The April edition of Complete Kit Car magazine has a couple of interesting articles. Whilst all this has been going on in Sweden, there is a completely different story in the U.S:
US REPLICA MARKET OPENS UP
The USA's National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the new [Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers] Act. Under the new legislation, a replica can now be assembled with many of the old regulatory barriers lifted. The only caveats are that the design is of at least 25 years of age, total production is limited to a maximum of 325 cars a year and that all vehicles meet current emissions standards.
In a separate article on the JLR case, the magazine's opinion is that the suggestion other manufacturers might follow suit is over-stated:
"We've seen similar cases before which have had little on-going effects for the replica scene. If nothing else, the widespread public relations backlash is likely to temper other manufacturers' willingness to pursue such cases".
I have to say my sympathies have swung from one side to the other a couple of times already. Ultimately they will rest with whichever side is shown to have been telling the truth.
Interesting post, thank you
