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

Nitto Tire
Recon Grappler A/T

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. has announced the launch of a new all-terrain light-truck tire, the Nitto Recon Grappler A/T. The Recon Grappler is designed with a bold tread pattern to provide excellent traction off-road and unmatched comfort on-road.

The Recon Grappler is a true all-terrain option for compact, ½- and 1-ton trucks and SUVs, designed to embolden enthusiasts to take on any adventure. Situated within Nitto’s Grappler lineup between the Ridge Grappler M/T and the Terra Grappler G2, the Recon Grappler provides quiet road driving and unmatched traction off-road. With deep sidewall lugs extending 5-7mm, these tires add traction and an aggressive look to any vehicle while maintaining stable performance in both dry and wet conditions.

The Recon Grappler will be available in 11 sizes initially, with additional tires sizes available later in 2021.

www.nittotire.com

Metra Electronics
Dash Kits With 7-in. Touchscreen for ’15-up* Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300

Metra Electronics announced that it is now shipping two new dash kits with their biggest built-in touchscreen yet; a 7-in. color display. The 95-6552B dash kit fits ’15 and up Dodge Charger models and the 95-6553B fits 2015 and up Chrysler 300 models, giving the interior a high-tech, upgraded look and feel. The kits include the necessary wiring harness, antenna adapter, steering wheel control interface, USB/AUX-IN replacement panel, and data interface for a complete installation.

Product Specifications:

• Built-in 7-in. color touchscreen display for climate and personalization features.
• Includes Axxess interface to retain the climate and steering wheel control functions.
• Provides accessory power (12V 10-amp).
• Retains R.A.P. (Retained Accessory Power).
• Provides NAV outputs (parking brake, reverse, speed sense).
• Retains audio controls on the steering wheel.
• Retains safety warning chimes.
• Retains the factory backup camera.
• Retains the factory 3.5mm AUX-IN jack and USB (with replacement parts included).
• Retains balance and fade (non-amplified models only).
• Works in both amplified and non-amplified systems.
• Sub-dash modifications are necessary.
• Painted scratch-resistant matte black.
• Wiring harness included.
• Antenna adapter included.
• Micro “B” USB updatable.

95-6552B: Fits ’15-up* Dodge Charger
95-6553B: Fits ’15-up* Chrysler 300

https://MetraOnline.com

Oracle Lighting
Chevrolet C8 Corvette ColorSHIFT Headlight DRL Upgrade Kit

Oracle Lighting announced that the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade for the ’20–’21 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is now available with an MSRP of $299.95.

Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT controllers with the Corvette C8 color-changing lights allows users to choose from a variety of colors, patterns and themes. Then, simply switch the lights back to white for legal on-road use.

Installation is simple and does not require disassembling or cutting the headlights. Simply replace the factory DRL circuit board with Oracle’s ColorSHIFT circuit board and connect to the Oracle ColorSHIFT controller of your choice.

Additional features and specifications include:

• Bright output with less power consumption.
• True amber turn signal functionality.
• Control colors, brightness, speed and functions with controller.
• Customized look with even more personalization with ColorSHIFT technology.
• One-year warranty.

www.oraclelights.com

Milwaukee Tool
Hole Dozer

The Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth Hole Saws are designed to provide users with the best durability and longest life in both general-purpose and extreme materials. Offering the most versatility, the carbide teeth provide the ability to cut through stainless steel, cast iron, fastener-embedded wood, cement board, fiberglass, plaster, asphalt shingle and more with ease. Deep gullets clear material fast and all-access slots provide fastest plug removal, resulting in efficiency and productivity with less downtime between holes. The new slot design allows users increased pilot visibility for accurate placement and faster chip ejection keeping the cut cool. The new hole saws have a cutting depth of 1.62-in. allowing clearance to handle cuts in a wide range of materials.

The Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth Hole Saws will be available in sizes ranging from 3/4 in. to 6 in. and will be sold individually and in nine- and 12-piece kits. In addition to the new hole saws, a HOLE DOZER with Carbide Teeth Cobalt Pilot Bit and a small and large HOLE DOZER with Carbide Teeth Arbor With Cobalt Pilot Bit will also be available. Designed to give users up to 10 times longer life versus standard pilot bits, these bits provide strength and durability on the toughest applications.

www.milwaukeetool.com

Continental
Advanced Range of Analog and CAN Radio Platforms

Continental has expanded its single-DIN radio line with advanced radio platforms engineered to deliver exceptional sound quality, style and functionality. Continental radios are built for durability and reliability under rugged use and vibration and are designed for easy installation on small and medium trucks, agricultural and construction equipment, off highway vehicles, buses and motorcoaches, recreational vehicles, campers and trailers.

Continental offers both analog and CAN platforms for 12V and 24V applications. The radios are available with a variety of different feature options, including AM/FM Worldwide RDS-Receiver, DAB tuner, Bluetooth, MP3/WMA playback, CD player, USB, mix audio input, 30-day clock, non-volatile memory for settings and sound presets, ISO 104787 connector, and additional auxiliary inputs.

www.continental-automotive.com

By Della Domingo

Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2021 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are due soon.

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2021 SEMA Show by submitting a press conference application before the August 6 deadline. After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem and are encouraged to email pr@sema.org for assistance.

Because media are not required or obligated to attend press conferences, many exhibitors opt to utilize other tools for reaching media at the SEMA Show, including submitting a press release in the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

Seasoned journalists Perry Mack of Suncruiser Media and Jef White of The Shop magazine have confirmed their participation at this year’s SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit to be held Wednesday–Friday, July 28–30, in Las Vegas.

The two journalists will join the SEMA PR team at the Exhibitor Summit—an event where exhibitors hear from SEMA Show organizers and learn how to increase ROI and reach their goals during the November 2–5 SEMA Show.

During the PR breakout session featuring Mack and White, exhibitors will discover tips on how to work with media before, during and after the SEMA Show. Participating exhibitors are also invited to bring their pitches and new product announcements for critique from the media panel. The panel will provide feedback and best practices to help exhibitors share information that will generate maximum media exposure and coverage.

Media resources that will be discussed during the panel include:

Online Media Center – Editors from SEMA publications and outside publications use the releases from the SEMA Show Online Media Center to fill their publications with Show-related news.

New Product Showcase – All products entered in the showcase are featured in the SEMA News magazine, which is mailed to 18,000 industry professionals.

Celebrity Appearances – Promote your celebrity appearance at your booth by being included on the official Celebrity Appearance Schedule that is promoted online and in SEMA’s print publications.

Press Conferences – Press conferences are ideal for announcements that appeal to a large number of media.

To learn more about PR resources available to exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

As aftermarket businesses and the economy begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, they must stay informed about trends that have changed and where the most opportunities can be found for various aftermarket segments.   

During a live webinar on July 20, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), attendees will hear from the SEMA Market Research team as they present highlights from the recently released “2021 SEMA Market Report.” The report includes data collected from consumers and others on how much was spent, and where, on specialty automotive parts and accessories in 2020, and examines how consumers and businesses adapted to the pandemic.   

Presented by SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp and Market Research Manager Matt Kennedy, the webinar will feature key trends and insights from SEMA’s flagship research report, along with how easing restrictions and continued economic recovery may affect the industry over the next couple of years and where the current opportunities are.  

Visit www.sema.org/research to download the report.    

Click here to register for the webinar.   

By Ashley Reyes

Truck and off-road vehicle builders still have time to apply for the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle program. Selected members will be able to showcase their project vehicles in a premier spot at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Feature vehicle space at the SEMA Show is typically reserved for exhibitors. Through the TORA Feature Vehicle Program, TORA members have a rare opportunity to obtain added exposure and generate awareness for their company, as well as showcase the builders and manufacturers whose parts are installed on each vehicle.

Six vehicles will be selected, with one vehicle displayed in the TORA booth, and the other five in premium locations outside of the new West Hall.

Vehicles in the following categories will be given preference, with a special interest in side-by-side and off-road submissions:

• Jeep/Bronco
• Side-by-side
• Lifted truck
• Lowered truck
• Overland
• Off-Road

Submit an application by the July 23 deadline.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to join entrepreneur and co-founder of Formula DRIFT Jim Liaw as he answers live questions about how he brought the drifting culture from Japan to the United States in 2003, how he’s established the organization as the global leader of drifting and why he is so passionate about supporting the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM Act), during the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Facebook Live Chat, Wednesday, July 21, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

The live interactive event allows participants to ask questions and engage directly with Liaw, whose passion for motorsports has evolved into a successful career that has introduced and launched some of the hottest youth culture programs in America. You’ll learn about the evolution of his career and what his current initiatives are.

Location: YEN Facebook page

By Ashley Reyes

It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business. Even more so to grow an entire industry.
The SEMA Industry Awards are among the trade association’s highest honors and recognize the recipient’s outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a year-long period. Nominations are open now in the following categories:

• Person of the Year
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Warehouse Distributor of the Year
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year

For consideration, an honoree must exhibit professionalism, service, integrity and ethics that help propel the industry forward. To nominate an honoree and learn more about the criteria for each award, visit www.sema.org/awards or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

Nominations close July 23.

By Ashley Reyes

The industry loves friendly competition—it’s what SEMA was built on. The Industry Cup Challenge makes it possible for SEMA-member companies to compete against other members, while raising money for charity.

As part of the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, the Industry Cup Challenge allows SEMA members to sponsor a pinewood car that will race on the track during the Installation Gala, July 30 in Las Vegas. Cars will compete against other companies in one of five divisions, based on their business category:

• Warehouse Distributors
• Manufacturers
• Media Groups
• Rep Agencies
• Service Providers

Winners in each division will have bragging rights for an entire year, during which time they can display the trophy with their company name engraved among the winners. The trophy is returned, in a Stanley Cup-style tradition, after the one-year period and is available for winners to defend their title.

Money raised allows SEMA Cares to support pediatric cancer through the Austin Hatcher Foundation, child abuse through Childhelp and children with serious medical conditions and serious illnesses through Victory Junction.

Click here to sponsor a Pinewood car.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has named Brittany Shiaffino as this week’s #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. Shiaffino works in customer relations at Oracle Lighting, a manufacturer of designer lighting products and technologies for the automotive powersports, motorcycle and marine markets.

Nominated for #SheIsSEMA by a colleague, Shiaffino is admired for her empathy and positive demeanor, and for speaking to customers with a true desire to assist them.

Q: How has Brittany contributed to the company?

A: Brittany brings the sunshine with her. She assists her customers in a rare, genuine fashion and always with a big, bright smile.

Q: How has Brittany shown leadership in the industry or business?

A: Brittany has shown the desire to grow and learn more about our industry after only being with us for a year and a half. She recently joined the communications committee within the SBN in an effort to learn about the automotive aftermarket in a deeper way.

Brittany is also part of our Oracle Lighting Foundation Task Force where she volunteers her time to assist when our non-profit has resources to provide to the community.

Q: Tell us a success story that you can share about Brittany.

A: Brittany was recently peer selected for Employee of the Month and is in the running for our Employee of the Year. This award is given to team members who embody all of our company's values and guiding principles. Judging by her nominations, it is clear her peers sense her value as well.

We also receive many customer reviews sharing their praise for the help that Brittany provided them. She is representing our brand in a positive light and we are all lucky to have her as part of our team.

Q: Why do you think Brittany is a role model in this industry?

A: In a male-dominated industry, Brittany is a role model to other aspiring women. She is a great example to show that anyone can learn and be successful in the automotive industry with the right drive.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Ashley Reyes

Lucas Bacso is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Bacso is a fabricator at Rxn Motorsports Ltd., an automotive restoration and performance shop for the automotive specialty-equipment market. Get to know what keeps him in the industry in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Lucas Bacso: The best advice I have received was from my dad. From a young age, he would always tell me that if I wanted something, I needed to work hard for it. I think this advice has helped me immensely in both my professional and personal life. It made me set goals, develop good work ethic, and throughout my life it has shown me that my hard work has paid off, allowing me to provide for my family.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

LB: I am relatively new to the industry. I have been doing builds part-time for more than 10 years when not at my full-time fabricating position. I recently decided to follow my passion and pursue builds full-time with Rxn Motorsports. What drives me to stay is that every day is different, every vehicle, every project is a new challenge and increases my skill set.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

LB: On a Saturday you can find me mountain biking, with my dogs and family, or in my garage working on my project truck.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

LB: When preparing for an important meeting, I always create a list of topics or concerns that I want to bring up and address, along with my solutions, ideas and questions about a particular topic. I also think it’s important to leave time in the meeting for hearing everyone’s thoughts and contributions.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

LB: There are so many industry leaders I would want to meet, but if I had to choose one it would be Jesse James. As a kid I would watch “Monster Garage,” and was so amazed at his ability to form sheetmetal. Watching him made me pursue metal fabrication school, which has now led me to the automotive industry.

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.