By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for its prestigious Gen-III Innovator of the Year award, presented to a young, entrepreneurial individual who is revolutionizing the automotive aftermarket. The distinguished award recognizes the contributions of a remarkable individual, 40 years old or younger, who is driving breakthroughs in the industry through their innovative technologies, business models, startups or trends.

"This award celebrates a rising star who is advancing the industry with their fresh ideas and commitment to pushing boundaries," said Chris Standifer, SEMA project manager of recognition programs. "All members-at-large are encouraged to submit a nomination to help recognize the accomplishments of a young innovator and give them the chance to be honored by the industry."

Mike Burns, CEO of ValvoMax, was recognized with the 2022 Gen-III Innovator of the Year award for his outstanding commitment to the industry and high level of involvement with SEMA committees, task forces, councils and overall participation.

The SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year award will be presented alongside the Person of the Year and Content Creator of the Year awards on Thursday, November 2, at the 2023 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet. The Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year awards will be presented on Tuesday, October 31, at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast.

SEMA members can join in honoring industry excellence by submitting nominations for all five SEMA Industry Awards now at sema.org/awards. 

[Editors' note: You can also submit a recommendation form if you don't have all the requested information to complete the nomination form. When you submit a recommendation form, the awards committee sends a nomination form to the person or business you recommend so they can complete their nomination.]

By Elizabeth Prosser, I-CAR

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has announced its participation at the highly anticipated SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. With a commitment to advancing collision repair knowledge and skills to car lovers and enthusiasts, I-CAR is set to deliver the following courses as part of SEMA's Education Program: 

• MIG welding technology and applications.
• Color theory applications for painting vehicles. 
• Electric vehicle (EV) overview and considerations. 
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) overview and considerations.  

As a not-for-profit organization and the industry's baseline and leader for technical educational programming, I-CAR recognizes the importance of staying at the forefront of vehicle advancements and providing professionals with learning opportunities to excel in their respective roles.

"Back by popular demand and exclusive to SEMA, I-CAR will be offering a MIG welding technology and applications training session focusing on basic to advanced techniques and ideal for classic car, hot-rod and vehicle builders/rebuilders and other technicians," said Bud Center, I-CAR director of technical products and curriculum. "Although not eligible for I-CAR credit, to encourage newer vehicle builders out there, I-CAR is making this popular MIG Welding session available for $75 (normally $150) and will include complimentary, hands-on welding practice at the SEMA Collision Repair Stage."

Key highlights of I-CAR's presence at SEMA 2023 will include: 

1. Various Course Offerings: These courses focus on core and emerging vehicle technologies to support newer and seasoned technicians' desire to expand knowledge areas. 
2. Industry Partnerships: I-CAR will highlight its strategic collaborations with leading industry partners, including OEMs, suppliers and service providers. These partnerships help to ensure I-CAR's programs are in pace with the latest industry trends and technologies, enabling professionals to survive and thrive in the "Technical Tsunami."
3. Expert Presentations: I-CAR's subject-matter experts will deliver informative presentations and panel discussions, sharing their insights on critical industry topics, emerging trends, and the future of collision repair. Attendees will be able to engage with these experts and expand their knowledge through interactive Q&A sessions.  

"Our presence at SEMA provides an ideal platform to connect with industry stakeholders, share best practices, and drive innovation in the collision repair industry," said John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO and president.

Online registration for I-CAR courses is now open online here and also on-site through Thursday, November 2, outside I-CAR Upper South Hall Classrooms S224 and S225. For more information about I-CAR and its participation at SEMA 2023, visit SEMAshow.com.

By Douglas McColloch and SEMA Editors

Exhibitors at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, will want to take advantage of the New Products Showcase, the No. 1 destination for media members and buyers to discover new parts and technology straight from the SEMA Show floor. As always, exhibitors can enter their first product free of charge. Note: additional entries are $95 per product until October 6. After, extra entries are $150.] 

Enter your company's product(s) at SEMAshow.com/newproducts.

Research shows that exhibitors that enter products into the Showcase see more buyers in their booths and receive more media coverage, but those looking to generate some extra pre-Show buzz can upload their New Products Showcase entries to the SEMAShow.com online media center.

The additional exposure provided by the online media center can help attract the notice of buyers looking for the newest specialty-equipment products. The added exposure can also attract the attention of media representatives in search of the latest product news and reviews.

Posting your registered New Products Showcase entries to the SEMAShow.com online media center is as simple as providing a product description and uploading a press release and a high-resolution image of your new product. Exhibitors can post as many separate press releases as they like, and there is no charge to use the online media center.

Enter your New Products Showcase press releases and images for the 2023 SEMA Show at semashow.com/node/add/press_release.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show is the premier international marketplace that unites automotive aftermarket professionals from across industry segments worldwide. The momentum is building for this year's event, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, as registration and hotel bookings are seeing double-digit percentage increases at press time.

With the easing of travel restrictions, Show organizers expect nearly 20% of attendees from outside the United States, making this year's SEMA Show the most influential business meet-up on the calendar.

Following is a detailed look at some of the SEMA Show attendees. Attendees travel from all 50 states, and the top 10 represented at last year's event were: 

• California
• Texas
• Nevada
• Arizona
• Florida
• Washington
• Utah
• Hawaii
• Colorado
• Illinois

Last year, the top 10 countries in attendance, after the United States, were from:

• Canada 
• Mexico 
• Australia 
• Brazil
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Colombia
• Japan
• France 
• Switzerlan

For 2023, organizers are again seeing several attendees from these 10 top countries. Still, buyers from every major market, including countries across the Pacific Rim and Middle East and North Aftica, will be represented. There is also a rise in registrations from members and guests across Asia as business and travel opportunities return to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, it's expected that by Show time, there will be attendees registered from more than 130 countries and regions around the world.

Every SEMA Show guest, no matter their country of origin, is an opportunity to build your business and brand and expand your professional network.

Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

International Buyers and Attendees

International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State's handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CDT.

By SEMA Editors

The Audi RS6 was spotted on the German autobahn and the Nürburgring race circuit, and it appears very similar to its initial '19 debut.

Although camouflaged, the grille appears smaller, and the headlights still sport the signature daytime running light (DRL). Both bumpers appear to look more "aggressive" than before.

Audi is expected to unveil a couple of models--like the new A6, Allroad and S6--before the mid-2024 debut of the '25 RS6.

'24 Lincoln Aviator Caught Completely Undisguised

Sources have captured images of the '24 Lincoln Aviator undisguised during its final testing phase in Dearborn. The model initially debuted in 2018 and hit the market in 2019 as a '20 model-year vehicle.

Although this marks the first mid-cycle refresh for the Aviator, it appears that the '24 draws considerable inspiration from the recently debuted Nautilus. This includes a larger vertical grill, redesigned headlights that overshadow the grille and a completely new front clip.

Subtle changes to the rear include slightly modified taillights, similar to what Lincoln did with the refreshed MKZ in 2017.

By Juan Torres

With thousands of credentialed media from around the world looking for the latest automotive trends, technology and cutting-edge products at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, exhibitors should get a jump-start on connecting with journalists and creating brand awareness.

Below are tools and strategies available to SEMA Show exhibitors at no cost:

• Post press releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center: By posting news releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center, exhibitors ensure that reporters looking for Show-related news take advantage of their story. Posting to the Online Media Center can also generate coverage from SEMA’s publications and social media outlets. Post your release today at www.semashow.com/press-release. 
• Enter the New Products Showcase: Exhibitors can take advantage of the New Products Showcase by entering their first product for free. Provide a detailed description of that product to generate additional exposure and drive traffic to your booth. As the No. 1 destination at the SEMA Show, the Showcase often generates additional coverage. Enter a product now. 
• Host a press conference: If your company is announcing a new product or service at the SEMA Show, a press conference could generate additional media interest. Hosting a press conference in the Media Center or your booth offers media the opportunity to learn about your new product at a designated time. Sign up for a press conference here.  
• Create a press kit: It’s not too early to begin working on a comprehensive press kit to distribute at the SEMA Show. In addition to having press kits available to reporters in the booth, exhibitors can place press kits and releases in the official SEMA Show Media Center at no cost. 

For more information, download the Public Relations Opportunities guide sheet or contact the SEMA Show Public Relations team at pr@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

John "J.C." Concialdi. Photo courtesy of MotorTrend.

John "JC" Peter Concialdi has passed away at his home in Murrieta, California. He was 67 years old. JC founded Advanced Engine Management (AEM) in 1987.

JC was a juggernaut in the automotive industry and was an innovator whose product designs set standards for their performance and engineering. 

JC founded AEM after his time working at Weber, where he received the first-ever California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order for a performance carburetor. In his early days at AEM, JC tuned high-performance carburetors for all types of vehicles, including off-road racers Carl Wells, Mickey Thompson, Spencer Lowe and Rick and Roger Mears. His talent has brought some of the biggest names in the industry through AEM's doors, including Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill, Mickey Thompson, Stephan Papadakis, Bisi Ezeroiha and many others. 

As AEM grew and transitioned into manufacturing, its cold air intakes set the standard for performance and design, making AEM the go-to brand in the import performance market. JC created the air bypass valve, which received a patent, to solve the potential danger of hydrolock from the increased intake length common with cold air induction piping.

JC was instrumental in the co-development of the first plug & play engine management system for racecars, the Series 1 EMS. He designed and developed the first oil-free high-flow air filtration media for the automotive aftermarket (DryFlow). Before AEM sold its hard parts division, JC co-developed AEM's OEM engineering and development division, which supplied performance products for several OEM vehicle manufacturers. JC also created and directed the fuel delivery arm of AEM, designing an affordable high-flow fuel pump line that is alcohol-compatible before they were common in the market.

Lesser known was JC's passion for philanthropy and helping others. John performed career guidance work for the Wounded Warrior Project, where he regularly met with wounded service members to expose them to opportunities in the automotive industry. He also lectured at high schools, colleges, and universities about working in the automotive technology sector. JC was a champion for the industry.

A Celebration of Life will be held in JC's honor. Memorial contributions can be made in JC's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project here.

By SEMA Editors

High-performance driveline manufacturer Mark Williams Enterprises (MWE) has officially expanded into the electric vehicle (EV) market. MWE has developed a new stub axle assembly for the popular IDM-190 power module from EV and hybrid propulsion system maker Cascadia Motion, a division of BorgWarner. The product uses the popular Series 15 constant velocity joint (commonly referred to as a "Porsche 930" CV joint).

"We see the Cascade high torque power unit being the choice of many independent EV builders and have developed this rugged assembly to facilitate its use," said MWE president Mark Williams.

Manufactured from a 300M alloy steel forging and heat-treated to more than 300,000-psi tensile strength, the unit is double shot-peened. All exposed surfaces are given a Cerakote ceramic gray coating for rust protection. The stub shaft features a recess to protect the housing seal from debris and road hazards.

SPAL Automotive Announces New Manufacturing, Office Facility in Ankeny, Iowa

SPAL Automotive--the designer and manufacturer of high-quality electric fans, blowers and fluid pumps for vehicles and equipment--has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing and office facility in Ankeny, Iowa.

SPAL USA, the North American subsidiary of SPAL Automotive Srl, has been providing products from Italy since 1989. The company's newly planned facility will join its current sales and distribution center in a 40,000-sq.-ft. facility in Ankeny.

Plans for the new facility--which will help produce cooling fans for a new electric vehicle platform for a major US automaker--include green energy power from enhanced insulation, existing renewable electricity and solar panel technology. Construction is expected to begin this year, with the first of three possible stages set for completion in early 2025.

"We have always set the highest standards. We are convinced that quality, innovation and service have been, are, and always will be the main cornerstones of our history and culture. Using these cornerstones, SPAL has established its credibility over the years, presenting itself as an ideal partner for designing, manufacturing and marketing engine bay cooling and vehicle cab ventilation solutions for all means of transport," said Alessandro Spaggiari, president of SPAL Automotive Srl.

WeatherTech Extends Naming Rights of Laguna Seca

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors has approved a five-year extension for WeatherTech to continue as the naming rights partner of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, which is owned by the County of Monterey in California.

The new agreement--reported to be $1 million per year--will extend through June 30, 2028. WeatherTech became the title sponsor in July 2018 for its initial five-year involvement.

"The WeatherTech team's enthusiasm for motorsports and our community is unmatched," said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The announcement comes as WeatherTech Raceway nears completion on several projects, including the new Start/Finish bridge, site and drainage work, and the historical track's repaving. The grand reopening will be held Friday, July 7, during the MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest.

By Ashley Reyes

The automotive aftermarket industry is highly competitive, and without the right tools and technology to streamline product development, businesses risk adding time and inefficiency to their processes, which can lead to delays in bringing products to market.

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) N.E.R.D. Symposium--taking place August 16-18 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan--will provide automotive aftermarket engineers with the solutions they need to boost productivity, stay ahead of the competition and get their products to market faster.  

Engineers should secure their spots and register now to receive the following:

One-On-One Quality Meetings  

Unlike a traditional conference where vendors set up booths to connect with customers, the N.E.R.D. Symposium consists of private meetings between engineers and product and service providers. Engineers will hear directly from businesses about their technologies, why they are relevant to their projects and be able to discuss collaboration opportunities.   

Access to Cutting-Edge Tools and Technologies  

By meeting with products and service providers, engineers will discover cutting-edge tools and technologies specifically designed to enhance and optimize their product development process. By knowing what tools to invest in, engineers can drive their operations more efficiently and identify areas of opportunity.   

High-Powered Education Sessions 

The N.E.R.D. Symposium offers in-depth education sessions designed to help engineers stay up-to-date on the latest advancements on alternative internal combustion-engine (ICE) technology, vehicle communication standards, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and more. Leveraging these insights can help engineers identify new market niches and develop more innovative products.   

Networking Opportunities  

Engineers and product vendors will take part in focused networking sessions where they can further exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations. Engaging in these conversations will help attendees establish valuable partnerships that can benefit their projects in the long run. 

View the entire program schedule here. To learn more about the N.E.R.D. Symposium and to sign up, visit sema.org/nerd.

By Ashley Reyes

Women have been breaking barriers and making significant strides in the traditionally male-dominated automotive aftermarket industry; however, achieving true equality and inclusivity in the field still requires a collective effort from both men and women.

SEMA members are invited to the first session of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Male Ally Webinar Series, "What Does a Male Ally Look Like?" on Tuesday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m. PDT to learn what a male ally is, why it's important and how it's accomplished.

Wade Kawasaki, partner at Legendary Companies, Frank Vasquez of KW Suspensions, Tara Thompson of Dixie 4 Wheel Drive and Rachel Speir of RS Marqueting will share their experiences with male allyship, resources to help raise male allyship awareness, and facilitation and ways to empower more people to be allies for females in the industry.

Attendees will walk away knowing the general definition of what a male ally is and key characteristics that could be helpful when encountering a situation that requires one. Register here.