SEMA joined with the National Association of Manufacturers and a number of other organizations in urging Congress to extend the 100% bonus depreciation through 2012. The depreciation had been at 100% since 2010 but dropped to 50% January 1, 2012.

A SEMA-supported bill has been introduced in the New York Assembly to exempt restoration and custom shops from the state’s motor-vehicle repair shop requirements.

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” has been introduced in the Maryland Legislature. Under the bill, the age requirement would be raised from 20 to at least 25 years old and would prohibit these cars from being used for...

A SEMA-supported bill in the Utah State Legislature to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time registration fee was approved by the Utah House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Source Interlink Media (SIM) has launched the Motor Trend YouTube Channel making original automotive content available to online audiences immediately. The Motor Trend Channel is part of YouTube’s rollout of approximately 100 new original content channels throughout the year.

SEMA is supporting legislation in the Colorado State Legislature to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their eighth model year.

The U.S. House Science Committee approved a SEMA-supported bill that directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a scientific assessment on how gasoline blended with 15% to 20% ethanol (E15 and E20) may impact gasoline-powered engines, vehicles and related equipment.

Here is a collection of more than 100 Jeeps on display at the 2011 SEMA Show. The photos are part of a larger gallery of 1,800+ vehicles on display at the event. The website, www.semaphotos.com, also features Show photos of celebrities, press conferences, exterior displays, products and much more.

SEMA continues its Town Hall meetings for 2012, and the next stop on the tour is St. Charles, Illinois, for a meeting hosted by Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc. at the Pheasant Run Resort, Friday, February 24, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) extends an invitation to all staff under the age of 40 who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee.