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 […]
Right to Repair Legislation Re-Introduced in Congress
Federal legislation would provide consumers with the right to repair their vehicle while protecting a free and fair repair market. Automotive aftermarket associations including, MEMA Aftermarket, Auto Care Association, CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) applauded the reintroduction of the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair […]
SEMA Scholarship Applications Open
Up to $5,000 available to students and recent graduates pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket. The 2023 SEMA Scholarship application period for students preparing for careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open and will run through March 1, 2023. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships. The […]
ASE Education Foundation January 18 Webinar Features Industry Discussion on Scholarships
The ASE Education Foundation is hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 4:00 p.m. (EST) entitled An Industry Discussion on Scholarships. While there is an industry-wide shortage of entry-level techs in the transportation industry, there are great ASE accredited post-secondary programs across the country that can help students learn the trade and start […]
SEMA Says Consumers Being Forced to Buy Specific Technologies in Wake of California’s 2035 Ban on Internal Combustion Engines
The Specialty Equipment Market Association released a statement in the wake of the California Air Resources Board’s decision to require 100% zero emission vehicles by 2035, reiterating its concerns that regulators were banning internal combustion engines (ICE) and restricting options for consumers. “SEMA believes that Californians should not be directed toward a specific technology, but […]
SEMA Projects Alternative Power Vehicles to Account for 45% of U.S. Light Vehicle Sales by 2035
Despite projected growth, electric and hybrid powertrains currently represent only a small niche market for automakers and the specialty-equipment industry. Sales of alternative power vehicles, while currently representing just 5% of all U.S. light vehicle sales today, are expected to reach 45% by 2035, according to new SEMA market research. Eighteen of the top 20 […]
Aftermarket Groups Praise FTC Nixing the Fix Report
The Auto Care Association, along with six other aftermarket trade groups, sent a letter to the new chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on June 30 expressing appreciation to the FTC for findings and conclusions of the recently released report entitled “Nixing the Fix: An FTC Report to Congress on Repair Restrictions.” The report […]
NADA and SEMA Among Groups Raising Concerns on California Gas-Powered Car Phaseout
Both the National Automobile Dealers Association and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) raised concerns with the announcement last week of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order to require all new vehicles to emit zero-emissions by 2035. The California New Car Dealers Association and Alliance of Automotive Innovators had previously raised concerns about the impact […]
SEMA Says Two-Thirds of Specialty Aftermarket Continues to Operate
Associations still planning at this time to hold November SEMA Show in Las Vegas. According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) the majority of businesses in the specialty automotive industry continues to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. Even with “shelter in place” rules in effect in many states, more than two-thirds of industry businesses […]