By SEMA Editors

SEMA announced the industry’s Best New Products Award winners during last week's SEMA360 online trade event. The winners were selected from more than 2,200 products in the SEMA360 New Products Showcase at www.sema360.com.

The annual awards, which are typically presented at the automotive industry’s leading trade event, the SEMA Show, recognize outstanding achievements in the development of products that enhance the performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks and SUVs. This year, the products and awards are presented online through SEMA360—the online event that is making it possible for auto-parts manufacturers to connect with professional buyers from throughout the world.

Products are judged in 16 award categories, with one winner and two runners-up in each category. The top products are:

Best New Collision Repair & Refinish Product Winner: adasTHINK, adasTHINK Runner Up: CollisionRepairTools.com, FAN 220 MIG/MAG/Brazing welder Runner Up: P&S Detail Products, Iron Buster Wheel Decon
Best Engineered New Product Winner: AEM Performance Electronics, VCU300 EV Control Unit Runner Up: QA1, New 3-in. MOD Series Shocks
Best New Exterior Accessory Product Winner: Curt Group, Tri-ball Universal Coupler Lock Runner Up: Go Rhino Big Country Truck Accessories, SRM 500 Roof Rack Runner Up: TrailFX, Roof Rack for JEEP JL
Best New Interior Accessory Product Winner: Speedway Motors, Omega Avant 6 Gauge Set Electric Runner Up: T.V.K. Industries, Inc., SURESHIFTER Runner Up: Dometic, Dometic CCF-T Center Console Refrigerator
Best New Merchandising Display Winner: Go Rhino Big Country Truck Accessories, Go Rhino Point of Purchase Display Rack Runner Up: Quadratec Inc., Quadratec Merchandising Promo Kit Runner Up: RaceDeck, RaceDeck Charred Oak Showroom & Garage Flooring
Best New Mobile Electronics Product Winner: Cedar Electronics - ESCORT/Cobra, ESCORT Redline 360c Runner Up: AutoMeter, DashLink 2.0 with late-model Ford enhanced PIDs Runner Up: Energizer Holdings, Energizer Arc3 Lithium-iron Phosphate 300Wh, 350W Portable Power Station
Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Winner: Warn Industries Inc., HUB Wireless Receiver & App Runner Up: ARB 4x4 Accessories, Air Compressor - Pressure Control Unit Runner Up: Westin/Superwinch, Overland Cargo Rack
Best New Packaging Design Winner: TS Booster, TS Booster Runner Up: All-Fit Automotive, All-Fit Rim Trim - V2 Runner Up: AERO Detail Products, AERO SHIELD FLIGHT Ceramic 6 PACK
Best New Performance-Racing Product Winner: AEM Performance Electronics, PDU-8 Power Distribution Module Runner Up: Performance Electronics, Dual Channel PE-Wideband O2 Kit Runner Up: Performance Electronics, PE3-IG8 Ignition Controller
Best New Performance-Street Product Winner: DashLogic, SensorTap IAT/Baro Relocation Module Runner Up: Red Roberts Inc. dba Driveline Component Co., ACCUVALVE Runner Up: Edelbrock Group, Powerhouse Retainer Degree Gauge Tool
Best New Powersports Product Winner: Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Baja Pro X Runner Up: Brandmotion, SummitView UTV Dual 1080p Camera System with High Definition 7-in. DVR Monitor SUTV-2020 Runner Up: Wehrli Custom Fabrication, ’19-’20 Honda Talon  2 or 4 Seat X/R Front Bumper, without fair lead mount
Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product Winner: FRI Exhibits/Flaming River Industries, Microsteer Electric Power Steering with speed sensor Runner Up: Speedway Motors, LS Swap Radiator Hose Adapter Runner Up: Vintage Air Inc., FrontRunner for the LT1 and LS
Best New Tire and Related Product Winner: Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Baja Boss A/T Runner Up: Bartec USA, Tech600Pro Runner Up: ATEQ TPMS Tools, Quickset X Summer/Winter Tire Reset Tool
Best New Tools and Equipment Product Winner: Colourlock North America, Colourlock Scanner Runner Up: Beta Tool USA, Beta Tools C27 S-Green Folding Tool Cart Runner Up: CollisionRepairTools.com, ASTRA PowerLift & Move
Best New Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product Winner: Tire Stickers, Cerebrum Boost - Smart Tire Sensor Solution Runner Up: Warn Industries Inc., WARN Ascent XP Bumpers Runner Up: AutoMeter, ’95–’98 Chevy Truck InVision Dash
Best New Wheel and Related Product Winner: Forgeline Motorsports, F01 Flow Formed Wheel Runner Up: Design Infini, Drifz D09 Runner Up: BBS of America, BBS CI-R Bronze Anniversary Edition

By SEMA Editors

SEMA announced the industry’s Best New Products Award winners during last week's SEMA360 online trade event. The winners were selected from more than 2,200 products in the SEMA360 New Products Showcase at www.sema360.com.

The annual awards, which are typically presented at the automotive industry’s leading trade event, the SEMA Show, recognize outstanding achievements in the development of products that enhance the performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks and SUVs. This year, the products and awards are presented online through SEMA360—the online event that is making it possible for auto-parts manufacturers to connect with professional buyers from throughout the world.

Products are judged in 16 award categories, with one winner and two runners-up in each category. The top products are:

Best New Collision Repair & Refinish Product Winner: adasTHINK, adasTHINK Runner Up: CollisionRepairTools.com, FAN 220 MIG/MAG/Brazing welder Runner Up: P&S Detail Products, Iron Buster Wheel Decon
Best Engineered New Product Winner: AEM Performance Electronics, VCU300 EV Control Unit Runner Up: QA1, New 3-in. MOD Series Shocks
Best New Exterior Accessory Product Winner: Curt Group, Tri-ball Universal Coupler Lock Runner Up: Go Rhino Big Country Truck Accessories, SRM 500 Roof Rack Runner Up: TrailFX, Roof Rack for JEEP JL
Best New Interior Accessory Product Winner: Speedway Motors, Omega Avant 6 Gauge Set Electric Runner Up: T.V.K. Industries, Inc., SURESHIFTER Runner Up: Dometic, Dometic CCF-T Center Console Refrigerator
Best New Merchandising Display Winner: Go Rhino Big Country Truck Accessories, Go Rhino Point of Purchase Display Rack Runner Up: Quadratec Inc., Quadratec Merchandising Promo Kit Runner Up: RaceDeck, RaceDeck Charred Oak Showroom & Garage Flooring
Best New Mobile Electronics Product Winner: Cedar Electronics - ESCORT/Cobra, ESCORT Redline 360c Runner Up: AutoMeter, DashLink 2.0 with late-model Ford enhanced PIDs Runner Up: Energizer Holdings, Energizer Arc3 Lithium-iron Phosphate 300Wh, 350W Portable Power Station
Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Winner: Warn Industries Inc., HUB Wireless Receiver & App Runner Up: ARB 4x4 Accessories, Air Compressor - Pressure Control Unit Runner Up: Westin/Superwinch, Overland Cargo Rack
Best New Packaging Design Winner: TS Booster, TS Booster Runner Up: All-Fit Automotive, All-Fit Rim Trim - V2 Runner Up: AERO Detail Products, AERO SHIELD FLIGHT Ceramic 6 PACK
Best New Performance-Racing Product Winner: AEM Performance Electronics, PDU-8 Power Distribution Module Runner Up: Performance Electronics, Dual Channel PE-Wideband O2 Kit Runner Up: Performance Electronics, PE3-IG8 Ignition Controller
Best New Performance-Street Product Winner: DashLogic, SensorTap IAT/Baro Relocation Module Runner Up: Red Roberts Inc. dba Driveline Component Co., ACCUVALVE Runner Up: Edelbrock Group, Powerhouse Retainer Degree Gauge Tool
Best New Powersports Product Winner: Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Baja Pro X Runner Up: Brandmotion, SummitView UTV Dual 1080p Camera System with High Definition 7-in. DVR Monitor SUTV-2020 Runner Up: Wehrli Custom Fabrication, ’19-’20 Honda Talon  2 or 4 Seat X/R Front Bumper, without fair lead mount
Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product Winner: FRI Exhibits/Flaming River Industries, Microsteer Electric Power Steering with speed sensor Runner Up: Speedway Motors, LS Swap Radiator Hose Adapter Runner Up: Vintage Air Inc., FrontRunner for the LT1 and LS
Best New Tire and Related Product Winner: Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Baja Boss A/T Runner Up: Bartec USA, Tech600Pro Runner Up: ATEQ TPMS Tools, Quickset X Summer/Winter Tire Reset Tool
Best New Tools and Equipment Product Winner: Colourlock North America, Colourlock Scanner Runner Up: Beta Tool USA, Beta Tools C27 S-Green Folding Tool Cart Runner Up: CollisionRepairTools.com, ASTRA PowerLift & Move
Best New Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product Winner: Tire Stickers, Cerebrum Boost - Smart Tire Sensor Solution Runner Up: Warn Industries Inc., WARN Ascent XP Bumpers Runner Up: AutoMeter, ’95–’98 Chevy Truck InVision Dash
Best New Wheel and Related Product Winner: Forgeline Motorsports, F01 Flow Formed Wheel Runner Up: Design Infini, Drifz D09 Runner Up: BBS of America, BBS CI-R Bronze Anniversary Edition

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has scheduled a virtual public workshop on November 19, 2020, to discuss the proposed adoption of Executive Order (EO) certification fees for emissions-related aftermarket parts and other products. The workshop will be held from 1:00–4:00 pm (PST).

Of interest to most SEMA members are the D-series EOs, which cover aftermarket part exemptions. The workshop will cover other technologies and applications as well.

For context, companies submitting EO applications for emissions-related performance aftermarket parts have never been assessed a certification fee. California enacted SEMA-supported legislation in 2018 permitting CARB to adopt a fee program allowing the agency to expand staffing and process EO applications more quickly. SEMA continues to advocate for reasonable fees and for a streamlined application process. Comments on the proposed fees are due December 4, 2020.

To register: www.register.gotowebinar.com/register/2827630956315615502

For more information: www.content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CARB/bulletins/2a8cd66

By Ashley Reyes

Todd Steen is this week’s SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Volunteer Spotlight member. Steen is the current WTC Select Committee chair-elect, and the director of business development at Jackson Marketing Group—a full integrated marketing, communications and events agency.

Through his volunteerism, Steen helps guide the council to identify and address industry challenges, deliver educational solutions to members and participates in various SEMA events.

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

Todd Steen: Dumb luck. I was working in textiles and handling the company's VMI efforts when Michelin recruited me to help with their efforts. That led to an opportunity to work in motorsports and the rest, as they say, is history. I've now been involved with tires and motorsports at some level or another since 1998.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

TS: Contacts. Contacts. Contacts! I'm a firm believer that your net worth is determined by your network, and knowing people allows you to make things happen. When you can make things happen, your reach is great. Your “web” is stronger and your efforts offer a better value to your employer and your team. Simply put, building your network makes you an asset to your company.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

TS: You don't have to be mechanically inclined to be in the business. But you need to be business savvy. Study business and use your passion and enthusiasm for cars and trucks to build your future.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

TS: I'm a huge outdoorsman and love archery. So, depending on the time of the year, I'm either in the woods, at a racetrack or at a car show.

By Ashley Reyes

Todd Steen is this week’s SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Volunteer Spotlight member. Steen is the current WTC Select Committee chair-elect, and the director of business development at Jackson Marketing Group—a full integrated marketing, communications and events agency.

Through his volunteerism, Steen helps guide the council to identify and address industry challenges, deliver educational solutions to members and participates in various SEMA events.

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

Todd Steen: Dumb luck. I was working in textiles and handling the company's VMI efforts when Michelin recruited me to help with their efforts. That led to an opportunity to work in motorsports and the rest, as they say, is history. I've now been involved with tires and motorsports at some level or another since 1998.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

TS: Contacts. Contacts. Contacts! I'm a firm believer that your net worth is determined by your network, and knowing people allows you to make things happen. When you can make things happen, your reach is great. Your “web” is stronger and your efforts offer a better value to your employer and your team. Simply put, building your network makes you an asset to your company.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

TS: You don't have to be mechanically inclined to be in the business. But you need to be business savvy. Study business and use your passion and enthusiasm for cars and trucks to build your future.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

TS: I'm a huge outdoorsman and love archery. So, depending on the time of the year, I'm either in the woods, at a racetrack or at a car show.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Battle of the Builders concluded Friday, November 6, where Brady Ranweiler's ’63 Chevrolet Full Custom 2 Door Wagon was named the winner of the annual competition.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders concluded Friday, November 6, during SEMA360, where Brady Ranweiler was named the winner of the annual competition. As per competition rules, the Top 12 finalists performed the judging duties and rated their peers on the quality of their builds.

The Top 4 finalists for 2020 were narrowed down just prior to the winner announcement. Top 4 finalists were Brady Ranweiler and his ’63 Chevrolet Full Custom 2 Door Wagon (Hot Rod), Mark Giambalvo and his ’65 Chevrolet C10 (Truck/Off-Road), Chip Foose and his ’74 Jaguar E-Type (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Cody Medeisis with his ’68 Chevrolet Camaro. This marks the first time in the seven-year history of the competition that a wagon has taken home the title.

Ranweiler's ’63 Custom Chevrolet Wagon.

The four finalists of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a nationwide television special airing in 2021. The TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” is scheduled to air on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2021 (time and date to be announced).

The 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included more than 330 submissions from a talented pool of builders from around the globe. These individuals are the best of the best, showcasing their extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category remains a fan favorite, culminating the next generation of builders who are eager to show off their creations.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Battle of the Builders concluded Friday, November 6, where Brady Ranweiler's ’63 Chevrolet Full Custom 2 Door Wagon was named the winner of the annual competition.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders concluded Friday, November 6, during SEMA360, where Brady Ranweiler was named the winner of the annual competition. As per competition rules, the Top 12 finalists performed the judging duties and rated their peers on the quality of their builds.

The Top 4 finalists for 2020 were narrowed down just prior to the winner announcement. Top 4 finalists were Brady Ranweiler and his ’63 Chevrolet Full Custom 2 Door Wagon (Hot Rod), Mark Giambalvo and his ’65 Chevrolet C10 (Truck/Off-Road), Chip Foose and his ’74 Jaguar E-Type (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Cody Medeisis with his ’68 Chevrolet Camaro. This marks the first time in the seven-year history of the competition that a wagon has taken home the title.

Ranweiler's ’63 Custom Chevrolet Wagon.

The four finalists of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a nationwide television special airing in 2021. The TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” is scheduled to air on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2021 (time and date to be announced).

The 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included more than 330 submissions from a talented pool of builders from around the globe. These individuals are the best of the best, showcasing their extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category remains a fan favorite, culminating the next generation of builders who are eager to show off their creations.

By Ashley Reyes

MPMC Members have until the end of today, Friday, November 6, to submit their exhibitor applications for the 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place entirely online January 26-28, 2021.

The annual conference brings together MPMC member manufacturers with editorial staff from various media publications and is designed specifically for reporters and journalists to conduct interviews and obtain a year’s worth of content in just one place. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By Ashley Reyes

MPMC Members have until the end of today, Friday, November 6, to submit their exhibitor applications for the 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place entirely online January 26-28, 2021.

The annual conference brings together MPMC member manufacturers with editorial staff from various media publications and is designed specifically for reporters and journalists to conduct interviews and obtain a year’s worth of content in just one place. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By John Stewart

In a one-hour panel discussion on SEMA360, panelists presented insights on how fundamental shifts in industry and society will create new opportunities for manufacturing businesses, large and small.

In a one-hour panel discussion on SEMA360, panelists presented insights on how fundamental shifts in industry and society will create new opportunities for manufacturing businesses, large and small.

“The revolution is now, it’s being live-streamed today,” said moderator John Waraniak. “Once to grow, you could run a different race, or you could run the same race faster. Today, you have to do both.”

Carla Bailo, president and CEO, Center for Automotive Research (CAR), told how COVID-19 has propelled change and changed thinking in transportation and associated manufacturing. The assembly line of the future will include a lot more automation, and manufacturers will need to pivot to adjust their business models as the health crisis continues. There will be more demand for home delivery and manufacturers need to be prepared for supply-chain disruptions, and the days of three-year, five-year product-development cycles are over. “COVID-19 is giving us opportunities as never before…Think about how you can delight the customer.”

Mouse McCoy (HackRod Studio MFG) made the point that manufacturing has become digital and virtual. The ”digital twin” process, in which teams around the country work on a digital file in the cloud, make it possible do develop and simulate a complex product such as a car digitally before production. Once the digital product is tested through simulation, the file can be transferred to an advanced production facility and produced. This will lead to mass customization and personalization for customers—an exponential opportunity.  

Nigel Francis, CEO and executive director, ALMMII/LIFT, runs a non-profit that enhances collaboration between industry, academia, and the department of defense. He revealed ground-breaking processes, such as linear friction welding and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), that are already in use, enabling the joining of dissimilar materials and flexible joining. These processes will enable mass-customization of product for small- and medium-size companies.

“Any color you like as long as it’s black doesn’t work any more,” he said. Personalization must increase, and the customer will dictate their preferences. That trend drives the opportunities in manufacturing of the future.

This session is available on demand on the SEMA360 platform.