SEMA Breaks Ground on new Research and Diagnostic Center
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (March 13, 2002) - The Automobile Club of
Southern California will operate a new state-of-the-art automotive
research laboratory that is now being built by SEMA, the Specialty
Equipment Market Association, at the site of its headquarters in
Diamond Bar.
The Auto Club's research center, now located in Los Angeles, will
move to the upgraded facility at 1577 S. Valley Vista Drive this
fall. The new Auto Club Research and Diagnostic Center will allow
expansion of the automotive testing it now conducts on behalf of its
members, and will also provide direct automotive services to members
such as smog checks and diagnostic tests.
"We have an opportunity to expand our service to members and the
public through this testing center, where we will continue our
vehicle analysis and increase our testing of automotive aftermarket
parts," said Steve Mazor, the Auto Club's principal automotive
engineer and manager of the research center.
SEMA will lease the new facility to the Auto Club. The agreement
between the two groups will provide the Auto Club with access to a
wide range of aftermarket vehicle accessories for independent
quality testing.
The Auto Club's research efforts provide valuable technical
information to the public, government agencies and the automotive
industry about safety advances, emissions reduction, and vehicle
performance.
SEMA 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, minivans, 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 <www.sema.org> or <www.enjoythedrive.com> .
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of
the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's
members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and
services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing,
buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip
planning services and highway and transportation safety programs.
Information about these products and services is available on the
Auto Club's Web site at <www.aaa-calif.com>.