By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is hosting a webinar titled "Electric Vehicles: Policies and Obstacles," on Tuesday, February 20, at 9:30 a.m. (EST). The event will feature remarks from former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler along with a panel discussion with distinguished speakers (agenda below). Click here to register for the webinar. 

The two-part discussion will highlight the issues, obstacles and other central parameters of federal and state EV policies.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have received substantial subsidies and policy favoritism from federal and state governments in recent years, even as the market for EVs has nonetheless fallen short of the predictions from its most confident proponents. Join AEI and its guests for a two-part discussion of the issues, obstacles and other central parameters of federal and state EV policies.

Agenda (All times EST)

9:30 a.m. - Welcome and Introduction from Benjamin Zycher, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

9:35 a.m. - Remarks from Andrew Wheeler, Former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

9:55 a.m. - Q&A

10:10 a.m. - Panel Discussion

• Jonathan D. Brightbill, Partner, Winston & Strawn
• Mark P. Mills, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Andrew Stuttaford, Editor, Capital Matters, National Review
• Moderator: Benjamin Zycher, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

11:10 a.m. - Q&A

11:30 a.m. - Adjournment

You can submit questions to AEI in writing by emailing Price.StClair@aei.org.

About AEI

The AEI is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential and building a freer and safer world, according to the organization. The work of its scholars and staff advances ideas are rooted in the belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.

By Ashley Reyes

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool for product development, enabling engineers and designers to optimize their design components, speed up product development time and save money on expenses.

Automotive aftermarket engineers and designers are invited to attend the webinar "Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of a Suspension System" on March 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. PST, to learn about new advanced tools available to shorten the product development timeline.

Attendees will learn:

• How to simulate a suspension system.
• How to test and optimize a suspension virtually.
• What can be done on the computer before making prototypes.
• How mechanical simulation can shorten development timelines.

The webinar will include a Q&A with the speaker, MingYao Ding, principal and vice president of engineering at Ozen Engineering. Don't miss your chance to tap into his expertise.

Register for the webinar here.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Garage Detroit has received confirmation from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that the new location is properly equipped for automotive exhaust emissions testing. CARB has issued a letter naming the SEMA Detroit Garage a Recognized Independent Emissions Lab, officially recognizing it as a qualified location for emissions compliance testing.

"We're excited to receive this recognition from CARB," said Mike Mohacsi, vice president, SEMA Product Development and OEM Relations. "Now both of our Garages in Detroit and Diamond Bar [California] are fully recognized by CARB, enabling us to serve more of our member companies throughout the country."

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has named SEMA Garage Detroit a Recognized Independent Emissions Lab, officially recognizing it as a qualified location for emissions compliance testing.

The recognition from CARB will enable SEMA to better serve its membership by offering certification-level automotive exhaust emissions testing to help members develop products that can be sold in all 50 states. Testing plays a vital role in the CARB Executive Order (EO) process, particularly for products that may impact vehicle emissions. Understanding the regulatory process and keeping up-to-date on regulations such as the federal Clean Air Act and the California Vehicle Code, SEMA offers unrivaled knowledge to assist companies with compliance by offering crucial emissions testing services and aiding in navigating regulatory standards. This support enables manufacturers to efficiently test, develop, certify and bring their products to market quickly.

As of February 2024, there are only 14 Independent Vehicle Emissions Testing Labs in the United States, including the two SEMA Garages, that are recognized by CARB to perform light-duty tailpipe emissions testing.

The recognition from CARB enables SEMA to offer certification-level automotive exhaust emissions testing to help members develop products that can be sold in all 50 states.

"The emissions testing labs at the SEMA Garage in Detroit and Diamond Bar focus on developing and certifying aftermarket components," said Ben Kaminsky, general manager, SEMA Garage Detroit. "We are two of the only recognized labs in the country with this specific focus."

Opened in 2022, the SEMA Garage Detroit emissions lab offers comprehensive services, including access to a multi-million-dollar facility, cutting-edge emissions tools, competitive rates, assistance with vehicle procurement, and real-time observation of testing by manufacturers. Along with its emissions testing lab, the SEMA Garage Compliance Center can assist manufacturers throughout the entire CARB application process, further streamlining the path to regulatory approval. The facility also features an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Center and offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) measuring sessions, scanning services, and advanced tools and equipment.

The SEMA emissions and compliance teams are dedicated full-time staff who guide members through the CARB EO application and testing requirements, offering support in communication with CARB every step of the way. The CARB recognition comes as the SEMA Garage program achieves a landmark. SEMA has secured more than 700 CARB EOs for its members, underscoring its pivotal role for members in facilitating emissions compliance and regulatory approval for aftermarket products. SEMA also offers its SEMA Certified-Emissions program that meets the requirements of the EPA's Tampering policy, helping manufacturers sell confidently in 49 states.

Located in Plymouth, Michigan, and Diamond Bar, SEMA Garage services are available to all SEMA members. For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.

By Ashley Reyes 

SEMA-member company employees have only two weeks left to apply to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Applications are open now and close March 1 at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. 

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program?

The Loan Forgiveness Program is a benefit of SEMA membership that issues financial awards up to $2,000 to help employees of SEMA-member businesses pay off their education loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
• Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada.
• Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

What are the benefits of being selected?

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program presents individuals with the opportunity to focus more on excelling in their careers, rather than be burdened by financial strain. It also empowers them to pursue their passions more freely, while saving money out-of-pocket in the long run.

What is the application process?

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the March 1 deadline. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Overland Vehicle Systems

Expedition Truck Cap

Designed for off-road enthusiasts and adventurers, the Expedition Truck Cap is built to withstand the toughest terrains and weather conditions, according to Overland Vehicle Systems. Constructed from marine-grade stainless steel, the Expedition is finished with a built-in air vent, waterproof seals, heavy-duty latches and more.

overlandvehiclesystems.com.

Aeromotive

High-Performance Water Pumps

Aeromotive is now offering lightweight billet aluminum brushless water pumps with electric motors and aluminum impellers intended for racing use. The new line of pumps is optimized for use in a variety of on-track and off-road motorsports classes.

aeromotiveinc.com.

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Legacy Motor Club, Jimmie Johnson Join Extreme E

Legacy Motor Club, the NASCAR Cup Series team based in Statesville, North Carolina, is expanding into Extreme E competition with team co-owner Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel.

Johnson will partner with Gray Leadbetter, a closed-course series champion, for the 2024 season of the all-electric off-road racing series.

With Johnson unable to contest the opening two rounds of the series due to the Daytona 500, Travis Pastrana will partner with Leadbetter for the upcoming Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia.

For more information, visit legacymotorclub.com or extreme-e.com.

Join Fellow Associates at 2024 Motorsports Day at the West Virginia Capitol

Motorsports industry professionals are invited to the 2024 Motorsports Day at the West Virginia Capitol on Friday, February 23. The event brings motorsports facilities and businesses together to educate, collaborate and grow the industry in the Mountain State.

The coalition of motorsports businesses will share the impact of the industry with West Virginia elected officials and state agencies and provide an opportunity to display your business or race track in the State Capitol Rotunda in Charleston, West Virginia (at no cost to the exhibitor). 

Click here for more information.

All-Electric Junior Touring Car Series to Support Formula E

The NXT Gen Cup, an all-electric junior touring car series, will serve as a support series for the Formula E World Championship during the 2024 season.

Launched in 2023, the NXT Gen Cup will have six European races and feature a 20-car grid with drivers ages 15-25. The single-make series runs an all-electric car developed and built by the Lestrup Racing Team, the LRT NXT1, based on an electric MINI Cooper SE road car.

For more information, visit nxtgencup.com or FIAFormulaE.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News sources recently spotted the soon-to-be-revealed Ford Bronco Sport refresh undergoing testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Camouflage wraps concealed the updated front and rear fascia of the prototype, but insiders indicated the new model will sport a slightly more aggressive look. In addition to exterior changes, the refresh is expected to introduce a hybrid engine choice. This prototype, with its dual exhaust, hints at the presence of the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.

Inside, sources are anticipating a modest refresh with a larger navigation screen and an updated HVAC layout.

Ford is likely to unveil the refreshed model later this year, with sales expected to commence towards the end of 2024.

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. 

Turn 14 Distribution

Marketing Manager in Horsham, Pennsylvania

Pit+Paddock, the athlete management, marketing agency and online magazine division of Turn 14 Distribution, is seeking a marketing manager to lead the development and execution of all Pit+Paddock automotive events. This position will also be responsible for sponsor relationships, managing campaigns and projects, attending industry events and more.

ARB

Brand Manager in Corona, California

This position will review and analyze the sales of ARB products versus competitors, develop sales growth strategies, coordinate product merchandising, develop sales incentives for retailers, conduct product training and more.

AMS Performance

Account Executive in Batavia, Illinois

The selected candidate will be interacting directly with performance shops and distributors to educate, promote and sell AMS products. Other responsibilities include social-media management, prospecting for new accounts, attending events and additional tasks to represent the AMS brand.

By Ashley Reyes

Laboratory tests for attaining an Executive Order (EO) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on an aftermarket product are both expensive and time-consuming. However, other alternatives are available to speed up the calibration process and avoid costly failed lab tests. These same tools can be added to most dyno shops to document the emissions impact of modifications and custom tuning.

During the SEMA webinar, "Bridging the Gap from 'Runs Good' to Emissions Compliance," on Tuesday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m. PST, emissions engineer, author and expert Greg Banish will discuss tools to use when working on a project that will eventually apply for CARB EO certification. Attendees will learn about the tools and tactics used to deliver emissions-compliant performance calibrations, increasing the likelihood of passing an official emissions test on the first try, and therefore saving testing time and resources.

The presentation will benefit tuners and calibrators, dyno shop owners, tuning software company engineers and regulators. It presents attendees with a wide variety of tools and solutions used in emissions development and expert advice on avoiding common errors during the process.

Sign up today!

By Ashley Reyes

The 2024 SEMA Scholarship application period for students pursuing careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is closing in two weeks. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application by March 1 at sema.org/scholarships.

What is the SEMA Scholarship Program? 

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of industry leaders and innovators.

What are the eligibility requirements? 

1. Be a high school senior or 18 years of age at the time of submission.
2. U.S. or Canadian Citizen (permanent/legal residents are not eligible to apply).
3. Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
4. Incoming freshmen or continued enrollment in college, university or post-secondary career and technology school in the United States or Canada.
5. Pursuit of degree or certification that leads to a career in automotive. All disciplines welcome.

What are the application requirements? 

1. Demonstrate passion for the automotive industry in your answers to select questions.
2. Upload unofficial transcript or technical training progress report.
3. Request an online recommendation from your teacher, employer or mentor.

What are the benefits of being selected? 

In addition to financial assistance, scholarship winners have the chance to attend the SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities through the SEMA Show Student Program. Through the program, students witness the automotive aftermarket industry in action, can participate in a Gear-Up-Up Networking event (exclusively for women students and professionals), and attend a Student Industry Networking Day, where students network with industry leading companies and their employees.

What is the application process? 

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships before the March 1 deadline. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them.