U.S. Department of Transportation Encourages SEMA Members to Enter V2V Competition
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:03
SEMA officials met with Peter Appel, administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) to discuss vehicle-to-vehicle technology (V2V) and other advanced auto electronics. SEMA is working with the RITA leadership to promote the industry’s contributions to V2V technologies. Connected vehicles have the potential to avoid crashes and make the transportation grid more efficient.

Among its programs, RITA announced a new nationwide competition seeking ideas for using wireless connectivity between vehicles to make transportation safer, greener and easier. During the Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge competition, RITA will accept ideas for products and applications that use Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC)—a fast, secure wireless technology. The Challenge is a great opportunity for SEMA members to showcase their use of cutting-edge technology. Six awardees will receive a free trip to Orlando where they will be honored as speakers at a special session at the 2011 World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems, which will be held from October 16–20, 2011. The deadline for submitting competition ideas is May 1. For more information on the Challenge or to submit an idea, please click here.

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein, senior director of federal affairs, at stuartg@sema.org or John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, at johnw@sema.org.
U.S. Department of Transportation Encourages SEMA Members to Enter V2V Competition
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:03
SEMA officials met with Peter Appel, administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) to discuss vehicle-to-vehicle technology (V2V) and other advanced auto electronics. SEMA is working with the RITA leadership to promote the industry’s contributions to V2V technologies. Connected vehicles have the potential to avoid crashes and make the transportation grid more efficient.

Among its programs, RITA announced a new nationwide competition seeking ideas for using wireless connectivity between vehicles to make transportation safer, greener and easier. During the Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge competition, RITA will accept ideas for products and applications that use Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC)—a fast, secure wireless technology. The Challenge is a great opportunity for SEMA members to showcase their use of cutting-edge technology. Six awardees will receive a free trip to Orlando where they will be honored as speakers at a special session at the 2011 World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems, which will be held from October 16–20, 2011. The deadline for submitting competition ideas is May 1. For more information on the Challenge or to submit an idea, please click here.

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein, senior director of federal affairs, at stuartg@sema.org or John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, at johnw@sema.org.
Spy Photos
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:02

SEMA News—February 2011

 

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.

 

SEMA News-February 2010-Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ    SEMA News-February 2011-Chrysler 200 

2013 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

When It Hits: The new global platform will see plenty of use, according to Priddy, and it will start with the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in June 2012.

What Priddy Says: Priddy’s team reported sightings in Detroit of several Ford mules riding on a new global platform referred to as “CD4,” and the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ will be the first on the street. Powertrains will consist of a 1.6L four-cylinder and a 2.0L four-cylinder, both featuring EcoBoost turbocharging.  

 

2012 Chrysler 200

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-
end models.

SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Ford Fiesta-Based CUV    SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan 

Ford Fiesta-Based CUV

When It Hits: The high-riding, Fiesta-based crossover will be placed below the Kuga crossover in Ford’s European lineup. Details for the U.S. release remain scarce.

What Priddy Says: This prototype’s disguised front end almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique nose. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is.

 

Volkswagen’s New Midsize Sedan

When It Hits: The first pilot builds started in January 2011, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

What Priddy Says: Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be built in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that the NMS will replace the Passat here in North America, based on its size.  

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Spy Photos
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:02

SEMA News—February 2011

 

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.

 

SEMA News-February 2010-Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ    SEMA News-February 2011-Chrysler 200 

2013 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

When It Hits: The new global platform will see plenty of use, according to Priddy, and it will start with the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in June 2012.

What Priddy Says: Priddy’s team reported sightings in Detroit of several Ford mules riding on a new global platform referred to as “CD4,” and the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ will be the first on the street. Powertrains will consist of a 1.6L four-cylinder and a 2.0L four-cylinder, both featuring EcoBoost turbocharging.  

 

2012 Chrysler 200

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-
end models.

SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Ford Fiesta-Based CUV    SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan 

Ford Fiesta-Based CUV

When It Hits: The high-riding, Fiesta-based crossover will be placed below the Kuga crossover in Ford’s European lineup. Details for the U.S. release remain scarce.

What Priddy Says: This prototype’s disguised front end almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique nose. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is.

 

Volkswagen’s New Midsize Sedan

When It Hits: The first pilot builds started in January 2011, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

What Priddy Says: Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be built in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that the NMS will replace the Passat here in North America, based on its size.  

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Spy Photos
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:02

SEMA News—February 2011

 

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.

 

SEMA News-February 2010-Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ    SEMA News-February 2011-Chrysler 200 

2013 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

When It Hits: The new global platform will see plenty of use, according to Priddy, and it will start with the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in June 2012.

What Priddy Says: Priddy’s team reported sightings in Detroit of several Ford mules riding on a new global platform referred to as “CD4,” and the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ will be the first on the street. Powertrains will consist of a 1.6L four-cylinder and a 2.0L four-cylinder, both featuring EcoBoost turbocharging.  

 

2012 Chrysler 200

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-
end models.

SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Ford Fiesta-Based CUV    SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan 

Ford Fiesta-Based CUV

When It Hits: The high-riding, Fiesta-based crossover will be placed below the Kuga crossover in Ford’s European lineup. Details for the U.S. release remain scarce.

What Priddy Says: This prototype’s disguised front end almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique nose. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is.

 

Volkswagen’s New Midsize Sedan

When It Hits: The first pilot builds started in January 2011, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

What Priddy Says: Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be built in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that the NMS will replace the Passat here in North America, based on its size.  

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Spy Photos
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:02

SEMA News—February 2011

 

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.

 

SEMA News-February 2010-Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ    SEMA News-February 2011-Chrysler 200 

2013 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

When It Hits: The new global platform will see plenty of use, according to Priddy, and it will start with the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in June 2012.

What Priddy Says: Priddy’s team reported sightings in Detroit of several Ford mules riding on a new global platform referred to as “CD4,” and the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ will be the first on the street. Powertrains will consist of a 1.6L four-cylinder and a 2.0L four-cylinder, both featuring EcoBoost turbocharging.  

 

2012 Chrysler 200

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-
end models.

SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Ford Fiesta-Based CUV    SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan 

Ford Fiesta-Based CUV

When It Hits: The high-riding, Fiesta-based crossover will be placed below the Kuga crossover in Ford’s European lineup. Details for the U.S. release remain scarce.

What Priddy Says: This prototype’s disguised front end almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique nose. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is.

 

Volkswagen’s New Midsize Sedan

When It Hits: The first pilot builds started in January 2011, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

What Priddy Says: Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be built in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that the NMS will replace the Passat here in North America, based on its size.  

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Spy Photos
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:02

SEMA News—February 2011

 

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.

 

SEMA News-February 2010-Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ    SEMA News-February 2011-Chrysler 200 

2013 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

When It Hits: The new global platform will see plenty of use, according to Priddy, and it will start with the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in June 2012.

What Priddy Says: Priddy’s team reported sightings in Detroit of several Ford mules riding on a new global platform referred to as “CD4,” and the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ will be the first on the street. Powertrains will consist of a 1.6L four-cylinder and a 2.0L four-cylinder, both featuring EcoBoost turbocharging.  

 

2012 Chrysler 200

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-
end models.

SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Ford Fiesta-Based CUV    SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan 

Ford Fiesta-Based CUV

When It Hits: The high-riding, Fiesta-based crossover will be placed below the Kuga crossover in Ford’s European lineup. Details for the U.S. release remain scarce.

What Priddy Says: This prototype’s disguised front end almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique nose. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is.

 

Volkswagen’s New Midsize Sedan

When It Hits: The first pilot builds started in January 2011, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

What Priddy Says: Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be built in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that the NMS will replace the Passat here in North America, based on its size.  

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Spy Photos
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 14:02

SEMA News—February 2011

 

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.

 

SEMA News-February 2010-Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ    SEMA News-February 2011-Chrysler 200 

2013 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

When It Hits: The new global platform will see plenty of use, according to Priddy, and it will start with the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in June 2012.

What Priddy Says: Priddy’s team reported sightings in Detroit of several Ford mules riding on a new global platform referred to as “CD4,” and the new Fusion and Lincoln MKZ will be the first on the street. Powertrains will consist of a 1.6L four-cylinder and a 2.0L four-cylinder, both featuring EcoBoost turbocharging.  

 

2012 Chrysler 200

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-
end models.

SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Ford Fiesta-Based CUV    SEMA News-February 2011-Spy Photos-Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan 

Ford Fiesta-Based CUV

When It Hits: The high-riding, Fiesta-based crossover will be placed below the Kuga crossover in Ford’s European lineup. Details for the U.S. release remain scarce.

What Priddy Says: This prototype’s disguised front end almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique nose. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is.

 

Volkswagen’s New Midsize Sedan

When It Hits: The first pilot builds started in January 2011, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

What Priddy Says: Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be built in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that the NMS will replace the Passat here in North America, based on its size.  

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Maine Working Group Recommends Delays to Further Restrictions on Aftermarket Exhaust Systems
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:59

In 2003, a version of SEMA-model legislation to create an enforceable motor vehicle exhaust noise standard was signed into law in Maine. Prior to 2003, Maine deemed illegal all modifications that increased noise levels above that emitted by the vehicle’s original muffler. Under the SEMA model, an exhaust system modification is legal if it results in a sound level of 95 decibels or less as measured by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test standard J1169. 

Last year, the law was again amended to clarify the statutory language and to require the Department of Public Safety (Bureau of State Police) to convene a working group to study issues relating to all road noise, including noise created when an exhaust system is not properly installed or maintained or is altered. In its recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation, the group indicated that recent efforts have resulted in reduced road noise and has urged that monitoring be undertaken as well as educational efforts by the stakeholders before any additional measures are taken to further restrict the installation of aftermarket exhaust systems.

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Maine Working Group Recommends Delays to Further Restrictions on Aftermarket Exhaust Systems
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:59

In 2003, a version of SEMA-model legislation to create an enforceable motor vehicle exhaust noise standard was signed into law in Maine. Prior to 2003, Maine deemed illegal all modifications that increased noise levels above that emitted by the vehicle’s original muffler. Under the SEMA model, an exhaust system modification is legal if it results in a sound level of 95 decibels or less as measured by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test standard J1169. 

Last year, the law was again amended to clarify the statutory language and to require the Department of Public Safety (Bureau of State Police) to convene a working group to study issues relating to all road noise, including noise created when an exhaust system is not properly installed or maintained or is altered. In its recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation, the group indicated that recent efforts have resulted in reduced road noise and has urged that monitoring be undertaken as well as educational efforts by the stakeholders before any additional measures are taken to further restrict the installation of aftermarket exhaust systems.

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.