Groups including Auto Care Association, SEMA, CAR Coalition, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and others call for passage during next U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee markup session. In a letter July 8 to members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, 25 groups called on the committee to pass H.R. 906, The Right to Equitable […]
SEMA Disappointed California Governor Passes on Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced it is deeply disappointed that California’s Senate Bill (SB) 301, aimed at incentivizing the conversion of gas and diesel-powered cars into Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), was vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino, SB 301 sought to establish the Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project […]
SEMA Announces Board of Directors Candidates
Opus IVS President Brian Herron among 2024 candidates. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the 2024 candidates for election to its Board of Directors. Voting will take place online between May 28 and June 11 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact who will receive […]
SEMA Calls for Support of REPAIR Act in Wake of GAO Report
Wants Right to Repair bill expanded to support vehicle modifications. Asks for industry to write to legislators urging passage. Following the release last week of a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) titled Vehicle Repair: Information on Evolving Vehicle Technologies and Consumer Choice, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is advocating for Congress […]
SEMA Research Says California Voters Reject Proposed Speed Limiting Devices on Autos
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) commissioned a survey among likely November 2024 voters to gauge opinion on SB 961, which would require new cars and trucks to be equipped with speed limiting devices beginning in 2027. The survey, conducted by Rodriguez Gudelunas Strategies in mid-February, found that California’s likely voters overwhelmingly reject the proposed […]
SEMA Members Oppose California Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) “Advanced Clean Cars II” (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal combustion engine motor vehicles by 2035. Specialty aftermarket businesses and industry supporters sent over 5,000 letters to […]
Applications Open for SEMA Student Scholarships
Awards up to $5,000 are available to students pursuing automotive careers. The 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Scholarship application period for students pursuing careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open and will run through March 1, 2024. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application online. The SEMA Memorial […]
SEMA Announces Over $245,000 in Scholarships and Loan Forgiveness Awards to Individuals Pursuing Careers in the Automotive Aftermarket
Scholarship through its SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund to help 104 individuals pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 87 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and 17 employees of SEMA-member companies who received loan forgiveness awards to help pay off student loans. “SEMA receives a large number of […]
Main Street Tax Certainty Act Introduced in U.S. House Seeks to Preserve Pass-Through Business Deductions
U.S. Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) introduced the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, H.R. 4721, legislation which would permanently extend Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code, which is slated to expire in 2025. Smucker’s legislation is cosponsored by 92 Members and is supported by all Republican Members of the Ways & Means Committee. Section 199A, […]
Business Groups Raise Concerns with White House Budget Proposal
Group of 85 trade associations, including automotive groups, urges lawmakers to oppose provisions raising taxes on pass-through businesses. A coalition of small business trade associations is calling on Federal legislators to oppose the Federal budget proposal released by the White House last week. The budget proposed by the White House would raise taxes by $5 […]