News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

USTR Now Accepting Exclusion Requests for China’s List 4 Tariffs; More Exclusions Granted for List 3 Tariffs

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 13:30

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will accept tariff exclusion requests on October 31 for Chinese imports subject to 15% tariffs (List 4) that began on September 1. The deadline for submitting requests is January 31, 2020. Requests are to be submitted online.

Find out more information about the exclusion application process.

To be eligible for an exclusion, companies must demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the duties will cause severe economic harm, and that the good is strategically important. The exclusions cover all imports under the HTS listing number, not just the request filed by an individual importer.

The USTR continues to review previously submitted exclusion requests. The agency has just granted exclusions for 83 products contained on List 3 imports from China subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities but include 356 aluminum road wheels (8708.70.4545, 20–26 in. in diameter and 10–16 in. in width); safety seat belts and retractor assemblies (8708.21.0000 and 8708.29.5060); and clutch covers and discs of steel (8708.93.7500). The exclusions apply to products imported from September 24, 2018 to August 7, 2020.

Finally, the USTR has requested public comments on its proposal to extend for another year exclusions granted from the “List 1” tariffs. The exclusions are set to expire on December 28, 2019. Comments due Nov. 30, 2019. The USTR will evaluate extension requests on a case-by-case basis, focusing on whether China remains the only available source for the product along with any efforts taken by the U.S. companies to source the product from the United States or a country other than China.

Find out more information online or contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Three Vehicles Among the Top Builds You Won’t Want to Miss

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 13:30

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: Rod Nielsen’s ’56 Ford COE 800, Luke Merrill’s ’40 Chevrolet two-door sedan and Steve Keefer’s ’68 Chevrolet Camaro.

Rod Nielsen, ’56 Ford COE 800
Scheduled to Appear: Tire Stickers #50019

Rod Nielsen, the reigning BOTB Sports Compact champion, returns to test a new category with his Ford COE 800. The truck is powered by a Cummins twin-turbo engine and backed by a six-speed transmission. The modifications on the body are plentiful and include a hand-built sleeper. The suspension includes a modified bagged chassis.

Luke Merrill, ’40 Chevrolet Two-Door Sedan
Scheduled to Appear: Yukon Gear #20145

Former Top 12 Young Gun Luke Merrill is building this vehicle for his mom. It laid dormant in the family garage since 1990, and then he decided to bring it back to life. The build’s profile features a widebody front and rear. The engine is a 5.7L V8 with FiTech injection. The interior features a one-off dash with Autometer instrumentation.

Steve Keefer, ’68 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: Chassisworks #23193

A Top 40 contestant last year, Steve Keefer returns in hopes of cracking the Top 12 at the 2019 Show. He returns with the finished version of the ’68 widebody Camaro that he debuted at last year’s Show. He has since made subtle modifications to the body, which features many one-off parts. The interior also includes one-off designs. The chassis and suspension come courtesy of Chassis Works.

Three Vehicles Among the Top Builds You Won’t Want to Miss

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 13:30

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: Rod Nielsen’s ’56 Ford COE 800, Luke Merrill’s ’40 Chevrolet two-door sedan and Steve Keefer’s ’68 Chevrolet Camaro.

Rod Nielsen, ’56 Ford COE 800
Scheduled to Appear: Tire Stickers #50019

Rod Nielsen, the reigning BOTB Sports Compact champion, returns to test a new category with his Ford COE 800. The truck is powered by a Cummins twin-turbo engine and backed by a six-speed transmission. The modifications on the body are plentiful and include a hand-built sleeper. The suspension includes a modified bagged chassis.

Luke Merrill, ’40 Chevrolet Two-Door Sedan
Scheduled to Appear: Yukon Gear #20145

Former Top 12 Young Gun Luke Merrill is building this vehicle for his mom. It laid dormant in the family garage since 1990, and then he decided to bring it back to life. The build’s profile features a widebody front and rear. The engine is a 5.7L V8 with FiTech injection. The interior features a one-off dash with Autometer instrumentation.

Steve Keefer, ’68 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: Chassisworks #23193

A Top 40 contestant last year, Steve Keefer returns in hopes of cracking the Top 12 at the 2019 Show. He returns with the finished version of the ’68 widebody Camaro that he debuted at last year’s Show. He has since made subtle modifications to the body, which features many one-off parts. The interior also includes one-off designs. The chassis and suspension come courtesy of Chassis Works.

Three Vehicles Among the Top Builds You Won’t Want to Miss

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 13:30

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: Rod Nielsen’s ’56 Ford COE 800, Luke Merrill’s ’40 Chevrolet two-door sedan and Steve Keefer’s ’68 Chevrolet Camaro.

Rod Nielsen, ’56 Ford COE 800
Scheduled to Appear: Tire Stickers #50019

Rod Nielsen, the reigning BOTB Sports Compact champion, returns to test a new category with his Ford COE 800. The truck is powered by a Cummins twin-turbo engine and backed by a six-speed transmission. The modifications on the body are plentiful and include a hand-built sleeper. The suspension includes a modified bagged chassis.

Luke Merrill, ’40 Chevrolet Two-Door Sedan
Scheduled to Appear: Yukon Gear #20145

Former Top 12 Young Gun Luke Merrill is building this vehicle for his mom. It laid dormant in the family garage since 1990, and then he decided to bring it back to life. The build’s profile features a widebody front and rear. The engine is a 5.7L V8 with FiTech injection. The interior features a one-off dash with Autometer instrumentation.

Steve Keefer, ’68 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: Chassisworks #23193

A Top 40 contestant last year, Steve Keefer returns in hopes of cracking the Top 12 at the 2019 Show. He returns with the finished version of the ’68 widebody Camaro that he debuted at last year’s Show. He has since made subtle modifications to the body, which features many one-off parts. The interior also includes one-off designs. The chassis and suspension come courtesy of Chassis Works.

Additional Tickets Released for SEMA PAC Reception at the SEMA Show—Act Now!

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 12:14

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you’re attending the 2019 SEMA Show, then be sure to book your tickets now for the exclusive SEMA PAC reception! Initially limited to 100 guests, an additional 25 tickets have been made available due to demand.

On Tuesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., SEMA PAC will host a reception at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Suite 2915). The event is open to SEMA members who contribute at least $50 to SEMA PAC. Open-bar cocktails and premium catering will be served.

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. That’s where the individually funded SEMA PAC comes in. It allows SEMA members to pool their personal resources to make campaign contributions to candidates and lawmakers who support our industry.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

Additional Tickets Released for SEMA PAC Reception at the SEMA Show—Act Now!

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 12:14

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you’re attending the 2019 SEMA Show, then be sure to book your tickets now for the exclusive SEMA PAC reception! Initially limited to 100 guests, an additional 25 tickets have been made available due to demand.

On Tuesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., SEMA PAC will host a reception at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Suite 2915). The event is open to SEMA members who contribute at least $50 to SEMA PAC. Open-bar cocktails and premium catering will be served.

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. That’s where the individually funded SEMA PAC comes in. It allows SEMA members to pool their personal resources to make campaign contributions to candidates and lawmakers who support our industry.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

Additional Tickets Released for SEMA PAC Reception at the SEMA Show—Act Now!

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 12:14

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you’re attending the 2019 SEMA Show, then be sure to book your tickets now for the exclusive SEMA PAC reception! Initially limited to 100 guests, an additional 25 tickets have been made available due to demand.

On Tuesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., SEMA PAC will host a reception at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Suite 2915). The event is open to SEMA members who contribute at least $50 to SEMA PAC. Open-bar cocktails and premium catering will be served.

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. That’s where the individually funded SEMA PAC comes in. It allows SEMA members to pool their personal resources to make campaign contributions to candidates and lawmakers who support our industry.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

Additional Tickets Released for SEMA PAC Reception at the SEMA Show—Act Now!

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 12:14

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you’re attending the 2019 SEMA Show, then be sure to book your tickets now for the exclusive SEMA PAC reception! Initially limited to 100 guests, an additional 25 tickets have been made available due to demand.

On Tuesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., SEMA PAC will host a reception at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Suite 2915). The event is open to SEMA members who contribute at least $50 to SEMA PAC. Open-bar cocktails and premium catering will be served.

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. That’s where the individually funded SEMA PAC comes in. It allows SEMA members to pool their personal resources to make campaign contributions to candidates and lawmakers who support our industry.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

New Products: Cat-Back Exhaust Kits, Suspension Systems and More

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 11:27

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

K&N Cat-Back Exhaust Kit K&N introduces its cat-back exhaust kit for ’14–’19 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado 1500/Sierra 1500 4.3L/5.3L models. This kit is engineered to increase performance, deliver robust sound, and install quickly and easily. The system is designed to pair with most aftermarket modifications, including intake systems, throttle control modules and more. No calibration tuning is required, and complete instructions are included. 800-858-3333 www.knfilters.com PN: 67-3026
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 Suspension System Icon Vehicle Dynamics introduces Stage 1 suspension system for the ’20 Jeep Gladiator. Providing a 2.5-in. lift and clearance for up to 37-in. tires, this entry-level suspension system is engineered to improve the Gladiator’s abilities off-road. The Stage 1 Suspension System is a bolt-on system that includes dual-rate front coil springs, adjustable billet front sway bar end links, billet rear coil spacers, ICON 2.0 Aluminum Series shocks with vehicle-specific valving, and all hardware necessary for installation. 951-689-4266 www.iconvehicledynamics.com PN: K22011
Single-Quad Manifold and Carb Kit The Edelbrock single-quad manifold and carb kit is designed for ’65–’79 Pontiac 389-455 applications. These kits include: an Edelbrock manifold, Performer or Thunder Series AVS carb, chrome fuel inlet, intake gasket set, intake bolt set and carb stud kit. The manifold and carbs are available with a standard satin finish or with a bright EnduraShine chrome-like finish. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2056
Rugged Ridge New Venator Front Bumper Rugged Ridge announces the release of the Venator front bumper for the popular ’18–Present Wrangler JL/JLU and Gladiator JT models. The Venator is a full-width front bumper that surrounds an integrated winch plate designed to be capable of supporting most aftermarket winches up to 12,500 lbs. The winch is cradled low in the bumper for better balance and a clean look. 770-614-6101 www.ruggedridge.com PN: 11549.42
Holley Mid-Mount Accessory Drives Holley releases mid-mount accessory drives for small- and big-block Chevys. The system’s “bracketless” design allows the accessories to bolt directly to the water pump for a clean, integrated form. This alternator is engineered to utilizes square-wave, six-phase technology as found on the C7 Corvette. All accessories are included: the water pump, A/C compressor, Alternator and P/S pump with reservoir. All pulleys and the belt are supplied. An even A/C line adapter, heater hose adapters, power steering to -6 AN hardline and the alternator plug/harness are included. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 20-240BK

New Products: Cat-Back Exhaust Kits, Suspension Systems and More

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 11:27

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

K&N Cat-Back Exhaust Kit K&N introduces its cat-back exhaust kit for ’14–’19 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado 1500/Sierra 1500 4.3L/5.3L models. This kit is engineered to increase performance, deliver robust sound, and install quickly and easily. The system is designed to pair with most aftermarket modifications, including intake systems, throttle control modules and more. No calibration tuning is required, and complete instructions are included. 800-858-3333 www.knfilters.com PN: 67-3026
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 Suspension System Icon Vehicle Dynamics introduces Stage 1 suspension system for the ’20 Jeep Gladiator. Providing a 2.5-in. lift and clearance for up to 37-in. tires, this entry-level suspension system is engineered to improve the Gladiator’s abilities off-road. The Stage 1 Suspension System is a bolt-on system that includes dual-rate front coil springs, adjustable billet front sway bar end links, billet rear coil spacers, ICON 2.0 Aluminum Series shocks with vehicle-specific valving, and all hardware necessary for installation. 951-689-4266 www.iconvehicledynamics.com PN: K22011
Single-Quad Manifold and Carb Kit The Edelbrock single-quad manifold and carb kit is designed for ’65–’79 Pontiac 389-455 applications. These kits include: an Edelbrock manifold, Performer or Thunder Series AVS carb, chrome fuel inlet, intake gasket set, intake bolt set and carb stud kit. The manifold and carbs are available with a standard satin finish or with a bright EnduraShine chrome-like finish. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2056
Rugged Ridge New Venator Front Bumper Rugged Ridge announces the release of the Venator front bumper for the popular ’18–Present Wrangler JL/JLU and Gladiator JT models. The Venator is a full-width front bumper that surrounds an integrated winch plate designed to be capable of supporting most aftermarket winches up to 12,500 lbs. The winch is cradled low in the bumper for better balance and a clean look. 770-614-6101 www.ruggedridge.com PN: 11549.42
Holley Mid-Mount Accessory Drives Holley releases mid-mount accessory drives for small- and big-block Chevys. The system’s “bracketless” design allows the accessories to bolt directly to the water pump for a clean, integrated form. This alternator is engineered to utilizes square-wave, six-phase technology as found on the C7 Corvette. All accessories are included: the water pump, A/C compressor, Alternator and P/S pump with reservoir. All pulleys and the belt are supplied. An even A/C line adapter, heater hose adapters, power steering to -6 AN hardline and the alternator plug/harness are included. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 20-240BK