By Ashley Reyes

Competition can be fierce in the fast-paced automotive aftermarket, so motorsports parts manufacturers who create quality media partnerships often gain an edge in connecting with customers.

Taking place January 30-February 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites-Anaheim South in Southern California, the 2024 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is the ideal event for members to meet with media who can promote their brand to mass audiences.  

By registering to exhibit, manufacturers of racing and performance parts can schedule more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings with media reps during a span of three days. The meetings are held in private suites and provide a convenient way for manufacturers to share detailed information about their products or developments in their company. Attending media represent a range of outlets, from print, online, and video/television to radio, podcasts and social-media content creators. 

"Tailoring your media outreach is a great way to instill trust in your customers and makes them more likely to choose your brand over competitors," said MPMC Council Liason Marcy Yanus. "We're excited to host this iconic program that helps our members generate interest and excitement that can drive their business growth." 

Registration is open until September 30, 2023. Manufacturers can sign up to exhibit here, or send their questions to MPMC Council Liason Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Andrew Hodgson, executive vice president at Timbren Industries, as the network's newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Hodgson in his interview with SEMA News below.

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

Andrew Hodgson: Take care of people and have the best product available. This has shaped how we treat our customers and team members. It has driven us to keep testing and developing until we create the best suspension products on the market. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

AH: My grandfather, Arnold Heron, started Timbren, so I've grown up around the business and have a strong sense of family legacy, which definitely keeps me around. But more than that, it's the people in this industry and the relationships I've made over the past 14 years that keep me coming back for more. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

AH: In the winter, you can find me on a snowboard somewhere. In the summer, it's all about mountain biking or being by the lake with family. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

AH: Do my homework, know who I'm talking to and the nature of the meeting, and show up ready to be an active contributor, not just a bump-on-a-log. I do this when meeting with direct reports as well as anyone I report too. My goal is to be a value-add, not an energy-suck. Showing up ready and prepped is all the difference. 

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

AH: I'd love to sit down with Henry Ford and talk about everything from leadership and vision to designing the first Model T. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By the SEMA Washington D.C. office

New economic data released shows the significant impact that the specialty equipment aftermarket for motor vehicles has on America's economy--and just what it means for people across the country.

Amid the ongoing United Auto Workers strike at the Big Three car manufacturers, the report provides compelling data that the specialty automotive aftermarket is robust, despite the challenging economic environment.

SEMA commissioned the research, which was conducted by John Dunham & Associates and based on 2023 U.S. economy data. SEMA represents more than 7,000 member businesses, the vast majority being small businesses, across the United States. The industry manufactures, sells and distributes aftermarket performance and accessory parts for passenger cars, trucks and 4-wheel off-road vehicles.

The "SEMA Economic Impact Report" shows the financial output and support to the U.S. economy of the specialty-equipment market.

There are several key findings in the report:

• Nationwide, the specialty-equipment industry supports more than 1.3 million American jobs.
• More than $104 billion worth of wages and benefits earned by American workers annually are supported by the industry.
• The industry accounts for more than $40 billion in taxes, including $24 billion in federal taxes and $16 billion in state and local taxes), which support the development of critical national and local infrastructure.
• The industry contributes more than $336 billion to the American economy annually.

These businesses employ more than twice the number of people as the U.S. aircraft industry and more people than the entire motion picture and video production industry. The aftermarket industry helps small businesses to grow, create new jobs and hire more workers, and builds partnerships that expand local economies across the United States.

This economic impact study complements the industry's annual market report on consumer trends. Consumers spent $52 billion on specialty automotive aftermarket products in 2022.

SEMA has released an interactive map that provides users with state-by-state, congressional and state-house and senate data in addition to the national numbers.

"We're extremely proud that our industry represents such a key part of America's economy, affecting any motorist who has upgraded their vehicle for a host of needs," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA's president and CEO. "SEMA's 7,000-plus members, which are primarily small businesses and the more than one million workers in the specialty aftermarket, are extraordinary contributors to making the United States and local economies stronger across the country. It's an industry that, one way or another, everyone has a stake in. It provides people with good-paying jobs, and our local, state and federal coffers with taxes that grow our country's economy. SEMA's ecosystem is a powerhouse economic engine driving positive change, innovation and opportunity to America's big cities and small towns, working families and small businesses. The specialty-equipment aftermarket has proven to be a vibrant industry that delivers economic support to all 50 states."

By the SEMA Washington D.C. office

New economic data released shows the significant impact that the specialty equipment aftermarket for motor vehicles has on America's economy--and just what it means for people across the country.

Amid the ongoing United Auto Workers strike at the Big Three car manufacturers, the report provides compelling data that the specialty automotive aftermarket is robust, despite the challenging economic environment.

SEMA commissioned the research, which was conducted by John Dunham & Associates and based on 2023 U.S. economy data. SEMA represents more than 7,000 member businesses, the vast majority being small businesses, across the United States. The industry manufactures, sells and distributes aftermarket performance and accessory parts for passenger cars, trucks and 4-wheel off-road vehicles.

The "SEMA Economic Impact Report" shows the financial output and support to the U.S. economy of the specialty-equipment market.

There are several key findings in the report:

• Nationwide, the specialty-equipment industry supports more than 1.3 million American jobs.
• More than $104 billion worth of wages and benefits earned by American workers annually are supported by the industry.
• The industry accounts for more than $40 billion in taxes, including $24 billion in federal taxes and $16 billion in state and local taxes), which support the development of critical national and local infrastructure.
• The industry contributes more than $336 billion to the American economy annually.

These businesses employ more than twice the number of people as the U.S. aircraft industry and more people than the entire motion picture and video production industry. The aftermarket industry helps small businesses to grow, create new jobs and hire more workers, and builds partnerships that expand local economies across the United States.

This economic impact study complements the industry's annual market report on consumer trends. Consumers spent $52 billion on specialty automotive aftermarket products in 2022.

SEMA has released an interactive map that provides users with state-by-state, congressional and state-house and senate data in addition to the national numbers.

"We're extremely proud that our industry represents such a key part of America's economy, affecting any motorist who has upgraded their vehicle for a host of needs," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA's president and CEO. "SEMA's 7,000-plus members, which are primarily small businesses and the more than one million workers in the specialty aftermarket, are extraordinary contributors to making the United States and local economies stronger across the country. It's an industry that, one way or another, everyone has a stake in. It provides people with good-paying jobs, and our local, state and federal coffers with taxes that grow our country's economy. SEMA's ecosystem is a powerhouse economic engine driving positive change, innovation and opportunity to America's big cities and small towns, working families and small businesses. The specialty-equipment aftermarket has proven to be a vibrant industry that delivers economic support to all 50 states."

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has selected six member companies to compete in its PRO Cup Challenge at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31 to November 3 in Las Vegas.

The '22 Toyota Rav4 XLE built by Automotion Customs won the 2022 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge with an accessory package that is easy to replicate and ideal for new-car dealers to add mass consumer appeal to their inventory.

The PRO Cup Challenge, now in its fourth year, is a competition that pits restyler against restyler to develop an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that is profitable and easy to replicate. The competition promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks by having the automotive restyled builds featured in the PRO Booth during the week of the SEMA Show. This year's competing companies and vehicles are: 

• Apex Customs: '24 Ford Mustang GT
• Auto Sunroof & Leather: '24 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
• RDM Builds: '23 Jeep Gladiator Willys
• Restylers Aftermarket Specialist: '23 GMC Sierra 1500
• Top Coverage LTD: '23 Ford Ranger XLT
• VIP Distributing: '23 GMC Yukon Denali XL

Attendees of the SEMA Show are encouraged to visit the PRO Booth--located in West Hall, Booth #50185--to view the vehicles on display. Here, attendees will get to witness the eye-catching vehicle packages that were built by PRO member companies, walk away with ideas to accessorize their own vehicles and be able to vote for their favorite build to win the PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award. 

Judges will determine the PRO Cup Challenge winning vehicle, a separate award, based on how easy the vehicle is to replicate and its estimated profit to automotive restyling companies and dealerships. 

Industry members are invited to attend the winner announcement of both awards during PRO's Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in the LVCC West Hall, Booth #50185.

Each vehicle will be highlighted on PRO's social media leading up to the Show. Follow PRO social media to see what's in store: 

• Follow PRO on Facebook
• Follow PRO on Instagram
• Follow PRO on LinkedIn

By SEMA Editors

Business members attending the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, can enhance their experience and enjoy a range of exclusive perks by visiting one of three SEMA Business Member Lounges strategically located throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The member lounges, situated in the North Hall (Room N251), West Hall (Booth #58051), and Upper South Hall (Booth #34000), are designed to provide SEMA Business Members with a go-to stop for convenience and connection during the bustling SEMA Show. 

Here's why the lounges are a must-visit for member attendees:

1. Networking Hub: SEMA Business Members can host important meetings with industry leaders and business partners in the comfort of these exclusive lounges. It's the ideal setting for meaningful connections and discussions.
2. Tech and Connectivity: Need to stay connected? The lounges offer internet and printer services, ensuring that you're always equipped with the tools to stay productive during the event.
3. Charging Stations: Don't let your devices run out of juice while capturing all of the jaw-dropping automotive moments at the show. Charging stations are available to keep your gadgets powered up.
4. Complimentary Coffee: Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee to recharge yourself while exploring the SEMA Show.
5. On-Site Grab 'N' Go: Say goodbye to hunger pit-stops. The lounges offer delicious food options for purchase, allowing you to refuel before hitting the Show floor again.

The member lounges are the perfect place to unwind, connect with industry peers, and make the most of your SEMA Show experience.

If you're interested in securing a meeting room within one of these lounges or want to learn more about SEMA membership benefits, don't hesitate to contact the dedicated Membership Team at 909-610-2030 or via email at members@sema.org.

*Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.

By SEMA Editors

Registration is open for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) sessions during the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. RDE sessions at the SEMA Show take place Monday, October 30, through Thursday, November 2, in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). 

Take advantage of discounted SCRS session pricing options available for those who register online before Friday, September 29 at bit.ly/RDE2023. 

Attendees who have secured their SEMA badges (more details on that, below) can purchase the SCRS Full Series Pass, which is currently discounted at $375 and increases to $425 after Friday, September 29. 

The SCRS Full Series Pass (FSP) presents the best value in accessing SCRS education and the greatest flexibility to Show attendees. It acts as an "all access" pass to all of the SCRS educational offerings during the SEMA Show, including entry to the IDEAS Collide Showcase (Monday, October 30), one regular session in each available RDE time slot (Tuesday, October 31 and Wednesday, November 1), all three sessions of the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit (Thursday, November 2) and one ticket to the SCRS Sky Villa afterparty (Thursday, November 2 evening).  

To register for a SCRS FSP, click here. Note that the FSP does not include access to other paid courses or events not offered by SCRS. 

To explore the Repairer Driven Education track in greater depth or add sessions to your Show Planner, visit SCRS: Repairer Driven Education on the SEMA Show Planner. 

The 2023 Repairer Driven Education series is made possible with support from BASF, AirPro Diagnostics, Car-O-Liner, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Enterprise, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc., Toyota Certified Collision Centers, AASP, AkzoNobel, Celette, Repairify, Spanesi and SEMA. 

For more information about SCRS or to join as a member, visit scrs.com or contact 877-841-0660 or info@scrs.com.

Register for the 2023 SEMA Show

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register! And, it’s never too early to start your SEMA Show plan. Create a customized schedule, view the floor plan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app. 

By SEMA Editors

The Wheel Group (TWG), the Ontario, California-based global aftermarket wheel, tire and automotive accessory supplier, has announced Dean Rossi as its new CFO. 

Rossi's career began at Arthur Andersen in New York City and continued at Deloitte. He later transitioned to IBM, where he served in a technical accounting role and specialized in acquisition diligence and business model evaluation, leading to his relocation to California. Rossi later moved to 4Over, a private founder-led printing distribution business where he built and led finance and accounting teams, successfully orchestrated acquisitions and ultimately facilitated the sale of the business.

"Dean's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for The Wheel Group. We're confident that his expertise will set the stage for unprecedented organic growth and supercharge our acquisition efforts. Together, we're poised to achieve remarkable success in our industry," said Wade Kawasaki, executive chairman of TWG.

For more information, visit thewheelgroup.com.

Ford Announces New Track School for Owners of the Seventh-Generation Mustang

Owners of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang will be able to enjoy a range of new experiences in 2024, from on-track driving courses led by some of the world's best high-performance driving instructors to new lifestyle events and an online portal to connect with Mustang owners from across the country.

"The Ford Mustang is all about two things: its community of passionate fans and racing. We're combining those qualities and giving owners the opportunity to learn some of the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year," said Matt Simpson, general manager for Enthusiast Vehicles. "And they'll do so alongside their fellow enthusiasts."

Mustang Dark Horse Track Attack at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be offered to owners of Mustang Dark Horse--the most track-capable and powerful 5.0 L V8 street-legal Mustang ever.

Boasting a near 3:1 attendee-to-instructor ratio, Mustang Dark Horse owners will receive personal attention on the skid pad, autocross and Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, and the experience comes included with the purchase of the Mustang Dark Horse (not including transportation and lodging).

In addition, Ford is offering a driving event at the Ford Performance Racing School at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will give Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT owners the option to select from drift instruction, track driving, line-lock burnout classes, and more.

A new digital portal creates an online point of entry to the Mustang fandom, allowing owners to learn, engage and interact with fellow fans. A series of roving, cross-country events in 10 U.S. markets will include on major automotive, lifestyle and motorsports events. This will provide owners with an in-person opportunity to interact with other Mustang fans.

For more information, visit the Ford announcement or visit ford.com.

By SEMA Editors

Tickets are now available for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, two-day outdoor festival to be held Friday, November 3-Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, that brings together automotive enthusiasts, the biggest names in music and the hottest automotive brands in a large-scale festival format. The prized SEMA Ignited event has evolved into a bigger and more exciting two-day event now known as SEMA Fest, which will give consumers a chance to participate in an automotive and music experience like none other! It's a must-attend event that's open to the public and features incredible automotive and motorsports activations the SEMA crowd is used to, like the following:

• Nitro Circus, the provider of some of the biggest and raddest events in action sports.
• Formula DRIFT, the high-skilled, high-powered sport of drifting.
• Ride With Us, the not-for-profit organization that spreads the thrill of motorcycle riding to the community.

Not only that, SEMA Fest is also headlined by world-class musical acts Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk the Moon, Ludacris, The Struts, Badflower, Chase Matthew, Meg Meyers, Ayron Jones, Rome & Duddy, renforshort, Starcrawler, Dead Sara, Bones UK, Brooke Alexx, Paper Idol, The Foxies, Good Boy Daisy and Hot Crazy.

SEMA Fest, open to all ages of the public, will unite automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry "in a high-octane and immersive festival-like celebration of car culture." The event will feature a full slate of automotive lifestyle events, including world-class drifting, motorsports competitions, freestyle motocross, off-road demonstrations, ride-and-drive activations, craft foods and a bustling consumer marketplace. 

Whether you're a diehard car enthusiast, a motorsports fan, a music lover or just like to have a good time, SEMA Fest is an event not to miss. 

The inaugural SEMA Fest marks the conclusion of SEMA Week, which kicks off with the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31–November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

SEMA Fest: Ticketing and Admission

Admissions to SEMA Fest can be purchased at five distinct levels:

• 2-Day General Admission (all ages): $179, which allows access to all General Admission areas, including the SEMA Fest Marketplace, motorsports activations, headlining talent on two stages, and food and beverages are available for purchase.
• 2-Day General Admission PLUS (all ages): $229, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admissions as well as access to mobile phone charging stations, upgraded restroom facilities, and limited paid lockers to secure your personal belongings.
• SEMA Show Friday Festival Experience (ages 16+): $299, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS as well as access to the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Friday Festival Experience offers the ultimate bucket-list enthusiast experience like no other event on the planet. It's the best place to see the newest automotive performance products and discover the latest product and vehicle trends before anyone else.
• SEMA Fest VIP (all ages): $349, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS admissions as well as exclusive access to a VIP viewing area with premium sightlines, VIP food and beverages for purchase and VIP washrooms.
• SEMA Fest VIP and SEMA Show Friday Package (ages 16+): $469, which includes access to all the features of SEMA VIP admissions as well as access to the SEMA Show floor on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Keep an eye out for more details on the SEMA Fest ticket rewards program. To purchase tickets and receive the latest SEMA Fest updates, visit semafest.com.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has published a SEMA-opposed regulation that, if approved, would adopt California's latest motor-vehicle emissions laws through 2032 and require that 80% of new-vehicle sales be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by that date. New Mexico has historically followed California's tailpipe laws. 

Click here to submit comments to NMED by November 13, 2023. 

SEMA believes that New Mexicans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels, and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.    

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.