By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Vehicle Dynamics Program (VDP) assists SEMA-member companies in understanding how aftermarket vehicle modifications may interact with ESC systems and offers a testing program to evaluate specific products.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a technical report that evaluates the effectiveness of electronic stability control (ESC) systems in reducing crash-related fatalities involving light-duty vehicles weighing less than 10,000 lbs. The report updates statistics previously analyzed in 2004, 2007 and 2011.

According to the NHTSA, ESC systems have helped reduce fatal rollovers by 60% in cars and 74% in light trucks, and fatal single-vehicle crashes by 31% in cars and 45% in light trucks. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

ESC systems assist the driver by triggering computer-controlled braking of individual wheels when it is senses that there is a loss of vehicle control. In 2007, the NHTSA issued Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 126 to mandate installation of ESC systems on all new light-duty vehicles by 2011. SEMA secured a one-year aftermarket exemption, until 2012, whereby it was illegal to take a vehicle out-of-compliance with FMVSS No. 126 when the vehicle was modified. SEMA and its Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) have joined with technology partners Mechanical Simulation, dSPACE, ACEC, Link Engineering and Clemson University to create the Vehicle Dynamics Program (VDP).

The VDP assists SEMA-member companies in understanding how aftermarket vehicle modifications (suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, steering, etc.) may interact with ESC systems and offers a testing program to evaluate specific products. Efforts range from physical testing to Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) simulation and virtual vehicle dynamics analysis and simulation. The program provides a combination of approaches customized to meet individual company goals.

Learn more and take advantage of this program. For details, contact John Waraniak at johnw@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Hyundai Motor America recently welcomed SEMA members to its headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, to preview, measure and photograph four models—the ’15 Hyundai Sonata, Genesis, Veloster R-Spec and Elantra GT.

SEMA News spent time with several members of the Hyundai team, to discuss the benefits of SEMA Measuring sessions. Senior Group Manager of New Model & Accessory Development, Eric Bondus explained, “The (SEMA Members) are making their business off of having the right products, for the right cars, on time.” Bondus continued, “We want them to have that for our customers to be able to own and customize and enjoy their lifecycle with our products.”

 The SEMA-member companies participating in the Hyundai Measuring Session:

• AAMP of America
• ACCEL Performance Group
• Advanced Clutch Technology
• American Tire Distributors
• Carlisle Tire
• Discount Tire Co. 
• K&N Engineering
• McGard LLC
• Myron & Davis
• Precision Fit Seat Covers
• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America
• TSW Alloy Wheels
• Ultra Wheel Co.
• Voxx Products
• Wet Okole Hawaii
• Wheel Consultants Inc.
• Wheel Pros
• Whiteline Suspension
• Winfield Consumer Products

Measuring Sessions provide SEMA-member manufacturers hands-on access to new vehicles in order to gather data in preparation for designing, developing and manufacturing aftermarket parts and accessories. In addition to vehicle access, Measuring Sessions also provide opportunities to make connections with key OEM personnel and speak directly with engineers and technical staff. For most sessions, SEMA typically acquires first-production or pre-production test vehicles, allowing wheel manufacturers, performance companies and restyling businesses to shorten the lead-time required for new products. SEMA often gathers two or more vehicles for each session, increasing the value of each event.

Members can also come prepared with existing products or prototypes to test the fitment on the newer model. For the Hyundai session, the automaker’s technical staff were available aid members in removing vehicle panels and hardware to provide access to various engine components, as well as to answer questions about all of the models.

Continue to check SEMA's OEM Exclusive Information area for upcoming measuring sessions and other OEM information. For questions, contact Bill Wolf at 909-978-6739 or email billw@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Hyundai Motor America recently welcomed SEMA members to its headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, to preview, measure and photograph four models—the ’15 Hyundai Sonata, Genesis, Veloster R-Spec and Elantra GT.

SEMA News spent time with several members of the Hyundai team, to discuss the benefits of SEMA Measuring sessions. Senior Group Manager of New Model & Accessory Development, Eric Bondus explained, “The (SEMA Members) are making their business off of having the right products, for the right cars, on time.” Bondus continued, “We want them to have that for our customers to be able to own and customize and enjoy their lifecycle with our products.”

 The SEMA-member companies participating in the Hyundai Measuring Session:

• AAMP of America
• ACCEL Performance Group
• Advanced Clutch Technology
• American Tire Distributors
• Carlisle Tire
• Discount Tire Co. 
• K&N Engineering
• McGard LLC
• Myron & Davis
• Precision Fit Seat Covers
• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America
• TSW Alloy Wheels
• Ultra Wheel Co.
• Voxx Products
• Wet Okole Hawaii
• Wheel Consultants Inc.
• Wheel Pros
• Whiteline Suspension
• Winfield Consumer Products

Measuring Sessions provide SEMA-member manufacturers hands-on access to new vehicles in order to gather data in preparation for designing, developing and manufacturing aftermarket parts and accessories. In addition to vehicle access, Measuring Sessions also provide opportunities to make connections with key OEM personnel and speak directly with engineers and technical staff. For most sessions, SEMA typically acquires first-production or pre-production test vehicles, allowing wheel manufacturers, performance companies and restyling businesses to shorten the lead-time required for new products. SEMA often gathers two or more vehicles for each session, increasing the value of each event.

Members can also come prepared with existing products or prototypes to test the fitment on the newer model. For the Hyundai session, the automaker’s technical staff were available aid members in removing vehicle panels and hardware to provide access to various engine components, as well as to answer questions about all of the models.

Continue to check SEMA's OEM Exclusive Information area for upcoming measuring sessions and other OEM information. For questions, contact Bill Wolf at 909-978-6739 or email billw@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Hyundai Motor America recently welcomed SEMA members to its headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, to preview, measure and photograph four models—the ’15 Hyundai Sonata, Genesis, Veloster R-Spec and Elantra GT.

SEMA News spent time with several members of the Hyundai team, to discuss the benefits of SEMA Measuring sessions. Senior Group Manager of New Model & Accessory Development, Eric Bondus explained, “The (SEMA Members) are making their business off of having the right products, for the right cars, on time.” Bondus continued, “We want them to have that for our customers to be able to own and customize and enjoy their lifecycle with our products.”

 The SEMA-member companies participating in the Hyundai Measuring Session:

• AAMP of America
• ACCEL Performance Group
• Advanced Clutch Technology
• American Tire Distributors
• Carlisle Tire
• Discount Tire Co. 
• K&N Engineering
• McGard LLC
• Myron & Davis
• Precision Fit Seat Covers
• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America
• TSW Alloy Wheels
• Ultra Wheel Co.
• Voxx Products
• Wet Okole Hawaii
• Wheel Consultants Inc.
• Wheel Pros
• Whiteline Suspension
• Winfield Consumer Products

Measuring Sessions provide SEMA-member manufacturers hands-on access to new vehicles in order to gather data in preparation for designing, developing and manufacturing aftermarket parts and accessories. In addition to vehicle access, Measuring Sessions also provide opportunities to make connections with key OEM personnel and speak directly with engineers and technical staff. For most sessions, SEMA typically acquires first-production or pre-production test vehicles, allowing wheel manufacturers, performance companies and restyling businesses to shorten the lead-time required for new products. SEMA often gathers two or more vehicles for each session, increasing the value of each event.

Members can also come prepared with existing products or prototypes to test the fitment on the newer model. For the Hyundai session, the automaker’s technical staff were available aid members in removing vehicle panels and hardware to provide access to various engine components, as well as to answer questions about all of the models.

Continue to check SEMA's OEM Exclusive Information area for upcoming measuring sessions and other OEM information. For questions, contact Bill Wolf at 909-978-6739 or email billw@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

As of January 1, 2016, it will be illegal to sell, distribute or install a wheel weight in Minnesota that contains lead or mercury. The law also requires proper recycling of lead- or mercury-based weights removed from vehicles. California, Illinois, New York, Maine, Vermont and Washington have already enacted laws banning the manufacture, sale and use of lead weights.

The automakers no longer use lead weights as original equipment, and the three major manufacturers of wheel weights in the United States stopped distributing lead weights in 2009. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a voluntary nationwide initiative in 2008 and may eventually issue a mandatory federal ban. The weights have been banned in the European Union since 2005. Automakers, tire makers and the aftermarket are turning to three main substitute materials—steel, zinc or composites.

The bans are being pursued over concerns that they may contaminate metal recycling efforts or pose environmental hazards. If lead weights fall off tires, they may be ground into fine dust particles and turn into lead oxides, hydroxides or bicarbonates. The lead particles and chemical combinations may risk contaminating surface and ground water supplies. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

As of January 1, 2016, it will be illegal to sell, distribute or install a wheel weight in Minnesota that contains lead or mercury. The law also requires proper recycling of lead- or mercury-based weights removed from vehicles. California, Illinois, New York, Maine, Vermont and Washington have already enacted laws banning the manufacture, sale and use of lead weights.

The automakers no longer use lead weights as original equipment, and the three major manufacturers of wheel weights in the United States stopped distributing lead weights in 2009. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a voluntary nationwide initiative in 2008 and may eventually issue a mandatory federal ban. The weights have been banned in the European Union since 2005. Automakers, tire makers and the aftermarket are turning to three main substitute materials—steel, zinc or composites.

The bans are being pursued over concerns that they may contaminate metal recycling efforts or pose environmental hazards. If lead weights fall off tires, they may be ground into fine dust particles and turn into lead oxides, hydroxides or bicarbonates. The lead particles and chemical combinations may risk contaminating surface and ground water supplies. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

As of January 1, 2016, it will be illegal to sell, distribute or install a wheel weight in Minnesota that contains lead or mercury. The law also requires proper recycling of lead- or mercury-based weights removed from vehicles. California, Illinois, New York, Maine, Vermont and Washington have already enacted laws banning the manufacture, sale and use of lead weights.

The automakers no longer use lead weights as original equipment, and the three major manufacturers of wheel weights in the United States stopped distributing lead weights in 2009. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a voluntary nationwide initiative in 2008 and may eventually issue a mandatory federal ban. The weights have been banned in the European Union since 2005. Automakers, tire makers and the aftermarket are turning to three main substitute materials—steel, zinc or composites.

The bans are being pursued over concerns that they may contaminate metal recycling efforts or pose environmental hazards. If lead weights fall off tires, they may be ground into fine dust particles and turn into lead oxides, hydroxides or bicarbonates. The lead particles and chemical combinations may risk contaminating surface and ground water supplies. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Johnson Valley area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations and hosts the famous King of the Hammers race, which will continue unhampered.

The U.S. House of Representatives included a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 to include the word “National” within the title “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.”

Johnson Valley is the nation’s first federal OHV area and the word addition will acknowledge the land’s national significance. The SEMA-supported legislation follows last December’s success when Congress passed a law ending a six-year clash between the military and OHV users over access to thousands of acres of Southern California desert.

More than 96,000 acres will continue to be maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as an OHV recreation area, with other lands being transferred to the adjoining Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base for military training needs. The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations and hosts the famous King of the Hammers race, which will continue unhampered.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Johnson Valley area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations and hosts the famous King of the Hammers race, which will continue unhampered.

The U.S. House of Representatives included a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 to include the word “National” within the title “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.”

Johnson Valley is the nation’s first federal OHV area and the word addition will acknowledge the land’s national significance. The SEMA-supported legislation follows last December’s success when Congress passed a law ending a six-year clash between the military and OHV users over access to thousands of acres of Southern California desert.

More than 96,000 acres will continue to be maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as an OHV recreation area, with other lands being transferred to the adjoining Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base for military training needs. The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations and hosts the famous King of the Hammers race, which will continue unhampered.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Johnson Valley area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations and hosts the famous King of the Hammers race, which will continue unhampered.

The U.S. House of Representatives included a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 to include the word “National” within the title “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.”

Johnson Valley is the nation’s first federal OHV area and the word addition will acknowledge the land’s national significance. The SEMA-supported legislation follows last December’s success when Congress passed a law ending a six-year clash between the military and OHV users over access to thousands of acres of Southern California desert.

More than 96,000 acres will continue to be maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as an OHV recreation area, with other lands being transferred to the adjoining Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base for military training needs. The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations and hosts the famous King of the Hammers race, which will continue unhampered.

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