There are 42 million cars on the road in China, the majority of them privately owned. J.D. Power and Associates predicts that number to grow more than 20% in 2010.

Private passenger-car sales only took off in China around 2001. Initially, the government was the main consumer of vehicles of all kinds. Private car ownership was out of the reach of most Chinese. But China’s World Trade Organization (WTO) entry in December 2001 brought a rush of foreign investment, accompanied by gross domestic product growth as exports and imports surged. People’s incomes began to rise on the back of that growth.

Markets also opened, and more foreign automakers began producing cars in China through joint ventures. New domestic automakers popped up like mushrooms, and consumers soon had hundreds of models to choose from. Today, though, the market is barely a decade old and there are some 42 million cars on the road, the majority privately owned. That number is growing fast.

Despite a widely reported slowdown of China’s automotive market, it will still show double-digit growth in 2010. J.D. Power and Associates forecasts 2010 light-vehicle sales to grow 20% to more than 15.6 million units in China. The U.S. market is forecast to grow 12% to 11.7 million units.

More than 20 SEMA-member companies attending the SEMA-CIAPE China Business Development Conference in Beijing in late September will have the opportunity to take part in that growth. Participating SEMA members will be paired with relevant Chinese buyers in private, pre-scheduled meetings. One-on-one meetings with potential Chinese partners at this groundbreaking event will allow SEMA members to get to know the Chinese companies and the China market.

For example, SEMA members producing suspensions might be interested to know that SUVs are a hot segment in China. In 2009, more than 847,000 SUVs were sold, up 43% on-year, according to J.D. Power and Associates. The Toyota RAV-4 has long been a hot-selling model in China. There are now more than 123,300 on the road, according to R.L. Polk and J.D. Power data.

For members interested in producing products for domestic SUVs, the Great Wall Hover is a best-selling model. More than 168,000 are on the road, and sales of the model more than doubled in the first five months of 2010. SEMA members in Beijing can ask potential Chinese partners about their product’s suitability for such domestic models. The members signed up to attend the conference in Beijing, September 23–26, include:

• AEM Performance Electronics
• American Eagle Wheel
• AMSOIL
• BDS Suspension
• Bushwacker
• Comp Performance Group
• DELTA TECH Industries
• Eibach Spring
• eBay Motors
• Holley Performance Products
• Injen Technology
• K&N Engineering
• NITTO Tires
• Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance
• Performance Motorsports
• Rennen International
• SCT Performance
• Sheen Coatings
• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein
• Wheel Pros

From wheels to high-performance suspensions to products that make tires shine, the luxury segment has a lot of potential for SEMA members. Audi is the best-selling luxury brand in China, and more than 730,000 Audis are on the road in China today. Audi has produced domestically for decades. The imported Lexus brand has been available in China for a much shorter time, yet there are more than 250,000 are on the road today.

Learn about other segments and models that are hot markets for your product from the men who are on the ground there. Register for the SEMA-CIAPE China Business Development Conference by contacting Linda Spencer at LindaS@sema.org or online at www.SEMA.org/china.

There are 42 million cars on the road in China, the majority of them privately owned. J.D. Power and Associates predicts that number to grow more than 20% in 2010.

Private passenger-car sales only took off in China around 2001. Initially, the government was the main consumer of vehicles of all kinds. Private car ownership was out of the reach of most Chinese. But China’s World Trade Organization (WTO) entry in December 2001 brought a rush of foreign investment, accompanied by gross domestic product growth as exports and imports surged. People’s incomes began to rise on the back of that growth.

Markets also opened, and more foreign automakers began producing cars in China through joint ventures. New domestic automakers popped up like mushrooms, and consumers soon had hundreds of models to choose from. Today, though, the market is barely a decade old and there are some 42 million cars on the road, the majority privately owned. That number is growing fast.

Despite a widely reported slowdown of China’s automotive market, it will still show double-digit growth in 2010. J.D. Power and Associates forecasts 2010 light-vehicle sales to grow 20% to more than 15.6 million units in China. The U.S. market is forecast to grow 12% to 11.7 million units.

More than 20 SEMA-member companies attending the SEMA-CIAPE China Business Development Conference in Beijing in late September will have the opportunity to take part in that growth. Participating SEMA members will be paired with relevant Chinese buyers in private, pre-scheduled meetings. One-on-one meetings with potential Chinese partners at this groundbreaking event will allow SEMA members to get to know the Chinese companies and the China market.

For example, SEMA members producing suspensions might be interested to know that SUVs are a hot segment in China. In 2009, more than 847,000 SUVs were sold, up 43% on-year, according to J.D. Power and Associates. The Toyota RAV-4 has long been a hot-selling model in China. There are now more than 123,300 on the road, according to R.L. Polk and J.D. Power data.

For members interested in producing products for domestic SUVs, the Great Wall Hover is a best-selling model. More than 168,000 are on the road, and sales of the model more than doubled in the first five months of 2010. SEMA members in Beijing can ask potential Chinese partners about their product’s suitability for such domestic models. The members signed up to attend the conference in Beijing, September 23–26, include:

• AEM Performance Electronics
• American Eagle Wheel
• AMSOIL
• BDS Suspension
• Bushwacker
• Comp Performance Group
• DELTA TECH Industries
• Eibach Spring
• eBay Motors
• Holley Performance Products
• Injen Technology
• K&N Engineering
• NITTO Tires
• Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance
• Performance Motorsports
• Rennen International
• SCT Performance
• Sheen Coatings
• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein
• Wheel Pros

From wheels to high-performance suspensions to products that make tires shine, the luxury segment has a lot of potential for SEMA members. Audi is the best-selling luxury brand in China, and more than 730,000 Audis are on the road in China today. Audi has produced domestically for decades. The imported Lexus brand has been available in China for a much shorter time, yet there are more than 250,000 are on the road today.

Learn about other segments and models that are hot markets for your product from the men who are on the ground there. Register for the SEMA-CIAPE China Business Development Conference by contacting Linda Spencer at LindaS@sema.org or online at www.SEMA.org/china.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is offering free export promotion and assistance for SEMA Show exhibitors whose products contain a minimum of 51% U.S. content. If your products meet this requirement, click here to complete the form for the free assistance and to register for your free listing in the International Buyers' Guide. This annual directory is distributed to every international buyer at the SEMA Show, nearly every U.S. embassy and at shows throughout the world.

The deadline to take advantage of this free listing is September 10, 2010.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is offering free export promotion and assistance for SEMA Show exhibitors whose products contain a minimum of 51% U.S. content. If your products meet this requirement, click here to complete the form for the free assistance and to register for your free listing in the International Buyers' Guide. This annual directory is distributed to every international buyer at the SEMA Show, nearly every U.S. embassy and at shows throughout the world.

The deadline to take advantage of this free listing is September 10, 2010.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is offering free export promotion and assistance for SEMA Show exhibitors whose products contain a minimum of 51% U.S. content. If your products meet this requirement, click here to complete the form for the free assistance and to register for your free listing in the International Buyers' Guide. This annual directory is distributed to every international buyer at the SEMA Show, nearly every U.S. embassy and at shows throughout the world.

The deadline to take advantage of this free listing is September 10, 2010.

The Center for International Commerce at the SEMA Show offers meeting rooms, translators, U.S. Department of Commerce staff and other valuable resources for businesses looking to go global.

Regardless of whether they are eligible or participate in the International Buyers' Guide, 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to take advantage of other SEMA-sponsored programs to help them connect with the more than 20,000 international buyers expected at the 2010 SEMA Show.

• Take advantage of the SEMA online matchmaking program to connect with both domestic and international buyers even before arriving in Las Vegas. Access this program at www.SEMAShow.com.

• Attend the SEMA International Happy Hour held Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Exhibitors are invited to network at this important event with buyers from more than 50 countries. Also on hand are international enthusiast media representing all of the key international markets including the United Arab Emirates, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia and Brazil. More information will be sent to exhibitors shortly.

• Utilize the SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC): Located in Room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the CIC is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors. Consult with SEMA’s international staff and representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce as well as utilize business resources, such as meeting rooms, complimentary interpreters, Internet connection and more.

• Participate in the New Products Showcase. A panel of distinguished international media will be selecting products from the New Products Showcase that they believe will sell well in their home market. Winning companies receive a Global Media Award signifying the global appeal of their product.

• Attend the "Growth Through Global Trade" (sponsored by UPS) and "Global Growth: Successful Aftermarket Companies Show the Way to International Success" seminars, Monday, November 1. They will include tips on what to consider when exporting internationally. Two industry experts will help explain the trends in growing markets and how to build international business. They also will discuss supply chain tools and capabilities that will help manufacturers and distributors better compete in today’s ever-changing global marketplace.

The Center for International Commerce at the SEMA Show offers meeting rooms, translators, U.S. Department of Commerce staff and other valuable resources for businesses looking to go global.

Regardless of whether they are eligible or participate in the International Buyers' Guide, 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to take advantage of other SEMA-sponsored programs to help them connect with the more than 20,000 international buyers expected at the 2010 SEMA Show.

• Take advantage of the SEMA online matchmaking program to connect with both domestic and international buyers even before arriving in Las Vegas. Access this program at www.SEMAShow.com.

• Attend the SEMA International Happy Hour held Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Exhibitors are invited to network at this important event with buyers from more than 50 countries. Also on hand are international enthusiast media representing all of the key international markets including the United Arab Emirates, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia and Brazil. More information will be sent to exhibitors shortly.

• Utilize the SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC): Located in Room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the CIC is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors. Consult with SEMA’s international staff and representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce as well as utilize business resources, such as meeting rooms, complimentary interpreters, Internet connection and more.

• Participate in the New Products Showcase. A panel of distinguished international media will be selecting products from the New Products Showcase that they believe will sell well in their home market. Winning companies receive a Global Media Award signifying the global appeal of their product.

• Attend the "Growth Through Global Trade" (sponsored by UPS) and "Global Growth: Successful Aftermarket Companies Show the Way to International Success" seminars, Monday, November 1. They will include tips on what to consider when exporting internationally. Two industry experts will help explain the trends in growing markets and how to build international business. They also will discuss supply chain tools and capabilities that will help manufacturers and distributors better compete in today’s ever-changing global marketplace.

The Center for International Commerce at the SEMA Show offers meeting rooms, translators, U.S. Department of Commerce staff and other valuable resources for businesses looking to go global.

Regardless of whether they are eligible or participate in the International Buyers' Guide, 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to take advantage of other SEMA-sponsored programs to help them connect with the more than 20,000 international buyers expected at the 2010 SEMA Show.

• Take advantage of the SEMA online matchmaking program to connect with both domestic and international buyers even before arriving in Las Vegas. Access this program at www.SEMAShow.com.

• Attend the SEMA International Happy Hour held Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Exhibitors are invited to network at this important event with buyers from more than 50 countries. Also on hand are international enthusiast media representing all of the key international markets including the United Arab Emirates, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia and Brazil. More information will be sent to exhibitors shortly.

• Utilize the SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC): Located in Room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the CIC is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors. Consult with SEMA’s international staff and representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce as well as utilize business resources, such as meeting rooms, complimentary interpreters, Internet connection and more.

• Participate in the New Products Showcase. A panel of distinguished international media will be selecting products from the New Products Showcase that they believe will sell well in their home market. Winning companies receive a Global Media Award signifying the global appeal of their product.

• Attend the "Growth Through Global Trade" (sponsored by UPS) and "Global Growth: Successful Aftermarket Companies Show the Way to International Success" seminars, Monday, November 1. They will include tips on what to consider when exporting internationally. Two industry experts will help explain the trends in growing markets and how to build international business. They also will discuss supply chain tools and capabilities that will help manufacturers and distributors better compete in today’s ever-changing global marketplace.

Massachusetts legislators signed into law a bill that exempts street rods and customs from emissions inspection requirements.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods, custom vehicles, replicas and specially constructed vehicles.

“After five years of working with the legislature on various iterations of this bill, we are extremely grateful to State Representative Carolyn Dykema, in addition to Representative Brian Dempsey, Representative Joseph Wagner, Representative Charles Murphy and Senator Steven Baddour and their staffs for taking it over the last hurdle,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs.

The new law defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. Replica vehicles are defined as being assembled by a non-manufacturer from new or used parts that replicate an earlier year, make and model vehicle.

Specially constructed vehicles are those reconstructed or assembled by a non-manufacturer from new or used parts that have an exterior that does not replicate or resemble any other manufactured vehicle. Replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing both the year in which the vehicle was built and the make, model and year of the vehicle intended to be replicated.

Through the persistence of former Methuen City Councilman Joe Leone, the bill was given consideration amongst the chaos that exists in the closing days of a legislative session. An avid enthusiast and owner of a FFR Roadster, Leone worked to educate lawmakers and regulators on the positive benefits that this bill would have on the enthusiast community.

“We are deeply indebted to Joe for his determined efforts to get the bill through the legislature,” said McDonald. “From countless e-mails, phone calls and visits to the State House, he helped to ensure that this pro-hobby bill would receive attention from lawmakers. Special thanks are also due to Factory Five Racing, Chop-Shop Customs, Dominators Car Club, Mass Cruisers Car Club and to the officers and member clubs of the Massachusetts Association of Automobile Clubs.”

Under the new law, street rods and custom vehicles are exempted from emissions inspection requirements. In a compromise made with the state air-quality regulators, the measure also provides that specially constructed and replica vehicles registered on or before April 30, 2012, will be exempted from emissions inspection requirements. Specially-constructed and replica vehicles registered after April 30, 2012, will be subject to emissions control requirements based on the model year and configuration of the engine installed, whether the engine is an original equipment manufacturer's production engine, rebuilt engine or crate engine.

“Street rods, custom cars, replicas and specially-constructed vehicles are the same rarely driven crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events,” McDonald added. “This new law simply recognizes the immeasurable amount of time, money and attention automotive hobbyists invest in their cars. For many vehicle enthusiasts in Massachusetts and throughout America, building, maintaining and enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime. This new law represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations.”

To date, the SEMA-model bill has been enacted in one form or another in Washington state (1999), California (2001), Illinois (2002), Missouri (2004), Rhode Island (2004), Hawaii (2004), Montana (2005), Maine (2005), Colorado (2006), Arkansas (2007), Virginia (2007), Nevada (2007) Florida (2007), Idaho (2008), Iowa (2008) Tennessee (2008), Utah (2009), Wyoming (2009), North Carolina (2009) and now Massachusetts (2010). The New York, New Jersey and Ohio Legislatures have introduced and are currently considering the model for the 2010 legislative session.

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

Massachusetts legislators signed into law a bill that exempts street rods and customs from emissions inspection requirements.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods, custom vehicles, replicas and specially constructed vehicles.

“After five years of working with the legislature on various iterations of this bill, we are extremely grateful to State Representative Carolyn Dykema, in addition to Representative Brian Dempsey, Representative Joseph Wagner, Representative Charles Murphy and Senator Steven Baddour and their staffs for taking it over the last hurdle,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs.

The new law defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. Replica vehicles are defined as being assembled by a non-manufacturer from new or used parts that replicate an earlier year, make and model vehicle.

Specially constructed vehicles are those reconstructed or assembled by a non-manufacturer from new or used parts that have an exterior that does not replicate or resemble any other manufactured vehicle. Replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing both the year in which the vehicle was built and the make, model and year of the vehicle intended to be replicated.

Through the persistence of former Methuen City Councilman Joe Leone, the bill was given consideration amongst the chaos that exists in the closing days of a legislative session. An avid enthusiast and owner of a FFR Roadster, Leone worked to educate lawmakers and regulators on the positive benefits that this bill would have on the enthusiast community.

“We are deeply indebted to Joe for his determined efforts to get the bill through the legislature,” said McDonald. “From countless e-mails, phone calls and visits to the State House, he helped to ensure that this pro-hobby bill would receive attention from lawmakers. Special thanks are also due to Factory Five Racing, Chop-Shop Customs, Dominators Car Club, Mass Cruisers Car Club and to the officers and member clubs of the Massachusetts Association of Automobile Clubs.”

Under the new law, street rods and custom vehicles are exempted from emissions inspection requirements. In a compromise made with the state air-quality regulators, the measure also provides that specially constructed and replica vehicles registered on or before April 30, 2012, will be exempted from emissions inspection requirements. Specially-constructed and replica vehicles registered after April 30, 2012, will be subject to emissions control requirements based on the model year and configuration of the engine installed, whether the engine is an original equipment manufacturer's production engine, rebuilt engine or crate engine.

“Street rods, custom cars, replicas and specially-constructed vehicles are the same rarely driven crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events,” McDonald added. “This new law simply recognizes the immeasurable amount of time, money and attention automotive hobbyists invest in their cars. For many vehicle enthusiasts in Massachusetts and throughout America, building, maintaining and enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime. This new law represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations.”

To date, the SEMA-model bill has been enacted in one form or another in Washington state (1999), California (2001), Illinois (2002), Missouri (2004), Rhode Island (2004), Hawaii (2004), Montana (2005), Maine (2005), Colorado (2006), Arkansas (2007), Virginia (2007), Nevada (2007) Florida (2007), Idaho (2008), Iowa (2008) Tennessee (2008), Utah (2009), Wyoming (2009), North Carolina (2009) and now Massachusetts (2010). The New York, New Jersey and Ohio Legislatures have introduced and are currently considering the model for the 2010 legislative session.

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