Annual Event Acknowledges Importance of Collection and
Restoration of Classic Cars

Washington, D.C. (January 24, 2011) – The Specialty Equipment
Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market
Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils
announced July 8, 2011 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”  The
date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual
event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration
and collection plays in American society.  SEMA and its councils
are now working to secure a Congressional resolution to recognize
the day’s significance.

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first
national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate
Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of
Government Affairs Steve McDonald.  “As a result, thousands of
Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to
celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.  As we move forward,
SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive
restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident
in this special day.”

S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance
and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and
Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).  Senators Tester and Burr have been
strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the
resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural
importance of collector cars.  The Caucus is an informal,
non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever growing
love affair with the car and motorsports.  The Caucus recognizes
the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our
nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical
place in our history.

“On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds
of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, Chairman of
SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Council.
“We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and
businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and
other educational events to celebrate the day.”

Rick Love, Chairman-elect of SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance
(HRIA) Council said, “The industry endeavors to preserve our
nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying,
high-skilled jobs nationwide.  Collector Car Appreciation Day is
a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists
it supports.”

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate
America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.
Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in
publicizing events should contact Mike Dingell, Director, SEMA
Action Network (SAN) at 202/783-6007, etc. 38 or miked@sema.org.
If you are unable to celebrate on July 8th, SEMA encourages
events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963,
represents the $27.9 billion specialty automotive industry of
6,461 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for
research, data, trends and market growth information for the
specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance,
performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for
passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information,
contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765,
tel: 909/396-0289, or visit  www.sema.org or
www.enjoythedrive.com.