By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings.

Retro Manufacturing

Customer Service and Sales Manager in Henderson, Nevada

Retro Manufacturing, a manufacturer of car audio and seat belts for classic cars, has an immediate opening for a full-time custom service and sales manager. The position is responsible for developing and implementing sales plans and supervises customer service representatives with the objective of meeting or exceeding sales goals and operational standards.

BluePrint Engines

Design Engineer in Kearney, Nebraska

The company is currently seeking a design engineer to be responsible for the design and development of new engine components and assemblies. The selected candidate will be tasked with performing engineering calculations and analysis to ensure components meet performance requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, creating and maintain detailed design documentation and more.

RTX

Sales Representative in Columbus, Ohio

The sales representative position will manage the Eastern and Northeastern United States territories and will be responsible for establishing and implementing a strong market business plan, driving sales and market share growth, managing accounts, providing customer support and more. A minimum of three years of field sales experience is preferred.

QA1

Communications Manager in Lakeville, Minnesota

QA1's Communications Manager is responsible for crafting and implementing communication strategies that align with business goals, effectively engaging and informing audiences through written content across various platforms, ensuring brand consistency and more.

By SEMA News Editors

Exhibitor booth space agreements are increasing for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, and Show organizers have announced that registration is now open for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The road to the SEMA Show begins with the Exhibitor Summit, a two-day education-packed event featuring everything a company needs--whether a first-timer or a longtime Show veteran--to deliver the best ROI from their SEMA Show experience. 

This year's Summit, now in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall, will feature new-for-2024 business-boosting information straight from the people who organize the industry-topping automotive specialty-equipment trade show.

"Every year, the Summit provides something new for exhibitors. Our team combs through research and data from prior years to deliver the practical and proven advice, like strategies to attract people to your booth while saving money," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "All you need to do is register and show up to Vegas, and we'll take care of the rest. Spaces tend to fill up quickly, so secure your spot today!"

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is the best way to learn how to:

• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth.
• Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI.
• Learn to plan appropriately and budget expenses.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods.

Registration is available online for up to two (2) company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program. SEMA will provide housing and several meals during the event. Note: You are only officially registered once you receive a confirmation email from the SEMA Show staff.

"Special thanks to our partners at onPeak and the Las Vegas Convention Center for making the Summit possible," Tompkins said.

Register for the 2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit here. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Honda Motors, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the all-new '24 Honda Ridgeline.

SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle's public release. Take advantage of this exclusive event, scheduled for March 26-27, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

'24 Honda Ridgeline Measuring Session

March 26-27, 2024

SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, CA

1577 Valley Vista Dr

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

View on Google Maps

Click here to RSVP!  

Spots are limited for this exclusive event; sign up today! For more information, visit the Click here to RSVP!  or contact measuringsessions@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

First Look at New Range Rover EV

SEMA News sources recently captured the first shots of the first medium-sized, all-electric Range Rover, set to hit the market in 2025.

Believed to be the successor to the Range Rover Velar, the vehicle is redesigned as a sleek, luxurious electric SUV to rival the new Porsche Macan EV, according to insiders, boasting significantly improved endurance, performance and practicality.

This new Range Rover will use Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) electrified modular architecture (EMA), which will also power its upcoming lineup of EVs. It will be the first of several electric Land Rover models to roll off the production line in Halewood, United Kingdom, the company said, with EV successors to the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport following shortly after. The transformation of the factory into an EV production facility is underway, and production of the electric Velar is expected to start before 2025.

Initially designed to accommodate hybrid powertrains, the EMA has now been confirmed for exclusive use in electric vehicles, including the Velar, Evoque and Discovery Sport successors.

While specific technical details remain confidential, the EMA platform is expected to be focused on road performance than the MLA structure, which will underpin electric variants of the full-sized Range Rover and Discovery, sources said.

Toyota Caught Benchmarking Tesla Cybertruck

SEMA News sources recently caught Toyota benchmarking the newest electric pickup truck on the market, the Tesla Cybertruck.

The Cybertruck's distinctive design makes it easily recognizable on the road. It was spotted leaving a Toyota facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and returning hours later.

Interestingly, the Cybertruck being benchmarked by Toyota wears Texas plates, even though the benchmarking activities are happening in Michigan. Both Tesla and Toyota have manufacturing plants in Texas. Tesla's Gigafactory Texas in Austin produces the Model Y and Cybertruck, while Toyota's plant assembles the full-size Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV.

The Texas plates suggest one of two possibilities: either Toyota purchased the Cybertruck and registered it in Texas, or Tesla loaned the vehicle to Toyota for benchmarking purposes.

Aston Martin DBS Breaks Cover

Aston Martin is preparing to transform the V12-powered DBS into a true supercar, more clearly differentiated from the DB12 and Vantage.

New images of the supercar--which could revive the Vanquish name--show that it is based on the DB12 but has undergone a major visual overhaul to hint at the extra power. According to SEMA News sources, there are new hood vents to keep the 12-cylinder engine cool, a wider grille and a new splitter that hints at improved downforce. The rear is fitted with a larger diffuser to improve aerodynamics and the two-outlet exhaust system has been replaced with four tailpipes, hinting at the extra cylinders.

A similar arrangement was already in place on the DBS 770, where the output of the V12 was increased to 759 hp, but it remains to be seen whether Aston will increase the displacement beyond the 5.2-L engine of the previous model, according to insiders.

Any increase in performance will likely be enhanced by a suspension that builds on the setup of the DBS 770 Ultimate, with reinforced dampers and an increase in stiffness at both ends to improve cornering behavior.

2025 GMC Terrain Drops Heavy Camo, Reveals All-New Interior

SEMA News sources recently managed to capture the upcoming 2025 GMC Terrain undergoing testing on public roads and were able to also expose the all-new interior.

Notable exterior changes include a refreshed front fascia with updated lighting with a new iteration of GMC’s signature C-shaped headlamps, featuring a single lighting cluster positioned around the upper corners of the fascia. Additionally, the grille has been redesigned, maintaining GMC's characteristic broad design, with a rectangular section likely designated for the GMC badge.

Inside, the 2025 GMC Terrain's interior design will draw inspiration from the cockpit layout of the 2024 GMC Acadia, according to the images. Central to this design is a vertically oriented, portrait-style infotainment screen serving as the focal point. Positioned at the bottom of the screen will be an integrated volume knob, accompanied by a row of switches and hard buttons for controlling the vehicle's HVAC system.

Below the screen, drivers will find an inductive phone charging pad for convenient device charging. Situated beneath the charging pad will be a floating center console, offering additional storage options.

An official debut is expected later this year.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA-member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) motor vehicles by 2035.

Specialty-equipment businesses and industry supporters sent more than 5,000 letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required in order for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees and millions of automotive enthusiasts. Click here to read SEMA's official comment to the EPA in opposition to the agency providing a waiver for ACC II.  

The letters, part of the EPA's official public comment period as the agency considers granting California a waiver to allow the ban on new gas-powered vehicles, convey the impact ACC II--which is effectively a national mandate--would have on small businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since 17 other states have historically followed all or part of California's low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle regulations, the waiver allowing the state to ban the sale of non-ZEV vehicles would have a harmful effect on the U.S. economy and nearly half the country's population that resides in the affected states. If implemented, ACC II would devastate small businesses that manufacture and sell performance and accessory products that upgrade ICE engines and drivetrains, a key segment of the industry that contributes $112 billion annually to the U.S. economy.  

SEMA is committed to playing a central role in helping our members reduce carbon emissions through continued advancements in vehicle technology. However, the association strongly opposes government mandates that prohibit or limit the sale of ICE vehicles and select electrification as the technology of choice. In January, SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, along with several SEMA members, testified at the EPA's public hearing to express opposition to granting California a waiver to implement ACC II. During his testimony, Spagnola stressed that ACC II would significantly disrupt automotive supply chains and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops.  

"This far too-fast mandate will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that don't have the capacity to make the shift this quickly," said Spagnola in his testimony. "While the federal government is helping some parts of the automotive industry, small businesses aren't receiving billions of dollars in government funds to fund their electric vehicle programs. For many specialty-aftermarket businesses, which are not receiving government subsidies and can't afford to sustain massive losses, requiring all new vehicles sold to be ZEV by 2035 poses an existential threat."  

ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV--eliminating the sale of any new gas-powered vehicles. Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the EPA for the regulations to take effect. If the regulation is finalized, it will essentially block out other technologies and innovations already underway in the industry to help achieve lower automotive emissions goals.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA-member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) motor vehicles by 2035.

Specialty-equipment businesses and industry supporters sent more than 5,000 letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required in order for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees and millions of automotive enthusiasts. Click here to read SEMA's official comment to the EPA in opposition to the agency providing a waiver for ACC II.  

The letters, part of the EPA's official public comment period as the agency considers granting California a waiver to allow the ban on new gas-powered vehicles, convey the impact ACC II--which is effectively a national mandate--would have on small businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since 17 other states have historically followed all or part of California's low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle regulations, the waiver allowing the state to ban the sale of non-ZEV vehicles would have a harmful effect on the U.S. economy and nearly half the country's population that resides in the affected states. If implemented, ACC II would devastate small businesses that manufacture and sell performance and accessory products that upgrade ICE engines and drivetrains, a key segment of the industry that contributes $112 billion annually to the U.S. economy.  

SEMA is committed to playing a central role in helping our members reduce carbon emissions through continued advancements in vehicle technology. However, the association strongly opposes government mandates that prohibit or limit the sale of ICE vehicles and select electrification as the technology of choice. In January, SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, along with several SEMA members, testified at the EPA's public hearing to express opposition to granting California a waiver to implement ACC II. During his testimony, Spagnola stressed that ACC II would significantly disrupt automotive supply chains and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops.  

"This far too-fast mandate will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that don't have the capacity to make the shift this quickly," said Spagnola in his testimony. "While the federal government is helping some parts of the automotive industry, small businesses aren't receiving billions of dollars in government funds to fund their electric vehicle programs. For many specialty-aftermarket businesses, which are not receiving government subsidies and can't afford to sustain massive losses, requiring all new vehicles sold to be ZEV by 2035 poses an existential threat."  

ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV--eliminating the sale of any new gas-powered vehicles. Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the EPA for the regulations to take effect. If the regulation is finalized, it will essentially block out other technologies and innovations already underway in the industry to help achieve lower automotive emissions goals.

By SEMA News Editors

RANDYS Worldwide is bringing back its Total Takeover event for a second year.

Building on last year's inaugural Total Takeover--which highlighted Yukon Gear & Axle--the company will feature a larger lineup of brands for Total Takeover 2. 

In 2023, Total Takeover saw Yukon Gear & Axle partner with more than 100 dealers across the country to offer special pricing on products and installation with support from Yukon Gear & Axle marketing. 

Total Takeover 2 will feature three new brands: ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Dynatrac and Carli Suspension. Dealers who join the program will receive multiple benefits, including custom marketing graphics tailored to their businesses, discounts on participating brands, crew T-shirts and shop banners. Furthermore, brand marketing groups will collaborate closely with the installers on social-media initiatives, ensuring widespread awareness within their local communities. 

"We were very excited about how the Yukon Total Takeover supported our installers in building their brands and their business in their local market," said Neal Hollingsworth, vice president of marketing at RANDYS Worldwide. "The day gave the shops a reason to put on an event, invite customers in for show and tell, provide lunch and just have a reason to celebrate the day."

Installers interested in participating in the Total Takeover 2 can visit randysworldwide.com/total-takeover-2 for more information.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Restyler Connect as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the story of the company in the SEMA News interview with Restyler Connect's owner Josh Poulson below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.  

Josh Poulson: I partnered with Tom Waitzman of DPS Automotive in Chicago to create a better way for restylers to sell accessories to car dealers. We felt we could also build a software platform for shops to run their business. 

SN: What was your breakthrough moment?  

JP: When we realized all of the problems we were solving for restylers and shops.  

SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.  

JP: We currently have a software that you can run your entire business off of that also integrates with different accounting software. We have also integrated a way to sell accessories to car dealers and allow online orders to simply come into the software and create a work order. 

SN: Tell us about a package/product that you are proud of.  

JP: No more data entry multiple times! Your customer can order parts, which are then uploaded into the work order, the schedule, the installer interface, and the invoice. 

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

JP: Always look to innovate and solve problems for people and you will be successful. 

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Organization (ARMO) will highlight new and innovative products from top restoration and hot-rod manufacturers through its Hot Products Showcase, scheduled for April 18-20, 2024, at the Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The dedicated feature will be on display in the ARMO tent, located between the stage and the grandstands. Learn how to display your product here.

Attendees who visit the tent will vote for their favorite new products.

Showcase participation is free and open to ARMO-member companies as a benefit of membership. Manufacturers gain exposure from displaying their newest innovations in a prime location, while consumers and media can easily access and view new products that are hot in the market.

"Every day, manufacturers are pushing the envelope to create cutting-edge products that enhance the look, feel and safety of classic cars," said ARMO Council Director Marcy Yanus. "The ARMO Hot Products Showcase is our way of getting our members' products in front of a mass audience, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of the automotive restoration industry."

The annual showcase is comprised of dozens of products, ranging from wheels and tires to bench seats and floor mats, connector kits, dash pads, radiators and more. Manufacturers can ship their products in advance with a return label or drop off their products on-site. ARMO sets up and takes down the products' display, providing the manufacturer with a seamless, minimal-effort experience.

Carlisle attendees who visit the tent will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite new products in multiple categories, with the winners recognized via SEMA channels and honored at the ARMO Reception at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The awards provide added value to the showcase, expanding the member companies' brand and product reach.  

Product registration is open now until April 5. Submit your products at sema.org/armo-hot-products-showcase.

By SEMA News Editors

World Racing Group Acquires American Sprint Car Series

World Racing Group, the Concord, North Carolina-based sanctioning body and parent company of the World of Outlaws and DIRTcar brands, has acquired the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) from series founder Emmett Hahn.

The 2024 ASCS National Championship season will feature 40 stops across 10 states, including the 360 Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa. Additionally, regional ASCS action will also continue in its 12 regions spanning 14 states, according to the announcement.

For more information, visit ascsracing.com.

FIA Appoints 5 Women to Lead WMSC Commissions

During the recent FIA World Motor Sport Council, members approved the appointments of five women as either commission presidents or chairpersons.

Pernilla Solberg, Sweden, was appointed president of the FIA World Rally Championship Commission, while Emilia Abel, Estonia, was named president of the FIA Road Sport Committee, and Burcu Cetinkaya, Turkey, was elected chair of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission. Additionally, Elise Racette, Canada, was chosen as chair of the FIA Volunteers and Officials Commission, and Natalie McGloin, United Kingdom, was re-appointed as chair of the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission.

For more information, visit fia.com.

FIA Presents Vision for Future Hydrogen Fuel Technologies

As part of its energy transition plan, the FIA, based in Paris, France, is continuing the development of hydrogen-fueled power units across different disciplines and competitions.

As the next phase of development, the international motorsports governing body will focus its efforts and contributions on developing solutions using hydrogen stored in liquid form. Given the tank’s characteristics, lower volume and weight compared to compressed gas tanks, liquid storage form is better suited to the demanding environment of motorsport competitions, according to the organization. This also allows the powertrain layout to remain closer to the one of a conventional combustion-powered car compared with vehicles accommodating compressed gas tanks.

For more information, visit fia.com.