By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

A version of SEMA-model legislation to prohibit cities or towns from enforcing an ordinance, development regulation, zoning regulation or administrative practice that prevents automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby was approved by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee and Rules Committee. Under the bill, junked, wrecked or inoperable vehicles stored on private property would only require screening from public view. Six or fewer vehicles that are 30 years old or older, including one parts car, would be permitted for hobby vehicle restoration as long as restoration is an ancillary use of the property. The bill will next be voted on by the full Washington Senate. 

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 

A version of SEMA-model legislation to prohibit cities or towns from enforcing an ordinance, development regulation, zoning regulation or administrative practice that prevents automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby was approved by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee and Rules Committee. Under the bill, junked, wrecked or inoperable vehicles stored on private property would only require screening from public view. Six or fewer vehicles that are 30 years old or older, including one parts car, would be permitted for hobby vehicle restoration as long as restoration is an ancillary use of the property. The bill will next be voted on by the full Washington Senate. 

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

The shooters at KGP Photography grabbed their latest look at a massive prototype for Chevrolet's next-generation Silverado HD Crew Cab Chassis Cab. The new Chassis Cab, and the rest of upcoming revamped HD lineup, will incorporate the changes recently unveiled on the standard-duty Silverados, according to KGP. Additional focus has reportedly been put toward fuel economy while also searching for more power to compete with the the latest heavy-duty offerings from Ford and Ram.

Although the Silverado 1500 has now gone official, HD prototypes continue to have their interiors thoroughly covered. That would seem to point to some interior changes for the HD versions, but the shooters have been unable to get photo confirmation.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography 

The shooters at KGP Photography grabbed their latest look at a massive prototype for Chevrolet's next-generation Silverado HD Crew Cab Chassis Cab. The new Chassis Cab, and the rest of upcoming revamped HD lineup, will incorporate the changes recently unveiled on the standard-duty Silverados, according to KGP. Additional focus has reportedly been put toward fuel economy while also searching for more power to compete with the the latest heavy-duty offerings from Ford and Ram.

Although the Silverado 1500 has now gone official, HD prototypes continue to have their interiors thoroughly covered. That would seem to point to some interior changes for the HD versions, but the shooters have been unable to get photo confirmation.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography 

The shooters at KGP Photography grabbed their latest look at a massive prototype for Chevrolet's next-generation Silverado HD Crew Cab Chassis Cab. The new Chassis Cab, and the rest of upcoming revamped HD lineup, will incorporate the changes recently unveiled on the standard-duty Silverados, according to KGP. Additional focus has reportedly been put toward fuel economy while also searching for more power to compete with the the latest heavy-duty offerings from Ford and Ram.

Although the Silverado 1500 has now gone official, HD prototypes continue to have their interiors thoroughly covered. That would seem to point to some interior changes for the HD versions, but the shooters have been unable to get photo confirmation.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Marines Corps is moving forward with plans to expand its base at Twentynine Palms, California, and take ownership of nearly 147,000 acres of the adjacent Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area. The Marines intend to conduct large-scale training exercises during two months of the year. Nearly 104,000 acres of Johnson Valley would be permanently closed to off-roading. Another 43,000 acres, including the unique terrain known as “Hammers,” would be available for dual-use purposes. However, this land could be closed in the future since munitions from live-fire training could make the area unsafe for recreational access.

The land is currently managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The OHV community is urging the Marines to obtain special-use permits from the BLM and have no live-fire training. The Marines were directed by Congress earlier this year to deliver a study by April 2 detailing how they would share the land with the OHV community. The Marines have already responded by submitting their “record of decision” to the House Armed Service Committee indicating no change of plans. The Marines will ask Congress to approve a transfer of the BLM land within the upcoming 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.  

The Marines’ decision comes days after an estimated 60,000 enthusiasts and participants attended the 7th annual “King of the Hammers” in early February. It is the largest off-roading event held in Johnson Valley. SEMA is working with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a coalition of other land-use advocacy organizations to ensure the land remains open to organized and individual OHV pursuits.  

“OHV racing is one of SEMA’s fastest-growing enthusiast markets,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Many of our member companies provide the equipment necessary for teams to compete and enthusiasts to enjoy the sport. Given the strong interest our members have in preserving Johnson Valley, SEMA will still seek to work with the Marine Corps to find a solution that allows for both military training and recreational pursuits.”

Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA), who represents both Johnson Valley and Twentynine Palms in the U.S. Congress, attended the “King of the Hammers” event. Rep. Cook met with race organizers, participants, vendors and attendees to learn more about the economic impact of off-road activities in his district. Cook also addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the drivers’ meeting to share thoughts on his experience at Johnson Valley.

The OHV community has petitioned the White House for support of the special-use permit approach. Thanks in part to SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN), more than 25,000 signatures required for an official administration response were received in just two weeks. The community is now awaiting a White House response.

SEMA/SAN will continue to lobby Congress for continued BLM ownership of the land and issuance of special-use permits to the Marines, with no live-fire training.

Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), who represents the Johnson Valley OHV Area in the U.S. Congress, and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) attend the King of the Hammers Drivers’ Meeting.	“Hammertown, USA” includes the start/finish line, vendor tents, trucks, attendee mobile homes, race team pit areas and the spectator viewing area for the King of the Hammers event.
Panoramic view of the Johnson Valley OHV area.	Spectators gather to watch Ultra 4 vehicles rock crawl over boulders and speed across a dry lake bed at more than 100 mph.

 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Marines Corps is moving forward with plans to expand its base at Twentynine Palms, California, and take ownership of nearly 147,000 acres of the adjacent Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area. The Marines intend to conduct large-scale training exercises during two months of the year. Nearly 104,000 acres of Johnson Valley would be permanently closed to off-roading. Another 43,000 acres, including the unique terrain known as “Hammers,” would be available for dual-use purposes. However, this land could be closed in the future since munitions from live-fire training could make the area unsafe for recreational access.

The land is currently managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The OHV community is urging the Marines to obtain special-use permits from the BLM and have no live-fire training. The Marines were directed by Congress earlier this year to deliver a study by April 2 detailing how they would share the land with the OHV community. The Marines have already responded by submitting their “record of decision” to the House Armed Service Committee indicating no change of plans. The Marines will ask Congress to approve a transfer of the BLM land within the upcoming 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.  

The Marines’ decision comes days after an estimated 60,000 enthusiasts and participants attended the 7th annual “King of the Hammers” in early February. It is the largest off-roading event held in Johnson Valley. SEMA is working with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a coalition of other land-use advocacy organizations to ensure the land remains open to organized and individual OHV pursuits.  

“OHV racing is one of SEMA’s fastest-growing enthusiast markets,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Many of our member companies provide the equipment necessary for teams to compete and enthusiasts to enjoy the sport. Given the strong interest our members have in preserving Johnson Valley, SEMA will still seek to work with the Marine Corps to find a solution that allows for both military training and recreational pursuits.”

Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA), who represents both Johnson Valley and Twentynine Palms in the U.S. Congress, attended the “King of the Hammers” event. Rep. Cook met with race organizers, participants, vendors and attendees to learn more about the economic impact of off-road activities in his district. Cook also addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the drivers’ meeting to share thoughts on his experience at Johnson Valley.

The OHV community has petitioned the White House for support of the special-use permit approach. Thanks in part to SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN), more than 25,000 signatures required for an official administration response were received in just two weeks. The community is now awaiting a White House response.

SEMA/SAN will continue to lobby Congress for continued BLM ownership of the land and issuance of special-use permits to the Marines, with no live-fire training.

Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), who represents the Johnson Valley OHV Area in the U.S. Congress, and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) attend the King of the Hammers Drivers’ Meeting.	“Hammertown, USA” includes the start/finish line, vendor tents, trucks, attendee mobile homes, race team pit areas and the spectator viewing area for the King of the Hammers event.
Panoramic view of the Johnson Valley OHV area.	Spectators gather to watch Ultra 4 vehicles rock crawl over boulders and speed across a dry lake bed at more than 100 mph.

 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Marines Corps is moving forward with plans to expand its base at Twentynine Palms, California, and take ownership of nearly 147,000 acres of the adjacent Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area. The Marines intend to conduct large-scale training exercises during two months of the year. Nearly 104,000 acres of Johnson Valley would be permanently closed to off-roading. Another 43,000 acres, including the unique terrain known as “Hammers,” would be available for dual-use purposes. However, this land could be closed in the future since munitions from live-fire training could make the area unsafe for recreational access.

The land is currently managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The OHV community is urging the Marines to obtain special-use permits from the BLM and have no live-fire training. The Marines were directed by Congress earlier this year to deliver a study by April 2 detailing how they would share the land with the OHV community. The Marines have already responded by submitting their “record of decision” to the House Armed Service Committee indicating no change of plans. The Marines will ask Congress to approve a transfer of the BLM land within the upcoming 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.  

The Marines’ decision comes days after an estimated 60,000 enthusiasts and participants attended the 7th annual “King of the Hammers” in early February. It is the largest off-roading event held in Johnson Valley. SEMA is working with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a coalition of other land-use advocacy organizations to ensure the land remains open to organized and individual OHV pursuits.  

“OHV racing is one of SEMA’s fastest-growing enthusiast markets,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Many of our member companies provide the equipment necessary for teams to compete and enthusiasts to enjoy the sport. Given the strong interest our members have in preserving Johnson Valley, SEMA will still seek to work with the Marine Corps to find a solution that allows for both military training and recreational pursuits.”

Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA), who represents both Johnson Valley and Twentynine Palms in the U.S. Congress, attended the “King of the Hammers” event. Rep. Cook met with race organizers, participants, vendors and attendees to learn more about the economic impact of off-road activities in his district. Cook also addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the drivers’ meeting to share thoughts on his experience at Johnson Valley.

The OHV community has petitioned the White House for support of the special-use permit approach. Thanks in part to SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN), more than 25,000 signatures required for an official administration response were received in just two weeks. The community is now awaiting a White House response.

SEMA/SAN will continue to lobby Congress for continued BLM ownership of the land and issuance of special-use permits to the Marines, with no live-fire training.

Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), who represents the Johnson Valley OHV Area in the U.S. Congress, and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) attend the King of the Hammers Drivers’ Meeting.	“Hammertown, USA” includes the start/finish line, vendor tents, trucks, attendee mobile homes, race team pit areas and the spectator viewing area for the King of the Hammers event.
Panoramic view of the Johnson Valley OHV area.	Spectators gather to watch Ultra 4 vehicles rock crawl over boulders and speed across a dry lake bed at more than 100 mph.

 

	Power Automedia hired industry veteran Aaron Hahn as publisher.

Compiled and Edited by SEMA Staff

Power Automedia Names Aaron Hahn as Publisher
Power Automedia has hired industry veteran Aaron Hahn as publisher. Hahn spent 10 years as a key member of the sales team at ProMedia Publishing, most recently as publisher of Fastest Street Car magazine. He will operate out of the company's Murrieta, California, home office. Power Automedia's Vice President Jason Snyder stated, “We are very pleased to announce the hiring of Aaron Hahn as publisher. With more than 10 years of automotive advertising account management and publishing experience, in addition to being a lifelong enthusiast, he will provide an immediate impact to our growing portfolio of online magazines. Aaron is primed to hit the ground running in the burgeoning digital media market, and we’re happy to welcome him to the Power Automedia team.”

Racer Media & Marketing Inc. Partners With Car Guy Nation
Racer Media & Marketing Inc., publisher of Racer magazine and Racer.com, has partnered with Car Guy Nation to help establish a revenue-sharing opportunity, which, according to Racer Media & Marketing, allows the company to monetize its content with membership referrals to Car Guy Nation. "Racer magazine was reacquired by its founders in 2012, and we're excited about their plans," said Michael Chapin, senior vice president of digital for Car Guy Nation. "Our membership is quickly growing from partnerships within the racing community. It makes perfect sense to team up with the leading resource for racing news in North America."

According to a recent release, Racer.com plans to forego its initial efforts to build an online marketplace and instead refer readers to Car Guy Nation with incentives and exclusive promotions. The Car Guy Nation Marketing Partner Program was designed specifically for organizations which have attracted a following of automotive enthusiasts in various niches, but then have difficulty monetizing their audience outside the traditional advertising model. By referring members to Carguynation.com, marketing partners in return earn a percentage of the sales those members make.

DYK Automotive Acquires Robert Elgart & Son
DYK Automotive LLC acquired the assets of Robert Elgart & Son, a Philadelphia-based wholesale distributor of automotive appearance and accessory items since 1948. As a result of the acquisition, Robert Elgart & Son joins the DYK Automotive family of companies—which includes AP Auto, Keltner Enterprises, Superior Automotive and Twinco Romax—creating one of the largest national distribution networks of automotive retail products in the aftermarket.

"The acquisition of Robert Elgart & Son is a strong complement to our current business," says Dan Ribnick, CEO, DYK Automotive. "It further strengthens our position as a national automotive aftermarket distribution and manufacturing company with a commitment to maintaining a strong regional presence."

In addition to the acquisition, DYK Automotive also announced that its new manufacturing plant in Wilmington, Delaware, is near completion and products have begun to ship from the facility.

Automotive Lift Institute Partners With Petty Garage
Automotive Lift Institute has partnered with Petty’s Garage to support the Petty’s Garage Performance Tour for its second year in 2013. The Performance Tour brings Petty’s Garage car designers and builders, custom parts and unique vehicles directly to enthusiasts at events across the United States. “The Performance Tour is our opportunity to bring Petty’s Garage from Randleman, North Carolina, where it all started for me and my family, directly to our fans at events around the country,” Richard Petty says. “We appreciate our partners, including ALI, Continental Tire and Forgeline Wheels, making it possible for us to connect with fellow car enthusiasts at great events like the Hot Rod Power Tour, Goodguys and select races.” A full schedule of tour stops is available on the new Petty’s Garage website.  

BrakeQuip Moves Into Larger Facilities
BrakeQuip has moved into larger facilities at 3143 Regal Drive, Alcoa, TN 37901. BrakeQuip was founded in 1998 in Australia by Fred Anderson, who owned a brake parts store and developed a concept of making brake hoses to order at the point of sale, usually while the customer waited. The concept proved so successful that Anderson developed a manufacturing system that could be easily and economically pro­duced to sell to others. Today, BrakeQuip reports that it is a leading supplier of automotive tubes, hoses and related parts and specialist tools.

Over The Hill Gang Car Club Wins Eagle One Golden Rule Award
The winner of the Eagle One 20th anniversary Award Golden Rule Award for car clubs was the Over The Hill Gang of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Eagle One presented the club with a check for $3,000, which was donated to the non-profit help organization Women With Willpower. The club's entry form was drawn from more than 100 entries, and the random drawing was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary and allow all not-for-profit car clubs the opportunity to win the substantial donation. The club will also receive a custom-designed award plaque and a generous supply of Eagle One appearance products and Valvoline motor oil for fundraising events.

AMP Research Great American Giveaway Launches
Motorz and AMP Research have teamed up to launch the AMP Research Great American Giveaway. The contest will ask participants to provide information on an exemplary American pickup owner who goes the extra mile to serve family, friends, community and/or country. The contest, the first of several according to the two companies, will conclude on March 15. The winner will receive an AMP Research PowerStep system and a choice of one of three other eligible products from AMP Research, including the BedStep, the BedStep2 or the BedXtender HD. Visit www.motorz.tv/win-amp to submit an entry form and for contest details and official rules. The winner will be announced April 1.

Prestolite Performance Selects Don Barry as President
Prestolite Performance, producer of automotive brands such as Mr. Gasket, ACCEL and Mallory, has named Don Barry as its new president. Barry has more than 16 years of experience with 3M, including the company's automotive aftermarket business and as president of the Consumer Group Europe, based in Paris. He was a senior vice president at Dorman Products and recently the CEO at OttLite Technologies.

“Prestolite Performance has deep roots in the performance automotive category, and we will dip back into those roots in order to grow faster in the future," said Barry. "My new role on the Prestolite Performance team will be to reinvigorate our brands and add excitement to the performance automotive industry. 

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has launched its production system and is now migrating data from all participants into the Product Information Management System (PIMS). The most comprehensive solution in the market, the SDC includes an online portal that allows members to manage all aspects of their product data, ensure industry standards compliance and execute custom data deliveries.

Currently 300 members strong, the SDC continues to grow as suppliers and receivers engage to make up the largest data repository in the aftermarket. An industry-owned and -operated project, the SDC is designed to bring full product data-management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost. SDC members enjoy a secure, centralized data repository based on industry standards, with extensive on-boarding tools, expert live training and technical assistance and unlimited standard or fully customized data reports.

Want to learn more? Call Jim Graven at 888-958-6698 ext. 4 or e-mail jimg@semadatacoop.org to declare your data independence today.