SEMA-Supported Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives to Prevent Internal Combustion Engine Bans

U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. The bill is critically important to stopping CARB’s plans to ban ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive federal preemption provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to go into effect.

“SEMA believes that vehicle owners should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “While electric vehicle technology expands clean transportation options, SEMA will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry that has helped make the internal-combustion engine (ICE) a reliable, affordable and clean option for millions of consumers.”

It is critically important that the EPA does not permit CARB’s ZEV regulations to take effect, as it could lead to 17 other states that have followed all or part of California’s previous clean-car rules adopting similar proposals. California requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. In 2022, zeroemissions vehicles made up about 16% of new cars sold in California. The rule also sets durability, warranty and other provisions on zeroemissions vehicles. However, the rule does not impact the sale or use of used diesel- or gas-powered vehicles already on the road. n

28 State AGs Voice Support for Federal ‘Right to Repair’ Legislation

By Lurah Lowery

Twenty-eight state attorney generals have banded together to support “right to repair” federal legislation to ensure “small automobile businesses and “mom-and-pop” auto shops can remain competitive against a closed system favored by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).”

In a letter written to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the AGs request that the lawmakers redouble their efforts to pass the legislation.

“The Right-to-Repair is a bipartisan issue that impacts every consumer, household, and farm in a time of increasing inflation,” the letter states. “It is about ensuring that consumers have choices as to who, where, when, and at what cost their vehicles can be repaired.

“…Manufacturing of automobiles, digital devices, and agricultural equipment is increasingly becoming more technologically advanced and built with more embedded electronics. OEMs often control access to these electronics parts, creating unfair restraint of trade and a monopoly on repair. This can harm consumers directly by driving up prices and is antithetical to a free market.”

• Fair Repair Act: Introduced in 2021, the act would require OEMs make diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers.

• SMART Act: Introduced during the current legislative session by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), this bill would reduce the amount of time car manufacturers can enforce patent designs on repair parts against non-OEM parts suppliers from 14 years to 2.5 years. The bill is largely the same as previous versions introduced in prior sessions of Congress.

• REPAIR Act: Supporters claim will ensure access to “all tools and equipment; wireless transmission of repair and diagnostic data; and access to on-board diagnostic and telematic systems needed to repair a vehicle.” Opponents of the right to repair movement, including the Automotive Alliance for Innovation (AAI), have argued that access to OEM repair procedures, tools, and equipment is accessible today in the collision repair space via OEM1Stop, OEM websites, and owner’s manuals.

The letter brings up and implies support for three pieces of legislation that have been previously introduced but not passed — the Saving Money on Auto Repair Transportation Act (SMART Act) and the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act).

In December 2022, New York became the first state to legislate the right for owners and independent repairers to have access to digital electronic product diagnostic, repair, and maintenance procedures under the Digital Fair Repair Act. R2R legislation is on the table in Maryland and Maine and is tied up in court in Massachusetts.

Ford From Page 18 expect from Ford trucks with a fraction of the complexity from previous truck programs.

The assembly plant will use carbon-free electricity from the day it opens. For the first time in 120 years, Ford also is using recovered energy from the site’s utility infrastructure and geothermal system to provide carbonfree heat for the assembly plant – saving about 300 million cubic feet of natural gas typically needed each year to heat similarly sized vehicle assembly plants.

The campus’ new utility system will save 50 million gallons of water each year by reducing evaporation from the site’s cooling towers. Plus, the zero-waste-to-landfill site is designed to use no fresh water for its assembly processes. Ford also intends to develop a holistic stormwater management system separate from the water table to help protect the local environment.

The 3,600-acre campus also has a fully integrated BlueOval SK battery manufacturing site. On-site, the team will build battery cells and arrays and assemble battery packs that will be delivered just across the site into the assembly plant, in less than 30 minutes.

In addition, BlueOval City is developing an on-site supplier park and will have an upfit center capable of adding in dozens of Ford trucks’ most popular features – including robotically installed spray-in bedliners and integrated tool boxes before the pickups are released to dealers and customers.

To help reduce traffic congestion and emissions, the campus also has an on-site Lowe’s store supplying building materials, two construction equipment rental companies and three concrete batch plants.

Expanding Community Support

Ford is working to ensure local touches are included in BlueOval City’s design – including crops and art.

Ford EV designers, marketers and land development leaders are collaborating with the University of Memphis Department of Art to create a student-led art installation to serve as a landmark for BlueOval City. The piece – which is the focus of a University sculpture art course – will be installed this summer.

Native Tennessee grasses will be planted on about 500 acres to support local wildlife and select local farmers also are invited to continue planting and harvesting crops on 380 acres of the site, saved for future expansion as EV adoption grows.

Plus, Ford Motor Company Fund is leading a capital grants program to strengthen local communities’ infrastructure in West Tennessee. Local nonprofits and municipalities in the area have been selected as grant recipients, receiving a total of nearly $1.2 million to help build capacity and infrastructure to better serve the community’s needs for generations to come. n both a satellite and streaming listening experience with more SiriusXM channels than ever before in the vehicle, plus the ability to make on-demand programming choices.

The Blazer features 40/60 split folding second row seats, which enables the vehicle to accommodate objects up to 8.5 feet long. Overall storage capacity is rated up to 54.4cubic feet10 with the second row folded. For additional convenience, an available hands-free liftgate, with logo projection improves ease of loading and unloading cargo.

Powered by either a 2.0.L or 3.6L engine, the Blazer will deliver up to 308 horsepower. Both engines are mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission with selectable stop/start capability.

The Blazer is available with Chevy’s selectable AWD, also found in the Traverse. Selectable AWD allows drivers to decide whether to activate their AWD system in off-road or inclement weather situations, or to deactivate when AWD performance is not

All Blazer trims come with a comprehensive list of standard active safety and driver assistance features, including:

• Forward Collision Alert

• Automatic Emergency Braking

• Front Pedestrian Braking

• IntelliBeam Headlamps (Auto High Beam Assist)

• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

• Rear Vision Camera

• Teen Driver

• Rear Seat Reminder

• OnStar required, to achieve improved fuel economy.

Drive modes on front-wheel drive models include:

• Normal: Tailored for daily commuting and focused on ride comfort

• Snow: Provides more progressive throttle input for improved vehicle acceleration on snow- and ice-covered roads

• Sport: Modifies steering effort and shifting for a sportier feel and response

AWD models add unique calibrations for more rear-wheel torque at lower speeds to improve the driving experience on moderately steep and unpaved surfaces. n

Mazda Begins Exports of Huntsville, AL - Assembled CX-50 to Mexico

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), announced it has begun to export its U.S.-assembled CX-50 crossover to Mexico. The CX-50 is assembled at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) in Huntsville, AL. Mazda and Toyota invested $2.3 billion for the joint venture plant, which will have the capacity to assemble up to 300,000 vehicles and employ up to 4,000 team members. An additional 2,000 Team One* members will be employed by MTM supplier partners. MTM started production of the all-new Mazda CX-50 in January of this year.

This year, Mazda celebrates 18 years of operation in Mexico, which has become an important market for Mazda Corporation as well as Mazda North America. Mazda de Mexico is thrilled to bring the Mazda CX-50 to its customers who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle and who want to have the best of best of both worlds driving in the city and off-road.

"We are eager for the arrival of Mazda CX-50 to Mexico. Customers had asked for it so, as always, we listened and integrated this exciting new product that gives a new face to Mazda, now much more robust but maintaining the sophistication of this seventh generation" said Miguel Barbeyto, president of Mazda de

Mexico. "Mazda CX-50 arrives not only to complement our product lineup, but also to reinforce the idea that in Mazda we always want to give options to all our customers, under the best quality standards. The CX-50 is also exported to Canada and Colombia.n

CAR Coalition Applauds Reintroduction of Bipartisan ‘Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act’

The CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, a growing group of independent automotive parts and repair companies, associations, and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, applauds United States Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA18), David Joyce (R-OH- 14), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3) for reintroducing the “Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act”. As car repair prices continue to climb, the SMART Act will empower consumers to choose quality, safe, and affordable aftermarket car parts, while respecting the intellectual property rights of automakers.

“Legislative reform is critical to lowering auto repair costs, restoring consumer choice in the car repair market, and encouraging industry competition,” said Justin Rzepka, Executive Director of the CAR Coalition. “The bipartisan SMART Act will put the power of choice back in the hands of consumers and local businesses, providing much-needed relief in the face of rising prices and supply chain breakdowns.”

“According to AAA, a third of American drivers can’t afford the costs of an unexpected car repair bill without going into debt,” said Congressman Issa. “As repair costs continue to rise, consumers deserve access to as many auto part repair options as possible. The SMART Act will increase consumer choice, encourage competition, and foster innovation to drive down the cost of expensive repairs.”

Over the past two decades, automakers have increasingly applied for design patents to restrict consumer access to basic functional parts, including headlamps, doors, and fenders. This anticompetitive practice hurts vehicle owners’ ability to choose from a variety of brands and products when making repairs and costs American consumers more than $1.5 billion per year, according to recent research from the CAR Coalition and DePaul University College of Law.. n just 37.48 inches.

As with the exterior, the design of the QX50 interior deliberately articulates a sense of advanced human artistry. There is also a strong focus on space and functionality, with innovative packaging that creates ideal roominess and flexibility.

The interior space is highly flexible with a sliding rear bench. The cargo area is 39.0 inches deep with the rear bench slid back – increasing to 44.9 inches with the seats moved forward. As one of few vehicles in its segment to offer sliding second-row seats, the QX50 boasts rear legroom of up to 38.7 inches – sufficient to let rear passengers cross their legs in comfort.

The QX50 is again powered by INFINITI's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo, the world's first production variable compression ratio engine – one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created.

This unique variable compression technology represents a breakthrough in combustion engine design. The engine continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimize power and fuel efficiency. As a result, it combines the power of a 2.0liter turbocharged gasoline engine with enhanced torque and efficiency.

The VC-Turbo changes its compression ratio seamlessly with an advanced multi-link system, continuously raising or lowering the pistons' reach to transform compression ratio – offering both power and efficiency on demand. A high compression ratio gives greater efficiency, but in certain applications poses the risk of premature combustion (knocking). A low compression ratio allows for greater power and torque, and it avoids knocking.

In operation, the VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine delivers 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The VC-Turbo's specific power output is higher than many competing turbocharged gasoline engines and comes close to the performance of some V-6 gasoline engines. The unit's singlescroll turbo ensures immediate accelerator responses on demand.

Equipped with the VC-Turbo engine, the 2021 QX50 is competitively efficient and delivers fuel economy of 26 mpg combined for front-wheel drive and 25 mpg combined for all-wheeldrive models.

Other highlights of the VC-Turbo include compact packaging and weight-saving technologies. The engine block and cylinder head are cast in lightweight aluminum alloy, while the transformative multi-link components are manufactured in high-carbon steel alloy. Compared to INFINITI's 3.5-liter VQ V-6 engine, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo weighs about 40 pounds less and requires less space in the engine bay.

The engine employs the world's first multi-link system and an electric motor with a unique Harmonic Drive reduction gear to transform its compression ratio. The electric motor is connected to the Harmonic Drive with a control arm; as the Harmonic Drive rotates, the control shaft at the base of the engine rotates, moving the multi- link system within the engine. As the angle of the multi-link arms changes, it adjusts the top-dead-center position of the pistons – and the compression ratio with them. An eccentric control shaft changes the compression ratio of all the cylinders at the same time. As a result, the engine capacity varies between 1,997 cc (for a low 8:1 ratio) and 1,970 cc (high 14:1 ratio).

The VC-Turbo engine combines a number of existing INFINITI technologies to realize its variable nature. The engine employs both multi-point injection and gasoline direct injection to balance efficiency and power in all conditions:

• Gasoline direct injection improves combustion efficiency and performance, and enables the engine to avoid knocking at higher compression ratios;

• Multi-point injection mixes fuel and air earlier, enabling complete combustion in the chamber for greater efficiency at low engine loads.

The engine switches between both at regular engine speeds, with both sets of injectors able to work in conjunction under higher loads.

Like all 2023 INFINITI models, lease or retail, sold in the United States, the 2023 QX50 adds the convenience of INFINITI Premium Care. The integrated maintenance program provides a suite of benefits including up to three years of inspections, oil changes and tire rotations, expanding on the luxury automaker's tradition of providing toprated customer satisfaction.

The final piece of the QX50’s appealing offering is a plentiful list of technology intended to streamline and simplify almost every trip. For starters, every QX50 boasts a high level of standard safety technology, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist. All 2023 QX50 models are equipped as standard with ProPILOT Assist. n

AGs Please From Page 28

Association of Canada (AIA Canada), along with Auto Care Association (ACA) and 19 other aftermarket groups, recently launched a “critical global right to repair movement” for access to in-vehicle and telematics. The groups argue that OEMs are prohibiting their access to and limiting consumers’ choice to have their vehicles repaired at independent shops.

The CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition has also backed the movement. Their members include insurers, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and aftermarket suppliers.

In a March 27 news release, CAR Coalition commends the joint AG letter.

“These attorneys general, as chief consumer protection and antitrust enforcers, are well aware of the pressure of rising prices on the people in their states. Swift federal legislation is critical to protecting consumers’ right to repair the products they purchase –restoring choice to the repair process, increasing competition, and lowering costs.”

What the coalition and the AGs fail to cover, and didn’t respond to RDN’s inquiries about, is whether the independent or “mom-and-pop” shops that the supposed right to repair issue is affecting already have the ability to meet the rigorous high-tech demands of the modern-day vehicles they are working on. Or if consumers are served well by protecting repair businesses that are unwilling to invest in keeping up with technology advances and providing billpayers, usually automobile insurers in the case of vehicle collision repair, an option to steer customers through their own favored closed sys-

tem of pre-approved shops?

Some of the proponents of the SMART and REPAIR acts through the CAR Coalition have actively lobbied against legislation that would promote adherence to OEM data, and others have been on record with representations that that they don’t think OEM engineering documents and repair procedures that detail how to properly and safely fix vehicles are necessary to be followed.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that among drivers that had their vehicles repaired, which were equipped with front crash prevention, blind spot detection, and other visibility-enhancing cameras, half had issues with the features post-repair. Reprinted Content: Copyright © 2023. DRIVEN COMMUNICATIONS INC. All Rights Reserved n

Navigator From Page 22

vehicle range or tire pressure, all from the comfort of their home – Lincoln is bringing smart homes and connected vehicles closer together.

In addition, the Navigator features a Fire TV experience built for the car. Fire TV lets passengers enjoy a wide variety of content – watch movies and TV shows, play games, listen to music, and more – in a custom rear-seat entertainment experience.

The Navigator boasts a stunning design, a true expression of Lincoln luxury with an updated signature grille and new front end. Standard adaptive pixel projector headlamps debut with a new look that accentuates the fascia and imparts a modern aesthetic to the SUV.

The serene Constellation visual design language on SYNC 4, unique to Lincoln, provides a harmonious experience throughout, with added capabilities and new levels of personalization. Featuring enhanced voice recognition and a navigation operating system via a new and larger 13.2-inch center stack screen, Constellation is also showcased on the 12-inch configurable digital cluster and re-imagined head-up display. A new 5.8-inch digital module for second-row passengers allows for control of climate and audio settings in the rear.

“We continue to evolve our exclusive Black Label themes based on luxury trends and the changing environment, ultimately drawing inspiration from our clients,” said Marcia Salzberg, Lincoln senior color and materials designer. “Central Park and Invitation both represent an optimistic view of the future in a world where we are all coming together.”

Elevated color and materials offerings provide clients with a choice of the brand’s signature themes for Standard and Reserve series vehicles, including new exterior colors such as Starlight Gray and Manhattan Green

Metallic, a color exclusive to Lincoln Black Label. Unique wood appliques, such as Espresso Ash Swirl and Santos Rosewood, provide additional ways for clients to personalize their full-size luxury SUV.

Navigator designers and engineers obsessed over creating a true sanctuary with a whisper-quiet ride for all. The upgraded massage system available in the exceptionally comfortable 30-way Perfect Position Seats takes relaxation for driver and front passenger to a new level, and it doesn’t stop there. Second-row seats now come with standard heat, ventilation and available segment-first massage capability with Active Motion. Even better, second-row passengers can now control their seat, climate and audio settings on a new 5.8-inch digital module.

This expansive interior is the ideal environment to experience authentic sound from every seat. The Revel™ Ultima™ 3D audio system available for the 2022 Navigator features 28 speakers that envelop each occupant in rich, precise, multidimensional sound. The calming atmosphere is enhanced by six unique symphonic chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. These crystalline chimes replace standard electronic alerts to inform drivers of everything from an open fuel door to an unbuckled seat belt.

Also new to the Lincoln Navigator suite of intuitive features is Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview that works to ensure a smooth ride. Body movements and vehicle motion, as well as steering, acceleration, and braking activities, are constantly monitored by 12 sensors – including a forward-facing camera – that read the road 500 times per second and automatically prompt adjustments up to 100 times per second to mitigate any unpleasant impacts.

The Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package now adds Trailer Reverse Guidance, which uses high-resolution cameras to provide multiple views along with steering guidance graphics to assist in backing up and maneuvering a trailer. The technology works with Pro-Trailer Backup Assist to make backing up a trailer or boat as effortless as turning a dial.

Navigator has the most standard and available driver-assist technologies in its class, and Lincoln continues to build on its comprehensive, standard suite – Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ 2.0†† – to provide clients with additional ways to customize their vehicle.

Additional standard features include Forward Collision Warning, Post Collision Braking, Distance Alert, Dynamic Brake Support, Pedestrian Detection, Auto Hold, hill start assist, automatic headlamps, VoiceActivated Touchscreen Navigation and Phone As A Key. n