By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The CARS Act would prohibit the EPA from finalizing its proposed federal emissions standards.

The U.S. House of Representatives announced that it will vote on the "Choice in Automobile Sales (CARS) Act" (H.R. 4468) this week.

The SEMA-supported bill would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing the agency's proposed federal emissions standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles model years '27 to '32, which intend for electric vehicles (EVs) to make up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The CARS Act also prevents future EPA motor-vehicle emissions regulations that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type. Ask your Representative to vote for the CARS Act here.

SEMA opposes the EPA's efforts to require EVs to make up 67% of all new-vehicle sales by 2032 for the following reasons:

• The EPA's proposed rulemaking seeks to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to become the only option for automakers to produce. Given the subsidies for EV purchases and production, EVs have become the de facto choice to achieve the rulemaking's climate goals.
• A seismic shift to BEVs threatens the 55% of SEMA-member companies that produce internal combustion engine (ICE) related components and parts. Currently, consumers spend $17 billion annually on performance and accessories to upgrade engines and drivetrains.
• EPA's multipollutant standards proposal does not allow consumers to purchase the vehicles that best suit the needs of their families. It will limit consumer choice and make the purchase of a new vehicle out of reach for millions of Americans.
• This proposal will hurt Americans who disproportionately live in multi-family housing, who will face the greatest challenges in charging their vehicles.
• It will also adversely impact people in rural parts of the country with limited EV infrastructure and people who drive long distances for work and other daily necessities.

The CARS Act protects Americans' right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the EPA in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. In addition, SEMA's grassroots efforts generated more than 7,700 comments by our member companies and enthusiasts from around the country.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced H.R. 4468 to ensure that the EPA's proposed multipollutant standards do not limit consumer choice and direct consumers to embrace a specific form of vehicle technology to reduce emissions. U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced companion legislation, S. 3094, that currently has 33 bipartisan co-sponsors and is awaiting consideration in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C. office

The deadline to submit comments on proposed changes to Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on products known to cause cancer, is rapidly approaching. 

The proposed changes, recently announced by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), would require short-form warning labels to include at least one chemical on the label. This is a significant change from the current regulations, which allow businesses to use a generic short-form warning that does not identify any specific chemicals.

These changes would significantly impact businesses in the specialty automotive market selling products in California, and SEMA is urging members to take action and oppose them.

The OEHHA is holding a public hearing on the proposed rules on December 13. The public comment deadline is December 20. Click here to submit comments to OEHHA in opposition to the proposed changes.

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

By the SEMA Washington, D.C. office

The deadline to submit comments on proposed changes to Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on products known to cause cancer, is rapidly approaching. 

The proposed changes, recently announced by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), would require short-form warning labels to include at least one chemical on the label. This is a significant change from the current regulations, which allow businesses to use a generic short-form warning that does not identify any specific chemicals.

These changes would significantly impact businesses in the specialty automotive market selling products in California, and SEMA is urging members to take action and oppose them.

The OEHHA is holding a public hearing on the proposed rules on December 13. The public comment deadline is December 20. Click here to submit comments to OEHHA in opposition to the proposed changes.

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

By SEMA News Editors

Aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket will learn how to unlock greater levels of career success during the 2024 SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP), taking place at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, on May 16-17. Applications are open now and close on March 13. Apply here!  

Held in partnership with the world-renowned Dale Carnegie Training, the program will be available to 25 FLN members who will receive a 50% discount on the original $1,600 Dale Carnegie price and receive meals and housing for three days, if selected to attend.  

Interactive lessons and group breakouts--targeted to all professions of the automotive aftermarket--will help participants develop their leadership potential and teach them to:  

• Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations. 
• Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening. 
• Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios. 
• Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward. 
• Use emotional controls to sustain success. 

"The FLN Professional Development Program provided me with insight and knowledge I am unable to receive in regular training at my job," said past participant Ryan Ehlers of Diode Dynamics. "Professional leadership is tricky to teach, yet this course laid it out in a very engaging way which helped me retain the lessons taught." 

The program offers quality networking and targeted conversations that will encourage participants to share their unique experiences, connect with other like-minded individuals and establish friendships with those who have similar passions and goals. 

Apply for the FLN Professional Development Program at sema.org/fln-pdp.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Outdoor recreation has received a boost after U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced H.R. 6492, the "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act." This bipartisan public lands and recreation bill expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), while also including SEMA-supported key provisions from AORA.

The EXPLORE Act increases opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, streamlines permitting for recreation, improves visitor experiences, creates new opportunities for recreation, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families.   

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on the EXPLORE Act and is expected to hold a vote on the bill before the end of the year.

SEMA is advocating for the bill to pass through committee given that it will improve and expand America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section. 

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for introducing the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. 

Take action today: click here to ask your representative to support the EXPLORE Act.

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Outdoor recreation has received a boost after U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced H.R. 6492, the "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act." This bipartisan public lands and recreation bill expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), while also including SEMA-supported key provisions from AORA.

The EXPLORE Act increases opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, streamlines permitting for recreation, improves visitor experiences, creates new opportunities for recreation, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families.   

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on the EXPLORE Act and is expected to hold a vote on the bill before the end of the year.

SEMA is advocating for the bill to pass through committee given that it will improve and expand America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section. 

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for introducing the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. 

Take action today: click here to ask your representative to support the EXPLORE Act.

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The 35th annual PRI Show, December 7-9 in downtown Indianapolis, is gearing up to be one of the best events to date, with more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies and trailers for the racing industry.

Taking place at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, the motorsports industry's annual trade gathering is a must-attend event for businesses and professionals from across the automotive racing spectrum.

"The motorsports industry is constantly evolving, and the PRI Show supports that growth through cutting-edge activations," said PRI General Manager Jim Liaw. "The 2023 Show will take a holistic approach to industry support with programs that address the needs of entry-level racers all the way through to experienced professionals." 

The PRI Show continues to evolve to meet the needs of members by curating a mix of programs that reflect the latest industry trends combined with annual traditions and popular events.

New for the 2023 Show:

PRI ESPORTS ARENA POWERED BY SRO

PRI is embracing and showcasing sim racing/Esports beyond individual exhibitors for the first time through activations with several sim racing equipment makers and e-racing series, including SRO/GT America, Screenworks, Williams F1 Esports, Podium 1 Racing, SimGear Motion Simulators, Asetek SimSports, Advanced SimRacing and Extreme SimRacing.

PRI EKARTING CLASSIC PRESENTED BY TOP KART USA

PRI is creating a karting track inside Lucas Oil Stadium in partnership with Top Kart USA that will feature all-star racing on Thursday with pros from various racing disciplines, "fastest lap" contests for media on Friday, and racing for regional youth organizations on Saturday.

Other features of the 2023 Show include:

• Grand Opening Breakfast: The iconic event, this year featuring Indy 500 champ Tony Kanaan and hosted by Ralph Sheheen kicks off the 2023 Show.
• PRI Paddock & Podcast Studio: located at the Capital Cube entrance, features the iconic PRI hanging car, ground-level display racing machine and a podcast studio to host industry podcasters filming and broadcasting, including Drag Illustrated, "V8 Speed Shop," "Women Take the Wheel" and many others. For the full schedule, visit the PRI Paddock & Podcast Studio on the PRI Show planner.
• EV & ATL Racing: the EV Performance Zone will evolve to incorporate cutting-edge technology related to alternative forms of racing propulsion and renewable fuels. The area will feature activations from Indy Autonomous Challenge, Electric Drag Racing Association, Burromax, Omni Powertrain Technologies and eFlexFuel, among others and feature display vehicles. 
• PRI Happy Hour & All-Star Finale: Thursday's Happy Hour will feature the final pro race of the PRI EKarting Classic presented by Top Kart USA.  
• PRI Education: Education sessions have been curated for the Show under three tracks: Business, Technical and EV & ATL Racing. All sessions can be found on the PRI Show planner. 
• Featured Products Showcase: Relocated this year to the ICC Capitol Connector, the Featured Products Showcase highlights the newest and most popular motorsports products.
• T.O.P.S. HQ: Formerly the TOPS Workroom & Lounge, this area will feature such programming as Road Course Racing Industry Roundtable, Sprint Car Roundtable, Race Tire Update, Updates in Timing & Scoring Technology.
• Additional features: Network receptions, Machinery Row, Trailer Exhibits and more.

"This year's Show programming will be dynamic and bring a high energy level to the Show," said Karin Davidson, PRI Trade Show Director. "The additional content will also add more value to the time our members spend in Indianapolis."

The 2023 PRI Show will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors and 3,600 booths showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies and trailers for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of motorsports and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media. To register, visit PRI2023.com/attend.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant development, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has withdrawn SEMA-opposed regulation that would have required the state to adopt California's strict motor-vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. 

The move to withdraw the regulation came after bipartisan opposition from state lawmakers, with the governor acknowledging that the proposal lacked sufficient support to pass the legislature's Regulation Review Committee. Unlike the Democratic-controlled legislature, the Committee is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. 

Governor Lamont, however, has not abandoned the pursuit of more stringent emissions standards, indicating that he will explore alternative avenues to address the issue, either by seeking legislative action in 2024 or potentially calling a special session in 2023.

"We are pleased that Governor Lamont has listened to the concerns of Connecticut residents and withdrawn this harmful proposal," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "SEMA believes that Connecticut residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. Data shows that a successful path to lowering emissions is an all-of-the-above approach to utilizing multiple technologies, not just simply banning one technology in favor of another." 

For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org.   

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant development, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has withdrawn SEMA-opposed regulation that would have required the state to adopt California's strict motor-vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. 

The move to withdraw the regulation came after bipartisan opposition from state lawmakers, with the governor acknowledging that the proposal lacked sufficient support to pass the legislature's Regulation Review Committee. Unlike the Democratic-controlled legislature, the Committee is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. 

Governor Lamont, however, has not abandoned the pursuit of more stringent emissions standards, indicating that he will explore alternative avenues to address the issue, either by seeking legislative action in 2024 or potentially calling a special session in 2023.

"We are pleased that Governor Lamont has listened to the concerns of Connecticut residents and withdrawn this harmful proposal," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "SEMA believes that Connecticut residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. Data shows that a successful path to lowering emissions is an all-of-the-above approach to utilizing multiple technologies, not just simply banning one technology in favor of another." 

For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org.   

By SEMA News Editors

A new crossover electric vehicle from Ford was spotted in Europe, according to SEMA News sources.

The yet-unnamed crossover is suspected to be built on a Volkswagen EV platform and is a part of an ongoing deal between Volkswagen and Ford that involves sharing platforms and making cars in the same factories. The spotted Ford crossover is expected to be one of seven upcoming EVs for the American brand, including four passenger cars and five commercial vehicles.

Spotted under camouflage in Europe, the Ford electric crossover is likely built on the Volkswagen MEB platform.

Based on the spy shots from SEMA sources, the camouflaged EV is bigger than the Mustang Mach-E and will have a size similar to the Volkswagen ID.6.

From a styling perspective, it will have a boxy shape, large LED headlights, an angular tailgate and some inspiration from the Explorer body, sources said. The interior is also allegedly set to be exclusive to Ford.

The vehicle is expected to be one of Ford's seven planned electric vehicles.

The Blue Oval has confirmed it will produce the new crossover, in addition to a medium-sized crossover, in Cologne, Germany. Both will be underpinned by the Volkswagen group’s MEB platform, according to Ford Europe Chair Stuart Rowley.

The European chief also pledged that the Cologne factory will account for 1.2 million units over its lifecycle.