Replica Car Manufacturers, Customers and Suppliers Praise Fresh Law
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Replica Car Manufacturers, Customers and Suppliers Praise Fresh Law
Washington, DC (December Four, 2015) –It’s a fresh era for the kit car industry. President Obama signed into law legislation that will permit low volume car manufacturers to produce turn-key replica vehicles for customers nationwide. The SEMA-supported provision is part of a larger highway construction bill. Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) introduced the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” in June, legislation that SEMA has pursued since 2011. It received strong bi-partisan support and was inserted into the highway bill.
“With this fresh law, Congress has demonstrated that it understands the importance of enabling U.S. companies to produce classic-themed vehicles that are virtually unlikely to build under the current one-size-fits-all regulatory framework,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This program will create auto sector jobs and meet consumer request for cars that help preserve our American heritage.”
The low volume provision permits petite automakers to construct up to three hundred twenty five such replica cars a year subject to federal regulatory oversight. Replica cars resemble production vehicles manufactured at least twenty five years ago. The U.S. presently has just one system for regulating automobiles, which was established in the 1960s and designed for companies that mass-produce millions of vehicles. The law recognizes the unique challenges faced by companies that produce a petite number of custom-built cars.
The measure establishes a separate regulatory structure within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for replica car manufacturers. The companies are required to register with NHTSA and EPA and submit annual reports on the vehicles they produce. The vehicles are required to meet current model year emissions standards, albeit companies are permitted to install engines from other EPA-certified vehicles to help achieve that requirement.
“This law gives enthusiasts the chance to buy turn-key replica cars while preserving their option to build one from a kit,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans. “It recognizes the unique circumstances associated with limited production replica vehicles, such as the ’32 Roadster and ’65 Cobra, which are primarily used in exhibitions, parades and occasional transportation. With enactment of this fresh law, kit car companies and SEMA member companies that supply equipment and components can take advantage of this unique chance.”