By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 108 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• Tire chains of iron or nonalloy steel with links not more than 10 mm in diameter (HTS 7315.82.5000).
• Certain parts for spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines of heading 8407 (but not for vehicles of subheading 8701.2 or 8702, 8703 or 8704. (HTS 8409.91.9990).
• DC blowers for use in motor vehicle climate control systems (HTS 8414.59.6540).
• DC centrifugal radial blowers (HTS 8414.59.6560).
• Certain electric gear motors and electric motors other than gear motors (HTS 8501.40.2020, 8501.40.2040, 8501.40.4020, 8501.40.4040).
• Steel tire carrier attachments, roof racks, fender liners, side protective attachments (HTS 8708.29.5060).
• Road wheels of cast aluminum for vehicles of heading 8703 (HTS 8708.70.4545 or 8708.70.4548).
• Heater coils for use with the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, composed of steel, copper, aluminum and plastic (HTS 8708.99.8180).
• Hitch riser plates of AISI 8620 alloy steel (HTS 8708.99.8180).
• Certain hitches of power-coated steel designed to distribute weight or for mounting in the bed of a truck (HTS 8708.99.8180).

View the entire list.

The time period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018, to August 7, 2020, regardless of when the exclusion request was granted. The time period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019.

An exclusion is product specific, not company specific. That means a company which did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied.  For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related, and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Rachel Tatum

Don Schumacher Racing’s two Stratasys FDM 3D printers are operating around-the-clock to produce headbands to be used as part of medical face shields.

Many members have shifted their current operations to help combat COVID-19. The following companies have donated or retooled operations to help offer aid during this challenging time.

As of April 28, 2020

Dinsmore Inc: Dinsmore Inc. is 3D printing masks and assembling face shields to protect first responders.

Don Schumacher Racing: Don Schumacher Motorsports converted two Stratasys 3D printers to manufacture headband components for medical face shields.

Dr. Rachel’s Upholstery: Dr. Rachel’s Upholstery is manufacturing face masks for essential workers that are otherwise unable to secure PPE.

IPC - Indy Performance Composites: IPC is manufacturing face masks with 3D printing in partnership with Stratasys to assist with PPE shortage for medical staff. The company has already donated roughly 200 face shields.

Javelin Technologies Inc.: Javelin Technologies Inc. partnered with Sunnybrook Research Institute to develop, manufacture and rapidly deploy Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front-line workers across Canada.

Jay Leno: Jay Leno’s Garage devoted Leno’s birthday month of April to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for first responders and health care workers. Leno’s Garage is operating 24 hours a day.

Maxxsonics: Maxxsonics USA has now donated more than 25,000 masks and gloves across the Midwest offering assistance and support to those in need towards the battle against COVID-19.  

Mazda: Mazda and its dealer network announced the Essential Car Care program, through which they plan on investing a minimum of $5 million of service costs, by offering U.S. healthcare workers a free oil change and enhanced vehicle cleaning.

Mobile Electronics: Mobile Electronics retooled operation to make hundreds of face shields for healthcare workers as well as the general public. Many face shields were donated to healthcare workers at Yale-New Haven Health.

OK4WD: OK4WD is giving free labor toward vehicle maintenance, at-cost replacement parts, and deep discounts on tires to healthcare professionals and front line workers to help them keep their cars and trucks on the road so they can keep fighting COVID-19.

Polaris Inc: Several facilities are 3D printing frames for face shields to aid local medical communities. The Wyoming, Minnesota, facility is working with 3D Systems and Saint Thomas Academy to print frames, and in Huntsville, Alabama, employees have printed 45 frames and counting in support of local aid efforts.

Racing Optics: Racing Optics are providing multi-layer optically removal film for face shields and medical hoods.

Safety-Kleen Motorsports: Safety-Kleen Motorsports offers shop decontamination for the industry to help prepare offices and shops such as Petty's Garage for continued production.

Stratasys: Stratasys, along with partners across the globe, have come together to combat COVID-19 by producing 3D printed face shields.

Team Penske: Team Penske, along with Stratasys, produced more than 500 3D printed face shields in their shop.

Truck Hero: Truck Hero announced five of the company’s manufacturing facilities have been retooled to produce face masks, face shields, isolation gowns and plastic barriers.

SEMA members who have altered operations or donated medical supplies in response of COVID-19 are encouraged to submit their news to the association. As the industry’s trade association, SEMA is committed to providing services and information to help members all year long, but especially in times of critical need such as now. Companies may be highlighted in a variety of ways, including social media, SEMA publications and press releases.

For more information, visit the SEMA Members Making a Difference page.

By Rachel Tatum

Don Schumacher Racing’s two Stratasys FDM 3D printers are operating around-the-clock to produce headbands to be used as part of medical face shields.

Many members have shifted their current operations to help combat COVID-19. The following companies have donated or retooled operations to help offer aid during this challenging time.

As of April 28, 2020

Dinsmore Inc: Dinsmore Inc. is 3D printing masks and assembling face shields to protect first responders.

Don Schumacher Racing: Don Schumacher Motorsports converted two Stratasys 3D printers to manufacture headband components for medical face shields.

Dr. Rachel’s Upholstery: Dr. Rachel’s Upholstery is manufacturing face masks for essential workers that are otherwise unable to secure PPE.

IPC - Indy Performance Composites: IPC is manufacturing face masks with 3D printing in partnership with Stratasys to assist with PPE shortage for medical staff. The company has already donated roughly 200 face shields.

Javelin Technologies Inc.: Javelin Technologies Inc. partnered with Sunnybrook Research Institute to develop, manufacture and rapidly deploy Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front-line workers across Canada.

Jay Leno: Jay Leno’s Garage devoted Leno’s birthday month of April to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for first responders and health care workers. Leno’s Garage is operating 24 hours a day.

Maxxsonics: Maxxsonics USA has now donated more than 25,000 masks and gloves across the Midwest offering assistance and support to those in need towards the battle against COVID-19.  

Mazda: Mazda and its dealer network announced the Essential Car Care program, through which they plan on investing a minimum of $5 million of service costs, by offering U.S. healthcare workers a free oil change and enhanced vehicle cleaning.

Mobile Electronics: Mobile Electronics retooled operation to make hundreds of face shields for healthcare workers as well as the general public. Many face shields were donated to healthcare workers at Yale-New Haven Health.

OK4WD: OK4WD is giving free labor toward vehicle maintenance, at-cost replacement parts, and deep discounts on tires to healthcare professionals and front line workers to help them keep their cars and trucks on the road so they can keep fighting COVID-19.

Polaris Inc: Several facilities are 3D printing frames for face shields to aid local medical communities. The Wyoming, Minnesota, facility is working with 3D Systems and Saint Thomas Academy to print frames, and in Huntsville, Alabama, employees have printed 45 frames and counting in support of local aid efforts.

Racing Optics: Racing Optics are providing multi-layer optically removal film for face shields and medical hoods.

Safety-Kleen Motorsports: Safety-Kleen Motorsports offers shop decontamination for the industry to help prepare offices and shops such as Petty's Garage for continued production.

Stratasys: Stratasys, along with partners across the globe, have come together to combat COVID-19 by producing 3D printed face shields.

Team Penske: Team Penske, along with Stratasys, produced more than 500 3D printed face shields in their shop.

Truck Hero: Truck Hero announced five of the company’s manufacturing facilities have been retooled to produce face masks, face shields, isolation gowns and plastic barriers.

SEMA members who have altered operations or donated medical supplies in response of COVID-19 are encouraged to submit their news to the association. As the industry’s trade association, SEMA is committed to providing services and information to help members all year long, but especially in times of critical need such as now. Companies may be highlighted in a variety of ways, including social media, SEMA publications and press releases.

For more information, visit the SEMA Members Making a Difference page.

By Ashley Reyes

Sara Morosan

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has recognized Sara Morosan of LGE-CTS Motorsports as this week’s TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member. Morosan is an accomplished industry advocate, business leader and previous select committee volunteer whose contributions have led to the success of many effective strategies, programs and builds that specifically address the needs of the truck and off-road segment.

In addition to TORA, Morosan is also an active volunteer for SEMA Cares and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), where she plays a vital role in advocating for women in the industry and helping unite the voice of the automotive aftermarket while making a difference in young lives.  

Get to know what inspires her about the industry in her Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Sara Morosan: I grew up in the industry and have always had a love for truck and off-road, but a greater love for my industry friends and friends that I now call family. I grew up going off-roading and have always felt like the desert was my home.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

SM: I was told by my mentor to volunteer for TORA eight years ago, so I signed up! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I would have never met some of the most important people in my life today. I have learned so much from so many of them. I have a great rolodex of amazing people that help me every day with learning new things that I would have never learned.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

SM: I would definitely tell anyone that is pursuing a career in the automotive industry to go out and network, find events that are going on near you and get to know the people in the industry. SEMA has some great councils and networks to join or help volunteer on as well. Follow them on social media and find out where the next event is.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

SM: Oooohhhh... I would say a trophy truck because who doesn't want a trophy truck, right?! But I love to go up the rock sections; It’s just fun! So it would have to be a super-rad Ultra 4 car, something that goes fast (even though I don’t, yet!) and something that I can take in the rocks section and act like I am one of the Campbells, lol! If it’s a relaxing weekend, then you’ll likely find me just driving around the desert and exploring, heading out to off-road races or going on trail runs with our favorite club.

By Ashley Reyes

Sara Morosan

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has recognized Sara Morosan of LGE-CTS Motorsports as this week’s TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member. Morosan is an accomplished industry advocate, business leader and previous select committee volunteer whose contributions have led to the success of many effective strategies, programs and builds that specifically address the needs of the truck and off-road segment.

In addition to TORA, Morosan is also an active volunteer for SEMA Cares and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), where she plays a vital role in advocating for women in the industry and helping unite the voice of the automotive aftermarket while making a difference in young lives.  

Get to know what inspires her about the industry in her Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Sara Morosan: I grew up in the industry and have always had a love for truck and off-road, but a greater love for my industry friends and friends that I now call family. I grew up going off-roading and have always felt like the desert was my home.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

SM: I was told by my mentor to volunteer for TORA eight years ago, so I signed up! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I would have never met some of the most important people in my life today. I have learned so much from so many of them. I have a great rolodex of amazing people that help me every day with learning new things that I would have never learned.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

SM: I would definitely tell anyone that is pursuing a career in the automotive industry to go out and network, find events that are going on near you and get to know the people in the industry. SEMA has some great councils and networks to join or help volunteer on as well. Follow them on social media and find out where the next event is.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

SM: Oooohhhh... I would say a trophy truck because who doesn't want a trophy truck, right?! But I love to go up the rock sections; It’s just fun! So it would have to be a super-rad Ultra 4 car, something that goes fast (even though I don’t, yet!) and something that I can take in the rocks section and act like I am one of the Campbells, lol! If it’s a relaxing weekend, then you’ll likely find me just driving around the desert and exploring, heading out to off-road races or going on trail runs with our favorite club.

By Gavin Knapp

Last week, SEMA and Directions Research conducted a nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 consumers to check in on how people are using their cars. While many people say they are driving less these days, more than a third (35%) say they are using this time to do some work on their car or truck.

When it comes to driving, most consumers, especially men, are still getting on the road regularly. During the last two weeks, nearly 60% of men and 46% of women have driven their car every day or every few days.

Consumers are also continuing to maintain, repair and upgrade their cars and trucks. This is especially true for auto enthusiasts. Over the last two weeks, 32% of enthusiasts have gone to an auto-parts store or searched for parts online. Nearly one-fourth of enthusiasts (22%) said they bought parts, accessories or made modifications to their vehicles.

Overall, most consumers (57%) believe that the changes they have made in their lives because of the virus will return to normal within the next three months. Despite some uncertainty right now, consumers remain optimistic and are looking forward to getting in their cars and out on the road again.

For the latest industry resources, visit www.sema.org/coronavirus.

By Gavin Knapp

Last week, SEMA and Directions Research conducted a nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 consumers to check in on how people are using their cars. While many people say they are driving less these days, more than a third (35%) say they are using this time to do some work on their car or truck.

When it comes to driving, most consumers, especially men, are still getting on the road regularly. During the last two weeks, nearly 60% of men and 46% of women have driven their car every day or every few days.

Consumers are also continuing to maintain, repair and upgrade their cars and trucks. This is especially true for auto enthusiasts. Over the last two weeks, 32% of enthusiasts have gone to an auto-parts store or searched for parts online. Nearly one-fourth of enthusiasts (22%) said they bought parts, accessories or made modifications to their vehicles.

Overall, most consumers (57%) believe that the changes they have made in their lives because of the virus will return to normal within the next three months. Despite some uncertainty right now, consumers remain optimistic and are looking forward to getting in their cars and out on the road again.

For the latest industry resources, visit www.sema.org/coronavirus.

By Jay Carpio

The SEMA Video Archives is about re-living special moments in our industry’s history. From interviews with industry legends to SEMA Show recaps and more, these videos offer viewers a chance to watch our SEMA Family doing what it does best—working hard, pushing the limits and having a little bit of fun, too.

This week’s videos feature interviews with former late night powerhouse and current host of “Leno’s Garage,” Jay Leno, 2017 Battle of the Builders Young Gun entry Brad DeBerti and the Kia Stinger unleashed at the SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Taking place November 3-6, in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show is a yearly trend-spotting event for buyers, and serves as a reflection of what’s burgeoning in the industry, whether it’s new products, innovative tools to increase production or the latest in application and service techniques.

Nearly 2,000 companies are demonstrating confidence about the specialty-equipment market's future by investing in the 2020 SEMA Show, and will participate in the Priority Space Selection beginning May 4. The space selection provides exhibitors with the opportunity to choose the best locations for their Show display, based on seniority.

On May 4, SEMA Show staff will begin contacting each verified exhibitor one at a time. When it comes time to select a space, each exhibitor will speak to a Show representative who will guide them through the entire selection process, help locate a space that best suits the company's needs, and answer any exhibitor-related questions. About an hour prior to the time to select, exhibitors are encouraged to be prepared by viewing the 2020 SEMA Show’s online floorplan. Updated every 30 minutes, exhibitors can see the Show take shape and monitor their section for a general idea of where to display.

“The SEMA Show is a reflection of the industry it serves, and what we are seeing with these levels of participation in our space selection process is a resilient group of manufactures and service providers that want to meet in the 4th quarter and chart the course for business coming out of 2020 and transitioning into next year,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We are committed to build the environment that will be the platform for people to connect in the most safe and productive manner possible.”

Earlier this month, each participating company was contacted via email with their booth selection date and time range. The email was sent to the person listed as the exhibitor’s primary SEMA Show contact. NOTE: Companies that have not received a correspondence or want to change the primary Show contact listed on the application should email sales@sema.org, or call 909-396-0289. If you are not available to receive a phone call at the time of your selection, you may also appoint a proxy representative by filling out the proxy form at www.semashow.com/proxy.

Taking place November 3-6, in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show is a yearly trend-spotting event for buyers, and serves as a reflection of what’s burgeoning in the industry, whether it’s new products, innovative tools to increase production or the latest in application and service techniques.

Want to exhibit in 2020? Visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth to get started.

For more information about the Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Taking place November 3-6, in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show is a yearly trend-spotting event for buyers, and serves as a reflection of what’s burgeoning in the industry, whether it’s new products, innovative tools to increase production or the latest in application and service techniques.

Nearly 2,000 companies are demonstrating confidence about the specialty-equipment market's future by investing in the 2020 SEMA Show, and will participate in the Priority Space Selection beginning May 4. The space selection provides exhibitors with the opportunity to choose the best locations for their Show display, based on seniority.

On May 4, SEMA Show staff will begin contacting each verified exhibitor one at a time. When it comes time to select a space, each exhibitor will speak to a Show representative who will guide them through the entire selection process, help locate a space that best suits the company's needs, and answer any exhibitor-related questions. About an hour prior to the time to select, exhibitors are encouraged to be prepared by viewing the 2020 SEMA Show’s online floorplan. Updated every 30 minutes, exhibitors can see the Show take shape and monitor their section for a general idea of where to display.

“The SEMA Show is a reflection of the industry it serves, and what we are seeing with these levels of participation in our space selection process is a resilient group of manufactures and service providers that want to meet in the 4th quarter and chart the course for business coming out of 2020 and transitioning into next year,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We are committed to build the environment that will be the platform for people to connect in the most safe and productive manner possible.”

Earlier this month, each participating company was contacted via email with their booth selection date and time range. The email was sent to the person listed as the exhibitor’s primary SEMA Show contact. NOTE: Companies that have not received a correspondence or want to change the primary Show contact listed on the application should email sales@sema.org, or call 909-396-0289. If you are not available to receive a phone call at the time of your selection, you may also appoint a proxy representative by filling out the proxy form at www.semashow.com/proxy.

Taking place November 3-6, in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show is a yearly trend-spotting event for buyers, and serves as a reflection of what’s burgeoning in the industry, whether it’s new products, innovative tools to increase production or the latest in application and service techniques.

Want to exhibit in 2020? Visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth to get started.

For more information about the Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.