Chevrolet Motors Photo
It's been spinning around and around on the GM TV commercial "We're an American Band" looming there in the midst of Chevys, and Buicks,Pontiacs even Caddies. But if there is one model that makes you want to jump on the band wagon with GM it is the Chevrolet SSR which stands for Super Sport Roadster. Which ,according to a GM press release "combines the function and utility of a pickup with the performance and open-air excitement of a sports roadster" At first ,we though this was attempt to rake the coals over the debunked Plymouth Prowler. Hey but this little jewel deserves the name Super Sport. According to the press release it is power by a 6.0 liter V-8 and taps into" decades of Chevrolet heritage, evident in its stylish design." The "SSR features an Art Deco styled front grille design and the large fenders are the boldest expression yet of the "vortex" rear-accented shape that is a key Chevy brand character cue. The large flares date back to the SSR's thematic inspiration, the "advanced-design" Chevy pickups of the late-1940s and early-1950s. A flip of a switch moves the SSR's power retractable hardtop into the open-roof position, revealing the SSR to be like nothing that's ever gone before. The SSR will begin production in late 2002 and go on sale in 2003." To get even more information about this one of a kind car including cool photos. Go to http://www.chevrolet.com/ssr/index.htm.
However the concept model we're waiting for is the 2-door Bel-Air. Ahhh! The joys an of a two door full-size car.....it too can be seen at http://www.chevrolet.com/belair/index.htm.
VEHICLE SCRAPPAGE LEGISLATION DEFEATED IN U.S. SENATE
This information was taken from a SEMA press release. On March 13, 2002 in Washington D.C. Car hobbyists and related businesses scored a major victory when the U.S. Senate voted to approve an amendment sponsored by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) to remove old car scrappage language from the "Energy Policy Act of 2002."
The vehicle scrappage provision (Section 822 of S. 517) would have created a new U.S. Department of Energy bureaucracy to federally fund state-run scrappage programs for vehicles over 15 years old. Under
the program, owners who turned in vehicles for crushing would have received a cash payment and a credit toward purchasing a newer vehicle, in an ostensible attempt to improve the overall fuel economy
of the country's vehicle fleet. The scrappage provision would have denied automotive after market businesses the availability of older cars necessary to market products and services. It also threatened
vehicle enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects.
"SEMA is very indebted to the efforts of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, for introducing the amendment to eliminate
scrappage," said SEMA Director of Public Affairs Brian Caudill. "Without his, and principal co-sponsor Sen. Sam Brownback's (R-KS), exceptional effort and support, this victory would have been impossible. We are very lucky to have fellow automotive enthusiasts in the Senate."
"Also, this victory would not have been possible without the literally thousands of phone calls, faxes, e-mails and letters to U.S. Senators that SEMA member businesses and SEMA Action Network vehicle clubs and
individual enthusiasts were able to muster," said Caudill. "SEMA sincerely thanks everyone for their dedication, hard work, and willingness to protect the vehicle hobby. This experience is a testament to the powerful connection between the specialty after market automotive industry and the American vehicle hobbyist community."
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the $25 billion specialty automotive industry. The trade association has more than 5,000 member companies. It is the authoritative source of
research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products
for passenger cars, mini vans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, Calif., 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit
The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a nationwide partnership of vehicle clubs, members of the specialty auto parts industry and individuals who want to protect their hobby. SAN is dedicated to help stamp out
legislative threats to the automotive hobby and pass favorable laws. For more information, contact Brian Caudill at 202/783-6007 or visit www.enjoythedrive.com/san.
Folks, this is just one battle, in an on going war against old cars. There will always be those individuals that see us as over grown teenagers, and cannot under stand why we would prefer to drive an old car over a new one. In their minds a car is nothing more then a method of getting from point A to point B and back again. But we will stay alert on national and local issues that threaten our hobby. And if you hear of any let us know and let SEMA know.
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