By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

While there are more than a few automotive enthusiasts in Congress, U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa’s (R-CA) enthusiasm for the hobby and collection of classic vehicles puts him in a class by himself. LaMalfa started wrenching on cars during his formative years and his passion for buying and personalizing vehicles continued to grow during the ensuing decades. His fleet includes Ford trucks from '34 and ’50, Mustangs (’65, ’68, ’03 and ’13), a ’69 Torino Talladega, a ’72 Pantera and ’55 and ’56 Thunderbirds that he maintains for his parents. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. LaMalfa, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.

SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the 2020 SEMA Board of Directors election. To assure your election-specific broadcast email arrives safely in your inbox on May 12, 2020, simply add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.  

SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the 2020 SEMA Board of Directors election. To assure your election-specific broadcast email arrives safely in your inbox on May 12, 2020, simply add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.  

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 146 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• New non-radial pneumatic rubber tires suitable for ATVs and UTVs (HTS 4911.90.8010)
• Rubber vibration control goods (HTS 4016.99.5500)
• CV joint boots and rack and pinion bellows of neoprene (HTS 4016.99.6050)
• Convex rear-view mirrors, flat rear-view mirrors and glass mirrors (HTS 7009.10.0000)
• Aluminum carburetors and aluminum and steel crankcases (HTS 8409.91.9990)
• Vacuum pumps for automotive braking systems (HTS 8414.10.0000)
• Bumpers of round tubing or flat sheets of steel for ATVs or UTVs (HTS 8708.10.3050)
• Motor vehicle bumper underside attachments (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Spoilers, splitters, diffusers and other devices providing aerodynamic downforce and engine covers (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Tonneau covers for pickup trucks with soft vinyl panels that fold (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Aluminum wheel spacers for ATVs and UTVs (HTS 8708.70.6060)
• Aluminum clad radiator tubes (HTS 8708.91.7550)
• Certain automatic transmission parts including flange forgings, front output shafts, aluminum housing for integrated wheel-end disconnect systems, hub forgings and park gear blanks (HTS 8708.99.6890)

View the entire list.

An exclusion is product-specific, not company-specific. That means a company which did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied.  For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related, and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

The time-period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018–August 7, 2020, regardless of when the exclusion request was granted (the time-period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019).

In a separate action, the USTR will consider granting an extension of up to one-year for products previously granted exclusions between October 28, 2019–March 26, 2020. The deadline for requests is June 8, 2020.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 146 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• New non-radial pneumatic rubber tires suitable for ATVs and UTVs (HTS 4911.90.8010)
• Rubber vibration control goods (HTS 4016.99.5500)
• CV joint boots and rack and pinion bellows of neoprene (HTS 4016.99.6050)
• Convex rear-view mirrors, flat rear-view mirrors and glass mirrors (HTS 7009.10.0000)
• Aluminum carburetors and aluminum and steel crankcases (HTS 8409.91.9990)
• Vacuum pumps for automotive braking systems (HTS 8414.10.0000)
• Bumpers of round tubing or flat sheets of steel for ATVs or UTVs (HTS 8708.10.3050)
• Motor vehicle bumper underside attachments (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Spoilers, splitters, diffusers and other devices providing aerodynamic downforce and engine covers (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Tonneau covers for pickup trucks with soft vinyl panels that fold (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Aluminum wheel spacers for ATVs and UTVs (HTS 8708.70.6060)
• Aluminum clad radiator tubes (HTS 8708.91.7550)
• Certain automatic transmission parts including flange forgings, front output shafts, aluminum housing for integrated wheel-end disconnect systems, hub forgings and park gear blanks (HTS 8708.99.6890)

View the entire list.

An exclusion is product-specific, not company-specific. That means a company which did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied.  For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related, and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

The time-period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018–August 7, 2020, regardless of when the exclusion request was granted (the time-period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019).

In a separate action, the USTR will consider granting an extension of up to one-year for products previously granted exclusions between October 28, 2019–March 26, 2020. The deadline for requests is June 8, 2020.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 146 List 3 products imported from China and subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities including several auto parts, such as:

• New non-radial pneumatic rubber tires suitable for ATVs and UTVs (HTS 4911.90.8010)
• Rubber vibration control goods (HTS 4016.99.5500)
• CV joint boots and rack and pinion bellows of neoprene (HTS 4016.99.6050)
• Convex rear-view mirrors, flat rear-view mirrors and glass mirrors (HTS 7009.10.0000)
• Aluminum carburetors and aluminum and steel crankcases (HTS 8409.91.9990)
• Vacuum pumps for automotive braking systems (HTS 8414.10.0000)
• Bumpers of round tubing or flat sheets of steel for ATVs or UTVs (HTS 8708.10.3050)
• Motor vehicle bumper underside attachments (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Spoilers, splitters, diffusers and other devices providing aerodynamic downforce and engine covers (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Tonneau covers for pickup trucks with soft vinyl panels that fold (HTS 8708.29.5060)
• Aluminum wheel spacers for ATVs and UTVs (HTS 8708.70.6060)
• Aluminum clad radiator tubes (HTS 8708.91.7550)
• Certain automatic transmission parts including flange forgings, front output shafts, aluminum housing for integrated wheel-end disconnect systems, hub forgings and park gear blanks (HTS 8708.99.6890)

View the entire list.

An exclusion is product-specific, not company-specific. That means a company which did not request the exclusion may still benefit although the benefit may be narrowly applied.  For example, the beneficiary company may need to demonstrate that its product’s technical specifications are related, and the product can be used in the same manner as the excluded product.

The time-period for List 3 exclusions is September 24, 2018–August 7, 2020, regardless of when the exclusion request was granted (the time-period for requesting an exclusion ended September 30, 2019).

In a separate action, the USTR will consider granting an extension of up to one-year for products previously granted exclusions between October 28, 2019–March 26, 2020. The deadline for requests is June 8, 2020.

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

By Ashley Reyes

Mike Michalowicz, author, Profit First, talks about “Driving Profitability in Small Business.”

While stay-at-home directives continue to impact small businesses across the country, many SEMA members are turning to the association’s All Access Business Video Series to stay informed on the latest educational resources, tips for small businesses, development and training, and exclusive program offerings available to SEMA members.

Available through SEMA Education, the library of videos is a valuable resource that viewers can access any time of the day or night, from the comfort of their home. The videos feature small business experts and industry professionals as they offer advice on topics such as profitability, social media, networking, accounting and emerging trends and technology, all in a series of short and engaging interview clips.  

Listed below are links to videos included in the series that may help SEMA members learn new techniques for their businesses and assist them while they navigate through the industry’s current landscape:

• 10 Actions for Navigating Your Business Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Small Business Accounting Solutions
• Increasing Business Cash Flow
• Drive Profitability in Small Business
• Data Platforms for Small Business
• Increasing Online Visibility
• How to Establish a Safety Culture

“SEMA’s Education programs encompass all of the association’s educational efforts, and now more than ever, small business owners are looking at what resources are available to them,” said AJ Carney, SEMA senior manager, education. “The online video series contains insight and advice directly from industry members that can help business owners learn new ideas and prepare for a speedy recovery.”

As the aftermarket industry’s leading association, SEMA continues to provide its members with the latest educational resources to help small businesses during this unprecedented time. For more information, visit the SEMA Education All Access Video Series playlist or contact Carney at andreac@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Mike Michalowicz, author, Profit First, talks about “Driving Profitability in Small Business.”

While stay-at-home directives continue to impact small businesses across the country, many SEMA members are turning to the association’s All Access Business Video Series to stay informed on the latest educational resources, tips for small businesses, development and training, and exclusive program offerings available to SEMA members.

Available through SEMA Education, the library of videos is a valuable resource that viewers can access any time of the day or night, from the comfort of their home. The videos feature small business experts and industry professionals as they offer advice on topics such as profitability, social media, networking, accounting and emerging trends and technology, all in a series of short and engaging interview clips.  

Listed below are links to videos included in the series that may help SEMA members learn new techniques for their businesses and assist them while they navigate through the industry’s current landscape:

• 10 Actions for Navigating Your Business Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Small Business Accounting Solutions
• Increasing Business Cash Flow
• Drive Profitability in Small Business
• Data Platforms for Small Business
• Increasing Online Visibility
• How to Establish a Safety Culture

“SEMA’s Education programs encompass all of the association’s educational efforts, and now more than ever, small business owners are looking at what resources are available to them,” said AJ Carney, SEMA senior manager, education. “The online video series contains insight and advice directly from industry members that can help business owners learn new ideas and prepare for a speedy recovery.”

As the aftermarket industry’s leading association, SEMA continues to provide its members with the latest educational resources to help small businesses during this unprecedented time. For more information, visit the SEMA Education All Access Video Series playlist or contact Carney at andreac@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The upgraded Honda Talon 1000R that made headlines after debuting at the 2019 SEMA Show is going on the auction block online through Bring a Trailer on May 18.

The upgraded Honda Talon 1000R that made headlines after debuting at the 2019 SEMA Show is going on the auction block online through Bring a Trailer on May 18. Modified by high school students who were mentored by members of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), the UTV was part of a pilot program and resulted in a custom-built vehicle that includes a custom paint job, upgraded wheels, a black ceramic dual exhaust, XL-1000 power sports sound bar, a modified winch and mount, a 30-in white light bar and more.

The following companies contributed parts/services to the completed build:

• Advanced Accessories Concept
• AO Coolers
• Diode Dynamics
• Eibach
• Gibson Performance Exhaust
• Greenball Corp
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics
• Klockwerks
• LGE-CTS Motorsports
• PowerBass USA
• PRP Seats
• Radian
• RK Sport
• S&B Filters
• VIAIR Corp.
• Warn Industries

The UTV build proceeds will go directly toward the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, and the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), the program’s participating school.

“With the proceeds being invested into two great programs, SEMA can continue to forge a path for automotive students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry and help SEMA members pay off their student loans,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We are grateful for the opportunity to auction off such a unique build that was inspired by instruction and mentorship from our very own YEN members.”

Mark your calendars for May 18, at which time you will be able to place a bid for the UTV on the Bring a Trailer website. You can also support the SEMA Scholarship Foundation simply by making a donation or visiting www.sema.org/utv-build to learn more.

By Ashley Reyes

The upgraded Honda Talon 1000R that made headlines after debuting at the 2019 SEMA Show is going on the auction block online through Bring a Trailer on May 18.

The upgraded Honda Talon 1000R that made headlines after debuting at the 2019 SEMA Show is going on the auction block online through Bring a Trailer on May 18. Modified by high school students who were mentored by members of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), the UTV was part of a pilot program and resulted in a custom-built vehicle that includes a custom paint job, upgraded wheels, a black ceramic dual exhaust, XL-1000 power sports sound bar, a modified winch and mount, a 30-in white light bar and more.

The following companies contributed parts/services to the completed build:

• Advanced Accessories Concept
• AO Coolers
• Diode Dynamics
• Eibach
• Gibson Performance Exhaust
• Greenball Corp
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics
• Klockwerks
• LGE-CTS Motorsports
• PowerBass USA
• PRP Seats
• Radian
• RK Sport
• S&B Filters
• VIAIR Corp.
• Warn Industries

The UTV build proceeds will go directly toward the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, and the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), the program’s participating school.

“With the proceeds being invested into two great programs, SEMA can continue to forge a path for automotive students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry and help SEMA members pay off their student loans,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We are grateful for the opportunity to auction off such a unique build that was inspired by instruction and mentorship from our very own YEN members.”

Mark your calendars for May 18, at which time you will be able to place a bid for the UTV on the Bring a Trailer website. You can also support the SEMA Scholarship Foundation simply by making a donation or visiting www.sema.org/utv-build to learn more.