Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

The U.S. Senate was unable to agree on a SEMA-supported bill (H.R. 5297) to provide smaller banks with access to $30 billion in funds intended to be loaned to small businesses. While the Senate may reconsider the measure, the defeat meant that the House of Representatives would not consider the bill in the near future since House members will be working in their home districts during August. During the debate, SEMA sent a letter urging the Senate to also repeal a requirement that taxpayers with business income issue 1099 forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012.

Besides pumping $30 billion into the banking system for loans, the Senate bill would also extend the bonus depreciation through 2010. In 2008 and 2009, all businesses were permitted to immediately write off 50% of the cost of new equipment (“bonus depreciation”). The depreciation expired at the end of 2009. SEMA contends the depreciation write-off encourages companies to invest in newer, more efficient equipment and spurs sales and creates jobs. The Senate bill would also expand and extend the Section 179 program, allowing companies to write-off up to $500,000 in capital expenditures in tax years 2010 and 2011, double the current limit for 2010.

The legislation needs a “super majority” of 60 Senate votes for passage. No Republicans have supported the bill to date, voicing concerns about procedural issues and the fact that the $30 billion would come from unspent money in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). SEMA is working with the National Federation of Independent Business and National Association of Manufacturers in support of the legislation.

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

The U.S. Senate was unable to agree on a SEMA-supported bill (H.R. 5297) to provide smaller banks with access to $30 billion in funds intended to be loaned to small businesses. While the Senate may reconsider the measure, the defeat meant that the House of Representatives would not consider the bill in the near future since House members will be working in their home districts during August. During the debate, SEMA sent a letter urging the Senate to also repeal a requirement that taxpayers with business income issue 1099 forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012.

Besides pumping $30 billion into the banking system for loans, the Senate bill would also extend the bonus depreciation through 2010. In 2008 and 2009, all businesses were permitted to immediately write off 50% of the cost of new equipment (“bonus depreciation”). The depreciation expired at the end of 2009. SEMA contends the depreciation write-off encourages companies to invest in newer, more efficient equipment and spurs sales and creates jobs. The Senate bill would also expand and extend the Section 179 program, allowing companies to write-off up to $500,000 in capital expenditures in tax years 2010 and 2011, double the current limit for 2010.

The legislation needs a “super majority” of 60 Senate votes for passage. No Republicans have supported the bill to date, voicing concerns about procedural issues and the fact that the $30 billion would come from unspent money in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). SEMA is working with the National Federation of Independent Business and National Association of Manufacturers in support of the legislation.

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

	Chinese tuning shops close to Ford and Volkswagen plants tend to specialize in parts and installations for those respective brands.

Tuner shops in China are looking for imported performance-enhancing accessories such as suspensions, turbochargers, intake valves and brakes. Shock absorbers, body kits and wheels are the top three modifications at Beijing Tuning Shop, a business owned by Zhang Yu that primarily works on Japanese cars. Body kits and wheels are popular with customers of Lu Feng's Taisen Car Service Company in Beijing. Lu says he mainly works on German models. Other shops SEMA talked to work almost exclusively on Fords.

SEMA members can introduce their products to potential Chinese distributors and tuner shops such as these at the SEMA CIAPE Business Development Conference in Beijing in late September. Participating SEMA members will be paired with relevant Chinese buyers in up to a dozen private, pre-scheduled meetings. One-on-one meetings with potential Chinese partners at this ground-breaking event will allow you to get to know them and the market.

Tuner shops say their clients typically spend up to $7,400 on modifications. The models they work on reflect which automakers are producing cars in China and where they're building them. Volkswagen has produced the Volkswagen and Audi brands through a joint venture in northern China near Beijing for decades. BMW produces cars in China near Beijing, as well. So it’s no surprise that Taisen Car Service of Beijing works on mainly VW, Audi and BMW brand vehicles.

Ford produces the Focus at a joint venture in Chongqing in southwestern China. And a local shop does a thriving business modifying Ford Focus, said the shop owner. Popular modifications include wheel rims, shock absorbers, exhausts and brakes and the company works with local dealerships to promote modification.

You can meet these and other Chinese wholesalers and retailers at the SEMA CIAPE Business Development Conference. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

	Chinese tuning shops close to Ford and Volkswagen plants tend to specialize in parts and installations for those respective brands.

Tuner shops in China are looking for imported performance-enhancing accessories such as suspensions, turbochargers, intake valves and brakes. Shock absorbers, body kits and wheels are the top three modifications at Beijing Tuning Shop, a business owned by Zhang Yu that primarily works on Japanese cars. Body kits and wheels are popular with customers of Lu Feng's Taisen Car Service Company in Beijing. Lu says he mainly works on German models. Other shops SEMA talked to work almost exclusively on Fords.

SEMA members can introduce their products to potential Chinese distributors and tuner shops such as these at the SEMA CIAPE Business Development Conference in Beijing in late September. Participating SEMA members will be paired with relevant Chinese buyers in up to a dozen private, pre-scheduled meetings. One-on-one meetings with potential Chinese partners at this ground-breaking event will allow you to get to know them and the market.

Tuner shops say their clients typically spend up to $7,400 on modifications. The models they work on reflect which automakers are producing cars in China and where they're building them. Volkswagen has produced the Volkswagen and Audi brands through a joint venture in northern China near Beijing for decades. BMW produces cars in China near Beijing, as well. So it’s no surprise that Taisen Car Service of Beijing works on mainly VW, Audi and BMW brand vehicles.

Ford produces the Focus at a joint venture in Chongqing in southwestern China. And a local shop does a thriving business modifying Ford Focus, said the shop owner. Popular modifications include wheel rims, shock absorbers, exhausts and brakes and the company works with local dealerships to promote modification.

You can meet these and other Chinese wholesalers and retailers at the SEMA CIAPE Business Development Conference. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Beginning September 1, 2010, the Indonesian government will require that labels written in Indonesian be affixed to a range of products, including auto parts. All manufacturers or importers of regulated goods must include information such as name, importer contact information, country of origin and contact information if the product is locally manufactured in the Indonesian language.

For a copy of this new Indonesian Ministry of Trade requirement, contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@sema.org.

Beginning September 1, 2010, the Indonesian government will require that labels written in Indonesian be affixed to a range of products, including auto parts. All manufacturers or importers of regulated goods must include information such as name, importer contact information, country of origin and contact information if the product is locally manufactured in the Indonesian language.

For a copy of this new Indonesian Ministry of Trade requirement, contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@sema.org.

A photo collection of Mitsubishi EVOs and other models at the 2009 SEMA Show. The images are part of the Cool Rides photo database available at www.enjoythedrive.com. The database is searchable by make, model, year, exhibiting company name and more.

A photo collection of Mitsubishi EVOs and other models at the 2009 SEMA Show. The images are part of the Cool Rides photo database available at www.enjoythedrive.com. The database is searchable by make, model, year, exhibiting company name and more.

	I-CAR will offer six training courses on new trends and technologies and how to achieve a safe repair, as well as live welding demonstrations, at the 2010 SEMA Show.

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, will offer six training courses and live welding demonstrations November 2–3 at the 2010 SEMA Show. I-CAR delivers performance-focused training to collision industry professionals grounded in the vision that every person in the industry has the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve a complete and safe repair.

With I-CAR training on new trends and technologies, professionals in the industry will be able to recognize what is needed to achieve a safe repair.

When a technician takes an I-CAR course and successfully completes the post-test, he or she will earn points valid toward their I-CAR Gold Class Professionals designation or I-CAR Platinum Individual designation requirements.

Register now for I-CAR Collision Repair Training for Performance at the 2010 SEMA Show.

“Since 1979, I-CAR has been instrumental in developing and delivering technical training programs to professionals in all areas of the collision industry,” said Bill Stage, I-CAR director of marketing and distribution. “The SEMA audience knows and understands that with the rapid rate of change in vehicle technology and design, the need to stay current on repair processes is more important than ever. I-CAR is committed to providing the most current collision repair training opportunities that meet industry needs.”

Course Schedule:

November 2: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Vehicle Technology and Trends 2011 (NEW11) Premiere!
Advanced Material Damage Analysis (DAM08)
Collision Repair for Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles (TOY01)

November 2: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Collision Repair for Honda and Acura Vehicles (HON01)
Recycled Parts for Collision Repair (RCY01)
Inspecting Repairs for Quality Control (QUA01)

November 3: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Recycled Parts for Collision Repair (RCY01)
Advanced Material Damage Analysis (DAM08)
Collision Repair for Honda and Acura Vehicles (HON01)

November 3: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Vehicle Technology and Trends 2011 (NEW11)
Inspecting Repairs for Quality Control (QUA01)
Collision Repair for Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles (TOY01)

Cost:

All sessions will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall in Rooms N231-242. The cost of each course is $95.

Course Descriptions (Code):

Vehicle Technology and Trends 2011 (NEW11) Premiere!
In today’s ever-changing marketplace, efficiency is critical to bottom-line performance and understanding the many facets surrounding new-vehicle technology can be one of the most valuable ways to increase efficiency. New materials and equipment, changes in vehicle makers’ procedures and government regulations all play a role in this world of change. The ability to recognize new technology and its implications during the repair process can be the key to achieving a positive customer experience and overall business success.

Advanced Material Damage Analysis (DAM08)
As vehicle technology advances, manufacturers are developing features that offer greater safety and convenience to vehicle owners. Systems that detect a vehicle’s blind spots; assist with night vision and parking; and help control a vehicle all contribute to driver safety and comfort. As owners become more reliant upon these innovations, identifying vehicles that have them and ensuring the systems are working properly following a repair is important in terms of vehicle safety, customer satisfaction and liability.

Collision Repair for Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles (TOY01)
As one of the largest automobile makers in the world, Toyota delivers emerging technologies, including restraint systems, hybrid systems and driver-assist systems. As Toyota vehicles continue to utilize more advanced technology, understanding the specific repair processes becomes fundamental in completing a safe repair.

Collision Repair for Honda and Acura Vehicles (HON01)
Honda delivers a diverse lineup of quality vehicles and recognizes that its products’ reliability cannot be compromised as a result of the repair process. Ensuring a complete safe repair requires the knowledge of vehicle-specific procedures that are unique to Honda.

Recycled Parts for Collision Repair (RCY01)
Repairing collision-damaged vehicles using recycled automotive parts has become an alternative for many vehicle repairs. The automotive recycling industry has evolved in today’s fast-changing market, increasing the quality and availability of recycled parts for repairing collision-damaged vehicles. Understanding this industry can improve a repairer’s ability to make sound decisions when considering the use of recycled parts.

Inspecting Repairs for Quality Control (QUA01)
Customer safety and satisfaction, avoiding the loss of a repeat customer, prevention of rework, reputation, liability, expectations of insurers…What is the “real” cost of not ensuring the quality of a repair during each step in the process? Every individual who is involved in the repair is a stakeholder and having effective processes is important to the ability to complete a quality repair.

For more information, visit SEMAShow.com/I-CAR.

2010 SEMA Show offers several networking functions for collision repair specialists, including I-CAR Collision Repair Training for Performance for technicians, the I-CAR TechPro World Tour (live welding demonstrations), SCRS Repairer Driven Education for managers, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) board meeting, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) board meeting, the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Interactive Forum for Industry Discussion and Industry Achievement Awards Luncheon.