By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Responding to SEMA’s lawsuit to allow production of replica vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed regulations to implement the 2015 Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. SEMA sued the U.S. Department of Transportation last October for failure to issue required regulations.

“SEMA welcomes NHTSA’s proposed regulations and urges the agency to quickly finalize the rules,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting. “The replica car law was enacted to much fanfare in 2015, with customers eager to buy classic cars celebrating America’s automotive heritage. Four years later, companies are now poised to hire workers, gear-up for production, and provide consumers the chance to buy turnkey replica cars.”

Prior to enactment of the replica car law, the United States had just one system for regulating automobiles, which was established in the ’60s and designed for companies that mass-produce millions of vehicles. The lack of regulatory flexibility has prevented small businesses from manufacturing turn-key vehicles. The final regulations will allow low-volume automakers to sell up to 325 cars each year that resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board have issued guidelines and regulations covering the engine packages to be installed in these replica vehicles.  

NHTSA is providing 30 days for public comments on its proposed rule. SEMA will be submitting comments on behalf of the industry to urge the most favorable regulations so that companies can begin production.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Responding to SEMA’s lawsuit to allow production of replica vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed regulations to implement the 2015 Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. SEMA sued the U.S. Department of Transportation last October for failure to issue required regulations.

“SEMA welcomes NHTSA’s proposed regulations and urges the agency to quickly finalize the rules,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting. “The replica car law was enacted to much fanfare in 2015, with customers eager to buy classic cars celebrating America’s automotive heritage. Four years later, companies are now poised to hire workers, gear-up for production, and provide consumers the chance to buy turnkey replica cars.”

Prior to enactment of the replica car law, the United States had just one system for regulating automobiles, which was established in the ’60s and designed for companies that mass-produce millions of vehicles. The lack of regulatory flexibility has prevented small businesses from manufacturing turn-key vehicles. The final regulations will allow low-volume automakers to sell up to 325 cars each year that resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board have issued guidelines and regulations covering the engine packages to be installed in these replica vehicles.  

NHTSA is providing 30 days for public comments on its proposed rule. SEMA will be submitting comments on behalf of the industry to urge the most favorable regulations so that companies can begin production.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The United States and China have agreed to a “phase one” trade deal whereby China will buy more U.S. goods and implement some structural changes to its trade laws. In exchange, the United States will not impose tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on December 15 on the “List 4” consumer goods, such as cell phones and computer laptops. The United States will reduce from 15% to 7.5% tariffs already in effect on other List 4 products. However, the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products remain unchanged. Lists 1 and 2 include miscellaneous metal and rubber parts, wiring and measurement devices. List 3 covers most auto parts imported from China.  

The agreement is being finalized and will likely be signed in January. It is to include intellectual property enforcement measures for patents, trademarks, trade secrets and counterfeit goods. The agreement will address several unfair Chinese technology transfer practices identified by the U.S. Trade Representative, including an end to the practice of pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies as a condition for obtaining market access, administrative licenses or receiving advantages from the government. The agreement will help prevent currency manipulation with a ban on competitive devaluation and targeting of exchange rates. The agreement will include a dispute resolution mechanism via bilateral consultations with the ability to impose tariffs if disputes cannot be resolved.

U.S.-Chinese negotiators will now pursue a “phase two” deal to address outstanding issues, such as reducing the U.S.-China trade imbalance, addressing cybertheft and stopping Chinese subsidization of key industries. A reduction or removal of the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products is unlikely in the short-term if they are viewed as bargaining chips in the phase two negotiations. A phase-out of the 25% tariffs may also be tied to a demonstration that the phase one enforcement measures against unfair trade are effective.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The United States and China have agreed to a “phase one” trade deal whereby China will buy more U.S. goods and implement some structural changes to its trade laws. In exchange, the United States will not impose tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on December 15 on the “List 4” consumer goods, such as cell phones and computer laptops. The United States will reduce from 15% to 7.5% tariffs already in effect on other List 4 products. However, the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products remain unchanged. Lists 1 and 2 include miscellaneous metal and rubber parts, wiring and measurement devices. List 3 covers most auto parts imported from China.  

The agreement is being finalized and will likely be signed in January. It is to include intellectual property enforcement measures for patents, trademarks, trade secrets and counterfeit goods. The agreement will address several unfair Chinese technology transfer practices identified by the U.S. Trade Representative, including an end to the practice of pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies as a condition for obtaining market access, administrative licenses or receiving advantages from the government. The agreement will help prevent currency manipulation with a ban on competitive devaluation and targeting of exchange rates. The agreement will include a dispute resolution mechanism via bilateral consultations with the ability to impose tariffs if disputes cannot be resolved.

U.S.-Chinese negotiators will now pursue a “phase two” deal to address outstanding issues, such as reducing the U.S.-China trade imbalance, addressing cybertheft and stopping Chinese subsidization of key industries. A reduction or removal of the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products is unlikely in the short-term if they are viewed as bargaining chips in the phase two negotiations. A phase-out of the 25% tariffs may also be tied to a demonstration that the phase one enforcement measures against unfair trade are effective.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The United States and China have agreed to a “phase one” trade deal whereby China will buy more U.S. goods and implement some structural changes to its trade laws. In exchange, the United States will not impose tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on December 15 on the “List 4” consumer goods, such as cell phones and computer laptops. The United States will reduce from 15% to 7.5% tariffs already in effect on other List 4 products. However, the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products remain unchanged. Lists 1 and 2 include miscellaneous metal and rubber parts, wiring and measurement devices. List 3 covers most auto parts imported from China.  

The agreement is being finalized and will likely be signed in January. It is to include intellectual property enforcement measures for patents, trademarks, trade secrets and counterfeit goods. The agreement will address several unfair Chinese technology transfer practices identified by the U.S. Trade Representative, including an end to the practice of pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies as a condition for obtaining market access, administrative licenses or receiving advantages from the government. The agreement will help prevent currency manipulation with a ban on competitive devaluation and targeting of exchange rates. The agreement will include a dispute resolution mechanism via bilateral consultations with the ability to impose tariffs if disputes cannot be resolved.

U.S.-Chinese negotiators will now pursue a “phase two” deal to address outstanding issues, such as reducing the U.S.-China trade imbalance, addressing cybertheft and stopping Chinese subsidization of key industries. A reduction or removal of the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products is unlikely in the short-term if they are viewed as bargaining chips in the phase two negotiations. A phase-out of the 25% tariffs may also be tied to a demonstration that the phase one enforcement measures against unfair trade are effective.

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

By Linda Spencer

The Nordic region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting.

Join SEMA for the inaugural SEMA Nordic Business Development Program, to be held August 29–September 2, 2020, in Stockholm, Sweden, where participants will learn the potential for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise.

Meet with top trade buyers enabling the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars. Performance is among the top upgrades sought for a range of vehicles. After all, the region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization make this an attractive region for manufacturers.

SEMA Business Development Programs are low-cost, turnkey events that bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key markets. Fees start at at $4,150 per company, and for those who qualify, $750 in U.S. government grants help defray trip costs, including hotels, a table-top display, meals and networking events. Flights to and from the United States are not included. Additional state funds are available, including $1,000 for qualified Calfornia-based companies.

Secure one of the limited slots today!

By Linda Spencer

The Nordic region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting.

Join SEMA for the inaugural SEMA Nordic Business Development Program, to be held August 29–September 2, 2020, in Stockholm, Sweden, where participants will learn the potential for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise.

Meet with top trade buyers enabling the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars. Performance is among the top upgrades sought for a range of vehicles. After all, the region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization make this an attractive region for manufacturers.

SEMA Business Development Programs are low-cost, turnkey events that bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key markets. Fees start at at $4,150 per company, and for those who qualify, $750 in U.S. government grants help defray trip costs, including hotels, a table-top display, meals and networking events. Flights to and from the United States are not included. Additional state funds are available, including $1,000 for qualified Calfornia-based companies.

Secure one of the limited slots today!

By Linda Spencer

An ’18 Nissan Patrol has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver and is available for measuring at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA members are invited to measure an ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61, which is not sold in the United States but is popular to customize in both the Middle East and Australia. The truck, desired for its off-road (typically sandy terrain) prowess and on-road comfort, has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver (as it is not U.S. spec’d). Available for measuring is the five-speed manual transmission and a 4.8L petrol six-cylinder engine.

This rugged vehicle, manufactured in Japan, is extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East. The Nissan Patrol Y61, little changed from the model that has been on sale since 1997, is popular not only in the Middle East but also in Australia and New Zealand. New-vehicle sales in these markets stopped in 2016, but with 900 per month sold in the region during its heyday in Australia, there are numerous Y61s still on the road down under.

For the past nine years since its inception, the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program’s (IVMP) goal has been to make it easier for members to access popular international vehicles not sold in the United States. Schedule a time to measure the Patrol at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed. The Patrol is the seventh vehicle made available through this program, which SEMA launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. There is no charge for members to measure the vehicles.

To measure the truck, contact the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Project Manager Stephanie Martinez. For more information about SEMA’s international programs or to suggest a new overseas venue or international vehicle to include in the lending program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

By Linda Spencer

An ’18 Nissan Patrol has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver and is available for measuring at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA members are invited to measure an ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61, which is not sold in the United States but is popular to customize in both the Middle East and Australia. The truck, desired for its off-road (typically sandy terrain) prowess and on-road comfort, has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver (as it is not U.S. spec’d). Available for measuring is the five-speed manual transmission and a 4.8L petrol six-cylinder engine.

This rugged vehicle, manufactured in Japan, is extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East. The Nissan Patrol Y61, little changed from the model that has been on sale since 1997, is popular not only in the Middle East but also in Australia and New Zealand. New-vehicle sales in these markets stopped in 2016, but with 900 per month sold in the region during its heyday in Australia, there are numerous Y61s still on the road down under.

For the past nine years since its inception, the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program’s (IVMP) goal has been to make it easier for members to access popular international vehicles not sold in the United States. Schedule a time to measure the Patrol at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed. The Patrol is the seventh vehicle made available through this program, which SEMA launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. There is no charge for members to measure the vehicles.

To measure the truck, contact the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Project Manager Stephanie Martinez. For more information about SEMA’s international programs or to suggest a new overseas venue or international vehicle to include in the lending program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

By Linda Spencer

An ’18 Nissan Patrol has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver and is available for measuring at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA members are invited to measure an ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61, which is not sold in the United States but is popular to customize in both the Middle East and Australia. The truck, desired for its off-road (typically sandy terrain) prowess and on-road comfort, has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver (as it is not U.S. spec’d). Available for measuring is the five-speed manual transmission and a 4.8L petrol six-cylinder engine.

This rugged vehicle, manufactured in Japan, is extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East. The Nissan Patrol Y61, little changed from the model that has been on sale since 1997, is popular not only in the Middle East but also in Australia and New Zealand. New-vehicle sales in these markets stopped in 2016, but with 900 per month sold in the region during its heyday in Australia, there are numerous Y61s still on the road down under.

For the past nine years since its inception, the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program’s (IVMP) goal has been to make it easier for members to access popular international vehicles not sold in the United States. Schedule a time to measure the Patrol at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed. The Patrol is the seventh vehicle made available through this program, which SEMA launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. There is no charge for members to measure the vehicles.

To measure the truck, contact the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Project Manager Stephanie Martinez. For more information about SEMA’s international programs or to suggest a new overseas venue or international vehicle to include in the lending program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.