Policy Position

The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), better known as "cash for clunkers," was a 2009 Federal program that provided financial incentivizes for people to trade in older cars and purchase new vehicles.

SEMA wants to ensure that no similar incentives would compel people to destroy or trade in their old. The aftermarket, restoration market, auto enthusiasts, and millions of Americans rely on older vehicles for their professions, recreation, and affordable transportation. While there are no introduced bills that currently provide similar incentives, SEMA will proactively fight for this to remain the case and for older vehicles to be kept on the road.

Conversely, SEMA supports legislation that incentivizes preserving old cars or upcycling. SEMA is sponsoring a California bill that provides a rebate of up to $4,000 for those who convert an existing internal-combustion car or truck to an EV. This rebate allows older vehicles to stay on the road while ensuring technological advancements.

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California bill proposes $4,000 for converting gas vehicles to EVs

Take Action

For California residents, click here to send a letter to your local lawmaker to let them know you support the $4,000 rebate for those who convert an existing internal-combustion car or truck to an EV.

Policy Position

The aftermarket industry thrives on creativity. However, what is innovative may also be subject to imitation in the face of fierce competition. SEMA wants to give its member companies tools to protect their valuable intellectual property (IP). A core tenant for SEMA is ensuring that member companies' valuable ideas, names, logos and inventions are legally protected for exclusive use. These assets may be worth more than the buildings and machines used to make a company's products, which is why SEMA is committed to providing its members with the most up-to-date information about trademarks, patents and copyrights.

While SEMA will provide any materials necessary to procuring a trademark, patent or copyright, but recommends securing the assistance of a qualified attorney to assist in planning and protecting your company's intellectual property rights.

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U.S. Patent & Trademark Office

U.S. Copyright Office

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Understanding Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights