This is a ’21 Ford F-150 with an intricate AV (NextDroid.com) setup on the roof of its cab. The configuration appears to feature a substantial amount of cameras, sensors and LIDAR equipment, making us wonder what Ford is up to.

Earlier this month, Ford officially announced BlueCruise—a hands-free highway driving solution that aims to rival Tesla AutoPilot and GM SuperCruise. Could the prototype seen here foreshadow a more advanced version of BlueCruise?

Expect more details as the program develops.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser, one of the most colorful, outspoken and popular drivers in the history of IndyCar racing, died on Sunday, May 2, at his New Mexico home. He was 87.

Unser won the Indianapolis 500 in 1968, 1975 and 1981. He is one of just 10 drivers to win the “500” at least three times, and is a member of numerous motorsports Halls of Fame, including induction into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Hall of Fame in 1990. Unser and Rick Mears are the only drivers to win the “500” in three different decades.

He was one of six members of the Unser family to race in the Indianapolis 500. Bobby and his brother Al, a four-time winner, are the only brothers to win the race.

Bobby Unser ended his driving career as one of the greatest performers in the history of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” He produced 10 top-10 finishes in 19 career “500” starts and led in 10 races for a total of 440 laps, still 10th on the all-time list.

He also was a renowned USAC Sprint Car, Midget and Stock Car competitor and a participant in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. After retiring as a driver, Unser served as a popular IndyCar color analyst on national telecasts in the ’80s and ’90s.

Unser is survived by his wife Lisa; sons Bobby Jr. and Robby; and daughters Cindy and Jeri.

For more career details, visit here.

By Ashley Reyes

Nikolas Wolgamott of PMAS Technologies is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company has pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

PMAS Technologies manufactures high-performance mass airflow sensors, intakes and exhausts for the automotive market.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Nikolas Wolgamott: Supply-chain issues have caused us to really rethink how we keep inventory. We’ve dramatically increased the amount of components we keep on hand.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?   

NW: As always, the SEMA Garage and SEMA Tech Transfer program have been immensely helpful during the design phase of new products. Recently, new technology in additive manufacturing and 3-D scanning has simplified the process and reduced our costs.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

NW: The grassroots approach has been very effective for us. Directly engaging with customers on social media and with YouTube videos, etc. has driven up sales both directly and to our distributors. It seems that more people are spending time at home and online.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

NW: I think more companies will move away from just-in-time style production and inventory. Nothing is more frustrating than having a massive surge in orders without the components to produce and ship product.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By SEMA Editors

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Chairman-elect (one open seat)

• Kyle Fickler – (Incumbent) Director, Driven Racing Oil
• Les Rudd – (Incumbent) President, Bob Cook Sales

Distributors/Retailers (two open seats):

• Larry Montante – Vice President, Keystone Automotive Operations
• Brian Rowland – GM, Parts & Accessories, Walmart
• Steve Whipple – (Incumbent) Director, Jegs High Performance

Manufacturers (two open seats):

• Ian Lehn – Founder, BOOSTane
• Kim Pendergast – (Incumbent) CEO/Owner, Magnuson Superchargers
• Brian Reese – President/CEO, The Retrofit Source

Service (one open seat):

• Lindsay Hubley – Managing Partner, Lodestone Events
• Jim Liaw – President/Co-Founder, Formula Drift Holdings

Voting will take place online between May 11–25, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 28.

Get to know the candidates.

By SEMA Editors

The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• 3D Mats USA
• Alumi Blast
• American Car Craft
• Ballistic Fabrication
• Body Armor 4x4
• Covercraft
• Gate King
• North America Auto Parts
• Oracle Lighting
• Tuffy Security Products

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Sales Manager
P&E Distributors Inc. is hiring a sales manager to coordinate sales and distribution of products for national accounts, 3PL, B2B, B2C and online marketplaces by establishing sales quotas and goals to align with overall company objectives and growth strategy. This position will be responsible for creating and promote ongoing training programs for sales representatives; analyzing sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and growth, inventory requirements and sales profitability; and monitoring the sales targets and goals to hold team members accountable. A bachelor’s degree and four to six years of experience are required.

Engine Builder
Canepa is hiring an engine builder specializing in Porsche and Ferrari with extensive experience in all aspects of engine building, including diagnosis, functions, machining, repair, rebuilding and tuning. Knowledge of fuel systems, from carburetion to modern fuel injection, is required. Candidates must also have high-performance/race engine and dynamometer experience, excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal relation skills.

Assembler
King Shock Technology Inc. is hiring an assembler to perform a variety of assembly operations associated with the manufacturing of the company’s product. This position will require the use of hand tools and power tools. Tasks include pulling parts needed to assemble product, preassemble mechanical components and perform final assembly. Candidates must be mechanically inclined; an automotive background is a huge plus, and have the ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 lbs.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

  By SEMA Editors

Submit your company’s application and deposit by May 7 to be eligible to participate in the 2021 SEMA Show Space Selection process. Taking place June 7–23, companies will select the best locations for their SEMA Show display needs based on exhibitor seniority.

The 2021 SEMA Show will mark nearly two years since members of the automotive specialty-equipment market have seen one another, together. Reunite with your customers and colleagues at the Show, and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the market has to offer.

In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.

Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.

To participate in the Priority Space Selection process, reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.

• The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
• The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
• Dates for the SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7–23

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.

By Stephanie Martinez

In partnership with Nissan, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a Measuring Session for the all-new ’22 Nissan Frontier, May 17–21.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the newly designed Frontier ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

Two different trim levels will be featured: SV and PRO-4X, equipped with the following:

• A standard 310hp 3.8L direct-injection V6 engine.
• A 4WD, nine-speed automatic transmission.
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 ADAS features.

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. All attendees will be required to sign an NDA upon arrival. No photography will be allowed during this event.

Register now.

*All registered attendees will be required to an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment.