, or just the afternoon planning session (for shuttle and lunch head count). If you have any questions, contact Jim Skelly at SEMA at 909/978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

LRP Offers Invaluable Networking Experience

“The LRPs that I have attended in the past I have found to be an excellent place to not only express your views, but also a place to gain a new perspective. There is a lot of knowledge in the room and you always learn something, not to mention meet great people. They are fun to attend and it feels good to contribute to the direction of TORA and SEMA.”
—Fred Snow, Hella Inc.

“Whether you are a retailer, jobber, WD or Manufacturer; by attending and contributing at an TORA LRP meeting, you bring a voice of real-world experience, opinion, advice and problem-solving skills to contribute to the betterment of the council and the industry.”
—Anne Johnson, Keystone Automotive

The TORA Select Committee holds an annual Long-Range Planning meeting to determine the focus of the council’s work for the coming year. The meeting is open to business owners and managers in the Light Truck Accessories industry so they can voice their opinions regarding what the TORA leadership should be working on in the coming year. The LRP is a member's best opportunity to bring the issues that concern their business into the spotlight, so the Select Committee can work on what’s important to its members.

What's the Value of Being an TORA Member?

New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Networking – TORA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to TORA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.

Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.

Education – and TORA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!

Be sure to follow TORA on all of your favorite social networking sites.

To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/TORA and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

Visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Seminars Receive Rave Reviews, Soon Available on Video

ARMO hosted two educational seminars at the 2011 Hotrod & Restoration Show in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 19. Both sessions were videotaped and will be available to ARMO members very shortly.

Longtime enthusiast and ARMO member Dick Dixon presented session one, “The Art of Selling.” Dr. Dixon always finds a way to provide a new approach to things, no matter the subject. In spite of a very early 8:00 a.m. start time, audience participation and feedback indicated “The Art of Selling” was another winner.

Session two was a panel discussion on “Internet Marketing on a Budget.” Three panelists included Robert Basha of Auction 123, Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products and Tyler Tanaka of PostRelease. ARMO Chairperson Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance moderated the discussion. Audience participation and feedback for the panel presentation were also very positive.

Congratulations and thank you to Dr. Dick Dixon, our three panelists and to panel moderator Laura Bergan! Look for the videos to be available on the ARMO website very soon!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ARMO Is!

Be sure to follow ARMO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/armo and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

Visit HRIA's website

Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to represent focused niches within the specialty-equipment industry. These groups are comprised of elected volunteers (Select Committee) who guide and direct council activities while representing the membership at large. Although each council acts independently and represents a different segment, they are all focused on the betterment of the industry as a whole.

The value councils provide SEMA and the industry is beyond refute. It is inspiring to witness a diverse collection of company representatives, many of which are direct competitors, come together and develop educational, training, youth awareness and networking events that are, at the core, designed to give back and promote business. An equally important council function is to ensure that SEMA—the association—sustains a pulse on the industry and maintains a presence with its members.

The question is often asked, “Why should my company join a council?” The answer is simple. SEMA councils open the door and provide you exposure to industry leaders, decision makers, trendsetters and a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and desire to see business succeed and prosper. Once the door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today.

Councils in Action

There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.

Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.

In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.

Learn more here.

Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has.

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).

Be sure to follow HRIA on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/hria and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

Visit MPMC's website.

Be sure to follow MPMC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mpmc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page

The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fanpage on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!



MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MPMC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.



For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

Visit MRC's website.

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.

In February, we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from its members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.

In our most recent tele-conference, MRC has established the date and time for the MRC event to be held at the 2011 SEMA Show on Sunday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. The MRC Rep Conference task force headed by our own Thomas Jordan is in the midst of debating the topic and format to ensure we have the best possible event for you.

Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had a MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with a MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!

Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

Read MRC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

Visit PRO's website.

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!

Be sure to follow PRO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/pro and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

Visit SBN's website.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Debuts Speed Networking Event Video

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has released its 2010 Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN event video. If you attended this sold-out event—or even if you missed it—you must check out the video so you can plan ahead to attend this year’s event.

While the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast is not exclusively for women, it clearly focuses on recognizing women who significantly contribute to the aftermarket and performance industries.

With special thanks to James and Melissa Lawrence of PowerTV, who covered this event, we are able to share the highlights with our members. Captured on video are glimpses of the event, which includes an exclusive interview with SBN's 2010 Woman of the Year Award recipient Kellie Colf of Aftermarketer Club Inc., and Zan Martin of Martin & Company Advertising. Both discuss the significance of each award.

Also accepting an SBN Award was Wade Kawasaki of Exports International, who was awarded the 2010 Athena Award for his support of women in the automotive aftermarket industry. And presenting the Mentor of the Year Award to a deserving John Menzler of Comp Performance Group was Joe St. Lawrence of RTM Productions Inc.—Titanium Sponsor of the event.

SBN’s annual breakfast event held during SEMA Show week is a great opportunity to network, learn and forge new relationships with others who share the same goals and interests of growing the automotive aftermarket industry and promoting the success of all.

Check out the following links to view video and photos from the 2010 SBN Annual Speed Networking Breakfast:

• www.sema.org/sbn
• www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
• www.facebook.com/semasbn

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.

And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?

Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!

Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch

The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.

On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SBN is!

Be sure to follow SBN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/sbn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

Visit SPC's website.

Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.

The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.

Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important, possibilities.

This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!

Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

Visit WTC's website

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Science and Technology Task Force
Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.

Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.

Communication and Marketing Task Force
Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.

SEMA Show Task Force
David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? WTC is!

Be sure to follow WTC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/wtc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.

Visit YEN's website

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program

Since 2004, SEMA's Young Executives Network has been dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive specialty-equipment career.

“SEMA and YEN are believers in higher education,” said Gregory Parker, chairman of the Young Executives Network. “However, with today's higher costs of getting an education, more and more students have to turn to student loans. The new YEN Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award will now be able to help a previous or current student who has loans they are trying to pay off while working within our industry. Our inaugural scholarship winner, Jaclyn Kilani, worked hard to put herself through school and is now working for a SEMA-member company. We are just glad we are able to recognize and reward her for her hard work, and we look forward to doing the same for other industry peers as we move into the future.”

Kilani, who recently graduated from California State University with a degree in graphic design, is the marketing director at Dannmar Equipment, a manufacturer of automotive repair products. Of the specialty-equipment industry, Kilani says, “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It’s an eclectic marketplace with a very unique audience, and I love the challenge of marketing a company in a non-traditional way. This award came at the perfect time, and it's a tremendous step toward my goal of becoming debt-free. I truly appreciate the privilege.”

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their specialty-equipment career. SEMA offers a minimum of $1,000 toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies. Applications for the next program open in December 2010 at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? YEN is!

Be sure to follow YEN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/yen and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Truckaddons, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is hiring phone sales people to take sales and customer service calls from customers on the company's websites. Candidates should have background knowledge of the automotive and truck aftermarket and experience with sales in a retail, wholesale or on the Internet.
• An eCommerce company out of Irvine, California, currently has a sales agent/customer service position available. The successful candidate must have more than two years experience in the automotive industry with phone or Internet sales knowledge; mid-level experience with purchasing, order processing and drop shipping on automotive parts; a minimum of 2–3 years in customer service; and mid-level experience or higher on computer programs and working within a higher tech environment.
• JBM Motoring, located in Orange, California, is hiring a wheel and tire retail sales person who has good hands-on experience and knowledge of custom wheels and tires. Must be able to work every other Saturday.
• Gale Banks Engineering, located in Azusa, California, is hiring an embedded software engineer to research, design, develop and test automotive real-time embedded software. The successful candidate will research, plan and design real-time embedded software systems using C, WinCE, Android and/or Assembly language to develop software applications for handheld devices or that will be integrated with a vehicle’s existing electronic control systems.

SEMA News—May 2011

“Project 1320” Update

The Quarter Mile Foundation, using the current working title of “Project 1320,” is developing a series of documentaries dedicated to drag-racing history from post-World War II to the end of the ’80s.

The gathering of interviews will continue as additional funding is generated. Support from fans continues to grow from the organization’s website and at nostalgia drag-racing events as well as some selected NHRA races.

“Right now, our goal is to have this done by 2013,” said Steve Cole, a member of the Foundation’s board of directors. “We now have 45 interviews completed.”

The Quarter Mile Foundation also reported that its website is receiving an upgrade from former drag-racing star Clare Sanders to reflect the expansion of the organization’s programs plus deliver added features for fans and visitors. The website will have behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes as the interviews are compiled and edited, which will allow those who are members of Friends of Project 1320 and the Brotherhood of the Quarter Mile to follow the progress of the documentaries’ production.

“Many fans and racers as well as some professional photographers have been supplying the foundation with home movies and photo albums of drag racing in those early days,” said Traci Hrudka, Foundation chairman. “Many have given us use of their materials for background B-Roll footage to illustrate what the pioneers are discussing in their narratives.”

The Foundation’s board of directors and advisory board are comprised of racers and industry veterans. The project is focused upon the historic and educational aspect of what has happened over the past 60-plus years, and it is their belief that the stories and information it will convey will also
be entertaining.

As Dave McClelland put it in a short promotional piece for the Foundation: “This is our last, best chance to capture our history from those who were there at the beginning.”

U.S. Postal Service Honors Indianapolis 500

From the 500 festival parade in downtown Indianapolis to the release of multicolored balloons and the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” on the day of the race, many traditions now surround the Indianapolis 500.

Stamps may be purchased at post offices, at www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800/STAMP-24. And don’t miss this year’s event on Sunday, May 29, when the 100th anniversary run of the Indy 500 kicks off at 12:00 p.m. (EDT).

 

Paul “Scooter” Brothers to Be Featured Presenter at 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium

The 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will focus on the theme “Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead” when it convenes Wednesday, May 18, through Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. GAAS 2011 marks the 16th anniversary of the event that annually gathers the leaders of the automotive aftermarket for education and networking opportunities.

One of the featured presentations is a panel discussion entitled “The Business Side of Racing,” which will be led by Paul “Scooter” Brothers, co-owner and director of R&D for Comp Performance Group and the chairman-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors. “The Business Side of Racing” will take place at GAAS 2011 on Wednesday, May 18, from 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

To review a complete agenda of all speakers and panelists for GAAS 2011, visit here or call 301/654-6664 for more information.

 

Applications are now available to exhibit at the 2011 SEMA Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com, and click on “Buy a Booth.”

SEMA Show Exhibitor Update

Applications are now available to exhibit at the 2011 SEMA Show. The application, also called the Exhibit Space Rental Agreement or ESRA, is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

While submissions are accepted anytime before the event takes place November 1–4, 2011, manufacturers who return their ESRAs with a deposit before April 29, 2011, will be included in the Priority Booth Selection Process.

To help exhibitors better understand the available SEMA Show services, exhibitors are invited to attend the Exhibitor Summit on May 2–4, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Held six months before the SEMA Show and one month before the Priority Booth Selection Process, the second annual conference will help both new and veteran exhibitors get more out of the Show.

“The Exhibitor Summit works because we’re able to walk exhibitors through the process from the very beginning,” explained Gary Vigil, SEMA trade shows director. “We get an opportunity to let exhibitors know what’s new, emphasize what’s important and remind them about key benefits.”

To secure a booth space at the 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com and click “Buy a Booth” or contact ConvExx Show Management at 702/450-7662 ext. 120 or SalesMgr@ConvExx.com.

 

Fast Facts

Jeff Rayburn

MAHLE Clevite Inc. appointed Jeff Rayburn as heavy-duty and turbocharger sales manager. He is responsible for leading the company’s overall heavy-duty strategy. The company reported that while maintaining his own heavy-duty accounts, Rayburn will work closely with the MAHLE Clevite sales team to further expand their knowledge of the heavy-duty aftermarket. MAHLE Clevite Inc., Ann Arbor, MI.

Prolong Super Lubricants announced that it will continue its sponsorship of the 2011 Prolong Twilight Cruises, the popular street-rod, hot-rod and musclecar events held the first Wednesday of every month from April to December in the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum parking lot at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The remaining 2011 Prolong Twilight Cruise dates are: May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, August 24, October 5, November 2 and December 7. For more information, visit www.museum.nhra.com. Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

Wes-Coast Marketing Inc. has announced the addition of Oracle Lighting Products. Oracle lighting has been designing and developing lighting applications using the latest LED, HID, CCFL and SMD technologies. Wes-Coast Marketing is a manufacturers’ representative agency serving the automotive aftermarket in the 11 western states, Alaska, Hawaii and western Canada. Wes-Coast Marketing, Upland, CA; 909/946-6899. Oracle Lighting Inc. Metairie, LA; 800/407-5776.

Vic Edelbrock Jr.

International AERO Products’ line of car care products has been endorsed by Vic Edelbrock Jr. and Edelbrock LLC. Through a partnership that makes AERO the official surface care company for Edelbrock and Edelbrock racing, International AERO Products will be used to detail all Edelbrock vehicles, Edelbrock’s R&D vehicles, Vic Edelbrock Jr.’s personal cars and the vintage sports cars on the Edelbrock race team. In addition, every Edelbrock transporter will also carry International AERO Products, and all of the AERO vehicles will feature Edelbrock branding. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310/781-2222.

The B&M Automotive Group expanded its portfolio of industry brands with its recent addition of Flowmaster Inc., which now joins the B&M Racing and Performance, Hurst Shifters and Hurst Driveline Conversions team of aftermarket brands. According to a Flowmaster announcement, Flowmaster’s three facilities, totaling more than 400,000 sq. ft., are dedicated to producing exhaust products that are easy to install and provide immediate performance gains—features that the company feels are a perfect fit with the B&M Automotive Group portfolio. B&M Racing & Performance Products, Chatsworth, CA; 818/882-6422.

Yokohama Tire Corp.’s off-the-road (OTR) division was awarded a Gold Alliance Supplier award for 2010 from Birmingham, Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Co., which annually honors its top suppliers. This is the fourth-consecutive year that Yokohama has earned the honor. Vulcan is a major producer of construction aggregates, which includes crushed stone, sand and gravel used in nearly all forms of construction. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714/870-3800.

HRE Performance Wheels unveiled an all-new website that the company feels will help its customers highlight their passion for automobiles. Expanded content is laid out in a unique split-screen format and features photography with a lifestyle focus, fully integrated Facebook and Twitter feeds, large high-res image galleries for each wheel line broken down by consumer category (motorsport, street, luxury) and a digital concierge service for a hands-on wheel-design experience. HRE Performance Wheels, Vista, CA; 760/598-1960.

 

Bossco International announced that it added Northern California retail chain “More for Less” to its outlet list for the Luma Lite. “This is our first convenience store outlet for the Luma Lite,” explained Cliff Wright, inventor and CEO of the company. “‘More for Less’ is also looking at several other products that we manufacture, and we are thrilled to have them on board.” Bossco International, San Diego, CA; 858/391-9208.

The Tire Group International opened a new logistics office in Xiamen, China. The new location will be headed up by Emma Luo, who joins Tire Group International after spending seven years with Schenker & BAX Global logistics.

Duke Networks LLC’s “Motorz TV” premiered on the Pursuit Channel cable and satellite network starting in April. Hosted by Chris Duke, the show will air every Wednesday night at 10:00 p.m. (PDT). According to a release from Duke Networks, the Pursuit Channel is the number-one channel in satellite distribution among full-time outdoor networks. “Motorz TV” provides aftermarket installation tips step-by-step in layman’s terms, in a typical garage setting, using common tools. Duke Networks LLC, San Diego, CA; 858/935-7300.

Roush Yates Engines added KC Couse to its Roush Yates Performance Products division sales force. Couse has more than 30 years of racing experience throughout all motorsports, and he most recently was the drag-race manager at CV Products. Roush Yates Performance Parts, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982.

Gene Winfield

The Winfield Award—named after famous car customizer and builder Gene Winfield—will be presented during the 2011 Syracuse Nationals, which is set for July 15–17. All vehicles that are ’37 or newer that have been chopped, channeled or sectioned are eligible for the award. Winfield will pick 12 vehicles from the entries, and those will be reduced to the “Select Six” that will be in contention for the award. The six finalists will receive a custom award, jacket and $500. The actual Winfield Award winner will be announced on Saturday evening (July 16) during the event’s annual dinner dance.

Former F1 engineer Trevor Foster joined the team at United Autosports as race engineer and technical director. Foster’s career includes running teams in Formula Ford 1600, 2000 and Three before working in Formula One with Tyrrell, Team Lotus, Jordan and BAR. He has worked with Formula One World Champions Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill, plus Jean Alesi, Martin Brundle and Johnny Herbert.

SEMA News—May 2011

Upcoming PAACE Automechanika Excellent Venue to Explore Market

		The Mexican market favors pickups, especially heavy-duty trucks. In 2010, 13,871 Ram pickups in Mexico were sold, of which 10,548 were heavy-duty models. The tilt toward HD models was similar for Ford and Chevy.

Despite some negative press lately due to drug violence, Mexico remains an important market for U.S. automakers and for SEMA members. Pickup brands from the United States are very popular. The economy in Mexico grew by 5.5% in 2010, and that economic growth is lifting personal incomes and growing the middle class. Those factors have created a growing market for SEMA members’ products.

“It is a very active growth market for us,” said Randy Norris, managing director of international markets for Warn Industries.

Winches account for about 80% of Warn’s sales in Mexico, Norris said, and while unsettled security has hit Warn’s sales in northern Mexico, sales are still growing in central and southern Mexico.

Mexico is the home market of SEMA member Big Country Truck Accessories. Big Country produces its own products and distributes products to Latin America for other SEMA-member companies, such as Warn, K&N and Undercover. Marcos Alvarez, Big Country’s product and marketing manager, said that rail guards, side steps, bedliners, roof racks and tonneau covers sell well in Mexico, and he said that Mexico has been a growth market over the last five years.

“Starting in 2005, our sales grew by 15%–20% each year for three years in a row,” said Alvarez. “There is a growing market for SEMA products we make and SEMA products we distribute. The past two years have not been good, but Mexico is a good market.”

SUVs are popular in Mexico’s larger cities, but pickups are the vehicles of choice outside those large cities, Alvarez said. Ford pickups are the favorite among Mexican buyers of fullsize, light-duty pickups. Total fullsize segment sales in 2010 were 52,496 units, according to sales figures provided by J.D. Power and Associates. In the midsize pickup segment, Nissan ranked first, followed by Ford. Total midsize pickup sales for 2010 were 89,281 units.

The Ford F-Series pickup was the best-selling light-duty, fullsize model in Mexico in 2010 at 14,464 units. In the midsize segment, the Ford Ranger sold 13,049 units of the total 16,798 midsize Ford pickups sold.

Chevrolet was the second-best-selling fullsize pickup brand in Mexico in 2010 at 17,071 units. The heavy-duty Silverado was the most popular fullsize model in units sold at 10,154 units. Sales of the regular Silverado included 6,480 units.

The Chevy Tornado was the most popular midsize Chevy pickup in Mexico in 2010 with sales of 8,727 units. The Colorado model accounted for the remainder.

		The PAACE Automechanika Show, Latin America’s largest trade show featuring the automotive aftermarket, takes place July 13–15, 2011, in Mexico City.

Dodge, the third most popular fullsize brand, sold 13,871 units in Mexico in 2010; of that, 10,548 were Ram Heavy Duty models. In the midsize segment, Dodge sold 7,151 pickups, led by the Dakota at 3,778 units. The H-100 was close behind at 3,373 units.

The popularity of U.S. brand pickups in Mexico is a boon for SEMA members because products produced for trucks in the United States also fit pickups produced in Mexico, said Warn’s Norris. “You don’t have the same (product) certification issues as with Europe and Asia,” he said. “Mexico is very, very transparent.”

Warn reaches customers through typical 4x4 market advertising venues. The Mexico market is about a year behind the United States in terms of the kinds of products buyers there demand, Norris said.

Big Country sells to distributors and wholesalers rather than retailers. Its customers are mostly medium to small companies, jobbing shops, mechanics and car dealers, Alvarez said. Big Country works with the automakers to develop applications especially for the Latin American market. For example, it is working with SEMA member Undercover and others to make products for a new Volkswagen truck that is not produced in the United States.

“If we don’t make a product, we work with the manufacturer to make an application that will fit,” Alvarez said. “Don’t think of this market as a small opportunity,” he said. “It could be a big opportunity if the work is done right.”

To learn more about opportunities in the Mexican and Latin American market, SEMA members are invited to participate in the upcoming PAACE Automechanika Show, Latin America’s largest trade-only show featuring the automotive aftermarket. The event takes place July 13–15, in Mexico City. Last year’s show featured 647 exhibitors from 19 countries and was attended by more than 12,000 buyers. For more information, contact Kristen Woodburn.  

SEMA News—May 2011

Association Leads Industry Effort to Protect Older Cars and High-Performance Equipment

By Stuart Gosswein

SEMA has called upon the U.S. Congress to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from moving forward with its program to allow the ethanol content in gasoline to increase from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15). SEMA worked with lawmakers and senior staff to help secure House approval of an EPA restriction as part of a 2011 federal government funding measure. The bill is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate. SEMA, along with a coalition of other industry organizations, is seeking to include a similar provision in the fiscal-year 2012 bill. SEMA also supports a separate bill to place an indefinite ban on E15.

The use of ethanol in gasoline is a sensitive topic. Who would oppose an alternative fuel that can help wean Americans from fossil fuels and reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil? The problem is that ethanol in certain quantities has chemical side effects that may pose a threat to older vehicles and some high-performance equipment. SEMA is leading the fight to support the alternative fuel while protecting vulnerable auto equipment and its owners.

A main challenge is the fact that ethanol attracts moisture, leading to increased water formation that can create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. Newer vehicles, engines and exhaust systems may have been designed to work compatibly with E10. They may even tolerate E15; however, the materials found in many older vehicles and certain high-performance equipment will not endure the corrosive effects, especially if the vehicles are not regularly used. SEMA is seeking to protect that segment of its membership producing these parts and a large enthusiast base that owns such equipment.

The number of concerns expressed by SEMA members and SEMA Action Network enthusiasts regarding E10 has increased significantly in recent years. In response, SEMA has examined the science behind ethanol and defined its position on ethanol content. The research included in-depth discussions with SEMA members and industry leaders along with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne Laboratory, where extensive ethanol research is conducted.

E10 has been around for a number of years, and its use has recently skyrocketed. More than 90% of gasoline sold in 2010 was E10. However, most consumers are unaware of that fact, since E10 labeling rules are subject to state regulation. Some states do not require labels; for those that do, the label is inconsistent in appearance and location on the pump. SEMA has fielded a number of enthusiast complaints about E10 concerns, the inability to locate pure gasoline and confusion on what is being dispensed at the gas station.

In 2009, the ethanol industry asked the EPA for a waiver to market E15. SEMA joined with a diverse coalition of industry leaders in opposing the waiver based on scientific concerns that a 50% increase in ethanol content could harm automobile parts in many model years of vehicles. SEMA supported further study so that there is a clearer understanding of the issue. Besides the corrosion issue, SEMA observed that E15 also has different combustion characteristics from E10 and may cause problems with air/fuel mixtures, fuel-pump sealing and related on-board fuel delivery components.

In November 2010, the EPA approved a partial waiver to allow the use of E15 in ’07 and newer vehicles. In January 2011, the EPA expanded the waiver to include ’01 and newer vehicles. Nevertheless, the EPA agreed with SEMA’s concerns and made it “illegal to fuel pre-’01 vehicles” with E15. The EPA determined that pre-’01 vehicles have the potential for increased material degradation with E15 use, that some of these vehicles may have been designed for only limited exposure to E10 and that the oldest vehicles on the road pre-date ethanol blends in the marketplace altogether. The EPA concluded that the potential for material degradation may make emissions control and fuel systems more susceptible to corrosion and other chemical reactions. (Several lawsuits have been filed to challenge the partial waiver.)

As it turns out, making it “illegal to fuel pre-2001 vehicles” are essentially words without meaning, since E15 will be available to everyone. The EPA would simply rely on a gas pump caution label to instruct motorists that E15 is only to be used in ’01 and newer cars and that it is prohibited in other vehicles because the fuel may damage the vehicles and engines. Despite the potential for economic harm and equipment breakdowns, the EPA is placing responsibility for understanding the difference between E10 and E15 directly on vehicle owners.

According to EPA estimates, the number of vehicles in the United States subject to misfueling includes nearly 74 million pre-’01 model cars and light trucks. Gas stations, automakers and SEMA-member manufacturers would not be granted immunity from lawsuits if a consumer alleges a problem from E15. Moreover, auto manufacturers won’t cover engine problems that result from using fuel blended with more than 10% ethanol.

SEMA supports ethanol as an alternative fuel so long as it does not pose a risk. In fact, there would be no need to raise the fuel content from E10 to E15 if existing flex-fueled vehicles were filled with E85 fuel and more flex-fuel vehicles were sold. Instead, owners generally buy gasoline because the operating price is traditionally lower and many gas stations don’t
market E85.

As the debate continues, SEMA will remain a leader in preventing decisions from being made without unbiased testing on the impact of E15 on vehicle components and engines. If you would like more information or to share how E15 would impact your business or vehicles, please contact Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs at 202/783-6007 x30 or stuartg@sema.org. 

SEMA News—May 2011

Used by professionals to connect and network, the SEMA Membership Directory is where leading companies go to identify and establish partnerships with others in the industry.

Updated annually, the guidebook includes detailed information for industry professionals. Easy-to-use listings make it simple to identify members in particular categories, council affiliation or reps serving certain locations. The SEMA Membership Directory is often referred to as the industry’s “ultimate sourcebook.”

The electronic/downloadable version of the directory (PDF) is immediately available for download here.

If you would prefer to obtain a printed hard copy of the directory instead, you can order it here. For further assistance, email member@sema.org.

SEMA News—May 2011

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.

State Update

Arizona Emissions Tests:

SEMA-supported legislation to exempt all vehicles 25 years old and older from the state’s mandatory biennial emissions inspection and maintenance program was approved by the Senate Rules and Natural Resources and Transportation Committees. The bill will now make its way to the floor for a vote by the full Senate. Existing law in Arizona exempts only pre-’67 model-year vehicles and those vehicles designated as “collectible.”

Arkansas Inoperable Vehicles:

SEMA is opposing legislation that would allow cities to remove inoperable vehicles from private property if the vehicle is deemed a “nuisance” under a local ordinance. The bill was approved by the Arkansas House of Representatives. Among other things, the measure provides no reasonable safeguards for legitimate automotive hobbyists who choose to work on inoperable collector vehicles on private property and establishes no provisions that would enable vehicles located out of public view to avoid being classified as abandoned.

California Air Resources Board:

SEMA-supported legislation to require that one appointed member of the Air Resources Board be a current small-business owner has been introduced in the California Legislature. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources but has not yet been scheduled for hearing.

Connecticut Antique Vehicles:

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” has been introduced in the Connecticut General Assembly. Under the SEMA-opposed bill, vehicles seeking registration under these classes would be required to be at least 25 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for such status and a reduced assessment for personal property tax purposes. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount.

Hawaii Car Audio Equipment:

SEMA-opposed legislation to ban the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 in. in height or depth; any five-speaker aftermarket system; any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts; and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open-hatch back will not be considered in the Hawaii legislature this year. The measure was discriminatory toward aftermarket products, as it did not seek to limit systems installed by the original vehicle manufacturer or dealer. If enacted, the bill would have denied hobbyists the opportunity to purchase and install a range of aftermarket alternatives to original-equipment stereos. The measure was deferred following a hearing on the bill in the House Transportation Committee.

Nebraska Parts Cars:

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed into law a bill to redefine parts cars and make such vehicles easier to transfer. Prior to the bill’s enactment, Nebraska required a certificate of title when transferring any vehicle. The new law, effective immediately, allows for parts cars to be transferred using a bill of sale issued by the DMV. Parts vehicles eligible to be transferred using only a bill of sale under the new provisions include vehicles for which title has been surrendered due to the vehicle being destroyed, dismantled or scrapped or for which title has been surrendered to another state or an insurance company to render it fit for sale for scrap parts.

New Mexico Street Rods/Customs:  

SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. The Senate Finance Committee will now consider the bill, which defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. Among other things, the measure allows for the use of non-original materials; creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble; holds only street rods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title of the vehicle; and provides for a one-time registration and plate fee of $100.

North Dakota Vehicle Modifications:

A bill in North Dakota to severely restrict the modification of any motor vehicle that alters the manufacturer’s original suspension, steering or brake system has been amended and approved by the House of Representatives. At the insistence of SEMA and the North Dakota hobbyist community, among the provisions that were deleted from the bill are those requiring the state highway patrol to issue an inspection certificate for all modifications (without indicating objective criteria that would be used to determine which modifications are legal) and requiring fenders on all vehicles regardless of whether or not they were originally manufactured with this equipment. The Senate Transportation Committee will now consider the bill.

Oregon Suspension/Tire Alterations:

SEMA is opposing a bill in the Oregon legislature that would severely limit vehicle suspension, body lift and wheel/tire alterations. Specifically, the measure would ban vehicles whose bumpers are elevated more than 3 in. over the original manufactured bumper clearance. Identical legislation was last introduced in Oregon in 2001. Among other things, the bill discriminates against hobbyists and aftermarket parts makers by leaving it solely to the vehicle manufacturers to choose bumper heights; would force owners of modified vehicles to spend large sums of money to reinstall original components; and would ban useful alterations that provide adequate clearance for on-/off-road capability and accommodate heavy loads, larger tires, improved suspension and water-fording capability. The bill would also impose a fine of up to $360 per offense for vehicles that exceed the 3-in. clearance requirement.

Oregon Exhaust Systems:  

A bill to ban the sale of certain new motor-vehicle exhaust systems or exhaust system components that cause motor vehicles to produce noise that exceeds noise limits has been introduced in Oregon. Under the bill, noise limits would be specified in rules adopted by the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC). However, in 1991 the EQC terminated its noise control program. Among other things, the bill would prohibit the sale of these exhaust systems in Oregon and the sale of these systems by an Oregon-based business to an out-of-state customer; provides no clear standard to enforce and refers to EQC noise standards that are not currently in use; and makes no accommodation for SEMA-model legislation to allow vehicle hobbyists to buy and install aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

Tennessee Emissions Tests:

SEMA is supporting identical legislation in the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate to exempt vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s annual emissions inspection and maintenance program, where applicable. To qualify for the exemption, these vehicles must be registered as “antique motor vehicles.” Existing law defines an antique vehicle as a motor vehicle more than 25 years old with a non-modified engine and body that is used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses as a collector’s item; on the highways for the purpose of selling, testing the operation of, or obtaining repairs or maintenance; and for general transportation on Saturday and Sunday.

Texas Street Rods/Customs:

The Texas Senate has joined the House in introducing SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles. Both bills define a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The measures also allow for the use of non-original materials and create a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designations as the production vehicles they most closely resemble.

 

 

 

Utah Vintage Vehicles:

SEMA-supported legislation to allow vehicles 30 years old and older to be classified as “vintage vehicles” was approved by the Utah House of Representatives and Senate. Currently, Utah reserves the vintage vehicle class only to vehicles 40 years old and older. Under the bill, vintage vehicles 30–40 years old would now be included in the class and be charged a $45 annual registration fee. When the vehicle reaches 40 years old, the registrant would pay a one-time $40 fee. Vintage vehicles are exempted from annual emissions and safety inspections. The bill now moves to Governor Gary Herbert for his signature and enactment into law.

Washington Street Rods/Customs:

SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was approved unanimously by the Washington State Senate. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 30 years old and manufactured after 1948. Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned certificates of title bearing the same model-year designations as the production vehicles they most closely resemble. Among other things, the measure exempts street rods and customs from a range of standard-equipment requirements (only that equipment required in the model year that the vehicle resembles) and emissions inspections, provides that vehicles titled and registered as street rods and custom vehicles may be used for only occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, etc., and not for general daily transportation and permits the use of blue-dot taillights. The House Committee on Transportation will now consider the bill.

Washington Collector License Plates:

Legislation that originally sought to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “collector vehicles” was amended and approved by the Washington House Transportation Committee. Under the amended bill, vehicles seeking registration as collector vehicles and the one-time registration fee would only be required to be at least 30 years old rather than 40 years old. The amended bill also deletes provisions that would have created penalties for violating the limited-use provisions. The measure now only requires the Department of Licensing to establish a method for law enforcement to readily access collector vehicle information using the collector vehicle’s plate number, which will aid in ensuring that a plate is being used on its properly assigned vehicle.

Wisconsin Imported Collector Cars:

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has officially withdrawn its proposal to prohibit the registration of imported vehicles manufactured after 1967 that do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). SEMA opposed the proposal. U.S. law specifically exempts imported vehicles that are 25 years old and older from these safety standards. The Department of Transportation proposal offered no such reasonable exemption. The regulation would only have permitted the continued registration of subject vehicles that are already legally registered in Wisconsin, but only until they are transferred to a new owner. Among other things, the proposal failed to recognize the fact that collector vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven, was inconsistent with federal law and would prohibit the registration of vehicles coming in from other states that have already been proven safe on U.S. roads.

Wyoming Vehicle Titles:

A bill to ease the burden on hobbyists by providing an exemption from bonded title requirements has been signed into law by Governor Matt Mead. By allowing enthusiasts to title vehicles being restored for personal use without posting bond, the exemption reduces costs associated with titling hobby vehicles when an original title was never issued or can no longer be located. The new law allows restorers to title their completed works by submitting an affidavit of vehicle ownership, a notarized bill of sale, a written statement of the value of the vehicle (based on a national appraisal guide or appraisal performed by a dealer) and a VIN inspection. To prevent abuse of the new procedure, titles issued under this procedure will not be transferable for the first 180 days after issuance.

Federal Update

		SEMA Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski (right) with Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA), sponsor of 1099 repeal legislation.

Adopted after SEMA and other small business organizations advocated strongly on its behalf, the “Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act” has been sent to the Senate for action. Under the bill, businesses will no longer be required to issue 1099 forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 worth of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012. The mandate has garnered widespread opposition on Capitol Hill, and President Barack Obama called for its repeal during his State of the Union address. The requirement was intended to prompt vendors receiving 1099 forms to declare and pay taxes on the income. SEMA was a leader among small-business organizations in supporting the repeal and was invited to participate in a press conference with the bill’s original sponsor, Representative Dan Lungren (R-CA) urging support for the legislation.

Ethanol:

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using agency funds to permit an increase in the amount of ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The provision is part of a larger bill to fund the federal government during fiscal-year 2011 that must also be approved by the U.S. Senate. SEMA requested this action and worked hard to secure the final vote, which was a significant temporary victory demonstrating widespread concern about E15 in Congress. SEMA is working with an industry coalition to secure Senate support for an E15 moratorium in both the fiscal-year 2011 and 2011 appropriation bills. SEMA will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities.

Patent Reform:

The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that proposes to change how patents are awarded. Patents are currently granted to individuals who can prove that they were the original inventors. The Senate bill would switch the U.S. to a “first-to-file” system—a method utilized by most other nations. One major drawback to the current system is that it provides an incentive for individuals to claim credit for a patent and demand royalties and damage awards years after a product has been on the market. On the other hand, it has been considered advantageous to small businesses without the resources to get to the patent office first. The bill would make a number of administrative changes as well. If approved, the House of Representatives will consider the legislation.

Scrap Tires:

The EPA will continue to allow industrial facilities to recycle tires by burning them as fuel. Supported by SEMA, the decision preserves an important recycling option, which accounts for more than 50% of annual scrap-tire disposals. The EPA had initially ruled that the tires would be classified as solid waste, requiring the removal of metal before being burned. Paper mills, cement kilns and electric power plants are the major fuel users of recycled tires.

Air Conditioning Refrigerant:

The EPA approved hydrofluoroolefin (HFO-1234yf) as an acceptable substitute chemical for R-12 (Freon), R-134a and other chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants in new motor vehicles. The chemical is believed to have far less global-warming potential than the other chemicals. The EPA approval applies to only new vehicles. HFO-1234yf may not be used in retrofitted vehicles or by “do-it-yourselfers” to recharge vehicle air conditioners, pending further review.

Anti-Ejection Rule:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established a new safety standard, FMVSS No. 226, intended to prevent occupants from being ejected through side windows during
a vehicle rollover or side-impact crash. Vehicle manufacturers will have flexibility in determining how to meet the standard’s performance requirements. Anticipated automaker alternatives include using advanced window glazing, making side airbags larger and more robust or tethering side airbags to the base of the vehicle’s pillars. FMVSS No. 226 will be phased in over a four-year period beginning in 2013.