By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (A.B. 476) has been reintroduced in the New York Assembly to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for “street rods” and “custom vehicles.” This bill is based on SEMA-model legislation.

The legislation defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before '49 and a custom vehicle as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after '48. Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.

A.B. 476 currently awaits consideration in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (A.B. 476) has been reintroduced in the New York Assembly to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for “street rods” and “custom vehicles.” This bill is based on SEMA-model legislation.

The legislation defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before '49 and a custom vehicle as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after '48. Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.

A.B. 476 currently awaits consideration in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Kristopher Porter

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group.

Are you facing a business challenge that is bigger than your own company? See an opportunity for change and growth in the market? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? If so, it may be time for you to volunteer and make your voice heard.

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper.

Currently, there are 10 councils and networks within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a SEMA Member company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form. All nominations must be received by midnight March 3, 2019. The select committee elections will take place in late April.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Kristen Fregoso at kristenf@sema.org or 909-978-6681.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 207) has been introduced in the Utah House of Representatives to require the issuance of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for all motor vehicles.

Under current law vehicles must display two license plates. The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the House Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 207) has been introduced in the Utah House of Representatives to require the issuance of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for all motor vehicles.

Under current law vehicles must display two license plates. The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the House Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.B. 293) has been introduced in the Oklahoma Senate to allow for the titling of High-Mobility Multipurpose Vehicles (HUMVEE or HMMWV).

If passed, the legislation would prohibit such vehicles from traveling on Interstate highways. Under current Oklahoma law, HUMVEEs are not able to be titled in the state. A similar proposal failed to be passed during 2018’s legislative session.

S.B. 293 currently awaits consideration in the Senate Committee on Finance.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.B. 293) has been introduced in the Oklahoma Senate to allow for the titling of High-Mobility Multipurpose Vehicles (HUMVEE or HMMWV).

If passed, the legislation would prohibit such vehicles from traveling on Interstate highways. Under current Oklahoma law, HUMVEEs are not able to be titled in the state. A similar proposal failed to be passed during 2018’s legislative session.

S.B. 293 currently awaits consideration in the Senate Committee on Finance.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 6973) has been introduced in the Connecticut House of Representatives to exempt vehicles without a designated place and mounting hardware from having to display a front license plate.

Under current law vehicles must display both front and rear license plates. The bill awaits consideration by the Joint Committee on Transportation.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

This story was originally published on February 14, 2019. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 6973) has been introduced in the Connecticut House of Representatives to exempt vehicles without a designated place and mounting hardware from having to display a front license plate.

Under current law vehicles must display both front and rear license plates. The bill awaits consideration by the Joint Committee on Transportation.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

This story was originally published on February 14, 2019. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

By SEMA Editors

Kooks Headers and Exhaust Continues to Add to its Leadership Team

Kooks Headers and Exhaust (KHE) recently announced that Matt Hatfield is the most recent addition to the leadership team. Hatfield brings more than 20 years of C-level experience from the manufacturing industry. Matt will hold the chief operating officer role at KHE and will be tasked with steering the entire organization towards the goals that have been set forth by KHE CEO, George Kook Jr.  

Kevin Floody will continue to oversee the sales operation for the entire Kooks portfolio of brands that include Kooks Headers and Exhaust, Kooks Industries as well as maintaining the international dealer network.

Additionally, Brad Zimmerman will stay focused on providing overall marketing strategies for the Kooks brands as the company will focus its efforts on creating new and innovative content campaigns targeting the current and next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

Driven Brands Announces Acquisition of Super-Lube

Take 5 Oil Change, part of Driven Brands, announced its acquisition of Super-Lube, a chain of quick lube and automotive service centers with 48 total locations in Florida, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois and Alabama.

Take 5 Oil Change specializes in fast, friendly and simple drive-thru oil change services. Take 5 Oil Change has achieved significant growth since being acquired by Driven Brands, the nation's leading automotive franchisor, in 2016. Super-Lube is Driven Brands' 25th acquisition and expands Take 5's total footprint to 19 states.

The Super-Lube acquisition expands Take 5 Oil Change's total network to more than 350 U.S. locations. The acquired quick lube centers will be rebranded over time as Take 5 Oil Change. Since affiliates of Roark Capital acquired Driven Brands in 2015, it has executed eight major acquisitions, including Super-Lube, and continues to grow across all verticals, expanding the brands' footprint to more than 2,500 locations in North America.

Meyer Distributing Announces Chattanooga, Tennessee, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, announced the addition of a location in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer's Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories and RV parts in the region.

“As truck lanes and routes grow, we are always looking at adding extra capacity to get in front of the growth,” says Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “More lanes and trucks lead to improved delivery times and happier customers.  It sounds simple as a general goal, but that routing and sequencing logic gets complex at scale with every new location.  It’s a great problem to have.”

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.