SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Confronts Cash for Clunker Myths in Europe and Prepares for Second Scrappage Battle in U.S. Congress

SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history earlier this year to keep a national “Cash for Clunkers” program out of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill. The campaign was a success. Nevertheless, some lawmakers remain committed to using a vehicle scrappage program as a means to spur new-car sales.

They are now citing a flawed German program as a model for America.

Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars, which are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Under the German program, the government is offering consumers 2,500 euros (about $3,400 USD) toward the purchase of a new car regardless of the CO2 emissions of the new model, so long as the scrapped vehicle is at least nine years old. The program also permits German consumers to replace a more fuel-efficient older car with a less-efficient newer model.

Like the U.S. proposals, the European-style programs do not stand up to scrutiny. In fact, European Commission (EC) staff warned that the programs focus on age rather than actual emissions; that the cars collected may simply be resold in other countries; and that the scrapped cars were at the end of their useful lives anyway and worth far less than the subsidy.

Both the EC staff and the European Federation for Transport and the Environment have urged Germany and other countries to abandon scrappage subsidy payments, since they do more environmental harm than good by artificially accelerating the car life cycle rather than making existing vehicles last longer and run cleaner.

Last February, Washington, D.C., lawmakers correctly rejected a similar program to crush rarely driven second and third vehicles in favor of a targeted tax incentive to help boost new-car sales, namely a federal deduction of state sales and excise taxes. During the scrappage debate, members of Congress asked the same question time and time again: Why would we spend tax dollars to destroy good used cars? Excellent question.

Legislation modeled after the German program was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in March. The bill calls for the use of U.S. tax dollars to pay consumers $3,000–$5,000 to scrap their old vehicles if they purchase new, fuel-efficient vehicles. However, there is no safeguard to verify that the scrapped vehicle U.S. taxpayers are buying has been driven in recent years and is contributing to the emissions inventory.

Lawmakers cited a recent jump in car sales in Germany in support of the U.S. proposal. SEMA has countered that these short-term sale gains in Germany are not the basis for a sound policy in America. The burst of sales will disappear when the program ends.

“Scrappage programs as proposed will also hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “This industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenue. It is time to help the entire auto industry with programs that focus the incentive on the purchase of new vehicles, not destroying valuable old cars and parts.”

The legislation has already gained significant support and likely signals the start of Cash for Clunkers round two. SEMA remains vigilant in opposition and will keep its members informed of all new developments.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Confronts Cash for Clunker Myths in Europe and Prepares for Second Scrappage Battle in U.S. Congress

SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history earlier this year to keep a national “Cash for Clunkers” program out of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill. The campaign was a success. Nevertheless, some lawmakers remain committed to using a vehicle scrappage program as a means to spur new-car sales.

They are now citing a flawed German program as a model for America.

Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars, which are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Under the German program, the government is offering consumers 2,500 euros (about $3,400 USD) toward the purchase of a new car regardless of the CO2 emissions of the new model, so long as the scrapped vehicle is at least nine years old. The program also permits German consumers to replace a more fuel-efficient older car with a less-efficient newer model.

Like the U.S. proposals, the European-style programs do not stand up to scrutiny. In fact, European Commission (EC) staff warned that the programs focus on age rather than actual emissions; that the cars collected may simply be resold in other countries; and that the scrapped cars were at the end of their useful lives anyway and worth far less than the subsidy.

Both the EC staff and the European Federation for Transport and the Environment have urged Germany and other countries to abandon scrappage subsidy payments, since they do more environmental harm than good by artificially accelerating the car life cycle rather than making existing vehicles last longer and run cleaner.

Last February, Washington, D.C., lawmakers correctly rejected a similar program to crush rarely driven second and third vehicles in favor of a targeted tax incentive to help boost new-car sales, namely a federal deduction of state sales and excise taxes. During the scrappage debate, members of Congress asked the same question time and time again: Why would we spend tax dollars to destroy good used cars? Excellent question.

Legislation modeled after the German program was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in March. The bill calls for the use of U.S. tax dollars to pay consumers $3,000–$5,000 to scrap their old vehicles if they purchase new, fuel-efficient vehicles. However, there is no safeguard to verify that the scrapped vehicle U.S. taxpayers are buying has been driven in recent years and is contributing to the emissions inventory.

Lawmakers cited a recent jump in car sales in Germany in support of the U.S. proposal. SEMA has countered that these short-term sale gains in Germany are not the basis for a sound policy in America. The burst of sales will disappear when the program ends.

“Scrappage programs as proposed will also hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “This industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenue. It is time to help the entire auto industry with programs that focus the incentive on the purchase of new vehicles, not destroying valuable old cars and parts.”

The legislation has already gained significant support and likely signals the start of Cash for Clunkers round two. SEMA remains vigilant in opposition and will keep its members informed of all new developments.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Confronts Cash for Clunker Myths in Europe and Prepares for Second Scrappage Battle in U.S. Congress

SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history earlier this year to keep a national “Cash for Clunkers” program out of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill. The campaign was a success. Nevertheless, some lawmakers remain committed to using a vehicle scrappage program as a means to spur new-car sales.

They are now citing a flawed German program as a model for America.

Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars, which are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Under the German program, the government is offering consumers 2,500 euros (about $3,400 USD) toward the purchase of a new car regardless of the CO2 emissions of the new model, so long as the scrapped vehicle is at least nine years old. The program also permits German consumers to replace a more fuel-efficient older car with a less-efficient newer model.

Like the U.S. proposals, the European-style programs do not stand up to scrutiny. In fact, European Commission (EC) staff warned that the programs focus on age rather than actual emissions; that the cars collected may simply be resold in other countries; and that the scrapped cars were at the end of their useful lives anyway and worth far less than the subsidy.

Both the EC staff and the European Federation for Transport and the Environment have urged Germany and other countries to abandon scrappage subsidy payments, since they do more environmental harm than good by artificially accelerating the car life cycle rather than making existing vehicles last longer and run cleaner.

Last February, Washington, D.C., lawmakers correctly rejected a similar program to crush rarely driven second and third vehicles in favor of a targeted tax incentive to help boost new-car sales, namely a federal deduction of state sales and excise taxes. During the scrappage debate, members of Congress asked the same question time and time again: Why would we spend tax dollars to destroy good used cars? Excellent question.

Legislation modeled after the German program was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in March. The bill calls for the use of U.S. tax dollars to pay consumers $3,000–$5,000 to scrap their old vehicles if they purchase new, fuel-efficient vehicles. However, there is no safeguard to verify that the scrapped vehicle U.S. taxpayers are buying has been driven in recent years and is contributing to the emissions inventory.

Lawmakers cited a recent jump in car sales in Germany in support of the U.S. proposal. SEMA has countered that these short-term sale gains in Germany are not the basis for a sound policy in America. The burst of sales will disappear when the program ends.

“Scrappage programs as proposed will also hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “This industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenue. It is time to help the entire auto industry with programs that focus the incentive on the purchase of new vehicles, not destroying valuable old cars and parts.”

The legislation has already gained significant support and likely signals the start of Cash for Clunkers round two. SEMA remains vigilant in opposition and will keep its members informed of all new developments.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Provides Legislative Advocacy for the Industry

Courtesy Kevin Lee, Rod & Custom Magazine

The program includes a number of components that together have resulted in a long list of successes of significant benefit to the industry.

“Our members work hard to develop their products and run their businesses. In turn, our office works hard to help them thrive in the marketplace,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “As the nation and our industry struggles with a stalled economy, our charge is to stay on top of every relevant state and federal matter of consequence to our membership to ensure the best possible outcome.”

McDonald heads up the SEMA office in Washington, D.C., where he and a team of experts track and analyze legislation and regulations, both state and federal, and then advocate positions to public officials on behalf of member companies. In addition to opposing bills that would potentially harm the automotive hobby or hinder SEMA-member companies, the staff proactively pursues opportunities to enact pro-industry initiatives.

State Legislation: SEMA staff works with state legislators to overhaul existing statutes and create brand-new programs that safeguard and expand the specialty-equipment aftermarket. Over the years, the state legislative program has brought a series of significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the industry and the vehicle-enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration and titling classifications to emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights.

State Caucus: 2009 marks the four-year anniversary of the founding of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with a passion for automobiles. In its daily efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, SEMA partners with caucus members from across the country to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Approximately 370 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the caucus.

Federal Legislation: SEMA is involved in a wide variety of issues on Capitol Hill that impact the industry, from regulatory reform to intellectual-property protection and health care coverage. Other legislative priorities include tackling energy and environmental issues in a fashion that takes jobs, safety, consumer choice and technology into consideration. SEMA also continues to pursue tax relief on measures that spur economic growth along with permanent renewal of research and development.

Federal Agencies: On the regulatory front, the government affairs office works with a number of agencies that have jurisdiction over the marketing of automotive equipment. These include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Topics range from regulations governing tire-pressure monitoring systems, roof crush, side impact, electronic stability control and hazardous air pollutants during auto painting operations to deceptive marketing practices.

SEMA Action Network: Another component of the SEMA legislative program involves working with automotive enthusiasts. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a partnership of vehicle clubs and enthusiasts who unite to protect their hobby. With the support of 4,000-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts and 150-plus publications, the SAN has an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. These members have been effective in amplifying SEMA’s political voice on issues affecting the specialty-equipment auto parts industry.

Congressional Caucus: Founded in 1996, the 100th year of the car, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is the federal equivalent of SEMA’s state caucus. As a coalition of lawmakers who love cars and recognize the importance of the industry to America, these Congress members help raise the profile of the automotive specialty-equipment industry in Washington and around the country.

Political Action Committee: The SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is a vital component of the SEMA legislative program. Established in 2003, SEMA PAC helps support candidates for Congress on both sides of the aisle who support our industry. Through SEMA PAC, individuals can pool their resources to give the industry a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

Congressional Visits: SEMA’s congressional visits program can produce long-term relationships. Under the initiative, SEMA’s congressional relations staff facilitates meetings with a U.S. representative or senator at a SEMA-member facility. Other SEMA members in that district are invited to participate in roundtable discussions on topics of interest to the individual companies and the industry.

Get Involved: While the various components of the SEMA government affairs program have resulted in great success for the industry, it is essential that all SEMA-member companies and their employees be involved as well. You can stay current on the latest laws and regulations affecting the automotive aftermarket industry by visiting www.sema.org/government-affairs. Contacting your lawmaker about bills in your state legislature or in the U.S. Congress is vital to our success. Lawmakers really do listen to their constituents—so does the SEMA government affairs staff. For more information, contact contact Steve McDonald or call 202/783-6007.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Provides Legislative Advocacy for the Industry

Courtesy Kevin Lee, Rod & Custom Magazine

The program includes a number of components that together have resulted in a long list of successes of significant benefit to the industry.

“Our members work hard to develop their products and run their businesses. In turn, our office works hard to help them thrive in the marketplace,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “As the nation and our industry struggles with a stalled economy, our charge is to stay on top of every relevant state and federal matter of consequence to our membership to ensure the best possible outcome.”

McDonald heads up the SEMA office in Washington, D.C., where he and a team of experts track and analyze legislation and regulations, both state and federal, and then advocate positions to public officials on behalf of member companies. In addition to opposing bills that would potentially harm the automotive hobby or hinder SEMA-member companies, the staff proactively pursues opportunities to enact pro-industry initiatives.

State Legislation: SEMA staff works with state legislators to overhaul existing statutes and create brand-new programs that safeguard and expand the specialty-equipment aftermarket. Over the years, the state legislative program has brought a series of significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the industry and the vehicle-enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration and titling classifications to emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights.

State Caucus: 2009 marks the four-year anniversary of the founding of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with a passion for automobiles. In its daily efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, SEMA partners with caucus members from across the country to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Approximately 370 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the caucus.

Federal Legislation: SEMA is involved in a wide variety of issues on Capitol Hill that impact the industry, from regulatory reform to intellectual-property protection and health care coverage. Other legislative priorities include tackling energy and environmental issues in a fashion that takes jobs, safety, consumer choice and technology into consideration. SEMA also continues to pursue tax relief on measures that spur economic growth along with permanent renewal of research and development.

Federal Agencies: On the regulatory front, the government affairs office works with a number of agencies that have jurisdiction over the marketing of automotive equipment. These include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Topics range from regulations governing tire-pressure monitoring systems, roof crush, side impact, electronic stability control and hazardous air pollutants during auto painting operations to deceptive marketing practices.

SEMA Action Network: Another component of the SEMA legislative program involves working with automotive enthusiasts. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a partnership of vehicle clubs and enthusiasts who unite to protect their hobby. With the support of 4,000-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts and 150-plus publications, the SAN has an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. These members have been effective in amplifying SEMA’s political voice on issues affecting the specialty-equipment auto parts industry.

Congressional Caucus: Founded in 1996, the 100th year of the car, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is the federal equivalent of SEMA’s state caucus. As a coalition of lawmakers who love cars and recognize the importance of the industry to America, these Congress members help raise the profile of the automotive specialty-equipment industry in Washington and around the country.

Political Action Committee: The SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is a vital component of the SEMA legislative program. Established in 2003, SEMA PAC helps support candidates for Congress on both sides of the aisle who support our industry. Through SEMA PAC, individuals can pool their resources to give the industry a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

Congressional Visits: SEMA’s congressional visits program can produce long-term relationships. Under the initiative, SEMA’s congressional relations staff facilitates meetings with a U.S. representative or senator at a SEMA-member facility. Other SEMA members in that district are invited to participate in roundtable discussions on topics of interest to the individual companies and the industry.

Get Involved: While the various components of the SEMA government affairs program have resulted in great success for the industry, it is essential that all SEMA-member companies and their employees be involved as well. You can stay current on the latest laws and regulations affecting the automotive aftermarket industry by visiting www.sema.org/government-affairs. Contacting your lawmaker about bills in your state legislature or in the U.S. Congress is vital to our success. Lawmakers really do listen to their constituents—so does the SEMA government affairs staff. For more information, contact contact Steve McDonald or call 202/783-6007.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Provides Legislative Advocacy for the Industry

Courtesy Kevin Lee, Rod & Custom Magazine

The program includes a number of components that together have resulted in a long list of successes of significant benefit to the industry.

“Our members work hard to develop their products and run their businesses. In turn, our office works hard to help them thrive in the marketplace,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “As the nation and our industry struggles with a stalled economy, our charge is to stay on top of every relevant state and federal matter of consequence to our membership to ensure the best possible outcome.”

McDonald heads up the SEMA office in Washington, D.C., where he and a team of experts track and analyze legislation and regulations, both state and federal, and then advocate positions to public officials on behalf of member companies. In addition to opposing bills that would potentially harm the automotive hobby or hinder SEMA-member companies, the staff proactively pursues opportunities to enact pro-industry initiatives.

State Legislation: SEMA staff works with state legislators to overhaul existing statutes and create brand-new programs that safeguard and expand the specialty-equipment aftermarket. Over the years, the state legislative program has brought a series of significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the industry and the vehicle-enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration and titling classifications to emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights.

State Caucus: 2009 marks the four-year anniversary of the founding of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with a passion for automobiles. In its daily efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, SEMA partners with caucus members from across the country to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Approximately 370 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the caucus.

Federal Legislation: SEMA is involved in a wide variety of issues on Capitol Hill that impact the industry, from regulatory reform to intellectual-property protection and health care coverage. Other legislative priorities include tackling energy and environmental issues in a fashion that takes jobs, safety, consumer choice and technology into consideration. SEMA also continues to pursue tax relief on measures that spur economic growth along with permanent renewal of research and development.

Federal Agencies: On the regulatory front, the government affairs office works with a number of agencies that have jurisdiction over the marketing of automotive equipment. These include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Topics range from regulations governing tire-pressure monitoring systems, roof crush, side impact, electronic stability control and hazardous air pollutants during auto painting operations to deceptive marketing practices.

SEMA Action Network: Another component of the SEMA legislative program involves working with automotive enthusiasts. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a partnership of vehicle clubs and enthusiasts who unite to protect their hobby. With the support of 4,000-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts and 150-plus publications, the SAN has an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. These members have been effective in amplifying SEMA’s political voice on issues affecting the specialty-equipment auto parts industry.

Congressional Caucus: Founded in 1996, the 100th year of the car, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is the federal equivalent of SEMA’s state caucus. As a coalition of lawmakers who love cars and recognize the importance of the industry to America, these Congress members help raise the profile of the automotive specialty-equipment industry in Washington and around the country.

Political Action Committee: The SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is a vital component of the SEMA legislative program. Established in 2003, SEMA PAC helps support candidates for Congress on both sides of the aisle who support our industry. Through SEMA PAC, individuals can pool their resources to give the industry a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

Congressional Visits: SEMA’s congressional visits program can produce long-term relationships. Under the initiative, SEMA’s congressional relations staff facilitates meetings with a U.S. representative or senator at a SEMA-member facility. Other SEMA members in that district are invited to participate in roundtable discussions on topics of interest to the individual companies and the industry.

Get Involved: While the various components of the SEMA government affairs program have resulted in great success for the industry, it is essential that all SEMA-member companies and their employees be involved as well. You can stay current on the latest laws and regulations affecting the automotive aftermarket industry by visiting www.sema.org/government-affairs. Contacting your lawmaker about bills in your state legislature or in the U.S. Congress is vital to our success. Lawmakers really do listen to their constituents—so does the SEMA government affairs staff. For more information, contact contact Steve McDonald or call 202/783-6007.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Provides Legislative Advocacy for the Industry

Courtesy Kevin Lee, Rod & Custom Magazine

The program includes a number of components that together have resulted in a long list of successes of significant benefit to the industry.

“Our members work hard to develop their products and run their businesses. In turn, our office works hard to help them thrive in the marketplace,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “As the nation and our industry struggles with a stalled economy, our charge is to stay on top of every relevant state and federal matter of consequence to our membership to ensure the best possible outcome.”

McDonald heads up the SEMA office in Washington, D.C., where he and a team of experts track and analyze legislation and regulations, both state and federal, and then advocate positions to public officials on behalf of member companies. In addition to opposing bills that would potentially harm the automotive hobby or hinder SEMA-member companies, the staff proactively pursues opportunities to enact pro-industry initiatives.

State Legislation: SEMA staff works with state legislators to overhaul existing statutes and create brand-new programs that safeguard and expand the specialty-equipment aftermarket. Over the years, the state legislative program has brought a series of significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the industry and the vehicle-enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration and titling classifications to emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights.

State Caucus: 2009 marks the four-year anniversary of the founding of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with a passion for automobiles. In its daily efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, SEMA partners with caucus members from across the country to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Approximately 370 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the caucus.

Federal Legislation: SEMA is involved in a wide variety of issues on Capitol Hill that impact the industry, from regulatory reform to intellectual-property protection and health care coverage. Other legislative priorities include tackling energy and environmental issues in a fashion that takes jobs, safety, consumer choice and technology into consideration. SEMA also continues to pursue tax relief on measures that spur economic growth along with permanent renewal of research and development.

Federal Agencies: On the regulatory front, the government affairs office works with a number of agencies that have jurisdiction over the marketing of automotive equipment. These include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Topics range from regulations governing tire-pressure monitoring systems, roof crush, side impact, electronic stability control and hazardous air pollutants during auto painting operations to deceptive marketing practices.

SEMA Action Network: Another component of the SEMA legislative program involves working with automotive enthusiasts. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a partnership of vehicle clubs and enthusiasts who unite to protect their hobby. With the support of 4,000-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts and 150-plus publications, the SAN has an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. These members have been effective in amplifying SEMA’s political voice on issues affecting the specialty-equipment auto parts industry.

Congressional Caucus: Founded in 1996, the 100th year of the car, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is the federal equivalent of SEMA’s state caucus. As a coalition of lawmakers who love cars and recognize the importance of the industry to America, these Congress members help raise the profile of the automotive specialty-equipment industry in Washington and around the country.

Political Action Committee: The SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is a vital component of the SEMA legislative program. Established in 2003, SEMA PAC helps support candidates for Congress on both sides of the aisle who support our industry. Through SEMA PAC, individuals can pool their resources to give the industry a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

Congressional Visits: SEMA’s congressional visits program can produce long-term relationships. Under the initiative, SEMA’s congressional relations staff facilitates meetings with a U.S. representative or senator at a SEMA-member facility. Other SEMA members in that district are invited to participate in roundtable discussions on topics of interest to the individual companies and the industry.

Get Involved: While the various components of the SEMA government affairs program have resulted in great success for the industry, it is essential that all SEMA-member companies and their employees be involved as well. You can stay current on the latest laws and regulations affecting the automotive aftermarket industry by visiting www.sema.org/government-affairs. Contacting your lawmaker about bills in your state legislature or in the U.S. Congress is vital to our success. Lawmakers really do listen to their constituents—so does the SEMA government affairs staff. For more information, contact contact Steve McDonald or call 202/783-6007.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Provides Legislative Advocacy for the Industry

Courtesy Kevin Lee, Rod & Custom Magazine

The program includes a number of components that together have resulted in a long list of successes of significant benefit to the industry.

“Our members work hard to develop their products and run their businesses. In turn, our office works hard to help them thrive in the marketplace,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “As the nation and our industry struggles with a stalled economy, our charge is to stay on top of every relevant state and federal matter of consequence to our membership to ensure the best possible outcome.”

McDonald heads up the SEMA office in Washington, D.C., where he and a team of experts track and analyze legislation and regulations, both state and federal, and then advocate positions to public officials on behalf of member companies. In addition to opposing bills that would potentially harm the automotive hobby or hinder SEMA-member companies, the staff proactively pursues opportunities to enact pro-industry initiatives.

State Legislation: SEMA staff works with state legislators to overhaul existing statutes and create brand-new programs that safeguard and expand the specialty-equipment aftermarket. Over the years, the state legislative program has brought a series of significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the industry and the vehicle-enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration and titling classifications to emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights.

State Caucus: 2009 marks the four-year anniversary of the founding of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with a passion for automobiles. In its daily efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, SEMA partners with caucus members from across the country to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Approximately 370 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the caucus.

Federal Legislation: SEMA is involved in a wide variety of issues on Capitol Hill that impact the industry, from regulatory reform to intellectual-property protection and health care coverage. Other legislative priorities include tackling energy and environmental issues in a fashion that takes jobs, safety, consumer choice and technology into consideration. SEMA also continues to pursue tax relief on measures that spur economic growth along with permanent renewal of research and development.

Federal Agencies: On the regulatory front, the government affairs office works with a number of agencies that have jurisdiction over the marketing of automotive equipment. These include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Topics range from regulations governing tire-pressure monitoring systems, roof crush, side impact, electronic stability control and hazardous air pollutants during auto painting operations to deceptive marketing practices.

SEMA Action Network: Another component of the SEMA legislative program involves working with automotive enthusiasts. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a partnership of vehicle clubs and enthusiasts who unite to protect their hobby. With the support of 4,000-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts and 150-plus publications, the SAN has an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. These members have been effective in amplifying SEMA’s political voice on issues affecting the specialty-equipment auto parts industry.

Congressional Caucus: Founded in 1996, the 100th year of the car, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is the federal equivalent of SEMA’s state caucus. As a coalition of lawmakers who love cars and recognize the importance of the industry to America, these Congress members help raise the profile of the automotive specialty-equipment industry in Washington and around the country.

Political Action Committee: The SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is a vital component of the SEMA legislative program. Established in 2003, SEMA PAC helps support candidates for Congress on both sides of the aisle who support our industry. Through SEMA PAC, individuals can pool their resources to give the industry a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

Congressional Visits: SEMA’s congressional visits program can produce long-term relationships. Under the initiative, SEMA’s congressional relations staff facilitates meetings with a U.S. representative or senator at a SEMA-member facility. Other SEMA members in that district are invited to participate in roundtable discussions on topics of interest to the individual companies and the industry.

Get Involved: While the various components of the SEMA government affairs program have resulted in great success for the industry, it is essential that all SEMA-member companies and their employees be involved as well. You can stay current on the latest laws and regulations affecting the automotive aftermarket industry by visiting www.sema.org/government-affairs. Contacting your lawmaker about bills in your state legislature or in the U.S. Congress is vital to our success. Lawmakers really do listen to their constituents—so does the SEMA government affairs staff. For more information, contact contact Steve McDonald or call 202/783-6007.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Provides Legislative Advocacy for the Industry

Courtesy Kevin Lee, Rod & Custom Magazine

The program includes a number of components that together have resulted in a long list of successes of significant benefit to the industry.

“Our members work hard to develop their products and run their businesses. In turn, our office works hard to help them thrive in the marketplace,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “As the nation and our industry struggles with a stalled economy, our charge is to stay on top of every relevant state and federal matter of consequence to our membership to ensure the best possible outcome.”

McDonald heads up the SEMA office in Washington, D.C., where he and a team of experts track and analyze legislation and regulations, both state and federal, and then advocate positions to public officials on behalf of member companies. In addition to opposing bills that would potentially harm the automotive hobby or hinder SEMA-member companies, the staff proactively pursues opportunities to enact pro-industry initiatives.

State Legislation: SEMA staff works with state legislators to overhaul existing statutes and create brand-new programs that safeguard and expand the specialty-equipment aftermarket. Over the years, the state legislative program has brought a series of significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the industry and the vehicle-enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration and titling classifications to emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights.

State Caucus: 2009 marks the four-year anniversary of the founding of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with a passion for automobiles. In its daily efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, SEMA partners with caucus members from across the country to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Approximately 370 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the caucus.

Federal Legislation: SEMA is involved in a wide variety of issues on Capitol Hill that impact the industry, from regulatory reform to intellectual-property protection and health care coverage. Other legislative priorities include tackling energy and environmental issues in a fashion that takes jobs, safety, consumer choice and technology into consideration. SEMA also continues to pursue tax relief on measures that spur economic growth along with permanent renewal of research and development.

Federal Agencies: On the regulatory front, the government affairs office works with a number of agencies that have jurisdiction over the marketing of automotive equipment. These include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Topics range from regulations governing tire-pressure monitoring systems, roof crush, side impact, electronic stability control and hazardous air pollutants during auto painting operations to deceptive marketing practices.

SEMA Action Network: Another component of the SEMA legislative program involves working with automotive enthusiasts. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a partnership of vehicle clubs and enthusiasts who unite to protect their hobby. With the support of 4,000-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts and 150-plus publications, the SAN has an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. These members have been effective in amplifying SEMA’s political voice on issues affecting the specialty-equipment auto parts industry.

Congressional Caucus: Founded in 1996, the 100th year of the car, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is the federal equivalent of SEMA’s state caucus. As a coalition of lawmakers who love cars and recognize the importance of the industry to America, these Congress members help raise the profile of the automotive specialty-equipment industry in Washington and around the country.

Political Action Committee: The SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is a vital component of the SEMA legislative program. Established in 2003, SEMA PAC helps support candidates for Congress on both sides of the aisle who support our industry. Through SEMA PAC, individuals can pool their resources to give the industry a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

Congressional Visits: SEMA’s congressional visits program can produce long-term relationships. Under the initiative, SEMA’s congressional relations staff facilitates meetings with a U.S. representative or senator at a SEMA-member facility. Other SEMA members in that district are invited to participate in roundtable discussions on topics of interest to the individual companies and the industry.

Get Involved: While the various components of the SEMA government affairs program have resulted in great success for the industry, it is essential that all SEMA-member companies and their employees be involved as well. You can stay current on the latest laws and regulations affecting the automotive aftermarket industry by visiting www.sema.org/government-affairs. Contacting your lawmaker about bills in your state legislature or in the U.S. Congress is vital to our success. Lawmakers really do listen to their constituents—so does the SEMA government affairs staff. For more information, contact contact Steve McDonald or call 202/783-6007.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA EVENTS

The 2009 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser

The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is the setting where SEMA-member companies contribute to two particularly worthy causes: Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

The SEMA Board of Directors is a wholly volunteer group of talented industry leaders who are chosen by the membership to steer the association in times of both prosperity and challenge. The gala event allows SEMA members to thank the directors who have completed their terms and to welcome those who have been newly elected to provide continuing guidance through their vision, knowledge and expertise. It is also the venue where the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame are introduced. Those chosen for induction represent individual dedication, service and devotion to the industry.

“Our Hall of Fame inductees are individuals who have made tremendous contributions toward shaping the industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “These are the leaders who carved the path and set a standard of innovation and excellence which inspires us today.”

	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held this year on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

eBay Motors has signed on to be presenting sponsor of the 2009 races, which will be held from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on August 1. The finals will take place shortly before the banquet begins.

“We are thrilled to have eBay Motors as this year’s presenting sponsor for the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race,” said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee. “This just shows that even in a challenging economy, SEMA members are willing to step up and help these children have a better life.”

The Pinewood Drag Race and the Installation Banquet will cap three days of SEMA activities that begin on Thursday, July 30, and include individual and collective council meetings, Board of Directors functions, a State of the Association address and town hall meeting, and the annual Internet Symposium. For complete details, visit www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the other activities that will take place in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289 ext. 105.