Filler for eNews

Filler for eNews

By Linda Spencer 

Congress Rejects Wasteful Spending Program That Costs American Jobs

    Earlier this year, SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history to prevent inclusion of a national “Cash for Clunkers” program within the economic stimulus bill. From late December through mid-February, SEMA members and the SEMA Action Network (SAN)* enthusiasts made phone calls and sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to members of Congress urging lawmakers to oppose a vehicle scrappage program. The campaign was successful.

    The legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and signed into law by President Obama was “clunker-free.”
Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars that are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Two proposals were put forth and then withdrawn during the congressional debate. The first was an $8 billion program targeting SUVs and pickups of any year that make less than 18 mpg, such as Chevy Silverados, Dodge Rams, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wranglers. The second would have provided $16 billion worth of cash vouchers to individuals making less than $50,000 a year ($75,000 for families) who allowed their turned-in cars to be destroyed.
    “SEMA continues to believe that a Cash for Clunkers program would, for no proven gain, hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country who depend on the used-car market,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Instead, we are working with the House and Senate and all stakeholders on sound economic solutions to the current recession that will help drive product sales for the entire auto industry, including the vast automotive aftermarket and its specialty-equipment segment.”
    The economic stimulus law includes a SEMA-supported amendment that allows taxpayers to claim a federal tax deduction on state sales/excise taxes when buying a new car in 2009. The new law also contains several business tax credits to help spur capital investments and new hires.
    Lawmakers recognize that SEMA members and SAN enthusiasts were the first to step forward last year in vocal opposition to a federal Cash for Clunkers program. The message resonated. SEMA staff also knocked on hundreds of doors across Capitol Hill, outlining how the program would cut into the business of thousands of SEMA-member companies and make it more difficult and expensive for enthusiasts to pursue their love of cars.
    Looking to the future, Cash for Clunkers still has loyal advocates in Washington, D.C. Another clunkers proposal may reemerge later this year. SEMA will remain vigilant in educating legislators on the need to oppose programs that do not spur car sales, reduce emissions or raise fuel economy. Meanwhile, SEMA takes this opportunity to thank its member companies and SAN enthusiasts for a job well done. Your voice helps protect our industry and hobby.
For more information about SEMA’s work with the U.S. Congress, contact Brian Duggan, SEMA’s director of congressional affairs, at briand@sema.org.
 

By Linda Spencer 

Congress Rejects Wasteful Spending Program That Costs American Jobs

    Earlier this year, SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history to prevent inclusion of a national “Cash for Clunkers” program within the economic stimulus bill. From late December through mid-February, SEMA members and the SEMA Action Network (SAN)* enthusiasts made phone calls and sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to members of Congress urging lawmakers to oppose a vehicle scrappage program. The campaign was successful.

    The legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and signed into law by President Obama was “clunker-free.”
Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars that are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Two proposals were put forth and then withdrawn during the congressional debate. The first was an $8 billion program targeting SUVs and pickups of any year that make less than 18 mpg, such as Chevy Silverados, Dodge Rams, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wranglers. The second would have provided $16 billion worth of cash vouchers to individuals making less than $50,000 a year ($75,000 for families) who allowed their turned-in cars to be destroyed.
    “SEMA continues to believe that a Cash for Clunkers program would, for no proven gain, hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country who depend on the used-car market,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Instead, we are working with the House and Senate and all stakeholders on sound economic solutions to the current recession that will help drive product sales for the entire auto industry, including the vast automotive aftermarket and its specialty-equipment segment.”
    The economic stimulus law includes a SEMA-supported amendment that allows taxpayers to claim a federal tax deduction on state sales/excise taxes when buying a new car in 2009. The new law also contains several business tax credits to help spur capital investments and new hires.
    Lawmakers recognize that SEMA members and SAN enthusiasts were the first to step forward last year in vocal opposition to a federal Cash for Clunkers program. The message resonated. SEMA staff also knocked on hundreds of doors across Capitol Hill, outlining how the program would cut into the business of thousands of SEMA-member companies and make it more difficult and expensive for enthusiasts to pursue their love of cars.
    Looking to the future, Cash for Clunkers still has loyal advocates in Washington, D.C. Another clunkers proposal may reemerge later this year. SEMA will remain vigilant in educating legislators on the need to oppose programs that do not spur car sales, reduce emissions or raise fuel economy. Meanwhile, SEMA takes this opportunity to thank its member companies and SAN enthusiasts for a job well done. Your voice helps protect our industry and hobby.
For more information about SEMA’s work with the U.S. Congress, contact Brian Duggan, SEMA’s director of congressional affairs, at briand@sema.org.
 

By Linda Spencer 

Congress Rejects Wasteful Spending Program That Costs American Jobs

    Earlier this year, SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history to prevent inclusion of a national “Cash for Clunkers” program within the economic stimulus bill. From late December through mid-February, SEMA members and the SEMA Action Network (SAN)* enthusiasts made phone calls and sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to members of Congress urging lawmakers to oppose a vehicle scrappage program. The campaign was successful.

    The legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and signed into law by President Obama was “clunker-free.”
Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars that are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Two proposals were put forth and then withdrawn during the congressional debate. The first was an $8 billion program targeting SUVs and pickups of any year that make less than 18 mpg, such as Chevy Silverados, Dodge Rams, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wranglers. The second would have provided $16 billion worth of cash vouchers to individuals making less than $50,000 a year ($75,000 for families) who allowed their turned-in cars to be destroyed.
    “SEMA continues to believe that a Cash for Clunkers program would, for no proven gain, hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country who depend on the used-car market,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Instead, we are working with the House and Senate and all stakeholders on sound economic solutions to the current recession that will help drive product sales for the entire auto industry, including the vast automotive aftermarket and its specialty-equipment segment.”
    The economic stimulus law includes a SEMA-supported amendment that allows taxpayers to claim a federal tax deduction on state sales/excise taxes when buying a new car in 2009. The new law also contains several business tax credits to help spur capital investments and new hires.
    Lawmakers recognize that SEMA members and SAN enthusiasts were the first to step forward last year in vocal opposition to a federal Cash for Clunkers program. The message resonated. SEMA staff also knocked on hundreds of doors across Capitol Hill, outlining how the program would cut into the business of thousands of SEMA-member companies and make it more difficult and expensive for enthusiasts to pursue their love of cars.
    Looking to the future, Cash for Clunkers still has loyal advocates in Washington, D.C. Another clunkers proposal may reemerge later this year. SEMA will remain vigilant in educating legislators on the need to oppose programs that do not spur car sales, reduce emissions or raise fuel economy. Meanwhile, SEMA takes this opportunity to thank its member companies and SAN enthusiasts for a job well done. Your voice helps protect our industry and hobby.
For more information about SEMA’s work with the U.S. Congress, contact Brian Duggan, SEMA’s director of congressional affairs, at briand@sema.org.
 

By Linda Spencer 

Congress Rejects Wasteful Spending Program That Costs American Jobs

    Earlier this year, SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history to prevent inclusion of a national “Cash for Clunkers” program within the economic stimulus bill. From late December through mid-February, SEMA members and the SEMA Action Network (SAN)* enthusiasts made phone calls and sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to members of Congress urging lawmakers to oppose a vehicle scrappage program. The campaign was successful.

    The legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and signed into law by President Obama was “clunker-free.”
Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars that are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Two proposals were put forth and then withdrawn during the congressional debate. The first was an $8 billion program targeting SUVs and pickups of any year that make less than 18 mpg, such as Chevy Silverados, Dodge Rams, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wranglers. The second would have provided $16 billion worth of cash vouchers to individuals making less than $50,000 a year ($75,000 for families) who allowed their turned-in cars to be destroyed.
    “SEMA continues to believe that a Cash for Clunkers program would, for no proven gain, hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country who depend on the used-car market,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Instead, we are working with the House and Senate and all stakeholders on sound economic solutions to the current recession that will help drive product sales for the entire auto industry, including the vast automotive aftermarket and its specialty-equipment segment.”
    The economic stimulus law includes a SEMA-supported amendment that allows taxpayers to claim a federal tax deduction on state sales/excise taxes when buying a new car in 2009. The new law also contains several business tax credits to help spur capital investments and new hires.
    Lawmakers recognize that SEMA members and SAN enthusiasts were the first to step forward last year in vocal opposition to a federal Cash for Clunkers program. The message resonated. SEMA staff also knocked on hundreds of doors across Capitol Hill, outlining how the program would cut into the business of thousands of SEMA-member companies and make it more difficult and expensive for enthusiasts to pursue their love of cars.
    Looking to the future, Cash for Clunkers still has loyal advocates in Washington, D.C. Another clunkers proposal may reemerge later this year. SEMA will remain vigilant in educating legislators on the need to oppose programs that do not spur car sales, reduce emissions or raise fuel economy. Meanwhile, SEMA takes this opportunity to thank its member companies and SAN enthusiasts for a job well done. Your voice helps protect our industry and hobby.
For more information about SEMA’s work with the U.S. Congress, contact Brian Duggan, SEMA’s director of congressional affairs, at briand@sema.org.
 

By Linda Spencer 

Congress Rejects Wasteful Spending Program That Costs American Jobs

    Earlier this year, SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history to prevent inclusion of a national “Cash for Clunkers” program within the economic stimulus bill. From late December through mid-February, SEMA members and the SEMA Action Network (SAN)* enthusiasts made phone calls and sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to members of Congress urging lawmakers to oppose a vehicle scrappage program. The campaign was successful.

    The legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and signed into law by President Obama was “clunker-free.”
Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars that are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. Two proposals were put forth and then withdrawn during the congressional debate. The first was an $8 billion program targeting SUVs and pickups of any year that make less than 18 mpg, such as Chevy Silverados, Dodge Rams, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wranglers. The second would have provided $16 billion worth of cash vouchers to individuals making less than $50,000 a year ($75,000 for families) who allowed their turned-in cars to be destroyed.
    “SEMA continues to believe that a Cash for Clunkers program would, for no proven gain, hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country who depend on the used-car market,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Instead, we are working with the House and Senate and all stakeholders on sound economic solutions to the current recession that will help drive product sales for the entire auto industry, including the vast automotive aftermarket and its specialty-equipment segment.”
    The economic stimulus law includes a SEMA-supported amendment that allows taxpayers to claim a federal tax deduction on state sales/excise taxes when buying a new car in 2009. The new law also contains several business tax credits to help spur capital investments and new hires.
    Lawmakers recognize that SEMA members and SAN enthusiasts were the first to step forward last year in vocal opposition to a federal Cash for Clunkers program. The message resonated. SEMA staff also knocked on hundreds of doors across Capitol Hill, outlining how the program would cut into the business of thousands of SEMA-member companies and make it more difficult and expensive for enthusiasts to pursue their love of cars.
    Looking to the future, Cash for Clunkers still has loyal advocates in Washington, D.C. Another clunkers proposal may reemerge later this year. SEMA will remain vigilant in educating legislators on the need to oppose programs that do not spur car sales, reduce emissions or raise fuel economy. Meanwhile, SEMA takes this opportunity to thank its member companies and SAN enthusiasts for a job well done. Your voice helps protect our industry and hobby.
For more information about SEMA’s work with the U.S. Congress, contact Brian Duggan, SEMA’s director of congressional affairs, at briand@sema.org.
 

A series of new online workshops to help SEMA-member businesses survive the severe economic crisis is scheduled to begin later this month.

The 2009 SEMA Recession Survival Series recognizes that, for many, corporate lay-offs, budget cuts and careful management have become unfortunate business realities. Topics address today’s urgent issues, including managing cash flow, retaining the best employees, managing inventory and leading a business through 2009 and into 2010.

“In this difficult economy, it’s clear that SEMA members need ideas and concepts they can apply immediately,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This series of web-based seminars gets to the heart of the matter and will address the topics and issues that are of urgent concern today.”

The seminars—mostly 30-minute presentations followed by a Q&A period—span six weeks. The first workshop, "Taking Positive Control of Your Company: How to Save Your Business When the Economic News Is Negative," kicks off February 26 and is designed for owner/operators, CEOs, presidents and executive-level decision-makers who must act now to save their companies.

Presenter Richard Jones will share his experience about how savvy owners and executives stay in business and avoid bankruptcy. Participation is free for SEMA members.

Webinar: Taking Positive Control of Your Company: How to Save Your Business When the Economic News Is Negative
When: Thursday, February 26, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST)
Presenter: Richard Jones, Chairman and CEO, Management 2000 Inc.

SEMA also offers members free market reports, access to previous webinar presentations, cost-saving programs and business tools specific to the automotive specialty-equipment industry. For complete details, visit www.sema.org/survivalseries or call 909/396-0289.

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download by clicking here. To view upcoming presentations that you can attend via telephone and Internet, click here.

Yokohama's booth at the 2008 SEMA Show included several accessorized vehicles.

It's more important than ever to properly plan for the SEMA Show. The Show department has released these deadlines to assist exhibitors and attendees in successful Show planning.

Exhibit Space Rental Agreement forms will be available February 20 at www.SEMAShow.com. An email with a direct link to the form will be sent to the contact for all manufacturing members and for every company that has exhibited within the past two Shows.

Attendee registration for the 2009 Show will begin March 9, and sign-ups will be available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibitors who submit their rental agreement deposit by May 8 will be included in the priority space selection process, which will be held June 16–30.

Exclusive SEMA room rates for more than 20 hotels will also be available on March 9. Room rates start as low as $65.

The 2009 SEMA Show will be held November 3–6, in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more details on the 2009 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Looking to build a 2010 Ford, Lincoln or Mercury for the 2009 SEMA Show? Move quick: one-page project summaries for the 2009 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Project Vehicle Program are due Monday, February 23, with more detailed proposals due Sunday, March 1 (note: deadline for Mustang proposals has already passed).

Companies requesting vehicles should be a manufacturer or restyler dedicated to new-product development, able to promote and market the vehicle, and a SEMA member. This year, a limited number of vehicles will be awarded for modifications that result in significant fuel-economy gains and/or reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Projects that go beyond bio-fuel conversion will be given greater consideration.

For additional details, click here to download the PDF file (if you’re having trouble downloading the file, e-mail semainfo@ford.com).