By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 1623) has been introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives to require the issuance of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for all motor vehicles. A similar measure failed to pass during the 2018 legislative session.

Under current law vehicles must display both front and rear license plates. The bill awaits consideration by the House Transportation: Vehicle and Safety Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. 

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 1623) has been introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives to require the issuance of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for all motor vehicles. A similar measure failed to pass during the 2018 legislative session.

Under current law vehicles must display both front and rear license plates. The bill awaits consideration by the House Transportation: Vehicle and Safety Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. 

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

During the upcoming meeting at the Keystone BIG Show, SBN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting an inaugural meetup at the Keystone BIG Show being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The event will be held March 8, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (CST) in Grapevine, Texas.

All SBN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to support the advancement of women in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Members who are not attending the Keystone BIG Show are welcome to attend the meetup and also attend the BIG Show’s opening night keynote speaker and reception. RSVPs are required for all SBN members that are non-Show attendees.

If you live in the greater Dallas Fort Worth area and are a SBN member or you’re a registered Keystone Big Show attendee, stop by and enjoy an evening of light refreshments with fellow SBN colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets available here

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By SEMA Editors

During the upcoming meeting at the Keystone BIG Show, SBN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting an inaugural meetup at the Keystone BIG Show being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The event will be held March 8, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (CST) in Grapevine, Texas.

All SBN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to support the advancement of women in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Members who are not attending the Keystone BIG Show are welcome to attend the meetup and also attend the BIG Show’s opening night keynote speaker and reception. RSVPs are required for all SBN members that are non-Show attendees.

If you live in the greater Dallas Fort Worth area and are a SBN member or you’re a registered Keystone Big Show attendee, stop by and enjoy an evening of light refreshments with fellow SBN colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets available here

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By Kristopher Porter

Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson, and Ed Pink were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2018.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The SEMA Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry's growth.

By nominating a candidate, you will participate in recognizing the contributions and achievements of people who have helped shape the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates. 

Before you submit your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, and review the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Make Your Nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Kristopher Porter

Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson, and Ed Pink were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2018.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The SEMA Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry's growth.

By nominating a candidate, you will participate in recognizing the contributions and achievements of people who have helped shape the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates. 

Before you submit your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, and review the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Make Your Nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Kia will soon launch a completely new model, the Kia Tusker, based on the Kia SP Concept released at Auto Expo Show in India in February 2018. This SUV is expected to be added to the U.S. Kia SUV line-up in order to reinforce the presence of Kia under their big SUV offensive and to fight against compact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks. The Tusker will be available in the United States as well as South Korea and India.

Compared to the concept car, the new model won’t look drastically different. The spy pictures show the road-ready version featuring a similarly high beltline that rises with a curve at the rear, and squarish wheel arches. The greenhouse doesn’t look as sleek as on the concept, however.

The details get a little hazy at the front because of the heavy camouflage, but the changed honeycomb inserts of the tiger-nose grille are still visible. Other bits spotted are five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, flush roof rails, shark-fin antenna and split rear combination tail lamps.

The Kia Tusker will ride on the same platform that will underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater, but despite that, the Tusker will be offered only with 5-seater configuration on the U.S.-market.

Engine options are not yet confirmed, but a 138hp 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged gas unit is expected, as well as a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine delivering 147 hp. Both engines will be offered with automatic transmissions, with a seven-speed DCT of the Turbo variant, leaving the all-new IVT transmission for the 2.0L.

By SEMA Editors

Kia will soon launch a completely new model, the Kia Tusker, based on the Kia SP Concept released at Auto Expo Show in India in February 2018. This SUV is expected to be added to the U.S. Kia SUV line-up in order to reinforce the presence of Kia under their big SUV offensive and to fight against compact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks. The Tusker will be available in the United States as well as South Korea and India.

Compared to the concept car, the new model won’t look drastically different. The spy pictures show the road-ready version featuring a similarly high beltline that rises with a curve at the rear, and squarish wheel arches. The greenhouse doesn’t look as sleek as on the concept, however.

The details get a little hazy at the front because of the heavy camouflage, but the changed honeycomb inserts of the tiger-nose grille are still visible. Other bits spotted are five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, flush roof rails, shark-fin antenna and split rear combination tail lamps.

The Kia Tusker will ride on the same platform that will underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater, but despite that, the Tusker will be offered only with 5-seater configuration on the U.S.-market.

Engine options are not yet confirmed, but a 138hp 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged gas unit is expected, as well as a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine delivering 147 hp. Both engines will be offered with automatic transmissions, with a seven-speed DCT of the Turbo variant, leaving the all-new IVT transmission for the 2.0L.

By SEMA Editors

Kia will soon launch a completely new model, the Kia Tusker, based on the Kia SP Concept released at Auto Expo Show in India in February 2018. This SUV is expected to be added to the U.S. Kia SUV line-up in order to reinforce the presence of Kia under their big SUV offensive and to fight against compact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks. The Tusker will be available in the United States as well as South Korea and India.

Compared to the concept car, the new model won’t look drastically different. The spy pictures show the road-ready version featuring a similarly high beltline that rises with a curve at the rear, and squarish wheel arches. The greenhouse doesn’t look as sleek as on the concept, however.

The details get a little hazy at the front because of the heavy camouflage, but the changed honeycomb inserts of the tiger-nose grille are still visible. Other bits spotted are five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, flush roof rails, shark-fin antenna and split rear combination tail lamps.

The Kia Tusker will ride on the same platform that will underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater, but despite that, the Tusker will be offered only with 5-seater configuration on the U.S.-market.

Engine options are not yet confirmed, but a 138hp 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged gas unit is expected, as well as a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine delivering 147 hp. Both engines will be offered with automatic transmissions, with a seven-speed DCT of the Turbo variant, leaving the all-new IVT transmission for the 2.0L.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Becca Butler and Andrea Brake, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.