From our photographers at the ’Ring:

At its launch in late 2009, Lexus confirmed that its over-the-top supercar—the two-seat, V10-powered LFA—would be limited to just 500 units in total and that the cars would be painstakingly assembled at the rate of just 20 per month. At that rate, production of the LFA is slated to end in December of this year.

While Lexus has never mentioned that it was planning any more versions of the LFA beyond the regular model and track-focused Nürburgring edition, it being one of the automaker’s greatest achievements means it deserves a proper send out. That farewell may just come in the form of an extreme "Final Edition" model.

A mysterious Lexus prototype sporting manufacturer plates has been spotted racing around the Nürburgring. On initial glance, it looks just like the previous Nürburgring Edition, but a closer inspection reveals some new elements that suggest this is an even wilder version.

Apart from the bright new color, the prototype has an additional air intake on its hood, subtle bootlid spoilers and quad exhaust tips instead of the regular three-pipe, triangular design. In fact, the exhausts have even been moved up to just below the taillamps to make way for an aggressive diffuser integrated into the rear bumper.

There’s also the letters “AD-A” plastered on the prototype’s flanks and both its hood and roof has been left unpainted, exposing the car’s pretty carbon-fiber weave.

Given the modifications to the exhaust system, we suspect there is a revised engine under the hood, one that’s almost certain to be pumping out significantly more than the 552 hp, 4.8L V10 found in the regular LFA. The LFA's six-speed sequential transmission is likely to have been reprogrammed for faster shifts, and more weight-saving measures are probably employed as well. Throw in a revised suspension setup and we could be looking at a LFA capable of lapping the Nürburgring-Nordschleife even quicker than the 7:14.64 set by the Nürburgring edition.

Late last year reports emerged claiming Lexus was planning a new special edition of the LFA that would feature an unpainted roof. The car was dubbed the "Tokyo Edition" due to its expected reveal at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but there was no such model. Could this be the car? A possible "Final Edition" perhaps?

It’s also been reported that Toyota’s motorsports partner—Toyota Motorsports GmbH (TMG) based in Cologne, Germany—will be called on to develop a range of new performance models for both the Toyota and Lexus brands. However, a spokesman for TMG has confirmed that this wild LFA prototype is not one of his company’s projects. We should have more details closer to the car’s expected launch early next year, so stay tuned for an update.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Company

The all-new ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV SEMA Measuring Session will take place July 10, 2012, at Hyundai Motor America – Service Center in Fountain Valley, California, from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

The all-new ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV SEMA Measuring Session will take place July 10, 2012, at Hyundai Motor America – Service Center in Fountain Valley, California, from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

	Join SEMA in celebrating Bob Larivee Sr.'s formal induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California.

A car show can be as simple as placing a few eye-catching vehicles on display and then selling tickets to local enthusiasts. In fact, when Bob Larivee Sr.’s car club, the Motor Modified Auto Club (MMAC), participated in the Michigan Hot Rod Association’s (MHRA) first Detroit Autorama in 1953, it featured only 45–50 vehicles parked at the University of Detroit Field House. While the event was modest in size, it was a hit with attendees and the first of many successful car shows for Larivee Sr.

By 1959, Larivee Sr. had formed a partnership with his brother, Marvin Jr., calling the company Promotions Inc. He produced his first two shows in conjunction with Canadian car clubs, such as the Piston Pushers in Hamilton, Ontario, and the Tecumseh Hot Rod Association in Windsor, Ontario. Though he didn’t quite break even, the events were well received, and his reputation was building.

In 1960, Promotions Inc. hosted its third show, this time in Toronto. Taking advantage of local radio and print media as well as a sponsorship with the Corsairs Car Club, the third time was the charm. With a profit of $10,000 to split with his brother, there was no longer any doubt about Larivee’s future or the success of Promotions Inc.

Fast-forward 20 years, and Promotions Inc. was producing 100 shows annually, publishing books and souvenir programs and maintaining sponsorships with many of the most dominant specialty-equipment manufacturers in the world. As a promoter, Larivee Sr. continued to innovate, incorporating the biggest names in hot-rod building, music, TV and film under one roof. Detroit’s Big Three were also involved, opting to use Larivee Sr.’s stage to debut vehicles, such as the Mustang, and high-performance buildups, such as Chrysler Corp.’s Rapid Transit System line.

As an entrepreneur and a publisher, Bob Larivee Sr. has literally written the book on car shows, titled simply Show Car Dreams. As readers turn through each page, it’s apparent that Larivee Sr. was passionate about creating an opportunity for enthusiasts to come face to face with the greatest hot rods ever built.

SEMA is eternally grateful for Bob Larivee Sr.’s willingness to redefine car shows and for making them something that families, generation after generation, continue to enjoy. It may be hard to define a car guy, but you can start by studying SEMA Hall of Fame member Bob Larivee Sr.  

Larivee Sr. will be honored and formerly inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. In addition to Larivee, the inductees into the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., the late Bill France Sr. and Mark Heffington.

SEMA's Hall of Fame designation is the most prestigious honor that the association can bestow on an individual. In addition to the induction of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame class, the Gala celebration will also feature the introduction of the newest SEMA Board of Directors, and the outgoing Board members will be officially recognized and thanked for their volunteerism and service. 
 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is part of the association's Leadership Days—a three-day gathering of industry leaders, volunteers and SEMA staff working together to identify and address industry and business challenges, while celebrating the specialty-equipment industry and the spirit of volunteerism. Leadership Days also includes the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, where mini pinewood drag racers built by SEMA members, staff and children from the Victory Junction and Childhelp children's charities race against the clock for bragging rights. A worthwhile cause, proceeds from the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races benefit both Victory Junction and Childhelp.

All industry professionals are invited to attend the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., where attendees are able to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities. Proceeds from ticket sales will also benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sema.org/galatix or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

	Join SEMA in celebrating Bob Larivee Sr.'s formal induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California.

A car show can be as simple as placing a few eye-catching vehicles on display and then selling tickets to local enthusiasts. In fact, when Bob Larivee Sr.’s car club, the Motor Modified Auto Club (MMAC), participated in the Michigan Hot Rod Association’s (MHRA) first Detroit Autorama in 1953, it featured only 45–50 vehicles parked at the University of Detroit Field House. While the event was modest in size, it was a hit with attendees and the first of many successful car shows for Larivee Sr.

By 1959, Larivee Sr. had formed a partnership with his brother, Marvin Jr., calling the company Promotions Inc. He produced his first two shows in conjunction with Canadian car clubs, such as the Piston Pushers in Hamilton, Ontario, and the Tecumseh Hot Rod Association in Windsor, Ontario. Though he didn’t quite break even, the events were well received, and his reputation was building.

In 1960, Promotions Inc. hosted its third show, this time in Toronto. Taking advantage of local radio and print media as well as a sponsorship with the Corsairs Car Club, the third time was the charm. With a profit of $10,000 to split with his brother, there was no longer any doubt about Larivee’s future or the success of Promotions Inc.

Fast-forward 20 years, and Promotions Inc. was producing 100 shows annually, publishing books and souvenir programs and maintaining sponsorships with many of the most dominant specialty-equipment manufacturers in the world. As a promoter, Larivee Sr. continued to innovate, incorporating the biggest names in hot-rod building, music, TV and film under one roof. Detroit’s Big Three were also involved, opting to use Larivee Sr.’s stage to debut vehicles, such as the Mustang, and high-performance buildups, such as Chrysler Corp.’s Rapid Transit System line.

As an entrepreneur and a publisher, Bob Larivee Sr. has literally written the book on car shows, titled simply Show Car Dreams. As readers turn through each page, it’s apparent that Larivee Sr. was passionate about creating an opportunity for enthusiasts to come face to face with the greatest hot rods ever built.

SEMA is eternally grateful for Bob Larivee Sr.’s willingness to redefine car shows and for making them something that families, generation after generation, continue to enjoy. It may be hard to define a car guy, but you can start by studying SEMA Hall of Fame member Bob Larivee Sr.  

Larivee Sr. will be honored and formerly inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. In addition to Larivee, the inductees into the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., the late Bill France Sr. and Mark Heffington.

SEMA's Hall of Fame designation is the most prestigious honor that the association can bestow on an individual. In addition to the induction of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame class, the Gala celebration will also feature the introduction of the newest SEMA Board of Directors, and the outgoing Board members will be officially recognized and thanked for their volunteerism and service. 
 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is part of the association's Leadership Days—a three-day gathering of industry leaders, volunteers and SEMA staff working together to identify and address industry and business challenges, while celebrating the specialty-equipment industry and the spirit of volunteerism. Leadership Days also includes the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, where mini pinewood drag racers built by SEMA members, staff and children from the Victory Junction and Childhelp children's charities race against the clock for bragging rights. A worthwhile cause, proceeds from the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races benefit both Victory Junction and Childhelp.

All industry professionals are invited to attend the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., where attendees are able to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities. Proceeds from ticket sales will also benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sema.org/galatix or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

	Join SEMA in celebrating Bob Larivee Sr.'s formal induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California.

A car show can be as simple as placing a few eye-catching vehicles on display and then selling tickets to local enthusiasts. In fact, when Bob Larivee Sr.’s car club, the Motor Modified Auto Club (MMAC), participated in the Michigan Hot Rod Association’s (MHRA) first Detroit Autorama in 1953, it featured only 45–50 vehicles parked at the University of Detroit Field House. While the event was modest in size, it was a hit with attendees and the first of many successful car shows for Larivee Sr.

By 1959, Larivee Sr. had formed a partnership with his brother, Marvin Jr., calling the company Promotions Inc. He produced his first two shows in conjunction with Canadian car clubs, such as the Piston Pushers in Hamilton, Ontario, and the Tecumseh Hot Rod Association in Windsor, Ontario. Though he didn’t quite break even, the events were well received, and his reputation was building.

In 1960, Promotions Inc. hosted its third show, this time in Toronto. Taking advantage of local radio and print media as well as a sponsorship with the Corsairs Car Club, the third time was the charm. With a profit of $10,000 to split with his brother, there was no longer any doubt about Larivee’s future or the success of Promotions Inc.

Fast-forward 20 years, and Promotions Inc. was producing 100 shows annually, publishing books and souvenir programs and maintaining sponsorships with many of the most dominant specialty-equipment manufacturers in the world. As a promoter, Larivee Sr. continued to innovate, incorporating the biggest names in hot-rod building, music, TV and film under one roof. Detroit’s Big Three were also involved, opting to use Larivee Sr.’s stage to debut vehicles, such as the Mustang, and high-performance buildups, such as Chrysler Corp.’s Rapid Transit System line.

As an entrepreneur and a publisher, Bob Larivee Sr. has literally written the book on car shows, titled simply Show Car Dreams. As readers turn through each page, it’s apparent that Larivee Sr. was passionate about creating an opportunity for enthusiasts to come face to face with the greatest hot rods ever built.

SEMA is eternally grateful for Bob Larivee Sr.’s willingness to redefine car shows and for making them something that families, generation after generation, continue to enjoy. It may be hard to define a car guy, but you can start by studying SEMA Hall of Fame member Bob Larivee Sr.  

Larivee Sr. will be honored and formerly inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. In addition to Larivee, the inductees into the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., the late Bill France Sr. and Mark Heffington.

SEMA's Hall of Fame designation is the most prestigious honor that the association can bestow on an individual. In addition to the induction of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame class, the Gala celebration will also feature the introduction of the newest SEMA Board of Directors, and the outgoing Board members will be officially recognized and thanked for their volunteerism and service. 
 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is part of the association's Leadership Days—a three-day gathering of industry leaders, volunteers and SEMA staff working together to identify and address industry and business challenges, while celebrating the specialty-equipment industry and the spirit of volunteerism. Leadership Days also includes the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, where mini pinewood drag racers built by SEMA members, staff and children from the Victory Junction and Childhelp children's charities race against the clock for bragging rights. A worthwhile cause, proceeds from the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races benefit both Victory Junction and Childhelp.

All industry professionals are invited to attend the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., where attendees are able to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities. Proceeds from ticket sales will also benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sema.org/galatix or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

	Join SEMA in celebrating Bob Larivee Sr.'s formal induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California.

A car show can be as simple as placing a few eye-catching vehicles on display and then selling tickets to local enthusiasts. In fact, when Bob Larivee Sr.’s car club, the Motor Modified Auto Club (MMAC), participated in the Michigan Hot Rod Association’s (MHRA) first Detroit Autorama in 1953, it featured only 45–50 vehicles parked at the University of Detroit Field House. While the event was modest in size, it was a hit with attendees and the first of many successful car shows for Larivee Sr.

By 1959, Larivee Sr. had formed a partnership with his brother, Marvin Jr., calling the company Promotions Inc. He produced his first two shows in conjunction with Canadian car clubs, such as the Piston Pushers in Hamilton, Ontario, and the Tecumseh Hot Rod Association in Windsor, Ontario. Though he didn’t quite break even, the events were well received, and his reputation was building.

In 1960, Promotions Inc. hosted its third show, this time in Toronto. Taking advantage of local radio and print media as well as a sponsorship with the Corsairs Car Club, the third time was the charm. With a profit of $10,000 to split with his brother, there was no longer any doubt about Larivee’s future or the success of Promotions Inc.

Fast-forward 20 years, and Promotions Inc. was producing 100 shows annually, publishing books and souvenir programs and maintaining sponsorships with many of the most dominant specialty-equipment manufacturers in the world. As a promoter, Larivee Sr. continued to innovate, incorporating the biggest names in hot-rod building, music, TV and film under one roof. Detroit’s Big Three were also involved, opting to use Larivee Sr.’s stage to debut vehicles, such as the Mustang, and high-performance buildups, such as Chrysler Corp.’s Rapid Transit System line.

As an entrepreneur and a publisher, Bob Larivee Sr. has literally written the book on car shows, titled simply Show Car Dreams. As readers turn through each page, it’s apparent that Larivee Sr. was passionate about creating an opportunity for enthusiasts to come face to face with the greatest hot rods ever built.

SEMA is eternally grateful for Bob Larivee Sr.’s willingness to redefine car shows and for making them something that families, generation after generation, continue to enjoy. It may be hard to define a car guy, but you can start by studying SEMA Hall of Fame member Bob Larivee Sr.  

Larivee Sr. will be honored and formerly inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. In addition to Larivee, the inductees into the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., the late Bill France Sr. and Mark Heffington.

SEMA's Hall of Fame designation is the most prestigious honor that the association can bestow on an individual. In addition to the induction of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame class, the Gala celebration will also feature the introduction of the newest SEMA Board of Directors, and the outgoing Board members will be officially recognized and thanked for their volunteerism and service. 
 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is part of the association's Leadership Days—a three-day gathering of industry leaders, volunteers and SEMA staff working together to identify and address industry and business challenges, while celebrating the specialty-equipment industry and the spirit of volunteerism. Leadership Days also includes the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, where mini pinewood drag racers built by SEMA members, staff and children from the Victory Junction and Childhelp children's charities race against the clock for bragging rights. A worthwhile cause, proceeds from the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races benefit both Victory Junction and Childhelp.

All industry professionals are invited to attend the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., where attendees are able to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities. Proceeds from ticket sales will also benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sema.org/galatix or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

Celebrating the life of Carroll Shelby, the 50th Anniversary Tour display will stop in Plano, Texas, for the Legacy Texas Bank and SCAT Car Show.

Shelby American 50th Anniversary Tour Makes Only Texas Stop in Plano
To celebrate the life of legend Carroll Shelby and 50 years of Shelby American, the 50th Anniversary Tour display will rumble into Plano, Texas, for the Legacy Texas Bank and SCAT Car Show.

The event will be held Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (CDT) at Legacy Texas Bank Headquarters, 5000 Legacy Dr., Plano, TX 75024. There is no charge for the public to view the cars.

The anniversary display will include the new 950hp Shelby 1000, which was introduced this year at the New York Auto Show, along with the Shelby GT500 Super Snake and GT350. Live music, food and rare cars are all part of this Shelby celebration.

Ed “Blake” Burgy

Fidanza Promotes Burgy
Fidanza Engineering Corp., located in Perry, Ohio, has promoted Ed “Blake” Burgy to the position of vice president, sales and marketing.

In his new position, Burgy will be responsible for overseeing a continued growth of sales and the Fidanza distribution network, according to a press release. He will also be using his experience with product development to help guide the company forward in preparation for future opportunities and new product offerings.

Burgy has more than 22 years of sales, merchandising, product development and brand management experience in the specialty automotive industry for companies including Summit Racing Equipment, Corsa Performance Exhaust and Mr. Gasket.

He has also served on several SEMA councils, including the Street Performance Council (SPC), Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) and Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

AutoZone Partners with CarHelp.com
CarHelp announced their partnership with AutoZone to offer a discount to all of CarHelp's subscribed dealers with AutoZone, and each of their client's discounts for all of their parts every time an order is placed. According to the companies, the discounts will include off-invoice discounts to save dealerships' money on the categories they buy most. In addition, a quarterly rebate will be issued of up to 5% depending on the amount of electronic purchases made each week with AutoZone. Plus, new electronic ordering customers automatically receive a 5% rebate on online orders for 90 days after the first online purchase. Parts will be delivered directly to all the dealerships at no extra cost.

According to AutoZone, the company will supply personal deliveries to dealerships, a personal account manager for each dealership, a 48-hour warranty claim reimbursement guarantee, including a 100% labor reimbursement and an assigned commercial specialist to increase the standard of the dealerships and also provide quicker and higher quality repairs to the consumers.

	David McCartney

David McCartney Named President of CARQUEST U.S.
General Parts International, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Temple Sloan III has announced that David McCartney, EVP chief information officer (CIO) for GPI Technologies LLC, has been named president of CARQUEST U.S. McCartney will report directly to Sloan III.

McCartney has served as executive vice president, chief information officer since February 2011. He previously served as senior vice president, supply chain and logistics. Other positions held include divisional vice president, central region; divisional vice president, western region; and senior vice president of DC operations.

In 1985, while attending college, McCartney joined the company as a JV store teammate and then transferred to the Raleigh Distribution Center where he held positions in all distribution disciplines. Upon completion of his degree, he entered the company’s management trainee program. McCartney took leadership over several DCs acquired by GPI. He was responsible for many mergers and acquisitions, as well as startups for DC operations. McCartney earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Todd Bolon, senior vice president of GPI Technologies, will lead the technologies organization and report directly to McCartney. Bolon joined GPI in May 2011 from LabCorp in Burlington, North Carolina, where he held multiple vice president positions in the information technology group. 

Prior to LabCorp, Bolon was vice president and chief information officer at Railinc—a leader in technology-based innovation for the freight rail industry, located in Cary, North Carolina. Earlier in his career, Bolon held technology leadership positions at General Electric, Trans World Airlines (TWA) and Sea-Land Service.

“Given his vast information technology experience, Todd is an asset to the IT organization,” said David McCartney. “He will help to ensure we continue on the path of providing technology excellence to the organization, our customers and other CARQUEST members.”  

Bolon earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia.

Sylvania Automotive Lighting Unveils Facebook Page
Sylvania Automotive Lighting is now officially on Facebook sharing the latest in automotive lighting technology, trends and products at facebook.com/SylvaniaAutomotive. 

The company’s Facebook platform will be used to share on-the-scene updates while Sylvania team members are at key industry and automotive events, such as the upcoming Sylvania 300 NASCAR race, Hot Import Nights (HIN) and the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, as well as provide technical tips and advice on headlight bulb selection and proper headlight maintenance.

In addition, through a special tab located on the page, Sylvania plans to offer a number of giveaways. The first one just launched and gives fans an opportunity to win tickets to the Los Angeles Hot Import Nights show, scheduled for July 7. The contest runs through midnight July 4, and winners will be announced July 5. Hot Import Nights is one of the nation’s largest showcases of aftermarket vehicle accessories and modifications for import, sport-compact and exotic car enthusiasts.

As the exclusive automotive lighting sponsor for the 2012 HIN season, Sylvania Automotive is planning additional giveaways around events in Buffalo, New York; San Mateo, California; Miami; Ft. Worth, Texas; Seattle; and Houston, which will all be hosted on the Facebook page. In addition, the company will be doing a special giveaway surrounding the Sylvania 300 race in September. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing changes to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials, so that it will conform with a global glazing standard. Changes to the standard include modernizing the test procedures for tempered glass, laminated glass and glass-plastic glazing used in front and rear windshields and side windows. 

The agency contends that these changes would be an improvement over the current FMVSS No. 205, such as an upgraded fragmentation test designed to better test curved tempered glass, and a new procedure for testing an optical property of the windshield at the angle of installation to better reflect real-world driving conditions. Glazing intended for aftermarket replacements would need to meet the revised FMVSS No. 205, except glazing produced for vehicles manufactured prior to November 1, 2006. In that case, the manufacturer has the option of complying with the previous standards, FMVSS No. 205(a). 

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing changes to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials, so that it will conform with a global glazing standard. Changes to the standard include modernizing the test procedures for tempered glass, laminated glass and glass-plastic glazing used in front and rear windshields and side windows. 

The agency contends that these changes would be an improvement over the current FMVSS No. 205, such as an upgraded fragmentation test designed to better test curved tempered glass, and a new procedure for testing an optical property of the windshield at the angle of installation to better reflect real-world driving conditions. Glazing intended for aftermarket replacements would need to meet the revised FMVSS No. 205, except glazing produced for vehicles manufactured prior to November 1, 2006. In that case, the manufacturer has the option of complying with the previous standards, FMVSS No. 205(a). 

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