Compiled by SEMA Editors

2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show Gets New Dates: March 26–April 4

The 2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show will now be open to the public from Friday, March 26 through Sunday, April 4, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 2021 version of the show had been scheduled to be open from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, February 7.

“We believe this scheduling change is in the best interests of our attendees, our partnering auto manufacturers and the District of Columbia,” said Washington, D.C. Auto Show CEO John O'Donnell. “Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all involved in this show, and we believe strongly that a two-month delay will better allow us to produce the type of well-rounded and immersive show that our attendees are accustomed to.”

Under the new schedule, the 2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show's Public Policy Day, featuring a host of public policy and auto industry-focused events, will be held Thursday, March 25—the day before the show opens to the general public. The show will not be holding a pre-show MobilityTalks International conference in 2021. Further details about the auto show's programming, including participating manufacturers, media and industry-related events and more will be announced in the coming months. The Washington, D.C. Auto Show's organizers are also working on a health and safety plan that will prioritize consumer and staff safety and cleanliness, while reflecting the best practices and guidelines that remain in effect in late March of 2021. For more information on The Washington, D.C. Auto Show, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com.

Charlie Kirkland, vice president, program group sales, APC Automotive Technologies, with 2020 Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award.

APC Automotive Technologies Receives Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award From The Automotive Parts Services Group

APC Automotive Technologies LLC has been named as “Outstanding Vendor of the Year” by The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group). The announcement was made during The Group’s 2020 “Together Towards Tomorrow” National Member Conference & Expo last week. This award recognizes APC Automotive Technologies as the organization’s most preferred vendor and was voted on by all Pronto and Federated members. It is the highest supplier-partner award given annually by The Group. The Automotive Parts Services Group purchases all undercar product categories from APC Automotive Technologies (both brake and emissions components), with Centric Parts being the largest overall supplier by volume.

McLeod Racing Launches New Website

McLeod Racing has announced the launch of its new and improved website. McLeod enlisted Admark to provide a technology-driven fresh look for its online presence. Celebrating 50 years of business in 2021, www.McLeodRacing.com was ready for a total overhaul to better showcase all of the products McLeod carries, including the many new lines we have added. The new site provides a Make, Model and Year search; Dealer Locator; product reviews; wish list and more. This new website fully encompasses McLeod Racing as the leader in the drivetrain market and is very mobile friendly.

AACF Prepares to Aid Aftermarket Natural Disaster Victims

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is making preparations to aid aftermarket families affected by Hurricane Laura and the California fires.

"It is very early in the process, but our intention is to explore every avenue to identify aftermarket families that will need our help recovering from these natural disasters happening during a pandemic already causing untold hardship and stress for so many," said AACF President, Lynn Parker.

"Although AACF doesn't claim to be a disaster relief service, we will do our best to identify and assist those industry families that have immediate and unmet needs in keeping with our mission to support aftermarket families facing catastrophic circumstances," said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF.

AACF is asking for tax-deductible donations to help provide needed funding. Donations can be made online at aacfi.org/donate-today, by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.

Kurt Hansen

Kurt Hansen Joins Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Broadcast Team

Long-time Denver-based Race Central Television and ESPN Radio Host Kurt Hansen will join the broadcast team covering of the annual “Race to the Clouds” at Pikes Peak, August 30. Hansen will be heard live on KRDO NewsRadio https://krdo.com beginning at 7:00 a.m. (MT) until the conclusion of the race tentatively around 4:00 p.m. (MT). Due to the pandemic fans will not be allowed to attend the unique event making the broadcast team a vital element to the success of the race.

Hansen, an honorary member of the Colorado Hill Climb Association and Former Pikes Peak International Board Member said, “Our host KRDO Radio has assembled a great team of broadcasters to call the event. I’m looking forward to join the team, it’s always an exciting event, so be sure to tune in!”

Magnuson Superchargers Partners With R&R Marketing Consultants in the Automotive and Marine Aftermarkets

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) has been chosen by Magnuson Products LLC (MPC) to provide sales and marketing services for the Marine Aftermarket for North America. RRMCI will also represent Magnuson in 10 states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota, and for all locations of Atech Motorsports/Summit Racing.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights products from member-companies each week. This week's submissions are listed below.

The companies included with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) logo are also members of the SDC, the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository. The SDC is an end-to-end solution to help you author, validate, store, and distribute product data. All incoming data is validated for compliance to PIES and ACES standards, eliminating confusing proprietary data formats. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Oracle Headlamp System Oracle Lighting announces the launch of more color options for its Oculus Bi-LED headlamp system for the Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT. The headlights feature a sharp cut-off line and aim light with precision designed to increase safety. The color options added are Graphite Metallic and new Satin Silver. The lights’ bezel design is based in Euclidean geometry, using concentric ellipses to create patterned symmetries. 800-407-5776 www.oraclelights.com PN: Vary
Fox Performance Series 2.0 Shocks Fox announces the introduction of its Performance Series 2.0 shocks. The shocks are designed to improve both on- and off-road comfort and control. The one-piece aluminum bodies are constructed to dissipate heat caused by riding over rough roads or bumpy trails, maintaining comfort on- or off-road for the duration of your drive and resist corrosion over time. 619-768-1800 www.ridefox.com/jeep PN: Vary
Mishimoto Performance Intake Mishimoto introduces its 2019+ Ford Ranger Performance Air Intake. The intake is designed to improve gains of up to 6.3 hp and 7.9 lb.-ft. on stock tunes. It’s is constructed to improve flow over the stock intake by 49% and features a high-flow airbox that retains fresh air intake for better air temps and flow. The intake is available with an oiled or dry washable filter manufactured for maximum performance in any environment. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMAI-RGR-19
Vintage Air Air Conditioning System Vintage Air has released its Gen IV SureFit air conditioning system for ‘73–‘79 Ford F-100 pickup trucks and ‘78–‘79 Broncos. This system is available as both a complete kit as well as an evaporator kit. The system employs a fully electronic microprocessor control system that eliminates cables or vacuum connections. The separate, parallel-flow copper heating coils and aluminum plate-and-fin cooling coils are designed to provide outstanding performance and infinite “just right” temperature air blends, blower fan speed adjustments, and high-volume dehumidified defrost. The kit also includes a three-lever, fully electronic LED backlit control panel that replaces the factory control panel. 800-862-6658 www.VintageAir.com PN: Vary
Design Engineering Heat Sheath GOLD Design Engineering introduces its Heat Sheath GOLD sleeve. It is available in five sizes and features a lock weave pattern. The sheath is manufactured to reflect direct heat up to 800 ̊ F. The sleeve is designed to protect components and keep them cool in the most demanding applications. The sheath also features a high-temperature hook-and-loop fastening system for secure installation. The sleeve is also available in custom dimensions. 800-264-9472 www.DesignEngineering.com PN: 010916
Hellwig Helper Springs Hellwig Suspension Products has released its helper springs for the 2020 Toyota Tundra, including two-wheel and four-wheel-drive models. The helper springs are designed to feature 2,000-lb. load-leveling capacity and to maintain level ride height and better overall driver control when the vehicle is loaded. The springs are engineered to improve vehicle control and safety by maintaining even weight distribution over the front and rear axles. 800-435-5944 www.hellwigproducts.com PN: 976
Edge Products CTS3 Back-up Camera Edge Products introduces its CTS3 back-up Camera. The camera is a designed for drivers who want to hook up to trailers with ease. The camera mode on the CTS3 products automatically engages when the vehicle goes into reverse (only on automatic applications when gear PID is an option) or if the user selects a camera icon from the top menu anytime. The kit includes a license plate mount, RCA to USB video signal adapter and night vision LEDs for optimal lighting. 888-360-3343 www.edgeproducts.com PN: 98203
Energy Suspension Dampener Energy Suspension announces the release of its Performance Polyurethane Bushing for the Honda CBR. The Dampeners are designed to provides the solution for smooth shifting and rider confidence. It is engineered to provide smooth shifting and reduces wear on drive components outlasting the OEM part equivalent for the life of the machine. The part fits the following Honda CBR models - 600F4 – 1000R – 900R and RVT51/RVT1000. 949-361-3935 www.energysuspension.com PN: 70.2002R

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights products from member-companies each week. This week's submissions are listed below.

The companies included with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) logo are also members of the SDC, the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository. The SDC is an end-to-end solution to help you author, validate, store, and distribute product data. All incoming data is validated for compliance to PIES and ACES standards, eliminating confusing proprietary data formats. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Oracle Headlamp System Oracle Lighting announces the launch of more color options for its Oculus Bi-LED headlamp system for the Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT. The headlights feature a sharp cut-off line and aim light with precision designed to increase safety. The color options added are Graphite Metallic and new Satin Silver. The lights’ bezel design is based in Euclidean geometry, using concentric ellipses to create patterned symmetries. 800-407-5776 www.oraclelights.com PN: Vary
Fox Performance Series 2.0 Shocks Fox announces the introduction of its Performance Series 2.0 shocks. The shocks are designed to improve both on- and off-road comfort and control. The one-piece aluminum bodies are constructed to dissipate heat caused by riding over rough roads or bumpy trails, maintaining comfort on- or off-road for the duration of your drive and resist corrosion over time. 619-768-1800 www.ridefox.com/jeep PN: Vary
Mishimoto Performance Intake Mishimoto introduces its 2019+ Ford Ranger Performance Air Intake. The intake is designed to improve gains of up to 6.3 hp and 7.9 lb.-ft. on stock tunes. It’s is constructed to improve flow over the stock intake by 49% and features a high-flow airbox that retains fresh air intake for better air temps and flow. The intake is available with an oiled or dry washable filter manufactured for maximum performance in any environment. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMAI-RGR-19
Vintage Air Air Conditioning System Vintage Air has released its Gen IV SureFit air conditioning system for ‘73–‘79 Ford F-100 pickup trucks and ‘78–‘79 Broncos. This system is available as both a complete kit as well as an evaporator kit. The system employs a fully electronic microprocessor control system that eliminates cables or vacuum connections. The separate, parallel-flow copper heating coils and aluminum plate-and-fin cooling coils are designed to provide outstanding performance and infinite “just right” temperature air blends, blower fan speed adjustments, and high-volume dehumidified defrost. The kit also includes a three-lever, fully electronic LED backlit control panel that replaces the factory control panel. 800-862-6658 www.VintageAir.com PN: Vary
Design Engineering Heat Sheath GOLD Design Engineering introduces its Heat Sheath GOLD sleeve. It is available in five sizes and features a lock weave pattern. The sheath is manufactured to reflect direct heat up to 800 ̊ F. The sleeve is designed to protect components and keep them cool in the most demanding applications. The sheath also features a high-temperature hook-and-loop fastening system for secure installation. The sleeve is also available in custom dimensions. 800-264-9472 www.DesignEngineering.com PN: 010916
Hellwig Helper Springs Hellwig Suspension Products has released its helper springs for the 2020 Toyota Tundra, including two-wheel and four-wheel-drive models. The helper springs are designed to feature 2,000-lb. load-leveling capacity and to maintain level ride height and better overall driver control when the vehicle is loaded. The springs are engineered to improve vehicle control and safety by maintaining even weight distribution over the front and rear axles. 800-435-5944 www.hellwigproducts.com PN: 976
Edge Products CTS3 Back-up Camera Edge Products introduces its CTS3 back-up Camera. The camera is a designed for drivers who want to hook up to trailers with ease. The camera mode on the CTS3 products automatically engages when the vehicle goes into reverse (only on automatic applications when gear PID is an option) or if the user selects a camera icon from the top menu anytime. The kit includes a license plate mount, RCA to USB video signal adapter and night vision LEDs for optimal lighting. 888-360-3343 www.edgeproducts.com PN: 98203
Energy Suspension Dampener Energy Suspension announces the release of its Performance Polyurethane Bushing for the Honda CBR. The Dampeners are designed to provides the solution for smooth shifting and rider confidence. It is engineered to provide smooth shifting and reduces wear on drive components outlasting the OEM part equivalent for the life of the machine. The part fits the following Honda CBR models - 600F4 – 1000R – 900R and RVT51/RVT1000. 949-361-3935 www.energysuspension.com PN: 70.2002R

Here’s a prototype of the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor, which has all the markings of being driven on a dirty course, looks tough and imposing. The rear underpinnings still have drape-like camo to disguise the new coil-spring suspension system.

But perhaps even more notable is the fact that the new Raptor will be powered by a supercharged 5.2 V8 engine straight from the heart of the Shelby GT500, and will make between 725 and 750 hp, according to sources. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX at all costs. Rumbles of a V8 can clearly be heard under the hood.

Expect an official debut in early 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor, which has all the markings of being driven on a dirty course, looks tough and imposing. The rear underpinnings still have drape-like camo to disguise the new coil-spring suspension system.

But perhaps even more notable is the fact that the new Raptor will be powered by a supercharged 5.2 V8 engine straight from the heart of the Shelby GT500, and will make between 725 and 750 hp, according to sources. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX at all costs. Rumbles of a V8 can clearly be heard under the hood.

Expect an official debut in early 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor, which has all the markings of being driven on a dirty course, looks tough and imposing. The rear underpinnings still have drape-like camo to disguise the new coil-spring suspension system.

But perhaps even more notable is the fact that the new Raptor will be powered by a supercharged 5.2 V8 engine straight from the heart of the Shelby GT500, and will make between 725 and 750 hp, according to sources. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX at all costs. Rumbles of a V8 can clearly be heard under the hood.

Expect an official debut in early 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor, which has all the markings of being driven on a dirty course, looks tough and imposing. The rear underpinnings still have drape-like camo to disguise the new coil-spring suspension system.

But perhaps even more notable is the fact that the new Raptor will be powered by a supercharged 5.2 V8 engine straight from the heart of the Shelby GT500, and will make between 725 and 750 hp, according to sources. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX at all costs. Rumbles of a V8 can clearly be heard under the hood.

Expect an official debut in early 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype of the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor, which has all the markings of being driven on a dirty course, looks tough and imposing. The rear underpinnings still have drape-like camo to disguise the new coil-spring suspension system.

But perhaps even more notable is the fact that the new Raptor will be powered by a supercharged 5.2 V8 engine straight from the heart of the Shelby GT500, and will make between 725 and 750 hp, according to sources. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX at all costs. Rumbles of a V8 can clearly be heard under the hood.

Expect an official debut in early 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

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.

Marketing Assistant
Baja Designs is hiring a marketing assistant. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interest and past experience in digital marketing. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills are essential to this role. Experience with Google Adwords/PPC and paid social media advertising are a plus. Candidates must demonstrate high level of organization and attention to detail. Graphic editing/design abilities are also a huge plus.

Classic Car Mechanic
City Classic Cars is hiring a highly experienced SEMA custom car builder/hot-rod mechanic with experience working in a professional shop setting. Candidates must be knowledgeable in automotive repair, including electrical, suspension, brakes (drum and disc), powertrain, chassis, steering, driveability and functionality. Fabrication and welding are a plus. Candidates also must be familiar with working on older model vehicles.

Supply Chain Director
Coker Tire Company is hiring a supply chain director responsible for managing the company’s supply chain networks and logistics strategy. The candidate will play a crucial role in developing and maintaining good relationships with strategic supply partners and vendors, along with helping drive alignment and synchronicity within sales, supply chain, manufacturing and customer Service functions to continually deliver solid financial results and meet/exceed customer service levels. An important aspect of this position will be instituting a more formal and structured approach to the sales, inventory and operations planning (SI&OP) process, which includes but is not limited to managing regular and timely communication across the organization and facilitating SI&OP meetings at pre-set frequency and regularity.

By Ashley Reyes

Robert Simons

Robert Simons, president of Automotive Consulting Services Inc., is the latest ETTN member to share his insight on how his company is pivoting during the pandemic and utilizing technology to keep business moving forward in his recent interview with the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN).

Get to know Simons’ unique perspective on new remote work opportunities, and what technology tools he has leaned on recently as a result of the economic downturn.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?

Robert Simons: While some clients have gone quiet during the shutdown, new ones have come on board. They’re seeing the value in the utilization of consultants when adding full-time employees is risky in this time of uncertainty.

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

RS: With travel options being limited, we are doing more over the phone and through web-conferencing tools.

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

RS: More remote work opportunities. As companies get comfortable with remote work and online meetings, the need for all employees to come into the office every day will be reduced. Also, as companies learn to operate lean, the use of outside consulting services should increase as a low-commitment, high-value resource. 

Register for ETTN’s Industry Talks: Back to Business virtual panel discussion on “Pivoting in a Pandemic: Technologies to Move us Forward” on September 4. Additional updates and resources to assist ETTN members get back to business are available at www.sema.org/reopen.  

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight.