By SEMA Washington, D.C. Staff

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it has taken action against Harley-Davidson for claims that it was using illegal warranty terms that restricted consumers' choices, cost consumers money, and undercut independent repair shops. The FTC's complaints charge that the company was imposing illegal warranty terms that voided customers’ warranties if they used aftermarket parts or took their motorcycles to be repaired anywhere other than at an authorized dealer. The FTC took a similar action against Westinghouse outdoor generator maker MWE Investments, LLC.

The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act protects consumers' choice by making it illegal to void a warranty or deny coverage due to the mere presence of an aftermarket replacement or specialty part, or because a repair or part installation has been performed by an independent shop (unless the original manufacturer provides the service or part for free). The FTC has the authority to take action against companies that violate the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. The action against Harley-Davidson includes prohibiting further violations, requiring language in their warranty that recognizes consumers’ right to repair, and requiring dealers be alerted to compete fairly with independent repair shops.

The FTC has become increasingly focused on right to repair issues, last year releasing a "Nixing the Fix" report that was highly critical of anti-competitive repair restrictions. In a press release regarding the action against Harley-Davidson, Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection said, "Consumers deserve choices when it comes to repairing their products, and independent dealers deserve a chance to compete…other companies that squelch consumers' right to repair should take notice."

While the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act helps provides consumer protections against voiding the vehicle warranty merely because the vehicle has been modified, SEMA has joined many other organizations representing the automotive aftermarket in urging the U.S. Congress to enact the REPAIR Act. The legislation would require automakers to provide access to the tools and information needed for the independent aftermarket to service, repair, and modify vehicles. The legislation is needed to address new technological changes such as the ability to recalibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as vehicles are repaired or modified.

To view the FTC action click here.

For further details, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

As part of SEMA's campaign to pass the RPM Act, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola recently traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress who are integral to the legislative process on the bill and urge key members of Congress to move the RPM Act.

With strong legislative support from over 155 members of Congress and unprecedented grassroots advocacy from industry members and enthusiasts, the RPM Act is well positioned to be passed into law this year. However, the bill must still be voted on to become law.

To help get the bill over the finish line, Spagnola met with key elected officials, including strong bill supporters and members who are best positioned to shape automotive policy. Specifically, Spagnola met with the following lawmakers about the RPM Act:

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), an RPM Act cosponsor and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), RPM Act cosponsor & Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), the senior Republican on the Energy & Commerce Committee

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), one of the strong voices on automotive issues on the E&C Committee. Rep. Dingell’s new district will include Plymouth, MI, which is home to SEMA’s Detroit Garage.

• Mike Thompson (D-CA), an RPM Act cosponsor and the Chairman of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus
• Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), an RPM Act cosponsor

"We had very productive meetings with some of the most important lawmakers in the automotive policy space last week," said Spagnola. “The momentum for passing the RPM Act is building, and the progress we are making is in no small part thanks to the phone calls and letters SEMA members, the racing community, and automotive enthusiasts have made to Congress. Now is the time to keep our foot on the gas and continue to remind lawmakers that they must pass the RPM Act before the November election. It is time that Congress delivers for the men and women in our community and protects the right to convert and sell parts for race vehicles.”

The RPM Act (H.R. 3281/S.2736) is a bill that would protect the future of racing by clarifying in federal law that it is not illegal to modify and convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race vehicle. The House and Senate must pass the RPM Act by Jan. 3, 2023, in order for it to become law during the 117th session of Congress. Business and enthusiasts are urged to continue to reach out and contact their legislators at www.saveourracecars.com, and push for passage of the RPM Act this year.

Congress will be in session in July before the House and Senate go into recess during the month of August, which makes it the perfect time to invite lawmakers to the racetrack or your business. Hosting members of Congress when they are back in their district is one of the best ways to advocate for the RPM Act. SEMA staff stands ready to help facilitate these visits. If you would like to host your lawmakers, please contact erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2022 SEMA Show Directory is August 19. Exhibitors will receive the first of four emails Wednesday, June 29, allowing updates to their directory listing for both the online and print versions.

The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.

Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660 if you do not receive an email to update your directory listing.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

Jeremy Nichols Appointed Editor for LSX Magazine

Power Automedia has announced the hiring of Jeremy Nichols as editor of LSX Magazine. Nichols joins the Power Automedia editorial team at an ideal time as the previous LSX Editor, Brian Havins, continues to develop his recently acquired role as director of content and consumer marketing. Having gotten his start doing sales for Nitrous Express as a teenager, Nichols had an early interest in the LS platform and saw its potential firsthand. Most recently, he served as the shop manager and Lead Tech/Fabricator at 4 Wheel Performance.

Xcite Automotive Acquires CarsByText.com, Names Raj Suchak Chief Technology Officer

Xcite Automotive announced that it has acquired Buffalo-based CarsByText.com, an automation platform for dealership operations and marketing that leverages the power of simple experiences using text messaging, digital, and video to drive engagements.

CarsByText.com enables automation through a no-software, text-based experience that increases user adoption with minimal training and documentation. The technology powering CarsByText is already being used by multiple Fortune 500 brands and a growing number of automotive dealers and dealer groups.

Raj Suchak, the founder of CarsByText, joins Xcite as the company's Chief Technology Officer, bringing over 25 years of enterprise software and technology consulting experience.

Scott Allen Begins Term as New NIADA President

Scott Allen, owner of Auto Land in Haltom City, Texas, began his term as president of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association for '22-'23 by receiving the President's Ring during the 76th annual NIADA Convention and Expo at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Allen became president of Fort Worth’s local independent dealers association and Texas IADA before joining the NIADA board of directors in 2015, serving as Region III vice president, treasurer, senior vice president and president-elect.

Allen succeeds '21-'22 president Joe McCloskey.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a proposed rule to require black boxes in vehicles to record more pre-crash data at a higher frequency rate as a way to better understand the actions leading up to a crash. Black boxes, or event data recorders (EDRs), are currently required to collect five seconds of pre-crash data at a rate of two samples per second. The proposed rule would require 20 seconds of pre-crash data at a rate of 10 samples per second.

NHTSA has required automakers that install EDRs to collect certain data, including vehicle speed, crash forces at the moment of impact, whether an airbag deployed or if the brakes were applied in the moments before a crash and if seat belts were fastened. More than 99% of new vehicles have EDRs installed.

Black-box data is an important tool for NHTSA investigations. While these requirements pertain to automakers, vehicle equipment manufacturers have reporting requirements to NHTSA as well. If vehicle equipment manufacturers become aware of an incident or allegation regarding their product involving a death, they are required to report this to NHTSA. Similarly, if a manufacturer determines that a product does not comply with a federal safety standard or has a safety-related defect, the manufacturer must notify NHTSA within five days of making such a determination.

For more information on federal regulation of aftermarket equipment click here.

Questions? Contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Assembly Transportation Committee positively amended SEMA-opposed legislation (S.B. 1079) requiring the state to study the effectiveness of noise-detecting cameras to enforce motor-vehicle exhaust noise laws prior to using them to issue violations to motorists. The Committee was swayed by SEMA’s arguments that the technology was too unreliable to be an effective enforcement method.

Prior to being amended, the proposal would have allowed six cities to use the technology to issue tickets under a pilot program. The bill now awaits consideration in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Notably, the bill does not change California’s existing exhaust noise laws, which is based on SEMA’s model legislation. The law limits cars and trucks to 95 decibels of exhaust noise when tested using an objective SAE International procedure. Motorists that receive a ticket can have their vehicle tested by the Referee to determine compliance. A court may then use the test result to dismiss the ticket.

Previously, several media outlets incorrectly reported that an earlier version of the bill had passed the legislature and awaited approval or veto by Governor Gavin Newsom. In response to these false reports, SEMA published a Fact vs. Fiction article to set the record straight. Click here to read the article or submit your own question for research.

For further details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Senate Environmental Quality Committee unanimously passed bipartisan SEMA-sponsored legislation (A.B. 2350) that would incentivize consumers to convert gasoline- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV). If enacted, A.B. 2350 would provide eligible motorists who convert their vehicle with a $2,000 rebate. The bill previously passed the Assembly and currently awaits consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.

In recent years, California has implemented various programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). However, none of the programs currently offer benefits for vehicles that started their life with an internal-combustion engine and can be converted to a ZEV via an aftermarket motor package. A.B. 2350 helps preserve California’s rich car culture while creating new ways to make ZEV ownership more accessible.

SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in California to contact their lawmakers in support of A.B. 2350 by clicking here.

For further details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

With 3,000 credentialed media at the SEMA Show, the annual trade-only event is a great opportunity for manufacturers to connect with journalists and increase brand awareness.

Exhibitors that have breaking news that will appeal to a large number of media are invited to apply for a press conference spot.

Below are tools and resources available exclusively to help exhibitors obtain greater media coverage:

• Online Media Center: Journalists look to the SEMA Show Online Media Center as a quick and easy way to obtain news about the SEMA Show. Exhibitors can include their news by submitting Show-related press releases at www.semashow.com/press-release.
• New Product Showcase: All products are professionally photographed and used by media covering the Show. First product entry is free and additional products submitted before October 7 are just $75. Enter products at www.semashow.com/newproducts.
• Project Vehicles: All vehicles at the Show can be included in the SEMA Show mobile app and given a QR code that media can scan for comprehensive details about the build. All feature vehicles are automatically included in the mobile app (apply for a feature vehicle space at www.semashow.com/featurevehicle) Booth vehicle forms must be submitted in advance for the vehicle to be include in the mobile app. (booth vehicle forms are at www.semashow.com/boothvehicle)
• Press Conference: Exhibitors that have breaking news that will appeal to a large number of media are invited to apply for a press conference spot. Applications and details are at www.semashow.com/media-conference-application.

To learn more about the public relations opportunities available to SEMA Show exhibitors, exhibitors are encouraged to work with their account reps or contact pr@sema.org.

SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Credentialed 2022 SEMA Show attendees can access the event for free with their badge. Enthusiasts may now purchase tickets at www.semaignited.com.

SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Tickets available for purchase will include $20 “Standing Room Access” to SEMA Ignited. These ticket holders are able to meet with exhibiting companies and have a great view of the SEMA Cruise Powered by CTEK, as well as all the drifting performances. You can also reserve your bleacher seat at the event and purchase your “Reserved Seating” ticket for $50. The limited reserved seating tickets allow you the opportunity to visit exhibiting companies, stop at one of the many food trucks for a bite to eat or just grab a drink without the concern of losing your seat.

Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to purchase the SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience badge allowing FRIDAY-ONLY access to the 2022 SEMA Show as well as standing room access to SEMA Ignited for $70, if purchased prior to September 30. After this date, SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience tickets will cost $100.

Friday Experience badge pick up will be located in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Friday Experience Registration area. Friday Experience Registration hours are Friday, November 4, between 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. SEMA Show hours on Friday, November 4, are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Important Restrictions: Each person registered for the SEMA Friday Experience must pick up their badge with their purchase confirmation bar code and photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. You do not need to qualify to purchase and you MUST be at least 16 years or older to purchase and attend the Show.

For more information about Friday Experience or SEMA Ignited, contact info@semaignited.com.

For additional information on hotels, transportation and event information, visit www.semaignited.com.

The 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Tuesday–Thursday, July 26–28, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

SEMA Vice President, Events Tom Gattuso will provide Exhibitor Summit attendees helpful tips on how to be successful at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will receive helpful tips from Show management and have the opportunity to meet with their SEMA Show sales director. During educational sessions, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
• Properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
• Participate in the New Products Showcase.
• Utilize the Exhibitor Services Manual.

There is no cost to attend. Exhibitors pay for their flight and SEMA takes care of the rest, which includes hotel, shuttle service from hotel to LVCC, breakfast and lunch, a cocktail Hour on July 26 and an excursion on July 27 (TBD).

For more information, contact the Show department at semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Register now!