By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The United States and China have agreed to a “phase one” trade deal whereby China will buy more U.S. goods and implement some structural changes to its trade laws. In exchange, the United States will not impose tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on December 15 on the “List 4” consumer goods, such as cell phones and computer laptops. The United States will reduce from 15% to 7.5% tariffs already in effect on other List 4 products. However, the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products remain unchanged. Lists 1 and 2 include miscellaneous metal and rubber parts, wiring and measurement devices. List 3 covers most auto parts imported from China.  

The agreement is being finalized and will likely be signed in January. It is to include intellectual property enforcement measures for patents, trademarks, trade secrets and counterfeit goods. The agreement will address several unfair Chinese technology transfer practices identified by the U.S. Trade Representative, including an end to the practice of pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies as a condition for obtaining market access, administrative licenses or receiving advantages from the government. The agreement will help prevent currency manipulation with a ban on competitive devaluation and targeting of exchange rates. The agreement will include a dispute resolution mechanism via bilateral consultations with the ability to impose tariffs if disputes cannot be resolved.

U.S.-Chinese negotiators will now pursue a “phase two” deal to address outstanding issues, such as reducing the U.S.-China trade imbalance, addressing cybertheft and stopping Chinese subsidization of key industries. A reduction or removal of the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products is unlikely in the short-term if they are viewed as bargaining chips in the phase two negotiations. A phase-out of the 25% tariffs may also be tied to a demonstration that the phase one enforcement measures against unfair trade are effective.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The United States and China have agreed to a “phase one” trade deal whereby China will buy more U.S. goods and implement some structural changes to its trade laws. In exchange, the United States will not impose tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on December 15 on the “List 4” consumer goods, such as cell phones and computer laptops. The United States will reduce from 15% to 7.5% tariffs already in effect on other List 4 products. However, the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products remain unchanged. Lists 1 and 2 include miscellaneous metal and rubber parts, wiring and measurement devices. List 3 covers most auto parts imported from China.  

The agreement is being finalized and will likely be signed in January. It is to include intellectual property enforcement measures for patents, trademarks, trade secrets and counterfeit goods. The agreement will address several unfair Chinese technology transfer practices identified by the U.S. Trade Representative, including an end to the practice of pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies as a condition for obtaining market access, administrative licenses or receiving advantages from the government. The agreement will help prevent currency manipulation with a ban on competitive devaluation and targeting of exchange rates. The agreement will include a dispute resolution mechanism via bilateral consultations with the ability to impose tariffs if disputes cannot be resolved.

U.S.-Chinese negotiators will now pursue a “phase two” deal to address outstanding issues, such as reducing the U.S.-China trade imbalance, addressing cybertheft and stopping Chinese subsidization of key industries. A reduction or removal of the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products is unlikely in the short-term if they are viewed as bargaining chips in the phase two negotiations. A phase-out of the 25% tariffs may also be tied to a demonstration that the phase one enforcement measures against unfair trade are effective.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The United States and China have agreed to a “phase one” trade deal whereby China will buy more U.S. goods and implement some structural changes to its trade laws. In exchange, the United States will not impose tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on December 15 on the “List 4” consumer goods, such as cell phones and computer laptops. The United States will reduce from 15% to 7.5% tariffs already in effect on other List 4 products. However, the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products remain unchanged. Lists 1 and 2 include miscellaneous metal and rubber parts, wiring and measurement devices. List 3 covers most auto parts imported from China.  

The agreement is being finalized and will likely be signed in January. It is to include intellectual property enforcement measures for patents, trademarks, trade secrets and counterfeit goods. The agreement will address several unfair Chinese technology transfer practices identified by the U.S. Trade Representative, including an end to the practice of pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies as a condition for obtaining market access, administrative licenses or receiving advantages from the government. The agreement will help prevent currency manipulation with a ban on competitive devaluation and targeting of exchange rates. The agreement will include a dispute resolution mechanism via bilateral consultations with the ability to impose tariffs if disputes cannot be resolved.

U.S.-Chinese negotiators will now pursue a “phase two” deal to address outstanding issues, such as reducing the U.S.-China trade imbalance, addressing cybertheft and stopping Chinese subsidization of key industries. A reduction or removal of the 25% tariffs on List 1, 2 and 3 products is unlikely in the short-term if they are viewed as bargaining chips in the phase two negotiations. A phase-out of the 25% tariffs may also be tied to a demonstration that the phase one enforcement measures against unfair trade are effective.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

The Nordic region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting.

Join SEMA for the inaugural SEMA Nordic Business Development Program, to be held August 29–September 2, 2020, in Stockholm, Sweden, where participants will learn the potential for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise.

Meet with top trade buyers enabling the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars. Performance is among the top upgrades sought for a range of vehicles. After all, the region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization make this an attractive region for manufacturers.

SEMA Business Development Programs are low-cost, turnkey events that bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key markets. Fees start at at $4,150 per company, and for those who qualify, $750 in U.S. government grants help defray trip costs, including hotels, a table-top display, meals and networking events. Flights to and from the United States are not included. Additional state funds are available, including $1,000 for qualified Calfornia-based companies.

Secure one of the limited slots today!

By Linda Spencer

The Nordic region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting.

Join SEMA for the inaugural SEMA Nordic Business Development Program, to be held August 29–September 2, 2020, in Stockholm, Sweden, where participants will learn the potential for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise.

Meet with top trade buyers enabling the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars. Performance is among the top upgrades sought for a range of vehicles. After all, the region is considered the headquarters for the European drag-racing championship, as well as circuit racing, drag racing, rally racing and drifting. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization make this an attractive region for manufacturers.

SEMA Business Development Programs are low-cost, turnkey events that bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key markets. Fees start at at $4,150 per company, and for those who qualify, $750 in U.S. government grants help defray trip costs, including hotels, a table-top display, meals and networking events. Flights to and from the United States are not included. Additional state funds are available, including $1,000 for qualified Calfornia-based companies.

Secure one of the limited slots today!

By Linda Spencer

An ’18 Nissan Patrol has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver and is available for measuring at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA members are invited to measure an ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61, which is not sold in the United States but is popular to customize in both the Middle East and Australia. The truck, desired for its off-road (typically sandy terrain) prowess and on-road comfort, has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver (as it is not U.S. spec’d). Available for measuring is the five-speed manual transmission and a 4.8L petrol six-cylinder engine.

This rugged vehicle, manufactured in Japan, is extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East. The Nissan Patrol Y61, little changed from the model that has been on sale since 1997, is popular not only in the Middle East but also in Australia and New Zealand. New-vehicle sales in these markets stopped in 2016, but with 900 per month sold in the region during its heyday in Australia, there are numerous Y61s still on the road down under.

For the past nine years since its inception, the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program’s (IVMP) goal has been to make it easier for members to access popular international vehicles not sold in the United States. Schedule a time to measure the Patrol at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed. The Patrol is the seventh vehicle made available through this program, which SEMA launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. There is no charge for members to measure the vehicles.

To measure the truck, contact the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Project Manager Stephanie Martinez. For more information about SEMA’s international programs or to suggest a new overseas venue or international vehicle to include in the lending program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

By Linda Spencer

An ’18 Nissan Patrol has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver and is available for measuring at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA members are invited to measure an ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61, which is not sold in the United States but is popular to customize in both the Middle East and Australia. The truck, desired for its off-road (typically sandy terrain) prowess and on-road comfort, has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver (as it is not U.S. spec’d). Available for measuring is the five-speed manual transmission and a 4.8L petrol six-cylinder engine.

This rugged vehicle, manufactured in Japan, is extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East. The Nissan Patrol Y61, little changed from the model that has been on sale since 1997, is popular not only in the Middle East but also in Australia and New Zealand. New-vehicle sales in these markets stopped in 2016, but with 900 per month sold in the region during its heyday in Australia, there are numerous Y61s still on the road down under.

For the past nine years since its inception, the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program’s (IVMP) goal has been to make it easier for members to access popular international vehicles not sold in the United States. Schedule a time to measure the Patrol at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed. The Patrol is the seventh vehicle made available through this program, which SEMA launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. There is no charge for members to measure the vehicles.

To measure the truck, contact the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Project Manager Stephanie Martinez. For more information about SEMA’s international programs or to suggest a new overseas venue or international vehicle to include in the lending program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

By Linda Spencer

An ’18 Nissan Patrol has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver and is available for measuring at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA members are invited to measure an ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61, which is not sold in the United States but is popular to customize in both the Middle East and Australia. The truck, desired for its off-road (typically sandy terrain) prowess and on-road comfort, has been imported by SEMA into the United States through a temporary waiver (as it is not U.S. spec’d). Available for measuring is the five-speed manual transmission and a 4.8L petrol six-cylinder engine.

This rugged vehicle, manufactured in Japan, is extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East. The Nissan Patrol Y61, little changed from the model that has been on sale since 1997, is popular not only in the Middle East but also in Australia and New Zealand. New-vehicle sales in these markets stopped in 2016, but with 900 per month sold in the region during its heyday in Australia, there are numerous Y61s still on the road down under.

For the past nine years since its inception, the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program’s (IVMP) goal has been to make it easier for members to access popular international vehicles not sold in the United States. Schedule a time to measure the Patrol at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed. The Patrol is the seventh vehicle made available through this program, which SEMA launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. There is no charge for members to measure the vehicles.

To measure the truck, contact the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Project Manager Stephanie Martinez. For more information about SEMA’s international programs or to suggest a new overseas venue or international vehicle to include in the lending program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director, international and government affairs.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Kalitta Motorsports drivers Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd, two of the newest Team MAHLE racers.

MAHLE Aftermarket Introduces Team MAHLE and Announces Extended Partnership With Kalitta Motorsports

MAHLE Aftermarket announced last week at the 2019 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, the formation of Team MAHLE and an extended partnership through 2020 with all three Kalitta Motorsports teams—the Mac Tools and the DHL/Kalitta Air Top Fuel dragsters and the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car.
 With the formation of Team MAHLE, the partnership will expand to drive technical development in race engine technology, designed to improve the strength of MAHLE Performance components.



Holley Named Series Sponsor of NMRA Ford Nationals

NMRA has announced Holley Performance Products as the title sponsor of the all-Ford motorsport event series. The six-event series, which includes drag racing, car show, manufacturer’s midway and other specialty elements, will be known as the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals. It’s the second time in the sanctioning body’s 22-year history that Holley has staked a claim as the series title sponsor. The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals series kicks off February 27–March 1, 2020, at Bradenton Motorsports Park for the Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout. The series moves north to Atlanta Dragway for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals, April 2–5, and then over to St. Louis for the Gateway Rumble, held at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, May 14–16. After the mid-season break, racing resumes June 25–27, at Maple Grove Raceway (Mohnton, Pennsylvania) for the Ford Motorsport Nationals. The Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing takes place July 30–August 2, at Route 66 Raceway (Joliet, Illinois). The five-event buildup leads to the Nitto Tire NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival, October 1–4, at Beech Bend Raceway (Bowling Green, Kentucky).

ExxonMobil, in partnership with Toyota Racing Development (TRD), will become Kalitta Motorsports’ official lubricant partner in 2020 and Mobil 1 racing oil will be used in all team cars.

Mobil 1 Returns to NHRA Racing With Multi-Year Sponsorship of Toyota Racing Development and Kalitta Motorsports

Mobil 1 will return to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in 2020. ExxonMobil, in partnership with Toyota Racing Development (TRD), will become Kalitta Motorsports’ official lubricant partner in 2020 and Mobil 1 racing oil will be used in all team cars. Under the agreement, ExxonMobil will supply Kalitta Motorsports with a newly developed Mobil 1 Drag Racing motor oil, along with other lubricants, while also providing engineering support throughout the season. In addition, ExxonMobil will continue to develop next-generation lubricants to improve engine and gearbox performance. The 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will begin with the 60th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, February 6–9, in Pomona, California, and will be broadcast on FS1.

Bondurant High Performance Driving School Launches F4 Racing School

The Bondurant High Performance Driving School has officially announced the new F4 open-wheel race-car training program, giving drivers and auto enthusiasts the opportunity to train in a competitive, modern and state-of-the-art single-seat, open-wheel car. Powered by Honda, the Bondurant F5 School will begin scheduling courses in late December. Automotive enthusiasts and drivers will have multiple course options to participate in to get behind the wheel of a Ligier JS F4 racecar. The first class is currently scheduled for early March. Classes are open to anyone with the desire to further their skills as a competitive driver, for those seeking a SCCA Pro License or enthusiasts who have dreamed of driving a true open-wheel race car.

Maxxis Joins Forces With Best In The Desert

Best In The Desert (BITD) has announced that Maxxis has signed to be title sponsor of the 2020 Triple Crown and “Casey Folks” Vegas to Reno off-road events. The recently announced Best In The Desert Triple Crown consists of three of BITD’s off-road car and truck events, along with three UTV, motorcycle and quad events. As part of the Triple Crown, BITD also announced the biggest cash payback in the history of the sport with more than $600,000 in guaranteed cash payouts in 2020. The Maxxis Triple Crown will feature three races each for ATV, UTV, motorcycle, car and truck classes. The program kicks off January 10–11, with the Tensor Tire Parker 250 presented by Polaris, and January 23–26 by the Bluewater Parker 425 presented by Jimco Racing. The Maxxis “Casey Folks” Vegas to Reno is scheduled for August 12–15, and the Maxxis Triple Crown concludes with the Bluewater Desert Challenge October 22–25.

SCCA has created two new classes for the 2020 racing season.

New Car Classing and Eligibility for 2020 SCCA Road Racing

SCCA’s Summit Racing Equipment Road Racing program will see two new classes in 2020—one that combines existing cars into a new class, and the other created to invite a different type of racecar out to Sports Car Club of America events. The SCCA Club Racing Board (CRB) has created a new Formula X (FX) class intended for winged, open-wheel formula cars of modest power and performance below that of Formula 1000 or Formula Atlantic vehicles. Cars falling within Formula X for 2020 include Formula Mazda, Formula 4 and tube frame USF2000 vehicles. This change means Formula Mazda will no longer be its own car class at SCCA Road Racing events. Formula X was designed to include cars built in significant numbers, but not quite sufficient enough to populate their own class as well as those vehicles not constructed to existing SCCA General Competition Rules formulas but which still meet FX class criteria. The second new SCCA car class added by the CRB for 2020 is named Prototype X (PX) and will also be deployed at all SCCA Road Racing Regional, U.S. Majors Tour and Hoosier Racing Tire Super Tour events. Similar to the GT-X class created in 2019, PX is open to various prototype vehicles that have competed in U.S. road racing over the past several years. The PX class, however, will not be Runoffs-eligible in 2020. Another change in 2020 for the SCCA Summit Racing Equipment Road Racing program includes Formula Enterprises (FE) now being eligible only at regional events. Also, Formula 1000 (FB) has been folded into the Formula Atlantic (FA) competition class.

Hot Shot’s Secret Announces 2020 Sponsorship for Outlaw Diesel Super Series Pro Street

Hot Shot’s Secret announced plans to sponsor the Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS) Pro Street Class for 2020 at the ODSS banquet held in Indianapolis during the 2019 PRI Show. Next year will be the company’s fourth year to sponsor the ODSS Pro Street class. LSI Director of Sales Kyle Fischer and other Hot Shot’s Secret management attended the 2019 ODSS banquet to congratulate all the racers sponsored by Hot Shot’s Secret and to present a check in the amount of $3,809.40 for Save the Racks foundation. Champions and top finishers sponsored by Hot Shot’s Secret this year include the top five finishers in the JAMO Performance Exhaust ET Bracket Class—Ryan Riddle, Nick Morris, Art Maupin, Landon Miller and Ken Phillips. Hot Shot’s Secret-sponsored racers also claimed the top five spots in the ATS Diesel/Diesel Magazine 7.70 Index Class, as Riddle finished first, Morris finished second, Trey Sykes finished third, Miller finished fourth and Devin Ratliff finished fifth. Miller also landed on top for the Maryland Performance Diesel 6.70 Index Class and Rick Fox placed third in the Firepunk Diesel 5.90 Index Class. In the Hot Shot’s Secret Pro Street Class, Hot Shot’s Secret-sponsored racer Johnny Gilbert took home the championship. Larson Miller and Rawlings Barnes, both Hot Shot’s Secret-sponsored racers, finished first and second in the Suncoast Diesel Performance Pro Mod Class.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, and the registration deadline for the Saudi portion of the trip is December 28, so so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.