Land Rover will launch its first hybrid Discovery as part of a roster of updates aimed at boosting the model’s sales, which continue to fall below expectations.

Photos of this camouflaged prototype show a substantial disguise for what is described by a Land Rover source as a “model-year update,” suggesting the changes are more far reaching than the usual equipment upgrades and light tweaks. More interesting, however, is that the Disco will soon be available as a hybrid-electric model alongside its combustion engine siblings.

Land Rover has yet to officially confirm which hybrid powertrain it’s going to use for the Discovery. It’s possible the brand is considering introducing a plug-in hybrid variant with the four-cylinder P400e system used on the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

However, very likely it’s going to be a mild hybrid, using the 48V system added to the Range Rover last year. The only current Land Rover system suitable for a car of this size and weight is the latest 3.0L straight-six turbo engine mated to a starter/generator and 48V battery.

However, given the Discovery’s diesel-heavy mix, expect such a system to be introduced in the four- and six-cylinder oil-burners for the seven-seat SUV’s launch, likely at the end of 2020.

Updates such as this will be crucial as Jaguar Land Rover aims to avoid fines under the EU’s fleet average CO2 target. The brand’s two biggest hopes for achieving this will be the upcoming Discovery Sport and Evoque plug-in hybrids, which are set to go on sale in the coming weeks. They use a 200hp, 1.5L three-cylinder gas engine and a 108hp electric powertrain for an electric-only range of about 31 miles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This story was originally published on June 4, 2020. 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.

Land Rover will launch its first hybrid Discovery as part of a roster of updates aimed at boosting the model’s sales, which continue to fall below expectations.

Photos of this camouflaged prototype show a substantial disguise for what is described by a Land Rover source as a “model-year update,” suggesting the changes are more far reaching than the usual equipment upgrades and light tweaks. More interesting, however, is that the Disco will soon be available as a hybrid-electric model alongside its combustion engine siblings.

Land Rover has yet to officially confirm which hybrid powertrain it’s going to use for the Discovery. It’s possible the brand is considering introducing a plug-in hybrid variant with the four-cylinder P400e system used on the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

However, very likely it’s going to be a mild hybrid, using the 48V system added to the Range Rover last year. The only current Land Rover system suitable for a car of this size and weight is the latest 3.0L straight-six turbo engine mated to a starter/generator and 48V battery.

However, given the Discovery’s diesel-heavy mix, expect such a system to be introduced in the four- and six-cylinder oil-burners for the seven-seat SUV’s launch, likely at the end of 2020.

Updates such as this will be crucial as Jaguar Land Rover aims to avoid fines under the EU’s fleet average CO2 target. The brand’s two biggest hopes for achieving this will be the upcoming Discovery Sport and Evoque plug-in hybrids, which are set to go on sale in the coming weeks. They use a 200hp, 1.5L three-cylinder gas engine and a 108hp electric powertrain for an electric-only range of about 31 miles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This story was originally published on June 4, 2020. 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 Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate passed a bill by unanimous vote to provide companies more flexibility on the use of funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the bill which now goes to President Trump to be signed into law. Highlights of the “Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act” include:

• Extends from 8 weeks to 24 weeks the period of time for PPP expenses to be forgiven and extend the rehiring deadline to December 31;
• Increases from 25 to 40 percent the amount of nonpayroll expenses (such as rent, utility payments and mortgage interest) eligible for loan forgiveness;
• Extends the expiration date of the program from June 30 to December 31;
• Increases the amount of time before loans payments begin from 6 months to 1 year; and
• Extends loan terms from two to five years.

The SBA is still accepting PPP loan applications. As of June 3, the SBA had processed 4.5 million loans for a total of $511 billion of $660 billion of total program funding currently available. Under the current program, the two-year SBA loans offer a 1% annual interest rate issued through banks and local lenders. The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities for eight weeks if a small business retains its employees and payroll levels. Visit SBA PPP Loans for more information.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate passed a bill by unanimous vote to provide companies more flexibility on the use of funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the bill which now goes to President Trump to be signed into law. Highlights of the “Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act” include:

• Extends from 8 weeks to 24 weeks the period of time for PPP expenses to be forgiven and extend the rehiring deadline to December 31;
• Increases from 25 to 40 percent the amount of nonpayroll expenses (such as rent, utility payments and mortgage interest) eligible for loan forgiveness;
• Extends the expiration date of the program from June 30 to December 31;
• Increases the amount of time before loans payments begin from 6 months to 1 year; and
• Extends loan terms from two to five years.

The SBA is still accepting PPP loan applications. As of June 3, the SBA had processed 4.5 million loans for a total of $511 billion of $660 billion of total program funding currently available. Under the current program, the two-year SBA loans offer a 1% annual interest rate issued through banks and local lenders. The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities for eight weeks if a small business retains its employees and payroll levels. Visit SBA PPP Loans for more information.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

Show organizers are actively working with leading experts to develop standards and protocols that will create an optimal environment to conduct business while emphasizing the health and well being of those at the event.

Registration for the 2020 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 3–6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

The annual gathering featuring automotive innovation is set to take place in the fall at a time when analysts anticipate the marketplace will begin its path to recovery, positioning the SEMA Show to be vital in helping businesses move toward a successful 2021. Show organizers are actively working with leading experts to develop standards and protocols that will create an optimal environment to conduct business while emphasizing the health and well being of those at the event.

The SEMA Show’s annual booth space selection process began earlier this month with more than 1,800 exhibiting companies participating. The Show is comprised of 12 individual industry sectors and affords buyers the opportunity to find products to build their core business or venture into new areas of growth with complimentary product and service offerings. Education, new products and trend spotting are the typical draws at the event and this year will continue based on the support the industry has shown thus far.

“We know the SEMA Show this year will be fundamental to helping businesses connect and move forward. We take that role very seriously, but not at the expense of the health and safety of the industry,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We’re confident that we will build a suitable environment that gives people certainty that they are not at risk to congregate, yet still allows us to leverage the Show’s position on the calendar to help the industry recover more quickly.”

Gattuso notes that the 2020 SEMA Show will likely look different from previous SEMA Shows, but assures the industry that the high levels of value and quality of business to which visitors are accustomed will remain the same.

By Della Domingo

Show organizers are actively working with leading experts to develop standards and protocols that will create an optimal environment to conduct business while emphasizing the health and well being of those at the event.

Registration for the 2020 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 3–6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

The annual gathering featuring automotive innovation is set to take place in the fall at a time when analysts anticipate the marketplace will begin its path to recovery, positioning the SEMA Show to be vital in helping businesses move toward a successful 2021. Show organizers are actively working with leading experts to develop standards and protocols that will create an optimal environment to conduct business while emphasizing the health and well being of those at the event.

The SEMA Show’s annual booth space selection process began earlier this month with more than 1,800 exhibiting companies participating. The Show is comprised of 12 individual industry sectors and affords buyers the opportunity to find products to build their core business or venture into new areas of growth with complimentary product and service offerings. Education, new products and trend spotting are the typical draws at the event and this year will continue based on the support the industry has shown thus far.

“We know the SEMA Show this year will be fundamental to helping businesses connect and move forward. We take that role very seriously, but not at the expense of the health and safety of the industry,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We’re confident that we will build a suitable environment that gives people certainty that they are not at risk to congregate, yet still allows us to leverage the Show’s position on the calendar to help the industry recover more quickly.”

Gattuso notes that the 2020 SEMA Show will likely look different from previous SEMA Shows, but assures the industry that the high levels of value and quality of business to which visitors are accustomed will remain the same.

By Ashley Reyes

Melanie White

Melanie White of Hellwig Products is this week’s featured SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) volunteer spotlight member. White’s involvement with SEMA began early in her career when she was introduced to TORA through the SEMA mentorship program. She has been making a difference in the industry ever since.

White is known throughout the aftermarket as a proven leader for both her business accomplishments and dedication to the industry. In addition to her previous role as TORA chair, White was named the first female president of Hellwig Products and received the 2018 SEMA Person of the Year award for her exceptional volunteerism and leadership on behalf the specialty-equipment industry.  

Get to know what inspires her about the industry in her Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Melanie White: Pursuing a career in the industry happened because it’s a family tradition. My great grandfather and grandfather started the business building load control suspension for cars back in 1946. We remain a family business and it has morphed over time to include more load and sway control suspension for vehicles from UTVs to military and everything in between.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

MW: TORA was a place I volunteered early in my career, after having Anne Johnson as my mentor. Anne was very involved in the council and she introduced me to people. I loved volunteering for SEMA and TORA after attending my first long-range planning meeting. I was so impressed with what the group was accomplishing for their industry, all by taking off their company hats and working together.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

MW: My advice would be to volunteer! Offer to help with a network or a council. It is so rewarding, and it allows you such a great opportunity to give back to your industry. It gives you a great network and a unique view of the industry. Plus, didn't we all grow up wanting to make a difference? This is an area where you can make a difference for your industry!

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

MW: My dream truck is a Ford Raptor. And guess what I get to drive everyday? A Raptor. I love it! On winter weekends I can be found in the Cal City with my family riding dirt bikes and off-roading.

By Ashley Reyes

Melanie White

Melanie White of Hellwig Products is this week’s featured SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) volunteer spotlight member. White’s involvement with SEMA began early in her career when she was introduced to TORA through the SEMA mentorship program. She has been making a difference in the industry ever since.

White is known throughout the aftermarket as a proven leader for both her business accomplishments and dedication to the industry. In addition to her previous role as TORA chair, White was named the first female president of Hellwig Products and received the 2018 SEMA Person of the Year award for her exceptional volunteerism and leadership on behalf the specialty-equipment industry.  

Get to know what inspires her about the industry in her Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Melanie White: Pursuing a career in the industry happened because it’s a family tradition. My great grandfather and grandfather started the business building load control suspension for cars back in 1946. We remain a family business and it has morphed over time to include more load and sway control suspension for vehicles from UTVs to military and everything in between.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

MW: TORA was a place I volunteered early in my career, after having Anne Johnson as my mentor. Anne was very involved in the council and she introduced me to people. I loved volunteering for SEMA and TORA after attending my first long-range planning meeting. I was so impressed with what the group was accomplishing for their industry, all by taking off their company hats and working together.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

MW: My advice would be to volunteer! Offer to help with a network or a council. It is so rewarding, and it allows you such a great opportunity to give back to your industry. It gives you a great network and a unique view of the industry. Plus, didn't we all grow up wanting to make a difference? This is an area where you can make a difference for your industry!

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

MW: My dream truck is a Ford Raptor. And guess what I get to drive everyday? A Raptor. I love it! On winter weekends I can be found in the Cal City with my family riding dirt bikes and off-roading.

By SEMA Editors

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will conduct a remote public hearing, July 23, at 9:00 a.m., and July 24, at 8:30 a.m., to consider approving for adoption the proposed Procedures for the Exemption of Add-On and Modified Part(s) for On Road Vehicles/Engines.

View the meeting’s public agenda.

CARB staff is proposing amendments to replace the “Procedures for Exemption of Add‑On and Modified Parts,” which was adopted November 4, 1977, and amended May 19, 1981, and June 1, 1990. The “Procedures for Exemption of Add-On and Modified Parts” provides a pathway for aftermarket parts manufacturers to receive an exemption from the prohibitions of section 27156 of the California Vehicle Code (VC) for add-on and modified parts or other modifications that affect emissions.

The “Procedures for Exemption of Add-On and Modified Parts,” last amended June 1, 1990, provide staff the tools to work with aftermarket parts manufacturers in the daily processing of submitted exemption applications; however, there have been many changes in the design of new vehicles and engines since 1990. Accordingly, staff is proposing new “Procedures for the Exemption of Add-On and Modified Part(s) for On‑Road Vehicles/Engines” (procedures) to improve the exemption process in light of these changes.

The new procedures will clarify and streamline the processes associated with a VC section 27156 exemption. They will facilitate compliance by making the process easier for manufacturers to submit applications, conduct necessary testing and receive exemptions, potentially resulting in some cost savings on a per-application basis. However, the new procedures may increase the total number of applications required by an aftermarket parts manufacturer to cover its whole product line, possibly resulting in no cost savings for the manufacturer overall. Notwithstanding, faster turnaround on staff review and approval is expected to result from use of the new procedures, providing a pathway for manufacturers to bring products to market faster.

Inquiries concerning the substance of the proposed procedures may be directed to the agency representative Mr. Richard Muradliyan, Air Resources Engineer, at 626-575-6798 or Ms. Jackie Lourenco, Branch Chief, at 626-450-6152.

The Notice of Public Hearing, ISOR and all subsequent regulatory documents are available on CARB's Rulemaking webpage.

Interested members of the public may present comments orally or in writing at the hearing and may provide comments by postal mail or by electronic submittal before the hearing. The public comment period for this regulatory action will begin June 5. Written comments not physically submitted at the hearing must be submitted on or after June 5, and received no later than July 20. Comments submitted outside that comment period are considered untimely. CARB may, but is not required to, respond to untimely comments, including those raising significant environmental issues. CARB requests that when possible written and email statements be filed at least 10 days before the hearing to give CARB staff and board members additional time to consider each comment. The board also encourages members of the public to bring to the attention of staff in advance of the hearing any suggestions for modification of the proposed regulatory action. Comments submitted in advance of the hearing must be addressed either online or to the following:

Clerks’ Office, California Air Resources Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814

By SEMA Editors

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will conduct a remote public hearing, July 23, at 9:00 a.m., and July 24, at 8:30 a.m., to consider approving for adoption the proposed Procedures for the Exemption of Add-On and Modified Part(s) for On Road Vehicles/Engines.

View the meeting’s public agenda.

CARB staff is proposing amendments to replace the “Procedures for Exemption of Add‑On and Modified Parts,” which was adopted November 4, 1977, and amended May 19, 1981, and June 1, 1990. The “Procedures for Exemption of Add-On and Modified Parts” provides a pathway for aftermarket parts manufacturers to receive an exemption from the prohibitions of section 27156 of the California Vehicle Code (VC) for add-on and modified parts or other modifications that affect emissions.

The “Procedures for Exemption of Add-On and Modified Parts,” last amended June 1, 1990, provide staff the tools to work with aftermarket parts manufacturers in the daily processing of submitted exemption applications; however, there have been many changes in the design of new vehicles and engines since 1990. Accordingly, staff is proposing new “Procedures for the Exemption of Add-On and Modified Part(s) for On‑Road Vehicles/Engines” (procedures) to improve the exemption process in light of these changes.

The new procedures will clarify and streamline the processes associated with a VC section 27156 exemption. They will facilitate compliance by making the process easier for manufacturers to submit applications, conduct necessary testing and receive exemptions, potentially resulting in some cost savings on a per-application basis. However, the new procedures may increase the total number of applications required by an aftermarket parts manufacturer to cover its whole product line, possibly resulting in no cost savings for the manufacturer overall. Notwithstanding, faster turnaround on staff review and approval is expected to result from use of the new procedures, providing a pathway for manufacturers to bring products to market faster.

Inquiries concerning the substance of the proposed procedures may be directed to the agency representative Mr. Richard Muradliyan, Air Resources Engineer, at 626-575-6798 or Ms. Jackie Lourenco, Branch Chief, at 626-450-6152.

The Notice of Public Hearing, ISOR and all subsequent regulatory documents are available on CARB's Rulemaking webpage.

Interested members of the public may present comments orally or in writing at the hearing and may provide comments by postal mail or by electronic submittal before the hearing. The public comment period for this regulatory action will begin June 5. Written comments not physically submitted at the hearing must be submitted on or after June 5, and received no later than July 20. Comments submitted outside that comment period are considered untimely. CARB may, but is not required to, respond to untimely comments, including those raising significant environmental issues. CARB requests that when possible written and email statements be filed at least 10 days before the hearing to give CARB staff and board members additional time to consider each comment. The board also encourages members of the public to bring to the attention of staff in advance of the hearing any suggestions for modification of the proposed regulatory action. Comments submitted in advance of the hearing must be addressed either online or to the following:

Clerks’ Office, California Air Resources Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814