SEMA's Government Affairs Office has compiled a comprehensive guide on how motor-vehicle parts are regulated by the federal government, which can be viewed at www.sema.org/fedregs. It is a must-read document for every SEMA member.  

The guide is generally presented in a Q&A format, with links to online resources for more information. Topics include an overview of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, emissions standards (EPA and California) and special sections on lighting equipment, wheels and tires and fuel economy. The guide also answers questions, such as: Is my company required to register with the NHTSA? What are my obligations as an importer? What is self-certification? Is “DOT-approved” a legal term? How is lighting equipment regulated by the federal and state government? Where can I download NHTSA rules and regulations? 

To learn more about the SEMA government affairs efforts and how your company can stay current with federal and state laws and regulations, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA's Government Affairs Office has compiled a comprehensive guide on how motor-vehicle parts are regulated by the federal government, which can be viewed at www.sema.org/fedregs. It is a must-read document for every SEMA member.  

The guide is generally presented in a Q&A format, with links to online resources for more information. Topics include an overview of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, emissions standards (EPA and California) and special sections on lighting equipment, wheels and tires and fuel economy. The guide also answers questions, such as: Is my company required to register with the NHTSA? What are my obligations as an importer? What is self-certification? Is “DOT-approved” a legal term? How is lighting equipment regulated by the federal and state government? Where can I download NHTSA rules and regulations? 

To learn more about the SEMA government affairs efforts and how your company can stay current with federal and state laws and regulations, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA-supported legislation to provide a 10-year emissions inspection exemption for vehicles never before registered in Pennsylvania or any other jurisdiction was approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House Transportation Committee. Current law only exempts new vehicles that have less than 5,000 miles on their odometer for one year after their first registration. 

The bill acknowledges that it is senseless to test newer vehicles, the results of which demonstrate no significant air-quality benefits. The idea behind exempting any class of vehicles is to reduce costs while not losing appreciable emissions reductions. This strategy builds support for emissions-inspection programs, but also directs finite resources to where they will be most valuable in cleaning the air. The measure still requires that the newest 10 model-year vehicles be subject to visual anti-tampering inspections for the presence of emissions-control components installed on the vehicle by manufacturers. 

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

SEMA-supported legislation to provide a 10-year emissions inspection exemption for vehicles never before registered in Pennsylvania or any other jurisdiction was approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House Transportation Committee. Current law only exempts new vehicles that have less than 5,000 miles on their odometer for one year after their first registration. 

The bill acknowledges that it is senseless to test newer vehicles, the results of which demonstrate no significant air-quality benefits. The idea behind exempting any class of vehicles is to reduce costs while not losing appreciable emissions reductions. This strategy builds support for emissions-inspection programs, but also directs finite resources to where they will be most valuable in cleaning the air. The measure still requires that the newest 10 model-year vehicles be subject to visual anti-tampering inspections for the presence of emissions-control components installed on the vehicle by manufacturers. 

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

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has updated its “Green Guides,” which are intended to help marketers avoid misleading environmental claims. The Guides were first issued in 1992, but have not been revised since 1998. The Guides cover: 1) general principles that apply to all environmental marketing claims; 2) consumer perception of claims and marketing substantiation of claims; and 3) avoiding consumer deception.

Marketing studies have found that most consumers think a “green” product is recyclable, biodegradable, made from recycled materials or made with renewable materials. Since very few products have all of these attributes, the FTC’s Guide revisions are intended to clarify and limit the claims. The revised guides include new sections on renewable materials claims, “green” certifications and seals of approval, non-toxic claims, renewable energy claims and carbon offsets. They also clarify existing categories, such as recyclable and ozone-safe. 

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

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has updated its “Green Guides,” which are intended to help marketers avoid misleading environmental claims. The Guides were first issued in 1992, but have not been revised since 1998. The Guides cover: 1) general principles that apply to all environmental marketing claims; 2) consumer perception of claims and marketing substantiation of claims; and 3) avoiding consumer deception.

Marketing studies have found that most consumers think a “green” product is recyclable, biodegradable, made from recycled materials or made with renewable materials. Since very few products have all of these attributes, the FTC’s Guide revisions are intended to clarify and limit the claims. The revised guides include new sections on renewable materials claims, “green” certifications and seals of approval, non-toxic claims, renewable energy claims and carbon offsets. They also clarify existing categories, such as recyclable and ozone-safe. 

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

All California automobile service providers are required to check tire pressures for every vehicle being repaired at their facility as of September 2010. The law applies to auto maintenance/repair providers but not to auto parts distributers/retailers, auto body/paint facilities, auto glass installers or wreckers/dismantlers. California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that removes tire age as a reason to deny checking a vehicle’s tire pressure. The law recognizes that there is no national tire aging standard and therefore referencing tire age in a California regulation creates liability exposure to the service and repair industry.  

Under the law, service providers are required to inflate the tires to the recommended tire pressure rating using a gauge that is accurate within 2 psi. The service provider has the right to refuse to check the pressure if the tire is “unsafe” (example: excessive tread wear) or damaged (example: crack, bulge or ply separation). The provider must note on the invoice that the tire inflation service was completed and then keep a copy of the service invoice for at least three years. The customer may decline the check if the customer affirms that a check had already been done within the last 30 days, or they will have it checked within the next seven days. The rule applies to all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 lbs. 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

All California automobile service providers are required to check tire pressures for every vehicle being repaired at their facility as of September 2010. The law applies to auto maintenance/repair providers but not to auto parts distributers/retailers, auto body/paint facilities, auto glass installers or wreckers/dismantlers. California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that removes tire age as a reason to deny checking a vehicle’s tire pressure. The law recognizes that there is no national tire aging standard and therefore referencing tire age in a California regulation creates liability exposure to the service and repair industry.  

Under the law, service providers are required to inflate the tires to the recommended tire pressure rating using a gauge that is accurate within 2 psi. The service provider has the right to refuse to check the pressure if the tire is “unsafe” (example: excessive tread wear) or damaged (example: crack, bulge or ply separation). The provider must note on the invoice that the tire inflation service was completed and then keep a copy of the service invoice for at least three years. The customer may decline the check if the customer affirms that a check had already been done within the last 30 days, or they will have it checked within the next seven days. The rule applies to all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 lbs. 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Automotive News recently reported that Nissan will offer a lower-priced version of the Leaf for the ’13 model year—and the pro shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. report that this model should reach dealerships late in the first quarter of 2013.

The team spotted the very first of the less-expensive Leaf on the road this week. While it may not look much different to the general bystander, there were obvious differences upon looking closer.

The so-called ’13-model facelift appears to be modified headlights in the same headlamp assembly, according to Priddy. The design provides more of a streamlined look, and it appears the more expensive LEDs are gone in favor of more traditional bulbs that are less expensive.

Priddy's team also points to other cost-saving items on the Leaf, including the new “hubcaps,” while the previously standard cruise control appears to be absent from this model. There are also changes in the center of the dash, but Priddy reports that those were securely covered to prevent onlookers from seeing the updates. And, while it may be a minor tweak, the black cloth interior will also be a new offering for 2013.

Photo copyright: Brenda Priddy & Co.

Automotive News recently reported that Nissan will offer a lower-priced version of the Leaf for the ’13 model year—and the pro shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. report that this model should reach dealerships late in the first quarter of 2013.

The team spotted the very first of the less-expensive Leaf on the road this week. While it may not look much different to the general bystander, there were obvious differences upon looking closer.

The so-called ’13-model facelift appears to be modified headlights in the same headlamp assembly, according to Priddy. The design provides more of a streamlined look, and it appears the more expensive LEDs are gone in favor of more traditional bulbs that are less expensive.

Priddy's team also points to other cost-saving items on the Leaf, including the new “hubcaps,” while the previously standard cruise control appears to be absent from this model. There are also changes in the center of the dash, but Priddy reports that those were securely covered to prevent onlookers from seeing the updates. And, while it may be a minor tweak, the black cloth interior will also be a new offering for 2013.

Photo copyright: Brenda Priddy & Co.