By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 68 product lines from the “List 3” tariffs on products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• Lubricating pumps for internal combustion piston engines (described in statistical reporting number 8413.30.9060).
• Hand- or foot-operated air pumps, each weighing 400 g or more but not over 3 kg, with a maximum pressure of 1.52 MPa, imported with adapters for valves for tires and inner tubes (described in statistical reporting number 8414.20.0000).
• Ventilation fans for motor vehicles, consisting of a 12 V DC reversible multispeed electric motor drawing 5 A, with axial fan blade, electrically operating baffle, electric keypad and circuit board and wire mesh screen, measuring no more than 36 cm by 36 cm (described in statistical reporting number 8414.59.6540).
• Wireless battery chargers for mobile phones, each in the form of a picture frame incorporating a wireless charger or a stand incorporating a wireless charger that permits the mobile phone to be charged while standing on end (described in statistical reporting number 8504.40.8500).
• Alternators for motor-vehicle charging systems (described in statistical reporting number 8511.50.0000).
• Alarms to be installed in motor vehicles, each of which provides either a warning sound or a warning sound and a flashing light when a motor vehicle is being operated in reverse (described in statistical reporting number 8512.30.0040).

View the entire list.

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

By Kristopher Porter

After a milestone year, the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is gearing up for a monumental 2020 and encouraging its members to voice their opinions.

“TORA is committed to helping businesses overcome professional challenges by addressing new technologies and issues facing the truck and off-road industry,” said Erika Marquez, TORA chairperson. “The council made some significant advancements in 2019 and has a strong momentum going into the new year, and we’re hoping that members will share their thoughts on what educational priorities they have in 2020.”

During 2019, TORA grew its membership, expanded its market reach and introduced new programs and initiatives. The council is focused on education and seeking to provide its member companies with a program that includes valuable and relevant topics. Current plans for the educational program include focusing on marketing, advanced vehicle technology, social media best practices, business operations and more. TORA is encouraging members to share their thoughts about these topics and their priorities for educational programs in which they are most interested.

Aside from providing educational opportunities, TORA works year-round to serve and engage its members through networking opportunities at special events, council meetings and industry recognition at annual awards ceremonies.

TORA members are encouraged to email TORA Select Committee Chair Erika Marquez at marqueze@warn.com with their responses by January 31. To learn more about the benefits of being a TORA member, email Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president, councils and membership. Not a TORA member? Sign up today!

By Kristopher Porter

After a milestone year, the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is gearing up for a monumental 2020 and encouraging its members to voice their opinions.

“TORA is committed to helping businesses overcome professional challenges by addressing new technologies and issues facing the truck and off-road industry,” said Erika Marquez, TORA chairperson. “The council made some significant advancements in 2019 and has a strong momentum going into the new year, and we’re hoping that members will share their thoughts on what educational priorities they have in 2020.”

During 2019, TORA grew its membership, expanded its market reach and introduced new programs and initiatives. The council is focused on education and seeking to provide its member companies with a program that includes valuable and relevant topics. Current plans for the educational program include focusing on marketing, advanced vehicle technology, social media best practices, business operations and more. TORA is encouraging members to share their thoughts about these topics and their priorities for educational programs in which they are most interested.

Aside from providing educational opportunities, TORA works year-round to serve and engage its members through networking opportunities at special events, council meetings and industry recognition at annual awards ceremonies.

TORA members are encouraged to email TORA Select Committee Chair Erika Marquez at marqueze@warn.com with their responses by January 31. To learn more about the benefits of being a TORA member, email Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president, councils and membership. Not a TORA member? Sign up today!

By Richard Hail

The world premiere of the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, Sunday, January 26.

The world premiere of the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, Sunday, January 26.

Since 2015, the one-hour program has given curious viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, including up-close footage of custom vehicles and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their journey to the world-renowned automotive trade event. SEMA Battle of the Builders is the chance for these artisans to prove they are among the elite in their field.

“As a trade-only event that is not open to the general public, the SEMA Show is where every car fanatic dreams of going,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers who have never experienced the SEMA Show an opportunity to see what actually happens, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”

The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition. Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs) and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) acted as judges for the competition and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in four categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and were responsible for naming the recipient of the Top Builder Trophy.

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special airing January 26, at 9:00 a.m. (EST), visit www.semabotb.com.

By Richard Hail

The world premiere of the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, Sunday, January 26.

The world premiere of the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, Sunday, January 26.

Since 2015, the one-hour program has given curious viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, including up-close footage of custom vehicles and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their journey to the world-renowned automotive trade event. SEMA Battle of the Builders is the chance for these artisans to prove they are among the elite in their field.

“As a trade-only event that is not open to the general public, the SEMA Show is where every car fanatic dreams of going,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers who have never experienced the SEMA Show an opportunity to see what actually happens, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”

The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition. Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs) and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) acted as judges for the competition and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in four categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and were responsible for naming the recipient of the Top Builder Trophy.

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special airing January 26, at 9:00 a.m. (EST), visit www.semabotb.com.

By Richard Hail

The world premiere of the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, Sunday, January 26.

The world premiere of the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, Sunday, January 26.

Since 2015, the one-hour program has given curious viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, including up-close footage of custom vehicles and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their journey to the world-renowned automotive trade event. SEMA Battle of the Builders is the chance for these artisans to prove they are among the elite in their field.

“As a trade-only event that is not open to the general public, the SEMA Show is where every car fanatic dreams of going,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers who have never experienced the SEMA Show an opportunity to see what actually happens, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”

The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition. Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs) and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) acted as judges for the competition and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in four categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and were responsible for naming the recipient of the Top Builder Trophy.

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special airing January 26, at 9:00 a.m. (EST), visit www.semabotb.com.

By SEMA Editors

Builders age 27 or younger will have 13 opportunities to win an all-expense-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show as part of the SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns regional competition.

SEMA has expanded its partnership with event producers across the country by increasing the number of scheduled qualifying events to 13 nationwide. Young builders (age 27 or younger at the time of the 2020 SEMA Show) will have additional opportunities to participate in a regional event for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show held in Las Vegas.

Industry professionals who themselves have previously participated in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will select one winner from each event to advance to the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. All eligible runner-up candidates will have the opportunity to take part in an online fan vote in which the Young Gun with the most votes will take the final spot in the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition.  

“We continue to see an increasing level of craftsmanship, ingenuity and dedication from the young builders competing at these regional events,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “It is so rewarding to see these Young Guns recognized for their abilities, and the opportunities that this competition can open up for them are huge.”

Since 2014, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has served as the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the contest expanded in 2017 to include a Young Guns regional competition that gave rising young builders an opportunity to participate. SEMA continues to look for young builders who demonstrate extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

The four finalists of this year’s Battle of the Builders competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, January 26, 2020. Check local listings for the schedule.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb or www.semayoungguns.com.

By SEMA Editors

Builders age 27 or younger will have 13 opportunities to win an all-expense-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show as part of the SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns regional competition.

SEMA has expanded its partnership with event producers across the country by increasing the number of scheduled qualifying events to 13 nationwide. Young builders (age 27 or younger at the time of the 2020 SEMA Show) will have additional opportunities to participate in a regional event for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show held in Las Vegas.

Industry professionals who themselves have previously participated in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will select one winner from each event to advance to the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. All eligible runner-up candidates will have the opportunity to take part in an online fan vote in which the Young Gun with the most votes will take the final spot in the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition.  

“We continue to see an increasing level of craftsmanship, ingenuity and dedication from the young builders competing at these regional events,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “It is so rewarding to see these Young Guns recognized for their abilities, and the opportunities that this competition can open up for them are huge.”

Since 2014, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has served as the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the contest expanded in 2017 to include a Young Guns regional competition that gave rising young builders an opportunity to participate. SEMA continues to look for young builders who demonstrate extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

The four finalists of this year’s Battle of the Builders competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, January 26, 2020. Check local listings for the schedule.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb or www.semayoungguns.com.

By SEMA Editors

Builders age 27 or younger will have 13 opportunities to win an all-expense-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show as part of the SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns regional competition.

SEMA has expanded its partnership with event producers across the country by increasing the number of scheduled qualifying events to 13 nationwide. Young builders (age 27 or younger at the time of the 2020 SEMA Show) will have additional opportunities to participate in a regional event for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show held in Las Vegas.

Industry professionals who themselves have previously participated in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will select one winner from each event to advance to the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. All eligible runner-up candidates will have the opportunity to take part in an online fan vote in which the Young Gun with the most votes will take the final spot in the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition.  

“We continue to see an increasing level of craftsmanship, ingenuity and dedication from the young builders competing at these regional events,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “It is so rewarding to see these Young Guns recognized for their abilities, and the opportunities that this competition can open up for them are huge.”

Since 2014, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has served as the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the contest expanded in 2017 to include a Young Guns regional competition that gave rising young builders an opportunity to participate. SEMA continues to look for young builders who demonstrate extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

The four finalists of this year’s Battle of the Builders competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, January 26, 2020. Check local listings for the schedule.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb or www.semayoungguns.com.

By SEMA Editors

Builders age 27 or younger will have 13 opportunities to win an all-expense-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show as part of the SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns regional competition.

SEMA has expanded its partnership with event producers across the country by increasing the number of scheduled qualifying events to 13 nationwide. Young builders (age 27 or younger at the time of the 2020 SEMA Show) will have additional opportunities to participate in a regional event for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2020 SEMA Show held in Las Vegas.

Industry professionals who themselves have previously participated in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will select one winner from each event to advance to the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. All eligible runner-up candidates will have the opportunity to take part in an online fan vote in which the Young Gun with the most votes will take the final spot in the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition.  

“We continue to see an increasing level of craftsmanship, ingenuity and dedication from the young builders competing at these regional events,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “It is so rewarding to see these Young Guns recognized for their abilities, and the opportunities that this competition can open up for them are huge.”

Since 2014, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has served as the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the contest expanded in 2017 to include a Young Guns regional competition that gave rising young builders an opportunity to participate. SEMA continues to look for young builders who demonstrate extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

The four finalists of this year’s Battle of the Builders competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block, January 26, 2020. Check local listings for the schedule.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb or www.semayoungguns.com.