From The Hill

Congress Introduces Bill Enabling Limited Production of Replica Vehicles

Factory Five ReplicasU.S. Representatives Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Gene Green (D-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation that would enable low-volume car manufacturers to produce turn-key replica vehicles for customers nationwide. Called the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015 (H.R. 2675), the SEMA-supported bill would allow companies to construct up to 500 “replicas” per year. Those are cars that resemble another production vehicle manufactured at least 25 years ago.

On The Road Again

From the HillWhile it’s too soon to tell who the next commander in chief will be, the field of contenders has begun to take shape. The candidates feature some very familiar names as well as some newcomers who have already made their marks. Who will emerge the victor? Let’s examine the players.

SEMA’s Car Guys in Congress

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Continues Rise on Capitol Hill

The American automobile celebrated its 100th birthday in 1996. To mark the milestone, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus was formed to pay tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. Nearly 20 years later, the caucus continues to raise the industry’s profile in the nation’s capital and in the public’s eyes.

Sealing the Cracks

From malware that collects login and password information to hackers getting their hands on unencrypted data and the theft of credit- and debit-card information during payment transactions, the opportunities for modern criminals abound. Containing Costs in the Data-Breach Era

During a recent speech at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), President Obama reminded us: “If we’re going to be connected, then we need to be protected.” The sentiment summarizes a growing problem facing businesses that rely on modern technology to transact business: the data breach.

Ultra4s Rock Johnson Valley

One Year Later, Legislative Accord Preserves OHV Recreation

The ninth annual King of the Hammers was held once again this February in California’s Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Area. More than 430 teams in four vehicle classes competed during a week-long event witnessed by at least 55,000 spectators and more than 750,000 online viewers. The event culminated in the one-day “Ultra4” race in which vehicles constructed for their speed and rock-climbing abilities raced across a 215-mile course of open desert and steep ravines.

Examining the Fresh Faces in Congress

From left: SEMA Chairman-Elect Doug Evans, U.S. Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA), David Algire of The Enthusiast Network, and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.The Future Is Now

What do a car dealer, a former Navy SEAL commander and a financial advisor have in common? They were all recently elected to serve in the U.S. Congress. As a result of the November midterm elections, a lot of new faces have arrived in the nation’s capital. Fifty-eight first-timers were elected to the House of Representatives and 13 to the U.S. Senate. Among them are the future champions of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. While sorting through all of the new names may seem daunting, here are a few to keep an eye on.

In Washington, Change Is the Only Constant

SEMA looks forward to keeping you informed on issues impacting the automotive specialty-equipment industry and will need your assistance in making sure that our voice continues to be heard in the halls of Congress. The 2014 election was one that Republicans will look back upon fondly. The party picked up more than a dozen seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and nine in the U.S. Senate. As a result, the GOP has its largest majority in the House since 1931 and has regained control of the Senate after eight years in the minority.

While November 4 was a night of celebration for Republicans, the real challenge will be governing in the weeks and months ahead. Washington’s dysfunction is both real and pervasive. The past two years have been the least productive in history.

My Old Kentucky Home

From left to right: Christian Robinson, SEMA government affairs; Jeff Major, Bed Wood & Parts founder; U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY); Eric Snyder, SEMA government affairs.Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Like many car guys, Jeff Major’s passion for street rods, stock cars and classic trucks was acquired as he helped his father in the garage. While working on his own ’57 Chevy pickup not long ago, Major couldn’t find the right wood for the bed of his truck, so he took a page out of his father’s playbook and took matters into his own hands. Literally. It was on that day in 2006 that Bed Wood & Parts was born.

Congressman Cools Off in the River City

Vintage Air Hosts U.S. Representative Lamar Smith

It’s said that necessity is the mother of invention. If you’ve ever been to San Antonio, Texas, in the summer, you know it’s not uncommon for the mercury to push triple digits. When it’s that hot, having a running air-conditioning system in your car is a must. Enter Jack Chisenhall. When he founded Vintage Air in 1976, no one else was producing air-conditioning systems and components for classic cars and trucks.

Sun City Shines Bright

Russell Stephens (left), president of MSD Performance, demonstrated one of his company’s products to Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) during the congressman’s visit to the company in El Paso, Texas.MSD Performance Hosts U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke

For more than four decades, the MSD Performance brand has been synonymous with high-performance ignition parts. The company designs, develops, tests and manufactures its entire line of ignition boxes, distributors, EFI systems, coils, sparkplug wires, crank triggers and other performance parts. While known for producing engine timing accessories for auto enthusiasts and the racing circuit, MSD also has a strong commitment to its hometown of El Paso, Texas. Since 1970, MSD’s presence in the community has grown to five buildings covering 150,000 sq. ft. and more than 500 employees.

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