By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by providing warranty information online.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules are currently unclear on the manner in which companies must provide warranty information to consumers. The E-Warranty Act of 2015 (HR 3154) would provide businesses with the option of posting warranty information on their website rather than including it in the instructions that accompany their products. Companies providing online warranty information would still need to alert consumers about how to access their website either on the product, its packaging or in an accompanying manual. They would also be required to provide a non-Internet-based platform for individuals to access information about the warranty, such as a mailing address or phone number.    

While the FTC doesn’t require companies to provide consumers with a written warranty, those that do must comply with the agency’s rules. The U.S. Senate has already passed the E-Warranty bill which will help companies save money through electronic communications and allow consumers to access information online rather than having to save the paperwork or product packaging.

For additional information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SEMA urged the agency to support legislation in the U.S. Congress to eliminate the corn ethanol mandate within the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Congress enacted the RFS in 2005 as a way to reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign oil. However, it has translated into ever-increasing mandates to grow corn so that the ethanol byproduct can be blended into gasoline. The EPA has proposed lower levels for 2014-2016 than mandated by Congress since the current marketplace cannot meet the limits through sales of gasoline with 10% ethanol (E10) and sales of 15% ethanol (E15) are sparse.  

Ethanol can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers, especially in older vehicles that were not constructed with ethanol-compatible materials. SEMA opposes E15, contending that the fuel poses a risk to nearly 70 million older vehicles in addition to certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. The EPA recognized this fact when it limited E15 sales to model-year '01 and newer vehicles. However, the EPA only required a gas pump warning label making it “illegal” for the consumer to fuel older vehicles with E15.  

SEMA also joined with more than 50 other organizations from the auto, boat, food and energy industries to support passage of legislation (HR 704) capping the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline at 10 percent and eliminating a mandate that 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol be blended into the U.S. fuel supply every year. The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the House Energy and Power Subcommittee.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SEMA urged the agency to support legislation in the U.S. Congress to eliminate the corn ethanol mandate within the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Congress enacted the RFS in 2005 as a way to reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign oil. However, it has translated into ever-increasing mandates to grow corn so that the ethanol byproduct can be blended into gasoline. The EPA has proposed lower levels for 2014-2016 than mandated by Congress since the current marketplace cannot meet the limits through sales of gasoline with 10% ethanol (E10) and sales of 15% ethanol (E15) are sparse.  

Ethanol can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers, especially in older vehicles that were not constructed with ethanol-compatible materials. SEMA opposes E15, contending that the fuel poses a risk to nearly 70 million older vehicles in addition to certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. The EPA recognized this fact when it limited E15 sales to model-year '01 and newer vehicles. However, the EPA only required a gas pump warning label making it “illegal” for the consumer to fuel older vehicles with E15.  

SEMA also joined with more than 50 other organizations from the auto, boat, food and energy industries to support passage of legislation (HR 704) capping the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline at 10 percent and eliminating a mandate that 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol be blended into the U.S. fuel supply every year. The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the House Energy and Power Subcommittee.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. 

Currently, the state requires that “All gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume . . .”  After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will then be considered in a vote by all House members. 

Read more about the legislation.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. 

Currently, the state requires that “All gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume . . .”  After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will then be considered in a vote by all House members. 

Read more about the legislation.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
 

	Event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course to hold Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI) to cancel Speed Week, which was scheduled to start on August 8. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, the first cancellation since the '90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for over a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

The BSF’s international track once measured 13 miles long but has been reduced to 8 miles or less. This means the world’s fastest cars, jet-powered machines, can no longer compete at the BSF. 

The land has been managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). 

SEMA, along with other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition, has been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the '60s. The Coalition contends the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the Coalition worked with the adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Bureau of Land Management intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year.

Last summer, the Coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return both dry salt along with the wet brine. 

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year.

“Bonneville has been studied to death,” responded Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The Coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more dry and wet salt returns, replenishment of the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The Coalition is setting goals for measuring progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13-mile length. The Coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.” 

Events still scheduled to take place this year if weather and salt conditions improve include:

• August 30–September 3: Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials
• September 12–15: World of Speed
• September 17–21:  Cook Landspeed Events FIA-FIM Speed Trials 
• September 29–October 2 (Sept. 28 inspections): World Finals

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

	Event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course to hold Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI) to cancel Speed Week, which was scheduled to start on August 8. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, the first cancellation since the '90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for over a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

The BSF’s international track once measured 13 miles long but has been reduced to 8 miles or less. This means the world’s fastest cars, jet-powered machines, can no longer compete at the BSF. 

The land has been managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). 

SEMA, along with other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition, has been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the '60s. The Coalition contends the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the Coalition worked with the adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Bureau of Land Management intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year.

Last summer, the Coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return both dry salt along with the wet brine. 

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year.

“Bonneville has been studied to death,” responded Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The Coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more dry and wet salt returns, replenishment of the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The Coalition is setting goals for measuring progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13-mile length. The Coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.” 

Events still scheduled to take place this year if weather and salt conditions improve include:

• August 30–September 3: Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials
• September 12–15: World of Speed
• September 17–21:  Cook Landspeed Events FIA-FIM Speed Trials 
• September 29–October 2 (Sept. 28 inspections): World Finals

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

	SAN Director Colby Martin accepted two International Automotive Media Awards from Chief Judge Louise Ann Noeth.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) Driving Force newsletter received the highest recognition at the 24th International Automotive Media Awards in Plymouth, Michigan. In addition to the gold medallion in the “Best Single Issue: Newsletter” category for its Summer 2014 edition, the publication also took “Best of Newsletters”—a first for Driving Force.

SAN Director Colby Martin accepted the awards from Chief Judge Louise Ann Noeth. The International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), a function of the International Society for Vehicle Preservation, is a peer-judged awards program that recognizes excellence in all forms of automotive media. 

Since the SAN’s inception in 1997, the Driving Force has been a trusted digest to convey information about the current legislative and regulatory landscape nationwide. It informs readers in an easy-to-read style about legislation and regulations affecting the car-hobby community. 

View archived issues of Driving Force.

	SAN Director Colby Martin accepted two International Automotive Media Awards from Chief Judge Louise Ann Noeth.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) Driving Force newsletter received the highest recognition at the 24th International Automotive Media Awards in Plymouth, Michigan. In addition to the gold medallion in the “Best Single Issue: Newsletter” category for its Summer 2014 edition, the publication also took “Best of Newsletters”—a first for Driving Force.

SAN Director Colby Martin accepted the awards from Chief Judge Louise Ann Noeth. The International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), a function of the International Society for Vehicle Preservation, is a peer-judged awards program that recognizes excellence in all forms of automotive media. 

Since the SAN’s inception in 1997, the Driving Force has been a trusted digest to convey information about the current legislative and regulatory landscape nationwide. It informs readers in an easy-to-read style about legislation and regulations affecting the car-hobby community. 

View archived issues of Driving Force.

By Becca Butler

As 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors plan and prepare for the upcoming Show, taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas, designated account reps are available to help exhibitors navigate the SEMA Show process. Each exhibitor has one account rep dedicated to helping companies with their SEMA Show needs.

Show Section: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; and Restoration Marketplace

Alan Josse

Account Rep: Alan Josse

Years in the industry: 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 1994

Favorite event at the Show: SEMA Cruise

Contact: alanj@sema.org or 909-978-6666

Advice for exhibitors: Pre-market your presence and location at the SEMA Show to maximize your ROI. Update your website, e-mail your customer list, advertise in industry publications and post your pre-Show activities on social media because everything you do exponentially increases your chances for success at the Show.

Most common mistake: Checking out. Not literally, but figuratively. At some point during the week, everyone feels the fatigue of staying mentally focused and being on their feet for so long. Try not to sink back into your booth, where unintentionally, you seem unapproachable.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: Major components of the SEMA Show can change locations in the convention center from year to year. Familiarize yourself with the online facility layout prior to arriving at the Show.

About SEMA’s Account Representatives

As part of SEMA’s initiative to enhance customer service and raise awareness of member benefits, each exhibiting company has a designated account representative. Assigned based on business categories, these in-house reps are available to assist with things such as booth space, sponsorships, magazine ads, Show registration, as well as non-Show programs, such as Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer, research, education and more. Your rep will bring you the expertise and insight needed to accomplish your goals and receive the greatest return on your SEMA Show investment. Connect with your account rep as soon as possible so they can assist in creating the best SEMA Show strategy for your business.

Don’t know who your account rep is? Find your Show section below, and get to know them! For questions, e-mail sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

Show Section: Racing & Performance

Jeff Swoboda

Account Rep: Jeff Swoboda

Years in the industry: 15

Year of first SEMA Show: 2003—I remember thinking how fantastic it was to see the sheer scale and breadth of products all in one place!

Contact: jeffs@performaneracing.com or 949-373-9212

Advice for exhibitors: Put as much emphasis on pre-Show marketing as possible. On-site, you are competing with more than 2,000 companies for the attention of buyers on the floor. It’s important to set a clear plan going into the Show regarding who you want to reach while you’re there and how you can communicate with them before they arrive.

Biggest misconception: Securing and setting up a booth guarantees success. There are more than one-dozen factors that go into your success at the Show, including your pre-Show marketing, budget control, booth staff, follow-up system, products and more.

One thing for exhibitors to know: Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is incredibly valuable in relation to what it would take to reach that many buyers through other means. Exhibiting at the Show is expensive and is a lot of work, but compared to shows in other industries, what SEMA provides in terms of value per dollar is second to none.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: Plan as far ahead as possible, while still building flexibility into your plan.

Reed Morales

Account Rep: Reed Morales

Years in the industry: 15

Year of first SEMA Show: 2002—I thought I could do the Show in two days, but ended up staying the whole week and had to go buy clothes for the final days.

Contact: reedm@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9210

Advice for exhibitors: Don’t keep your participation in the Show a secret. Reach out to your current and prospective customers to let them know you will be exhibiting at the SEMA Show, and invite them to see your latest product offerings. You have to make some noise before the Show; there’s more than 2,000 exhibitors competing for your customers’ attention.

Biggest misconception: It’s not worth the cost. Imagine how much it would cost to personally visit all of the people that you connect with at the SEMA Show.

Favorite thing about the SEMA Show: Seeing exhibitors conducting business and being successful.

Andrea Brake

Account Rep: Andrea Brake

Years in the industry: 4

Year of first SEMA Show: 2011—I couldn’t believe how huge it was!

Contact: andreab@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9222.

Most common mistake: Exhibitors who do not market or promote their booth in any way. Leads will not just fall into your lap.

One thing for exhibitors to know: If you want to exhibit at the SEMA Show and you don’t get your “ideal” booth space, it’s still important for you to be there. There are things you can do to draw exposure to your booth, such as sponsorships or getting a remote booth outside. The SEMA Show is the best place for exhibitors to come and do business with serious buyers in the industry.

Biggest misconception: You will get lost in the shuffle because it’s so big. Exhibitors can avoid that by taking advantage of the opportunities to draw extra attention to their brand.

Francisque Savinien

Account Rep: Francisque Savinien

Years in the industry: 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 2000

Contact: FrancisqueS@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9247

Biggest opportunity for exhibitors: The SEMA Show is a concentration of opportunities. The halls are filled with tens of thousands of industry professionals with business needs. Some people are there to buy, some are there to sell and all are there to network.

Opportunities are everywhere, and you’ll notice that conversations continue beyond the Show floor. Be present and make every effort to engage with attendees.

Most common mistake: Sitting in the back of your booth. Try to engage with buyers and other exhibitors. Business happens everywhere.

One thing for exhibitors to know: The SEMA Show only happens once per year, which means you’ve got to be prepared. The next Show is in 12 months, so take full advantage of all opportunities while you are there.

Judy Kean

Account Rep: Judy Kean

Years in the industry: 17

Year of first SEMA Show: 1999

Contact: judyk@performaneracing.com or 949-373-9214

Advice for Exhibitors: Don’t expect potential buyers to just walk by your booth. You need to have a plan to target potential buyers through pre-Show marketing. Know who you’re going after and how you’re going to get their attention.

How exhibitors can be successful: SEMA offers a number of opportunities to help exhibitors get their company message out to the industry. Take advantage of all that SEMA has to offer!

Most Common mistake: Not marketing new products and product lines prior to the Show.

Eric Jurado

Account Rep: Eric Jurado

Years in the industry: 12

Year of first SEMA Show: 2005

Contact: ericj@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9220

Biggest opportunity the SEMA Show provides: Exhibitors can develop new leads, service existing customers, develop brand recognition and gain valuable market share.

One thing for exhibitors to know: SEMA remains a uniquely powerful link between racing and performance product manufacturers and the volume of buyers in this business. Make sure you follow up with your leads after the Show. I’ve heard countless times that attendees are still waiting for exhibitors to contact them!

Most common mistake: Not pre-marketing your presence at the Show. Most buyers already have a plan mapped out of who they will be visiting at the Show, and most of them base that off of the marketing materials they’ve received.

Show Section: Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Collision Repair & Refinish; Hot Rod Alley

Monica Terlouw

Account Rep: Monica Terlouw

Years in the industry: More than 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 1986—I remember thinking I will never bring a suitcase of “cute high-heel” shoes again!

Contact: monicat@sema.org or 909-978-6695

Biggest opportunity: The free promotions available to exhibitors. I have three freebies that are a must. First is the free product submission in the New/Featured Products Showcase. Second is to post a press release on the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Third is for exhibitors to submit their Show specials and incentives to SEMA for free promotion.

Advice for exhibitors: Take advantage of the exhibitor education available to help you be profitable and successful at the Show. Videos are recorded at the yearly Exhibitor Summit that are available online at www.SEMAShow.com. Become familiar with the Exhibitor Services Manual—there is priceless information in there, including a printable “Budget” and “Deadline” checklist.

Biggest misconception: That you need a large booth to be successful. By being strategic and taking advantage of all the resources and savings the Show offers, a 10x10 can have as much success as a larger booth.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: SEMA Ignited will be an amazing experience in 2015 and should not be missed.

Show Sections: Mobile Electronics & Technology; OEM, Wheels & Accessories

Warren Kosikov

Account Rep: Warren Kosikov

Years in the industry: 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 1996—I remember being overwhelmed by the “acreage” of the Show. I had never been to a trade show as large as the SEMA Show.

Contact: warrenk@sema.org or 909-978-6665

Biggest opportunity at the Show: One of the best and biggest opportunities for exhibitors is the potential media coverage of their products. Coverage from the SEMA Show continues for many months, keeping your new-product launch fresh and providing you with ROI from the SEMA Show long after the doors have closed.

Advice for exhibitors: Don’t be overly concerned about booth location. The look of your exhibit, the products that are being displayed, pre-Show marketing efforts and the demeanor of your booth staff can all play a significant role in the success of your Show, more than the physical location of your booth.

One thing for exhibitors to know: Although the SEMA Show is the most visible thing we as an organization do, we work year-round to help our members’ businesses succeed. Benefits such as the SEMA Garage, Tech Transfer program and SEMA Data Co-op are all tools and resources available to SEMA members. I work with exhibitors throughout the year helping them take advantage of these programs and continue their success beyond the Show floor.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: Wear sensible shoes.

Show Section: Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo; Business Services

Brian Paik

Account Rep: Brian Paik

Years in the industry: 13

Year of first SEMA Show: 2000—Was only there for one day and remember seeing the sheer number of project cars under one roof.

Contact: brianp@sema.org or 909-978-6677.

Biggest opportunity: One of the biggest opportunities for exhibitors is to enter your product(s) in the New Products Showcase.

Advice for exhibitors: Have a plan to promote your products and booth before the Show, during the Show and following up with potential customers after the Show.

Most common mistake: Purchasing a booth and expecting buyers to come find you.

One thing for exhibitors to know: The Exhibitor Services Manual will answer 99% of your questions. I will also be available to help answer all of your questions—even the tough ones!

For more information, contact sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.