Luis Morales

“ADAS” is a buzz word that is currently traveling through the automotive aftermarket industry, which refers to vehicle safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking. Today, a vast majority of late-model vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) as a standard option, which leads some aftermarket product manufacturers to the question—“Will these systems continue to properly function, after the vehicle has been modified?”

In order to pave the solution to that question, we are bringing in a new resource called the “SEMA | I-CAR ADAS Baseline.” Thanks to the folks at I-CAR, we can now grant SEMA Tech Transfer Members direct access into the RTS Portal, which is I-CAR’s ADAS information database.

Direct access into this portal is via the Tech Transfer website and there is a reason why we did this—SEMA manufactures who are part of this program are currently designing direct-fit products, based on OEM CAD data. Granting these members direct access to the portal, will provide them with some ADAS knowledge which can be taken into consideration when designing new aftermarket products.

From inside of the Tech Transfer homepage, they will be able to click on the I-CAR button, which will redirect them into the RTS portal. Once there, they can make their way into the “OEM Calibration Requirements,” where they can search specific vehicles by:

• Make
• Model
• Year

Which provides users with the following vehicle information:

• On-board OEM ADAS Options
• System Locations
• Standardized Names
• Calibration Requirements

It’s important to note that this is an educational tool. This is not the overall answer to the proposed question, but it is the initial path to a solution. Recalibration for these systems is vehicle-specific and can vary from static to dynamic procedures.

For additional ADAS information, visit the Vehicle Technology section of the SEMA Garage website.

I-CAR is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing information, knowledge, and skills required to perform safe, complete and quality repairs. The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal is a hub, containing information on the latest vehicle technology trends, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) information, and Calibration Requirements. Most importantly, RTS provides vehicle specific on-board OEM ADAS information, describing the different systems, general location and diagnosis.

Luis Morales

“ADAS” is a buzz word that is currently traveling through the automotive aftermarket industry, which refers to vehicle safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking. Today, a vast majority of late-model vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) as a standard option, which leads some aftermarket product manufacturers to the question—“Will these systems continue to properly function, after the vehicle has been modified?”

In order to pave the solution to that question, we are bringing in a new resource called the “SEMA | I-CAR ADAS Baseline.” Thanks to the folks at I-CAR, we can now grant SEMA Tech Transfer Members direct access into the RTS Portal, which is I-CAR’s ADAS information database.

Direct access into this portal is via the Tech Transfer website and there is a reason why we did this—SEMA manufactures who are part of this program are currently designing direct-fit products, based on OEM CAD data. Granting these members direct access to the portal, will provide them with some ADAS knowledge which can be taken into consideration when designing new aftermarket products.

From inside of the Tech Transfer homepage, they will be able to click on the I-CAR button, which will redirect them into the RTS portal. Once there, they can make their way into the “OEM Calibration Requirements,” where they can search specific vehicles by:

• Make
• Model
• Year

Which provides users with the following vehicle information:

• On-board OEM ADAS Options
• System Locations
• Standardized Names
• Calibration Requirements

It’s important to note that this is an educational tool. This is not the overall answer to the proposed question, but it is the initial path to a solution. Recalibration for these systems is vehicle-specific and can vary from static to dynamic procedures.

For additional ADAS information, visit the Vehicle Technology section of the SEMA Garage website.

I-CAR is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing information, knowledge, and skills required to perform safe, complete and quality repairs. The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal is a hub, containing information on the latest vehicle technology trends, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) information, and Calibration Requirements. Most importantly, RTS provides vehicle specific on-board OEM ADAS information, describing the different systems, general location and diagnosis.

By Mike Imlay

Best-selling business author Corey Perlman presented top strategies for online reputation management at a Thursday-morning SEMA360 digital seminar.

These days an online reputation can make or break a business. The challenge is that people are more motivated to post online when they’re unhappy than when they’re happy. So how can a business minimize negative feedback and maximize positive reviews? SEMA360 attendees got the inside scoop from best-selling author Corey Perlman in a Thursday digital seminar entitled “How to Protect Your Brand’s Online Reputation.”

The owner of Impact Social Inc., Perlman has been at the forefront of digital marketing for more than a decade. He took his seminar attendees through the basics of digital brand management while emphasizing key best practices along the way. First he advised doing your own digital audit through all the online directories, social media platforms and blogs or websites where your brand appears. Looking through the lens of an online researcher or buyer, what impression is your brand making online.

The next step, said Perlman, is to “fix what needs fixing.” Make sure your digital presence across Facebook and other social media platforms and any directories or websites reflects consistent branding that conveys professionalism and quality.

Once those basics are covered, it’s time to draw up a preparedness plan for dealing with bad reviews and negative press. Best practices here are to be diplomatic and empathetic with negative reviewers. Never be defensive. Rather, try to solve the issue, and take discussions offline if necessary.”

“Never respond out of emotion. Step away or sleep on it if you have to,” advised Perlman, who added that how you resolve disputes online matter greatly to others. “People love transparency. They recognize businesses are made up of people, and people make mistakes. It’s how we handle them that's important.”

Along with a clear plan for handling negative scenarios, you can now create a process for enhancing positive feedback. This includes adopting best practices for converting satisfied customers into online endorsers of your brand. “Never let a verbal testimonial go unpublished,” said Pearlman. If a customer expresses thanks or appreciation, always respond with a request for a review and easy ways they can share their experience on the web.

Filled with best practices tips, the full seminar can be viewed on SEMA360. Meanwhile, SEMA360 continues through Friday, November 6. The trade-only online event offers exclusive manufacturer-buyer connections, industry networking, new-product and technology introductions, project vehicle builds and more. Additional details about the innovative e-marketplace can be found at www.sema360.com.

By Mike Imlay

Best-selling business author Corey Perlman presented top strategies for online reputation management at a Thursday-morning SEMA360 digital seminar.

These days an online reputation can make or break a business. The challenge is that people are more motivated to post online when they’re unhappy than when they’re happy. So how can a business minimize negative feedback and maximize positive reviews? SEMA360 attendees got the inside scoop from best-selling author Corey Perlman in a Thursday digital seminar entitled “How to Protect Your Brand’s Online Reputation.”

The owner of Impact Social Inc., Perlman has been at the forefront of digital marketing for more than a decade. He took his seminar attendees through the basics of digital brand management while emphasizing key best practices along the way. First he advised doing your own digital audit through all the online directories, social media platforms and blogs or websites where your brand appears. Looking through the lens of an online researcher or buyer, what impression is your brand making online.

The next step, said Perlman, is to “fix what needs fixing.” Make sure your digital presence across Facebook and other social media platforms and any directories or websites reflects consistent branding that conveys professionalism and quality.

Once those basics are covered, it’s time to draw up a preparedness plan for dealing with bad reviews and negative press. Best practices here are to be diplomatic and empathetic with negative reviewers. Never be defensive. Rather, try to solve the issue, and take discussions offline if necessary.”

“Never respond out of emotion. Step away or sleep on it if you have to,” advised Perlman, who added that how you resolve disputes online matter greatly to others. “People love transparency. They recognize businesses are made up of people, and people make mistakes. It’s how we handle them that's important.”

Along with a clear plan for handling negative scenarios, you can now create a process for enhancing positive feedback. This includes adopting best practices for converting satisfied customers into online endorsers of your brand. “Never let a verbal testimonial go unpublished,” said Pearlman. If a customer expresses thanks or appreciation, always respond with a request for a review and easy ways they can share their experience on the web.

Filled with best practices tips, the full seminar can be viewed on SEMA360. Meanwhile, SEMA360 continues through Friday, November 6. The trade-only online event offers exclusive manufacturer-buyer connections, industry networking, new-product and technology introductions, project vehicle builds and more. Additional details about the innovative e-marketplace can be found at www.sema360.com.

By Douglas McColloch

(Clockwise from top left) Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers, Rick Love of Vintage Air, Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed, Brian Brennan of In The Garage Media, and Bobby Alloway of Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop discussed the current state of the hot-rod aftermarket at SEMA360.

Earlier today at SEMA360, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) hosted a panel of experts to discuss the current state of the hot-rod aftermarket. The panel, moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air, included:

• Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed
• Mike and Jim Ring, Ringbrothers
• Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
• Brian Brennan, In the Garage Media

The panelists first reviewed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 disruption, how the lack of a SEMA Show and a show circuit has affected their business in the short term, and what kinds of promotional tools they are using—such as social media—to keep their brand recognition high. They also stressed the importance of staying in touch with their customers, and reviewed how SEMA360 is helping them in this regard.

The panelists also discussed the ways they’ve managed to continue operations given ongoing disruptions to the supply chain, and steps they’ve taken to adjust to increased lead times. They also reviewed the challenges posed by increased freight costs.

On the tech side, the panel discussed the changing skill sets required of todays generation of builders, with an emphasis on electronics, and of the challenges shops face in finding and recruiting that talent. The panelists also stressed the importance going forward of attracting young people to the automotive trades.

View this session on demand on SEMA360.

By Douglas McColloch

(Clockwise from top left) Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers, Rick Love of Vintage Air, Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed, Brian Brennan of In The Garage Media, and Bobby Alloway of Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop discussed the current state of the hot-rod aftermarket at SEMA360.

Earlier today at SEMA360, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) hosted a panel of experts to discuss the current state of the hot-rod aftermarket. The panel, moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air, included:

• Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed
• Mike and Jim Ring, Ringbrothers
• Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
• Brian Brennan, In the Garage Media

The panelists first reviewed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 disruption, how the lack of a SEMA Show and a show circuit has affected their business in the short term, and what kinds of promotional tools they are using—such as social media—to keep their brand recognition high. They also stressed the importance of staying in touch with their customers, and reviewed how SEMA360 is helping them in this regard.

The panelists also discussed the ways they’ve managed to continue operations given ongoing disruptions to the supply chain, and steps they’ve taken to adjust to increased lead times. They also reviewed the challenges posed by increased freight costs.

On the tech side, the panel discussed the changing skill sets required of todays generation of builders, with an emphasis on electronics, and of the challenges shops face in finding and recruiting that talent. The panelists also stressed the importance going forward of attracting young people to the automotive trades.

View this session on demand on SEMA360.

By Douglas McColloch

(Clockwise from top left) Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers, Rick Love of Vintage Air, Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed, Brian Brennan of In The Garage Media, and Bobby Alloway of Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop discussed the current state of the hot-rod aftermarket at SEMA360.

Earlier today at SEMA360, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) hosted a panel of experts to discuss the current state of the hot-rod aftermarket. The panel, moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air, included:

• Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed
• Mike and Jim Ring, Ringbrothers
• Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
• Brian Brennan, In the Garage Media

The panelists first reviewed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 disruption, how the lack of a SEMA Show and a show circuit has affected their business in the short term, and what kinds of promotional tools they are using—such as social media—to keep their brand recognition high. They also stressed the importance of staying in touch with their customers, and reviewed how SEMA360 is helping them in this regard.

The panelists also discussed the ways they’ve managed to continue operations given ongoing disruptions to the supply chain, and steps they’ve taken to adjust to increased lead times. They also reviewed the challenges posed by increased freight costs.

On the tech side, the panel discussed the changing skill sets required of todays generation of builders, with an emphasis on electronics, and of the challenges shops face in finding and recruiting that talent. The panelists also stressed the importance going forward of attracting young people to the automotive trades.

View this session on demand on SEMA360.

By Douglas McColloch

It wouldn’t be the SEMA Show without show-stopping builds and customizations, and while there’s no Show floor in Las Vegas this year, SEMA360 is no different. Some 300 builders entered some of their latest creations, and you can see them throughout the week at the SEMA360 Builder Showcase page. We’ll be spotlighting five trick builds each day of the event, starting with the ones you see here.

Submitted by: Rick Fragnoli
Vehicle: ’69 Dodge Charger

This ’69 is built for performance starting with the 6.2L Hemi Hellcat under the hood that’s equipped with Kooks’ Headers and full 3-in. exhaust; an ATI Performance Products damper helps to smooth out internal vibrations.

The Dodge rides on a KW coilover suspension and rolls on CCW Wheels and Pirelli P-Zero that are damped by Brembo brake components. Inside, Moore and Giles Leather seating and G-Force Racing Gear harnesses keep occupants comfortable and secure.

The exterior features all-custom one-off bodywork, and it’s coated with custom PPG “Strangler Green” paint.

Submitted by: Brad and Mike Swaney
Vehicle: ’59 Chevrolet truck

A Battle of The Builders finalist in 2019, this team brought this clean-looking resto to SEMA360. Under the hood are a host of performance parts from Billet Accessories and Eddie Motorsports, and Magnaflow exhaust expels spent gases.

Components from American Autowire provide electrical upgrades, and inside, parts from Classic Instruments, Vintage Air and Lokar all enhance the driving experience.

The Chevy rides on a custom-engineered chassis, and a coat of Axalta Red Metallic adorns bodywork kept pristine with Wizards Products.

Submitted by: Christian Borucki
Vehicle: ’59 Pontiac Bonneville

Wearing a coat of Riviera Blue paint, this classic ’59 rests atop a one-off Art Morrison chassis that hosts a LS376 engine sporting a Flowmaster exhaust, and a 4L70 automatic transmission.

Power flows to a Strange 9-in. rearend that turns American Racing rim and BFGoodrich tires; Wilwood disc brakes reside at all four corners, and wheels are turned courtesy of IDIDT steering components.

Suspension is coilovers in front and four-link in the back. Redline Lumtronix LED headlights light up the road, Ogden Chrome lend exterior shine, and inside, Rockford Fosgate audio components provide on-road entertainment.

Submitted by: Darren Sammartino
Vehicle: ’70 Chevrolet K20

A multi-year project, this Grabber Blue 3/4-ton runs a swapped-in ’92 Cummins 12-valve diesel that works in tandem with an Industrial Injection fuel pump, a K&N intake, a Mishimoto radiator and MBRP 3-in. exhaust. Backing it a Getrag 360M transmission and an NP 205 transfer case.

A Dana 60 front and 14-bolt rear turn RBP Cobra beadlocks and Interco Cobalt tires. KC HiLItes provide illumination and a Smittybilt winch residing in a Chassis Unlimited bumper can provide extraction.

Interior upgrades include products from Auto Meter, BS Sand Seats and Hornblasters.

Submitted by: Randy Weaver
Vehicle: ’70 Plymouth Sport Satellite

This pristine ’70s exterior sports a number of unique touches, including a custom hood, custom bumpers and flush-mounted glass. Under the hood sits an engine that’s been equipped with a Texas Speed cam, Speed Engineering headers, K&N filters  and Flowmaster exhaust.

Electrical upgrades are afforded by American Autowire, and a fuel tank from Rick’s Tanks provides extra fuel. Suspension come courtesy of Ridetech coilovers, with tires sourced from Mickey Thompson and brakes from Wilwood.

Inside, Dakota Digital gauges monitor engine functions, and a Kicker audio system provides entertainment.

By Douglas McColloch

It wouldn’t be the SEMA Show without show-stopping builds and customizations, and while there’s no Show floor in Las Vegas this year, SEMA360 is no different. Some 300 builders entered some of their latest creations, and you can see them throughout the week at the SEMA360 Builder Showcase page. We’ll be spotlighting five trick builds each day of the event, starting with the ones you see here.

Submitted by: Rick Fragnoli
Vehicle: ’69 Dodge Charger

This ’69 is built for performance starting with the 6.2L Hemi Hellcat under the hood that’s equipped with Kooks’ Headers and full 3-in. exhaust; an ATI Performance Products damper helps to smooth out internal vibrations.

The Dodge rides on a KW coilover suspension and rolls on CCW Wheels and Pirelli P-Zero that are damped by Brembo brake components. Inside, Moore and Giles Leather seating and G-Force Racing Gear harnesses keep occupants comfortable and secure.

The exterior features all-custom one-off bodywork, and it’s coated with custom PPG “Strangler Green” paint.

Submitted by: Brad and Mike Swaney
Vehicle: ’59 Chevrolet truck

A Battle of The Builders finalist in 2019, this team brought this clean-looking resto to SEMA360. Under the hood are a host of performance parts from Billet Accessories and Eddie Motorsports, and Magnaflow exhaust expels spent gases.

Components from American Autowire provide electrical upgrades, and inside, parts from Classic Instruments, Vintage Air and Lokar all enhance the driving experience.

The Chevy rides on a custom-engineered chassis, and a coat of Axalta Red Metallic adorns bodywork kept pristine with Wizards Products.

Submitted by: Christian Borucki
Vehicle: ’59 Pontiac Bonneville

Wearing a coat of Riviera Blue paint, this classic ’59 rests atop a one-off Art Morrison chassis that hosts a LS376 engine sporting a Flowmaster exhaust, and a 4L70 automatic transmission.

Power flows to a Strange 9-in. rearend that turns American Racing rim and BFGoodrich tires; Wilwood disc brakes reside at all four corners, and wheels are turned courtesy of IDIDT steering components.

Suspension is coilovers in front and four-link in the back. Redline Lumtronix LED headlights light up the road, Ogden Chrome lend exterior shine, and inside, Rockford Fosgate audio components provide on-road entertainment.

Submitted by: Darren Sammartino
Vehicle: ’70 Chevrolet K20

A multi-year project, this Grabber Blue 3/4-ton runs a swapped-in ’92 Cummins 12-valve diesel that works in tandem with an Industrial Injection fuel pump, a K&N intake, a Mishimoto radiator and MBRP 3-in. exhaust. Backing it a Getrag 360M transmission and an NP 205 transfer case.

A Dana 60 front and 14-bolt rear turn RBP Cobra beadlocks and Interco Cobalt tires. KC HiLItes provide illumination and a Smittybilt winch residing in a Chassis Unlimited bumper can provide extraction.

Interior upgrades include products from Auto Meter, BS Sand Seats and Hornblasters.

Submitted by: Randy Weaver
Vehicle: ’70 Plymouth Sport Satellite

This pristine ’70s exterior sports a number of unique touches, including a custom hood, custom bumpers and flush-mounted glass. Under the hood sits an engine that’s been equipped with a Texas Speed cam, Speed Engineering headers, K&N filters  and Flowmaster exhaust.

Electrical upgrades are afforded by American Autowire, and a fuel tank from Rick’s Tanks provides extra fuel. Suspension come courtesy of Ridetech coilovers, with tires sourced from Mickey Thompson and brakes from Wilwood.

Inside, Dakota Digital gauges monitor engine functions, and a Kicker audio system provides entertainment.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued a preliminary ruling that Vietnamese tire producers were receiving unfair subsidies associated with the country’s “undervalued currency.” The DOC calculated countervailing duty rates ranging from 6.23% to 10.08%. The DOC will now instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of tires from Vietnam based on the preliminary rates. Imports of passenger tires from Vietnam were valued at about $470 million in 2019.

The countervailing duty decision is part of a broader investigation alleging that passenger and light truck tires from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value (“dumping”). The DOC is expected to issue its preliminary anti-dumping decisions by December 29, with final decisions to be issued in mid-March 2021. The alleged dumping margins are as high as 195% for Korea, 147% for Taiwan, 217% for Thailand, and 33% for Vietnam.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has already made an initial determination that U.S. industry is likely being harmed by the alleged dumping and subsidies. For duties to take effect, the ITC must confirm that there is harm or threatened harm to U.S. industry once the DOC has issued its final dumping and subsidy calculations.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.