By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Outdoor recreation has received a boost after U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced H.R. 6492, the "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act." This bipartisan public lands and recreation bill expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), while also including SEMA-supported key provisions from AORA.

The EXPLORE Act increases opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, streamlines permitting for recreation, improves visitor experiences, creates new opportunities for recreation, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families.   

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on the EXPLORE Act and is expected to hold a vote on the bill before the end of the year.

SEMA is advocating for the bill to pass through committee given that it will improve and expand America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section. 

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for introducing the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. 

Take action today: click here to ask your representative to support the EXPLORE Act.

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Outdoor recreation has received a boost after U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced H.R. 6492, the "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act." This bipartisan public lands and recreation bill expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), while also including SEMA-supported key provisions from AORA.

The EXPLORE Act increases opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, streamlines permitting for recreation, improves visitor experiences, creates new opportunities for recreation, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families.   

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on the EXPLORE Act and is expected to hold a vote on the bill before the end of the year.

SEMA is advocating for the bill to pass through committee given that it will improve and expand America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section. 

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for introducing the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. 

Take action today: click here to ask your representative to support the EXPLORE Act.

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The 35th annual PRI Show, December 7-9 in downtown Indianapolis, is gearing up to be one of the best events to date, with more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies and trailers for the racing industry.

Taking place at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, the motorsports industry's annual trade gathering is a must-attend event for businesses and professionals from across the automotive racing spectrum.

"The motorsports industry is constantly evolving, and the PRI Show supports that growth through cutting-edge activations," said PRI General Manager Jim Liaw. "The 2023 Show will take a holistic approach to industry support with programs that address the needs of entry-level racers all the way through to experienced professionals." 

The PRI Show continues to evolve to meet the needs of members by curating a mix of programs that reflect the latest industry trends combined with annual traditions and popular events.

New for the 2023 Show:

PRI ESPORTS ARENA POWERED BY SRO

PRI is embracing and showcasing sim racing/Esports beyond individual exhibitors for the first time through activations with several sim racing equipment makers and e-racing series, including SRO/GT America, Screenworks, Williams F1 Esports, Podium 1 Racing, SimGear Motion Simulators, Asetek SimSports, Advanced SimRacing and Extreme SimRacing.

PRI EKARTING CLASSIC PRESENTED BY TOP KART USA

PRI is creating a karting track inside Lucas Oil Stadium in partnership with Top Kart USA that will feature all-star racing on Thursday with pros from various racing disciplines, "fastest lap" contests for media on Friday, and racing for regional youth organizations on Saturday.

Other features of the 2023 Show include:

• Grand Opening Breakfast: The iconic event, this year featuring Indy 500 champ Tony Kanaan and hosted by Ralph Sheheen kicks off the 2023 Show.
• PRI Paddock & Podcast Studio: located at the Capital Cube entrance, features the iconic PRI hanging car, ground-level display racing machine and a podcast studio to host industry podcasters filming and broadcasting, including Drag Illustrated, "V8 Speed Shop," "Women Take the Wheel" and many others. For the full schedule, visit the PRI Paddock & Podcast Studio on the PRI Show planner.
• EV & ATL Racing: the EV Performance Zone will evolve to incorporate cutting-edge technology related to alternative forms of racing propulsion and renewable fuels. The area will feature activations from Indy Autonomous Challenge, Electric Drag Racing Association, Burromax, Omni Powertrain Technologies and eFlexFuel, among others and feature display vehicles. 
• PRI Happy Hour & All-Star Finale: Thursday's Happy Hour will feature the final pro race of the PRI EKarting Classic presented by Top Kart USA.  
• PRI Education: Education sessions have been curated for the Show under three tracks: Business, Technical and EV & ATL Racing. All sessions can be found on the PRI Show planner. 
• Featured Products Showcase: Relocated this year to the ICC Capitol Connector, the Featured Products Showcase highlights the newest and most popular motorsports products.
• T.O.P.S. HQ: Formerly the TOPS Workroom & Lounge, this area will feature such programming as Road Course Racing Industry Roundtable, Sprint Car Roundtable, Race Tire Update, Updates in Timing & Scoring Technology.
• Additional features: Network receptions, Machinery Row, Trailer Exhibits and more.

"This year's Show programming will be dynamic and bring a high energy level to the Show," said Karin Davidson, PRI Trade Show Director. "The additional content will also add more value to the time our members spend in Indianapolis."

The 2023 PRI Show will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors and 3,600 booths showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies and trailers for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of motorsports and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media. To register, visit PRI2023.com/attend.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant development, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has withdrawn SEMA-opposed regulation that would have required the state to adopt California's strict motor-vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. 

The move to withdraw the regulation came after bipartisan opposition from state lawmakers, with the governor acknowledging that the proposal lacked sufficient support to pass the legislature's Regulation Review Committee. Unlike the Democratic-controlled legislature, the Committee is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. 

Governor Lamont, however, has not abandoned the pursuit of more stringent emissions standards, indicating that he will explore alternative avenues to address the issue, either by seeking legislative action in 2024 or potentially calling a special session in 2023.

"We are pleased that Governor Lamont has listened to the concerns of Connecticut residents and withdrawn this harmful proposal," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "SEMA believes that Connecticut residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. Data shows that a successful path to lowering emissions is an all-of-the-above approach to utilizing multiple technologies, not just simply banning one technology in favor of another." 

For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org.   

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant development, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has withdrawn SEMA-opposed regulation that would have required the state to adopt California's strict motor-vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. 

The move to withdraw the regulation came after bipartisan opposition from state lawmakers, with the governor acknowledging that the proposal lacked sufficient support to pass the legislature's Regulation Review Committee. Unlike the Democratic-controlled legislature, the Committee is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. 

Governor Lamont, however, has not abandoned the pursuit of more stringent emissions standards, indicating that he will explore alternative avenues to address the issue, either by seeking legislative action in 2024 or potentially calling a special session in 2023.

"We are pleased that Governor Lamont has listened to the concerns of Connecticut residents and withdrawn this harmful proposal," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "SEMA believes that Connecticut residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. Data shows that a successful path to lowering emissions is an all-of-the-above approach to utilizing multiple technologies, not just simply banning one technology in favor of another." 

For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org.   

By SEMA News Editors

A new crossover electric vehicle from Ford was spotted in Europe, according to SEMA News sources.

The yet-unnamed crossover is suspected to be built on a Volkswagen EV platform and is a part of an ongoing deal between Volkswagen and Ford that involves sharing platforms and making cars in the same factories. The spotted Ford crossover is expected to be one of seven upcoming EVs for the American brand, including four passenger cars and five commercial vehicles.

Spotted under camouflage in Europe, the Ford electric crossover is likely built on the Volkswagen MEB platform.

Based on the spy shots from SEMA sources, the camouflaged EV is bigger than the Mustang Mach-E and will have a size similar to the Volkswagen ID.6.

From a styling perspective, it will have a boxy shape, large LED headlights, an angular tailgate and some inspiration from the Explorer body, sources said. The interior is also allegedly set to be exclusive to Ford.

The vehicle is expected to be one of Ford's seven planned electric vehicles.

The Blue Oval has confirmed it will produce the new crossover, in addition to a medium-sized crossover, in Cologne, Germany. Both will be underpinned by the Volkswagen group’s MEB platform, according to Ford Europe Chair Stuart Rowley.

The European chief also pledged that the Cologne factory will account for 1.2 million units over its lifecycle.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Melanie Henry, communications and traffic manager at Martin & Company Advertising, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Get to know Henry in her interview with SEMA News below.   

SEMA News: What do you enjoy most about working at your current company?    

Melanie Henry: What I enjoy most about working here is that my talents and creativity are appreciated, as well as the opportunities for growth. 

SEMA News: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?   

MH: The most challenging (and exciting) part of my job is taking a client's idea and making it come to life. 

SN: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?   

MH: I have been in the automotive industry for 10 years. My start was holding car shows! 

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?   

MH: Three qualities that got me to where I am would be determination, passion, and exuberance. These qualities have benefited me by providing me with the energy and drive to follow what I am enthusiastic about. 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?    

MH: The biggest challenge I have faced in this industry is to be taken seriously. For example, this year, I am celebrating 10 years of holding car shows. A man who had never been to one of my shows before was looking at the cars while judging was taking place. I was judging cars, and this man said to me "Do you even know enough about cars to be doing what you're doing?" I stuck my hand out to shake his and said, "Hi, I'm Melanie, and I run Mel's Car Shows." He went on to ask me how long I've been holding shows and commented about "utilizing the space better" for the event.  

My biggest accomplishments in this industry would be receiving the title of 2022 WTAJ's Remarkable Woman, earning the title of Ms. Motorama, and celebrating 10 years of holding car shows. To date, I have raised over $160,000 for nonprofits and charities in need. 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?    

MH: My role models in the industry include Jessi Combs, Bogi, and my boss, Zan Martin.  

These women are leaders and trailblazers in this industry by following their beliefs while teaching and encouraging others along the way. 

SN: What is the best career advice you have received?   

MH: The best career advice I ever received was very simple advice; keep working hard. 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?   

MH: I have always loved cars but never thought of working in the automotive industry until I got a job. Then I knew I had to stay in the automotive industry! What keeps me in the automotive industry is the constant opportunity to learn. 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?   

MH: The most influential person in my career and goals would be my Dad. I grew up watching him work on cars, he was always willing to teach me and is my biggest supporter. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

By SEMA News Editors

With the aid of 200 robots, the facility has the capacity to produce 30,000 customizable electric vehicles annually.

Hyundai has launched a new manufacturing facility in Singapore operated partially by robots, robot dogs and artificial intelligence, the automaker announced.

With the aid of 200 robots, the facility, called the "Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore," has the capacity to produce 30,000 customizable electric vehicles (EVs) annually.

According to the manufacturer, robots handle 50% of all tasks at the facility, including assembly, inspection and production plus 60% of component processing, ordering and transport, allowing human workers to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.

The tech hub also provides flexible vehicle customization, test drives, VR factory tours and more.

Operational since early 2023, the facility produces the IONIQ 5 and will add the IONIQ 6 to its portfolio of models built on-site next year. It will also serve as a testing facility for future vehicle development.

For more information, visit the Hyundai Motor Group website.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI have published the Member Code of Conduct, posted in its entirety below. Learn more here or download the PDF here.

I. SCOPE.

Specialty Equipment Market Association & Performance Racing, Inc. ("SEMA/PRI" or "Association") has adopted this Code of Conduct ("Code"), which applies to all members of the Association as well as other guests who participate in or attend SEMA/PRI events and activities.

II. PURPOSE.

This Code is in support of the SEMA/PRI mission to help its members succeed and prosper. SEMA/PRI's membership consists of the producers and marketers of specialty-equipment products and services for the automotive aftermarket and motor sports industry. SEMA/PRI's programs support its mission and the Association's Directors and staff are guided by this purpose. The Association is proud of the values with which it conducts business. It has and will continue to uphold a high level of integrity in all of its actions and relationships. The Association promotes a professional and collegial environment that values respect and fairness and its policies for employees and others reflect that commitment.

III. APPROPRIATE CONDUCT AND AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICTS WITH THE ASSOCIATION.

Each member, and/or its representatives, as well as business guests invited to, participating in, or attending any SEMA/PRI activity, program, event conference or Show, as well as their interaction with the Association's members, directors, officers or staff, shall:

1. Abide by the Bylaws any and all policies adopted by the Association.
2. Conduct themselves in Association initiatives, events or activities in a legal, non-offensive manner, avoiding inappropriate or disruptive behavior, being responsive to any lawful requests of the Board of Directors, Committee Leadership or staff.
3. Avoid any business relationship or activity that is in conflict with and directly competes with the Association.
4. Not attempt to misappropriate confidential information relating to the operation of the Association and its business affairs. Confidential information includes but is not limited to all non-public information relating to the Association's strategies, business or contractual relationships, personnel records, financial affairs, legislative strategies, past or future member affiliations, or any other information relating to the Association's operations, business affairs or strategy.

No member of the Association will do any of the following:

1. Falsely represent having authority to speak for or act on behalf of the Association in any business matters, contracts, agreements or in any written, electronic or oral communications regarding the Association.
2. Use any SEMA/PRI trademark, service mark, name, logo or branding in an unauthorized or deceptive way that suggests a relationship or endorsement with the Association that does not exist.
3. Engage in threatening, demeaning or harassing behavior of any kind at Association events, initiatives or activities or in their interaction with the Association's directors, officers, members or employees.
4. Misappropriate the Association's property, financial resources, or services of the Association's personnel for personal benefit.

IV. REPORTING FOR COMPLIANCE.

It is the responsibility of members and/or its representatives and SEMA/PRI guests to comply with this Code of Conduct and they will report violations or suspected violations to the Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee for purposes of the operation of the policy. All reported violations will be reviewed, pursuant to Section V, and violations of this Code may lead to disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to, conducting corrective actions as requested by the Association, reprimand, suspension, and/or revocation of membership.

V. DUE DILLIGENCE PROCEDURES.

1. Any complaint must be in writing, signed by the complaining party (the "Complainant"), shall state the matter complained of in detail, and be accompanied by materials the Complainant wishes to bring to the attention of the Association (collectively referred to as "Complaining Materials").

2. The Complaining Materials must be sent to Association headquarters within twelve (12) months of the occurrence of the conduct which is the subject matter of the complaining materials.

3. The Complaining Materials are reviewed by designated staff and counsel to determine if the conduct complained of involves a possible violation of this Code, or might otherwise constitute conduct detrimental to the Association.

4. If it is determined that the Complaining Materials do not involve a possible violation, the Complainant is informed and the matter is closed. If it is determined that the Complaining Materials may involve a possible violation, the Ethics Committee is informed and the Complaining Materials may be further investigated by staff/counsel to collect additional evidence.

5. Once the collection process is deemed sufficiently complete, a summary document will be created and will be sent to the alleged infringer with a request for a written response. The response must be in writing, signed, and shall be accompanied by all materials the alleged infringer wishes to bring to the attention of the Association in response to complaining materials ("Responding Materials").

6. The Complaining and Responding Materials are then reviewed by the Association's Ethics Committee to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a disciplinary proceeding. In making their determination, the Ethics Committee may request additional information from either the Complainant or the alleged infringer. A copy of any such additional information provided by a party will, if the matter proceeds to a disciplinary hearing, be provided by the Association to the other party prior to the date of any disciplinary hearing.

7. If the Ethics Committee concludes that a disciplinary hearing is not warranted, both parties are informed in writing of such determination and the matter is closed.

8. If the Ethics Committee determines that a disciplinary hearing is warranted, then the Association shall send notice of the disciplinary hearing to the parties prior to the date of the disciplinary hearing. The notice of disciplinary hearing shall specify the date, time and place (including virtual) of the hearing.

9. Either party may submit such other written materials they wish to bring to the attention of the Ethics Committee ("Additional Materials"), provided such Additional Materials are received at Association's headquarters no later than twenty (20) days prior to the hearing date. A copy of Additional Materials submitted by a party must be sent by the submitting party to the other party by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that the same materials will be received by the other party no later than fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing date.

10. The Complainant shall be required to participate in the hearing in the manner described below. If the Complainant fails to participate in the hearing for any reason, the complaint will be dismissed as against the Complainant with prejudice to Complainant's right to file another complaint against the alleged infringer in connection with the subject matter that was set forth in the complaint. The Complainant and the alleged infringer shall participate in the hearing via video teleconferencing, telephone conference call, or other available electronic conferencing method. The Complainant and the alleged infringer shall each provide the Association with written notice, no later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing date, containing information as to whether they plan to participate in the hearing in person or via legal counsel, a telephone number where they may be reached on the date of the hearing, and a list of witnesses if applicable.

11. No recording or transcript of such hearing shall be made unless it is specifically requested and paid for in advance by the requesting party. The hearing process shall be treated confidentially by the participants.

12. After the hearing, the Ethics Committee shall meet to consider the proceedings that have occurred, the evidence presented, any prior precedential rulings, and determine any disciplinary action to be taken (including any applicable time frame). The recommendation(s) of the Ethics Committee shall be submitted to the SEMA/PRI Executive Committee for final disposition (which may include consideration by the Board of Directors).

13. Any disciplinary action shall be communicated to the alleged infringer in writing. The Complainant shall not be informed of the outcome.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Virginia legislators have introduced companion bills (H.B. 3 and S.B. 3) to repeal the Commonwealth's zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandates.

The legislation, filed by Delegate Tony Wilt and Senator Richard Stuart, follows SEMA's first-ever independent expenditure effort in Virginia's November elections around the state's attachment to California's emissions standards, including its impending zero-emissions vehicle mandates. The mandates would require that all sales of new cars and trucks be 100% zero emissions by 2035. However, earlier mandates start in 2026, with 35% of new vehicle sales required to be zero emissions.

If passed, the companion bills would repeal Virigina's zero-emissions vehicle mandates set to take effect by 2035.

SEMA's Driving Force Action targeted four senate races in November, educating voters about the Commonwealth's attachment to California's regulations. Three of the four senate candidates in those races won. One critical race that was influenced in this cycle was District 24, where candidate Sheriff Danny Diggs defeated the incumbent, Senator Monty Mason, a staunch supporter of the internal combustion engine (ICE) ban policy and the deciding vote to block the repeal of Virginia's ICE ban law earlier this year. Other notable shifts were in District 17, where Emily Brewer defeated Clinton Jenkins, and District 27, where Tara Durant upset Joel Griffin. The candidates who won committed to repealing the ZEV mandate. SEMA's Driving Force Action campaign was active in educating voters about the ZEV mandate in these districts. A complete post-election analysis of the Driving Force Action campaign can be downloaded here.

Polling conducted statewide in Virginia by SEMA in late 2022 showed that 81% of Virginia voters had heard little or nothing at all about the ban. The same poll showed that once voters learned of the ban, 62% opposed it. Driving Force Action conducted a short IVR poll in mid-October to test awareness of Virginia's attachment to California's ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars, following six weeks of education in the four senate district races the campaign targeted. There was a significant increase in awareness, with only 16% of Republican and 12% of Independent voters unaware of the issue. This poll also showed that a majority of Republican and Independent voters would support a candidate if they supported the repeal of Virginia's ICE-ban law.

Voters acknowledged that prioritizing the green agenda of California's unelected bureaucrats and a select few politicians over the jobs and livelihoods of millions who use cars every day was not something lawmakers should pursue.

SEMA calls on Virginia's newly elected legislators to support these two repeal bills.