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Saved from the Scrapyard
Hobbyist Protections Added to Lessen Impact of Cash for Clunkers Program
It seemed inevitable. In response to the economic tsunami, nations around the world have enacted cash for clunkers programs to help jump-start new car sales. The United States has now joined the crowd. But, there is good news.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) persuaded Congress to spare cars 25-years and older from the scrappage heap and expand parts recycling opportunities under the new law.
Congress passed the controversial program in June. Consumers who voluntarily participate, will receive a voucher to help buy a new car in exchange for scrapping a less fuel-efficient vehicle. The SAN was able to ease the program’s effects by convincing lawmakers to include a requirement that the trade-in vehicle be a model year 1984 or newer vehicle. This provision will help safeguard older vehicles that may possess ‘historic or aesthetic value’ and are irreplaceable to hobbyists as a source of restoration parts. The measure also allows all parts to be recycled except the engine. Lawmakers were convinced to permit the drive train to be recycled if the transmission, drive shaft or rear end are sold as separate parts.
The cash for clunkers war had two battles. The first ended in mid-February when President Obama signed a clunker-free stimulus bill into law. For the previous two months, thousands of SAN members responded in force by deluging lawmakers with e-mails, faxes and phone calls in opposition to a scrappage program.
The second battle began on March 30 when President Obama embraced the idea as part of a financial aid package to help a struggling auto industry. The signal was sent—when, and not if a scrappage program would be initiated. The SAN then focused its efforts on lessening the impact of the program on the hobbyist community.
“SEMA and the SAN are disappointed that Congress ignored evidence that vehicle scrappage programs will not achieve claimed environmental benefits,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “However, we are pleased that lawmakers agreed not to include the older cars and parts that help drive the passions of many in the automotive hobbyist community.” Under the program, consumers who agree to scrap a trade-in car that gets 18 miles per gallon or less (15 mpg or less for heavy pick-ups and vans) will receive a voucher to buy a qualifying new car. The voucher will range from $3,500 to $4,500 based on the new car’s fuel efficiency. The program primarily targets SUVs and pickups since most passenger cars manufactured during the last 25 years get more than the 18 mpg combined city/highway requirement.
The car buyer will receive a $3,500 voucher if they buy a new passenger car that was rated at 4 mpg higher than the older vehicle, or a new pickup truck/SUV that was at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck. They will receive a $4,500 voucher if the passenger car was at least 10 mpg higher and the truck/SUV was at least 5 mpg higher.Lawmakers want the program to last one year but have only set aside $1 billion to fund car purchases made from July 1-Nov. 1, 2009. They will seek another $3 billion later this summer to fund the program into 2010.
“It took countless meetings with lawmakers and their staff in order to secure the 25-year exemption and recycling provisions,” said SEMA Director of Regulatory Affairs Stuart Gosswein. “While it proved impossible to kill the scrappage program, lawmakers were keenly aware of the SAN’s opposition to the program and wanted to remove any unintended consequences to the hobbyist community. Your voices were heard.”
CAUCUS CORNER
Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Here is its newest member:
Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
California Emissions Tests: SAN-opposed legislation to require annual Smog check inspections for vehicles 15 years old and older was held in the California Assembly Appropriations Committee and is essentially dead for the year. The bill would also have required that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which could have been used to scrap older cars. Pre-1976 motor vehicles would have remained exempt under the measure. The SAN launched a statewide lobbying campaign to oppose the bill.
California Scrappage: SAN is opposing a California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposal to spend roughly $30 million annually to augment the State’s existing vehicle scrappage program. The proposal would provide incentives for vehicles not currently eligible under the Consumer Assistance Program by removing the existing requirements that vehicles be subject to and fail Smog Check to participate. CARB is specifically targeting for scrappage pre-1976 vehicles that are not currently required to undergo Smock Check inspections. According to CARB, allowing vehicles that are not currently undergoing registration or that have passed their Smog Check to participate greatly expands the vehicle population that can be retired. Participants would receive $1,000 per vehicle or $1,500 per vehicle if they meet low-income requirements. The proposal would also establish a pilot voucher program in the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air basins that targets the highest-emitting vehicles and requires their replacement with newer, cleaner vehicles. Consumers would retire their vehicle at a participating dismantler, receiving an immediate compensation of $1,000–$1,500 for vehicle retirement. Consumers could then redeem their voucher at participating car dealerships toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle. CARB is proposing that the voucher compensation be $2,000 or $2,500 per vehicle depending on income level.
Michigan Inoperable Vehicles: A version of SEMA-model legislation has been reintroduced in the Michigan State Legislature that would outlaw local zoning ordinances that prohibit the hobby of collecting and restoring motor vehicles. Junked, wrecked or inoperable vehicles, including parts cars, stored on private property could still require screening from public view by fencing, vegetation or other means. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Local, Urban and State Affairs.
Ohio Street Rods/Customs: SEMA model legislation to create a vehicle registration and titling classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles has been reintroduced in the Ohio State Legislature. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation that the body of the vehicle was constructed to resemble.
Nova Scotia (Canada) Altered Height Vehicles: The SAN investigated reports out of Nova Scotia that a regulation had been adopted that would require proof that all suspension lift products had been approved by a certified engineer. The SAN expressed concerns that the criteria for passing the inspection were not documented and could then be subject to the sole discretion of the engineer. The Ministry agreed that the lack of an objective checklist posed potential problems and compromised public acceptance of the program. The inspection regulation will be put on hold while the regulatory agencies conduct an impact study which could take the better part of a year. The SAN is hopeful that the study period will allow for an opportunity to engage the Ministry further to clarify these procedures.
Neighbors to the North
Car Club Association Fights for Enthusiasts in Canada
The National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC) is made up of car clubs from across the country who develop positive working relationships with government officials in support of the collector car hobby. Through these efforts NAACC members seek to promote and encourage the preservation of the automobile and its historic lore.
Working with the SEMA Action Network, the NAACC identifies and informs its membership of legislative and regulatory proposals that have an impact on hobbyists in Canada. To further their influence on policy issues, the NAACC is an Associate member of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA).
The leadership of the organization is comprised of approximately 20 directors representing nine of the Provinces in Canada. In addition to guiding NAACC’s policy agenda, the directors also bring local issues to the attention of the association.
Since its creation in the early 1960s, the association has a proven track record in defending the collector car hobby. In the early 1980’s the NAACC spearheaded a successful movement to have duty on collector cars and parts 25 years old and older removed. In 1996 NAACC members were successful again in dealing with Federal proposals that were to remove all 1978 and older vehicles from the public highways. With the expansion of the SEMA Action Network’s efforts into Canada in 2007, the two groups were successful in obtaining an extension for the use of competition leaded racing fuel to the end of 2010.
The NAACC also offers programs and benefit packages for its members, including officers and club members’ liability insurance for both incorporated and non-incorporated organizations. They also have negotiated member discount packages with numerous travel and work-related businesses throughout the country.
In addition to their affiliation with the SAN, Canadian car clubs are urged to join the NAACC. For more information or to join NAACC please visit www.naacc.ca or contact NAACC President John Carlson at Carlson44@shaw.ca.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Two Clubs, Two Car Shows, Two Great Causes
Pennsylvania Clubs take Center Stage with July Car Shows
During the summer months you can find a car show almost every weekend. For enthusiasts in and around Pennsylvania there are two clubs who are doing their part to make that possible and support worthwhile causes at the same time.
PennMustangs was created in order to provide Mustang owners from in and around Pennsylvania a way to interact with other local mustang enthusiasts. Through their website and forums, members discuss all things having to do with Ford Mustangs.
PennMustangs will hold their annual Mustang Muscle at Montana West Show on July 12. This event attracts 200 Mustang owners and brings in over 400 spectators. More than 25 awards are given away plus many random prizes through-out the show. This event is also used to raise money for the Nicole Reppert Foundation and Scholarship Fund, which was created in memory of a vibrant seven year old girl who died in March 2007 from injuries sustained in a house fire.
During the week of July 15-19, the Allegheny Rockets Chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America (OCA) will be hosting the 2009 OCA National Meet at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The event will draw well over 1,000 participants from across the United States and Canada, as well as hundreds of spectators who will enjoy the classic cars on display and browse the Swap Meet area.
Since 2001, the Allegheny Rockets Chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America has assisted members and the general public in understanding, preserving, restoring, and appreciating vehicles built by Oldsmobile. A non-profit organization, the Allegheny Rockets Chapter supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Salvation Army.
Additional information about each of these clubs and their shows can be accessed at the following websites, www.alleghenyrockets.org and www.pennmustangs.com.
Newly Introduced Legislation
Note: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introduced and are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures:
Inoperable Vehicles
Michigan SB 590: Communities would be prohibited from creating any zoning ordinances that restrict the collection and/or restoration of vehicles when they are blocked from public view.
Miscellaneous
Michigan HB 4948 & HB 4949: Creates penalties for individuals who cause accidents due to video screens within view of the driver.
New Jersey SB 2874: Permits the installation of a GPS system on the front window of a vehicle, so long as it does not obstruct the driver’s view.
Street Racing
New York AB 8438: Changes the penalty for those convicted of street racing to a felony with up to one year and one day in prison.
Pennsylvania HB 1497: Drivers convicted of street racing for a second or any subsequent offense would be charged between $200 and $1,000; or imprisoned for up to 6 months; or both.
EVENTS
Alabama
July 18, Florence
W.C. Handy Festival
Sponsor: Shoals Car & Truck Club
Information: http://www.shoalscarandtruckclub.com or 256/766-7955
California
July 21-25, Sacramento
40th Annual National Meet
Sponsor: Chrysler Products Restorers Club
Information: http://www.chryslerclub.org/meetinfo.htm
July 11, Fontana
Annual Family Picnic in the Park
Sponsor: Inland Mopars Car Club
Information: http://www.inlandmopars.com
July 11-12, Dana Point
Dana Point Concours d’Elegance
Sponsor: Porsche 356 Club
Information: http://www.porsche356club.org or 949/697-4499
Colorado
July 3-5, Grand Junction
Mopar Magic Weekend
Sponsor: Mopars Unlimited of Colorado
Information: http://www.moparsunlimitedofcolorado.com/mopar_magic_weekend_flyers.html or 970/361-2478
July 10-12, Montrose
Colorful Colorado Car, Truck & Rod Show
Sponsor: Black Canyon Classic Car Club
Information: http://www.blackcanyonclassics.org/car_show.htm or 970/249-6051
July 31-August 3, Salida
16th Annual Rocky Mountain IH Rendezvous
Sponsor: RMIHR
Information: www.rmihr.org or 303/838-8505
Connecticut
July 26, Guilford
31st Time Machines Car Show & Flea Market
Sponsor: Connecticut Area Classic T-Birds
Information: http://www.geocities.com/tbirdsofconn/timemach.html
Idaho
July 12-17, Boise
2009 Chevrolet Nomad Association Convention
Sponsor: Chevrolet Nomad Association
Information: http://www.chevynomadclub.com/CNACONVENTION.html
Illinois
July 25-26, St. Charles
19th Annual Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend
Sponsor: Cruisin’ Tigers GTO Club
Information: http://www.cruisintigersgto.com
Indiana
July 17, Huntington
Flashback to the 60s
Sponsor: The Country Cruisers
Information: http://www.flashbacktothe60s.com or 260/356-0621
Iowa
July 3-5, Des Moines
18th Heartland Nationals
Information: http://www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
Massachusetts
July 17-19, Ipswich
2009 VCOA National Meet
Sponsor: Volvo Club of America
Information: http://www.bostonvolvoclub.com/2009_VCOA_National.html
July 19, Marlborough
25th Annual Mustang & Fords Summer Round-Up
Sponsor: Mustang Car Club of New England
Information: http://www.mccne.com or 508/674-5462
Michigan
July 18, Sanford
2009 Annual Show
Sponsor: Michigan Fiero Club
Information: http://www.michiganfieroclub.com/2009show.html
Minnesota
July 10-12, Duluth
37th Annual North Shore Rod Run
Sponsor: The Vintage Times Car Club
Information: http://www.duluthrodrun.com/rodrun.htm
July 17-19, St Paul
Summer Nationals
Information: http://www.familyevents.com/event/99 or 317/236-6515
New York
July 17-19, Syracuse
Syracuse Nationals
Sponsor: Right Coast Association
Information: http://www.rightcoastcars.com/shows/syn/ or 800/753-3978
July 19, Rochester
49th Annual Antique and Classic Car, Street Rod & Truck Show
Sponsor: Genesee Valley Antique Car Society
Information: http://www.gvacs.com or 585/624-1071
Ohio
July 4, Xenia
44th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet
Sponsor: Greene County Antique and Classic Car Club & Miami Valley Chapter, National Corvette Restorers Society
Information: http://greenecountyantiqueandclassiccarclub.com/julyshow.htm or 937/429-0717
July 7-11, Dayton
2009 GTOAA & POCI Co-Vention
Sponsor: Ohio Valley GTO Association & Grand Prix Specialty Chapter of POCI
Information: http://www.gtoaapocinationals.com or 513/276-6906
July 10-12, Columbus
12th Goodguys Nationals
Information: http://www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
July 25-26, Canfield
Truck & Jeep Fest
Information: http://www.truckandjeepfest.com/event/100 or 317/236-6515
Oregon
July 4, Philomath
Philomath Classic Car Show
Information: http://www.philomathclassic.com/pc/index.cfm or 541/929-6381
July 11, Roseburg
Stray Angels Show & Shine
Sponsor: Stray Angels Car Club
Information: http://www.strayangelscarclub.com or 541/679-7868
July 24-25, Grants Pass
19th Annual Back to the 50’s
Sponsor: Valley Classic Chevys
Information: http://www.rvclassicchevys.com or 541/476-5773
Pennsylvania
July 5, Newfoundland
35th Annual Antique—Classic—Custom Car Show
Sponsor: Wayne-Pike Region AACA
Information: http://local.aaca.org/waynepike/Flyers.htm or 570/253-0545
July 10-12, Bloomsburg
22nd Annual Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Information: http://www.4wheeljamboree.com/event/98 or 317/236-6515
July 12, Quakertown
Mustang Muscle
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Mustangs
Information: http://www.pennmustangs.com/carshow
July 15-19, Seven Springs
2009 Oldsmobile National Meet
Sponsor: Allegheny Rockets Chapter of the OCA
Information: http://www.alleghenyrockets.org/ or 412/466-0529
July 18, Nazareth
33rd Annual Nazareth Day
Sponsor: Lehigh Valley Thunderbird Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/lehighvalleythunderbird/ or 610/867-2301
July 19, Clarks Summit
38th Annual Auto Show, Flea Market & Car Corral
Sponsor: Scranton Region AACA
Information: 570/346-3771 or 570/650-3634
Texas
July 4, McKinney
Red, White and Boom Car Show
Information: http://www.mckinneytexas.org/Associations/144/data/forms/1159/Car%20Show%20Entry%20Form%20-%20RWB.pdf or 972/547-2662
Utah
July 2-4, Logan
27th Annual Cache Valley Cruise-In
Sponsor: Cache Valley Cruising Association
Information: http://cachevalleycruisein.com or 435/787-7414
July 4, Tooele
8th Annual 4th of July Car Show
Information: 435/830-9714
July 18, Salt Lake City
Keep On Rollin’
Information: http://keep-on-rollin.com/index.html or 801/750-4833
Virginia
July 15-18, Bridgewater
2009 Milkmen’s Reunion & Convention
Sponsor: Divco Club of America
Information: 703/754-6046
Washington
July 24-26, Puyallup
22nd Pacific Northwest Nationals
Information: http://www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
Wisconsin
July 9-11, Green Bay
Roundup 30
Sponsor: Cosworth Vega Owners Association
Information: http://www.cosworthvega.com/upcoming_roundups.html or 920/434-3652
July 9-12, Iola
Iola Old Car Show & Swap Meet
Information: http://iolaoldcarshow.com/index.asp or 715/445-4000
Alberta, Canada
July 18, Calgary
2009 European Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Vintage Sports Car Club of Calgary
Information: http://www.vsccc.ca or 403/281-0363
July 25, Lake Chestermere
AMCA Show & Shine
Sponsor: American Motors Club of Alberta
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=amcalberta or 403/272-5354
British Columbia, Canada
July 31-August 3, Whistler
Thunder in the Mountains
Sponsor: British Columbia Corvette Club
Information: http://www.bccorvetteclub.ca/Misc/BCCC_2009_whistler_invitation.pdf or 604/888-5138
New Brunswick, Canada
July 9-12, Moncton
The 2008 Atlantic Nationals
Sponsor: Greater Moncton Street Rods
Information: http://www.atlanticnationals.com
Ontario, Canada
July 19, Thunder Bay
9th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Northern Ontario Classic Cruisers
Information: http://www.northernontarioclassiccruisers.com or 807/577-6078
Saskatchewan, Canada
July 2-5, Moose Jaw
48th International Old Car Meet
Sponsor: Regina Antique Car Club
Information: http://reginaantiqueauto.ca/2009%20international/main%20page.htm or 306/584-7214
EVENTS
Kentucky
August 5-8, Louisville
40th Annual Street Rod Nationals
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/96 or 901/452-4030
Michigan
August 9, Novi
21st Annual Mustang Memories Car Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: Mustang Owners Club of Southeastern Michigan
Information: http://www.mocsem.com or 313/304-5244
Wisconsin
August 2-3
Summer Elkhorn Car Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: Madison Classics
Information: http://www.madisonclassics.com/car-shows/summer-elkhorn.php or 608/244-8416
August 9, Waukesha
Waukesha Old Car Show
Sponsor: Waukesha Old Car Club
Information: http://www.waukeshaoldcarclub.org or 262/547-5212
Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!
Put SAN on Your Mailing List!
We’d like to know what’s going on with SEMA Action Network clubs and enthusiasts across the country; what charity events you’re involved in; when and where the rod runs, car shows, trail rides, rallies and tech meetings are held; and what legislative and regulatory issues concern club members and individual enthusiasts.
One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what’s going on and what’s important to the vehicle hobbies nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list. Send correspondence to: SEMA Action Network, 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail at san@sema.org.