By Michael Hart

The 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products.

Did you know that an all-new Ford Mustang (albeit with right-hand drive) will be introduced to the Australian market in December? Or that 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported to Russia in 2013? Are you aware that 25% of the buyers at this year’s SEMA Show will be from about 130 countries outside the United States?

If you’re an automotive aftermarket manufacturer, isn’t it about time you learned about these new international markets? That’s why the 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products. This will be an opportunity for American business people to connect with buyers from Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Russia/NIS and China.

“Come and meet with key buyers even before the SEMA Show opens,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s director of international and government relations.

Each of the hour-long sessions that focus on specific markets are fast-moving dialogues in which potential buyers and U.S. manufacturers talk about what products will fit best in the targeted market, and most importantly, about making connections with potential buyers in these fast-growing markets.

“These are very energetic sessions,” Spencer said of the roundtable discussions that typically attract 65 to 90 attendees each. “People come to these sessions with some very specific questions.”

All of this is the culmination of an industry that has been growing exponentially over the past few years.

“Export sales are way up,” Spencer said. “China and the Middle East are really growing fast. Russia has had some short-term setbacks, but Russia and the region will soon become key markets. And for the first-time, SEMA is holding a roundtable on Australia—lots of interest on both sides of the pond in this market.”

Spencer pointed out that 42 aftermarket companies have traveled to the Middle East with SEMA and 21 to China. Participants in these roundtables can exchange information not only with key buyers but also with SEMA-member manufacturers that are already active in one or more of these markets.

Noting the upcoming introduction of a new Mustang to Australia, Spencer further pointed out that the American musclecar is seeing a revival of interest all over the world.

“It’s in every country,” she said. “The Mustang and, really, just a lot of excitement about all late-model cars. It’s the latest trend. And it's driving interest in the American brands.”

Register now to attend the international roundtables. View a complete list of SEMA Show Education sessions available.

By Michael Hart

The 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products.

Did you know that an all-new Ford Mustang (albeit with right-hand drive) will be introduced to the Australian market in December? Or that 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported to Russia in 2013? Are you aware that 25% of the buyers at this year’s SEMA Show will be from about 130 countries outside the United States?

If you’re an automotive aftermarket manufacturer, isn’t it about time you learned about these new international markets? That’s why the 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products. This will be an opportunity for American business people to connect with buyers from Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Russia/NIS and China.

“Come and meet with key buyers even before the SEMA Show opens,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s director of international and government relations.

Each of the hour-long sessions that focus on specific markets are fast-moving dialogues in which potential buyers and U.S. manufacturers talk about what products will fit best in the targeted market, and most importantly, about making connections with potential buyers in these fast-growing markets.

“These are very energetic sessions,” Spencer said of the roundtable discussions that typically attract 65 to 90 attendees each. “People come to these sessions with some very specific questions.”

All of this is the culmination of an industry that has been growing exponentially over the past few years.

“Export sales are way up,” Spencer said. “China and the Middle East are really growing fast. Russia has had some short-term setbacks, but Russia and the region will soon become key markets. And for the first-time, SEMA is holding a roundtable on Australia—lots of interest on both sides of the pond in this market.”

Spencer pointed out that 42 aftermarket companies have traveled to the Middle East with SEMA and 21 to China. Participants in these roundtables can exchange information not only with key buyers but also with SEMA-member manufacturers that are already active in one or more of these markets.

Noting the upcoming introduction of a new Mustang to Australia, Spencer further pointed out that the American musclecar is seeing a revival of interest all over the world.

“It’s in every country,” she said. “The Mustang and, really, just a lot of excitement about all late-model cars. It’s the latest trend. And it's driving interest in the American brands.”

Register now to attend the international roundtables. View a complete list of SEMA Show Education sessions available.

By Michael Hart

The 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products.

Did you know that an all-new Ford Mustang (albeit with right-hand drive) will be introduced to the Australian market in December? Or that 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported to Russia in 2013? Are you aware that 25% of the buyers at this year’s SEMA Show will be from about 130 countries outside the United States?

If you’re an automotive aftermarket manufacturer, isn’t it about time you learned about these new international markets? That’s why the 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products. This will be an opportunity for American business people to connect with buyers from Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Russia/NIS and China.

“Come and meet with key buyers even before the SEMA Show opens,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s director of international and government relations.

Each of the hour-long sessions that focus on specific markets are fast-moving dialogues in which potential buyers and U.S. manufacturers talk about what products will fit best in the targeted market, and most importantly, about making connections with potential buyers in these fast-growing markets.

“These are very energetic sessions,” Spencer said of the roundtable discussions that typically attract 65 to 90 attendees each. “People come to these sessions with some very specific questions.”

All of this is the culmination of an industry that has been growing exponentially over the past few years.

“Export sales are way up,” Spencer said. “China and the Middle East are really growing fast. Russia has had some short-term setbacks, but Russia and the region will soon become key markets. And for the first-time, SEMA is holding a roundtable on Australia—lots of interest on both sides of the pond in this market.”

Spencer pointed out that 42 aftermarket companies have traveled to the Middle East with SEMA and 21 to China. Participants in these roundtables can exchange information not only with key buyers but also with SEMA-member manufacturers that are already active in one or more of these markets.

Noting the upcoming introduction of a new Mustang to Australia, Spencer further pointed out that the American musclecar is seeing a revival of interest all over the world.

“It’s in every country,” she said. “The Mustang and, really, just a lot of excitement about all late-model cars. It’s the latest trend. And it's driving interest in the American brands.”

Register now to attend the international roundtables. View a complete list of SEMA Show Education sessions available.

By Michael Hart

The 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products.

Did you know that an all-new Ford Mustang (albeit with right-hand drive) will be introduced to the Australian market in December? Or that 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported to Russia in 2013? Are you aware that 25% of the buyers at this year’s SEMA Show will be from about 130 countries outside the United States?

If you’re an automotive aftermarket manufacturer, isn’t it about time you learned about these new international markets? That’s why the 2015 SEMA Show will present four roundtable discussions beginning November 2, at 11:00 a.m., each focusing on a specific market targeted for American automotive products. This will be an opportunity for American business people to connect with buyers from Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Russia/NIS and China.

“Come and meet with key buyers even before the SEMA Show opens,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s director of international and government relations.

Each of the hour-long sessions that focus on specific markets are fast-moving dialogues in which potential buyers and U.S. manufacturers talk about what products will fit best in the targeted market, and most importantly, about making connections with potential buyers in these fast-growing markets.

“These are very energetic sessions,” Spencer said of the roundtable discussions that typically attract 65 to 90 attendees each. “People come to these sessions with some very specific questions.”

All of this is the culmination of an industry that has been growing exponentially over the past few years.

“Export sales are way up,” Spencer said. “China and the Middle East are really growing fast. Russia has had some short-term setbacks, but Russia and the region will soon become key markets. And for the first-time, SEMA is holding a roundtable on Australia—lots of interest on both sides of the pond in this market.”

Spencer pointed out that 42 aftermarket companies have traveled to the Middle East with SEMA and 21 to China. Participants in these roundtables can exchange information not only with key buyers but also with SEMA-member manufacturers that are already active in one or more of these markets.

Noting the upcoming introduction of a new Mustang to Australia, Spencer further pointed out that the American musclecar is seeing a revival of interest all over the world.

“It’s in every country,” she said. “The Mustang and, really, just a lot of excitement about all late-model cars. It’s the latest trend. And it's driving interest in the American brands.”

Register now to attend the international roundtables. View a complete list of SEMA Show Education sessions available.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a ruling to allow vehicle owners to perform vehicle diagnosis, repair and modification without fear of prosecution under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). However, the Copyright Office declined to provide the exemption to third parties who diagnose, repair or modify a vehicle on behalf of the vehicle owner. The Copyright Office concluded that extending the reach of an exemption to cover third parties requires a legislative amendment undertaken by Congress. Access to a vehicle’s telematics or entertainment system was also specifically excluded from the exemption.

Earlier this year, in support of the industry and consumers, SEMA provided comments to the Copyright Office seeking an exemption from the DMCA for circumvention of controls on vehicle software for the purpose of vehicle diagnosis, repair or modification by the vehicle owner. 

“The issue of copyright affecting the ability to diagnose, repair and modify vehicles has come up recently due to the proliferation of advanced vehicle technology, specifically software, in modern vehicles,” said SEMA CEO and President Chris Kersting. “SEMA has always maintained that the right to access vehicle systems to utilize, maintain and upgrade vehicles is legal as fair use under copyright law, as are activities undertaken to achieve interoperability with aftermarket products.”

The DMCA was enacted in 1998 and prohibits the circumvention of measures put in place by a copyright owner to protect copyrighted works. The law also includes a provision allowing the Copyright Office to grant exemptions from this anti-circumvention provision, and the exemption for vehicle repair, diagnosis or modification was granted under this provision. 

A copy of the SEMA comments is available on the Copyright Office website.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a ruling to allow vehicle owners to perform vehicle diagnosis, repair and modification without fear of prosecution under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). However, the Copyright Office declined to provide the exemption to third parties who diagnose, repair or modify a vehicle on behalf of the vehicle owner. The Copyright Office concluded that extending the reach of an exemption to cover third parties requires a legislative amendment undertaken by Congress. Access to a vehicle’s telematics or entertainment system was also specifically excluded from the exemption.

Earlier this year, in support of the industry and consumers, SEMA provided comments to the Copyright Office seeking an exemption from the DMCA for circumvention of controls on vehicle software for the purpose of vehicle diagnosis, repair or modification by the vehicle owner. 

“The issue of copyright affecting the ability to diagnose, repair and modify vehicles has come up recently due to the proliferation of advanced vehicle technology, specifically software, in modern vehicles,” said SEMA CEO and President Chris Kersting. “SEMA has always maintained that the right to access vehicle systems to utilize, maintain and upgrade vehicles is legal as fair use under copyright law, as are activities undertaken to achieve interoperability with aftermarket products.”

The DMCA was enacted in 1998 and prohibits the circumvention of measures put in place by a copyright owner to protect copyrighted works. The law also includes a provision allowing the Copyright Office to grant exemptions from this anti-circumvention provision, and the exemption for vehicle repair, diagnosis or modification was granted under this provision. 

A copy of the SEMA comments is available on the Copyright Office website.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a ruling to allow vehicle owners to perform vehicle diagnosis, repair and modification without fear of prosecution under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). However, the Copyright Office declined to provide the exemption to third parties who diagnose, repair or modify a vehicle on behalf of the vehicle owner. The Copyright Office concluded that extending the reach of an exemption to cover third parties requires a legislative amendment undertaken by Congress. Access to a vehicle’s telematics or entertainment system was also specifically excluded from the exemption.

Earlier this year, in support of the industry and consumers, SEMA provided comments to the Copyright Office seeking an exemption from the DMCA for circumvention of controls on vehicle software for the purpose of vehicle diagnosis, repair or modification by the vehicle owner. 

“The issue of copyright affecting the ability to diagnose, repair and modify vehicles has come up recently due to the proliferation of advanced vehicle technology, specifically software, in modern vehicles,” said SEMA CEO and President Chris Kersting. “SEMA has always maintained that the right to access vehicle systems to utilize, maintain and upgrade vehicles is legal as fair use under copyright law, as are activities undertaken to achieve interoperability with aftermarket products.”

The DMCA was enacted in 1998 and prohibits the circumvention of measures put in place by a copyright owner to protect copyrighted works. The law also includes a provision allowing the Copyright Office to grant exemptions from this anti-circumvention provision, and the exemption for vehicle repair, diagnosis or modification was granted under this provision. 

A copy of the SEMA comments is available on the Copyright Office website.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated July 8, 2016. The date marks the seventh consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, CCAD is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“The U.S. Senate helped launch CCAD by passing resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the seventh celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, CCAD continues to take on a global character, with events held last year in the United States, Canada and France.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.   

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate the holiday. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated July 8, 2016. The date marks the seventh consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, CCAD is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“The U.S. Senate helped launch CCAD by passing resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the seventh celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, CCAD continues to take on a global character, with events held last year in the United States, Canada and France.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.   

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate the holiday. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated July 8, 2016. The date marks the seventh consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, CCAD is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“The U.S. Senate helped launch CCAD by passing resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the seventh celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, CCAD continues to take on a global character, with events held last year in the United States, Canada and France.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.   

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate the holiday. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.