By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment. Among other things, the resolution recognizes that ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used. Current high-performance specialty parts, along with the pre-’01 cars and parts, may be most susceptible to corrosion. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” has been reintroduced in the Connecticut State Legislature. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. 

For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The measure, which SEMA is opposing, makes no provision for “grandfathering” existing antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or modified antique motor vehicles that are 20–30 years old and allowing them to retain their current registration status. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” has been reintroduced in the Connecticut State Legislature. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. 

For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The measure, which SEMA is opposing, makes no provision for “grandfathering” existing antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or modified antique motor vehicles that are 20–30 years old and allowing them to retain their current registration status. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” has been reintroduced in the Connecticut State Legislature. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. 

For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The measure, which SEMA is opposing, makes no provision for “grandfathering” existing antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or modified antique motor vehicles that are 20–30 years old and allowing them to retain their current registration status. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff  

Legislation to exempt from emissions inspections those vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year was denied approval by the Colorado Senate Transportation Committee on a 3–1 vote. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. The bill would have also exempted previously registered motor vehicles that have never failed an emissions-control inspection and created a senior citizen hardship exemption whereby a senior citizen could register one motor vehicle without obtaining an emissions inspection. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff  

Legislation to exempt from emissions inspections those vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year was denied approval by the Colorado Senate Transportation Committee on a 3–1 vote. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. The bill would have also exempted previously registered motor vehicles that have never failed an emissions-control inspection and created a senior citizen hardship exemption whereby a senior citizen could register one motor vehicle without obtaining an emissions inspection. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By Arlene Wood

	SEMA's council leaders.

Nominations for a Select Committee seat on one of SEMA's councils and member networks are now open.

Do you have a business challenge that goes beyond the walls of your shop? See a change in the market that needs to be made? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? Then it may be time for you to volunteer to be an industry leader and make your voice heard.

The Select Committee serves as the volunteer leadership body for the entire membership of a specific council or network. These volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change. Elected volunteers are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions to matters facing the industry, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. 
There are currently 10 council and network groups within SEMA, and each represents a collection of SEMA members who share a common business purpose or market segment. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and networks and follow the link to the group that supports your interests.

Get started now by using the online council nominations form; it's quick and easy to complete, and no printing or faxing is required. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) March 22, 2013.



For more information on SEMA's councils and committees or the nomination and election process, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.

By Arlene Wood

	SEMA's council leaders.

Nominations for a Select Committee seat on one of SEMA's councils and member networks are now open.

Do you have a business challenge that goes beyond the walls of your shop? See a change in the market that needs to be made? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? Then it may be time for you to volunteer to be an industry leader and make your voice heard.

The Select Committee serves as the volunteer leadership body for the entire membership of a specific council or network. These volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change. Elected volunteers are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions to matters facing the industry, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. 
There are currently 10 council and network groups within SEMA, and each represents a collection of SEMA members who share a common business purpose or market segment. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and networks and follow the link to the group that supports your interests.

Get started now by using the online council nominations form; it's quick and easy to complete, and no printing or faxing is required. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) March 22, 2013.



For more information on SEMA's councils and committees or the nomination and election process, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.

By Arlene Wood

	SEMA's council leaders.

Nominations for a Select Committee seat on one of SEMA's councils and member networks are now open.

Do you have a business challenge that goes beyond the walls of your shop? See a change in the market that needs to be made? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? Then it may be time for you to volunteer to be an industry leader and make your voice heard.

The Select Committee serves as the volunteer leadership body for the entire membership of a specific council or network. These volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change. Elected volunteers are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions to matters facing the industry, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. 
There are currently 10 council and network groups within SEMA, and each represents a collection of SEMA members who share a common business purpose or market segment. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and networks and follow the link to the group that supports your interests.

Get started now by using the online council nominations form; it's quick and easy to complete, and no printing or faxing is required. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) March 22, 2013.



For more information on SEMA's councils and committees or the nomination and election process, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.

Performance Parts & Accessories Expo This Weekend
Racer's Equipment Warehouse will hold its Performance Parts & Accessories Expo this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 2–3, at 111 Commerce Dr., Warwick, Rhode Island. For the second consecutive year, the Saturday of the expo is open to the public. The cost of admission is one can of food per person as a donation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The expo also provides jobbers and members of the trade, as well as their customers, the opportunity to meet with accessory and performance manufacturers face to face. Registration, which is required for the Jobber/Trade Show and Sunday, is available on the Racer's Equipment Warehouse website.

Chris Berg Joins Sports Car Club of America Inc., SCCA Pro Racing
Sports Car Club of America Inc. and SCCA Pro Racing have named Chris Berg public relations coordinator, a newly created position that serves roles in both organizations. Berg will provide event coverage and serve as the main contact for on-site media on behalf of SCCA Pro Racing at each Mazda MX-5 Cup and Pirelli World Challenge Championship race. Berg will also handle other assignments for SCCA’s Club Racing, Solo and Rally divisions. Berg comes to SCCA with two years of motorsports public relations experience with a Kansas City-based karting organization. In addition to his public relations experience, Berg has also worked as a freelance journalist since 2004, covering a variety of subjects, including higher education and college sports. The vast majority of that time was spent covering motorsports for a variety of media outlets. 

	Kevin Doyle, new sales and marketing manager for Perma-Cool, has 25 years of experience in automotive sales and marketing.

Kevin Doyle Named Perma-Cool Sales & Marketing Manager
Perma-Cool Products has appointed Kevin Doyle to sales and marketing manager. According to the company, Doyle will be responsible for domestic and international sales with an emphasis on expanding its distribution base, as well as marketing, which includes advertising, brand management and media relations. Doyle, who has 25 years of experience in automotive sales and marketing, most recently served as sales and marketing manager for Global West Suspension.

Car Guy Nation and Dudepins Form Marketing Partnership
Car Guy Nation has formed a marketing partnership with Dudepins, a website for "men to discover and share everything that's manly." According to a recent release from Car Guy Nation, Dudepins lets men organize and share their interests, such as fancy rides, latest styles, good eats, dream destinations and more. This is Car Guy Nation's first partnership with a lifestyle website working on the same revenue-share agreement. Dudepins will receive a percentage of total spent by new members referred to Car Guy Nation.

QA1 Celebrates 20 Years in Business
QA1 is celebrating 20 years in business in 2013. As part of its anniversary celebration, QA1 announced its plans to host several events, including its 2nd Annual Open House and Cruise in conjunction with the Car Craft Summer Nationals, Friday, July 19. For more information, visit www.qa1.net/cruise. “I’m very proud of the accomplishments and progress of the company over the last 20 years,” said founder and CEO Jim Jordan. “I’m excited to see where we can take QA1 in the future.”

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