SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learning through new and engaging webinars.
Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.
Wednesday, April 14 – Facebook Live Chat Featuring Chris Blair, presented by SEMA YEN
Track: Industry Talks
Tune in to a Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, executive vice president and general manager of World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR). Since joining WWTR in 2012, Blair has overseen the growth and development of the once-shuttered St. Louis track from a 150-acre, racing-only complex to a multi-purpose entertainment venue in excess of 600 acres. As host of the Facebook Live, Blair will discuss steps racetracks have taken to overcome the state lockdowns and their plans moving forward.
Wednesday, April 21 – Tire Knowledge 301: Common Causes of Balancing Process Errors and How to Avoid Them
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC
Understanding causes for vehicle vibration and the mechanics of balanced vs. unbalanced tires is critical for helping tire professionals ensure their customers have a smooth ride, even tire wear and proper tire weight distribution around their vehicle. Learn about the common causes of balancing process errors, how to avoid them and best practices to minimize customer vibration complaints.
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Series: Perfecting Your Job Search Series, Powered by the SBN
An interview may be the most important step of a job search. At this point, the prospective employer has already reviewed you résumé, determined that you meet their qualifications and has picked you as one of their top candidates. Get tips and tricks from HR professionals on what to do and what to avoid in an interview in order to secure the job offer. This one-hour interactive program will give participants confidence and strategies for a successful job interview.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Tiffany Dorin as the latest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. Dorin is a national sales manager at Battery Biz Inc., an employee-owned automotive aftermarket company focused on the design, manufacturing and marketing of high-quality power products.
Dorin has been with the company for two years and attributes following up and following through, relationship building and her desire to learn as the three qualities that got her to where she is today. Learn more about Dorin in her Q&A with SEMA.
SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?
Tiffany Dorin: I’ve been in the automotive aftermarket industry for almost 16 years now, starting at a small local tint and accessories/motorsports shop. I had no idea what I was doing, but quickly learned that I loved being in sales and eventually moved on to work for the company I was buying my product from—Keystone Automotive!
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?
TD: My initial experiences as a woman in this industry were less than ideal and being very young didn’t help. They first started when I worked retail, and customers (men) would come into the shop and look around for a male to help them. When I would ask if they needed help, they would ask if there was someone else there that could help. It took proving to them that I knew what I was doing (usually by one of the techs coming up front to tell them that I would be able to help) before they would even give me a chance. When I went to work wholesale in a call center, men would blatantly tell me to “put a man on the phone” when I answered their calls. Being a sales assistant at the time, their male salesperson would then transfer their call back to me after telling them that I would be the best person to help them. They eventually began asking for me instead, and I was eventually promoted.
Those experiences sum up the biggest challenges: credibility, respect, appreciation and equality. Women have to put in so much extra work and proof in order to gain others’ trust and respect in this industry (or in general) before they are seen as equals to their male counterparts. The reward and biggest accomplishment is being in a place of mutual respect, knowing it has been fully earned. Though I appreciate the progress made over the last 10-15 years, we have a long way to go, and I am excited to be a part of it.
Tiffany Dorin is a national sales manager
at Battery Biz Inc., an employee-owned
automotive aftermarket company focused
on the design, manufacturing and
marketing of high-quality power
products.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?
TD: My first boss at the local retail shop believed in me. I walked in there not knowing a single thing about automotive (I had only even been driving for a couple years), but he provided me the tools, resources and patience to learn.
Since leaving there, I have worked with and for amazing people who also believed in me and coached me along the way. Fred Petrivelli and Chance Mercure (Keystone) were two of the best bosses I’ve ever had, and I will forever be grateful for their support and guidance. My current mentor from a sales perspective is my current boss David Apsley. His experience and knowledge is astounding to me, and in a short period, he has taught me so much.
When I worked in the call center, I remember women like Jenna Jefferies, Lee (McGuire) Riser, Melanie (Hellwig) White, and Laurel Dasher coming in for product training, and I thought it was amazing to have these accomplished, intelligent, confident women to learn from and watch grow in the industry. I knew then that I wanted to be like them.
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?
TD: The best career advice I have received is to be willing to take risks. If you know me, you know that my comfortable processes are calculated, strategic, structured and more often than not on the cautious side. The encouragement to be more open to taking risks has helped me become comfortable with the possibility of a setback or failure in making tough decisions. I often stop to ask myself, “What's the worst that could happen if I take this risk?” And it usually isn’t all that bad.
SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
TD: I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started working at the small local automotive shop. I thought it was just a temporary part-time job just out of high school and never imagined being here more than 15 years later. I wouldn’t claim to be passionate about vehicles necessarily, but my passion for the industry has and continues to grow because I truly love what I do and who I am surrounded by. More than anything, the people and their contagious drive and passion keeps me here.
Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.
Join the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) as it hosts a Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, executive vice president and general manager of World Wide Technology Raceway, Wednesday, April 14, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Blair has a unique background, which includes serving as director of event development for PACE Motorsports (now Feld Entertainment), where he developed and produced events, including AMA Supercross, Monster Jam, Arenacross, air shows and truck-and-tractor pulling. He has also served as the director of NHRA’s Northwest Division, overseeing production of drag-racing events in four northwestern states and three Canadian provinces, and was vice president of racing operations for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
In his current role with WWTR, Blair has led the growth and development of the once-shuttered St. Louis track from a 150-acre, racing-only complex to a multi-purpose entertainment venue in excess of 600 acres. As host of the Facebook Live, Blair will discuss steps racetracks have taken to overcome the state lockdowns and their plans moving forward. Participants will be able communicate with Blair live, tap into his expertise and get their questions answered in real time.
“Carr Parts” is dedicated to builders. It's about quick tips and tricks and the newest must-have products. It's about visiting with a fellow builder, walking around their project and getting an up-close look at their handiwork. It's also about our industry sharing their passion for turning a wrench and taking time to give advice to fellow gearheads. Episode Seven features JW Montoya talking about inspecting the hubs on his truck.
For more information about other talented young builders visit SEMA's Young Guns www.semayoungguns.com.
SEMA’s video team is currently in production on future episodes of “Carr Parts“ and we’d love to hear from you. Do you have a tip, trick or advice you can share with our audience? Drop us a note at marketing@semaignited.com and we’ll connect with you.
We can't wait to find the next guest for “Carr Parts.” And finally...keep building.
The SDC Data Excellence recognizes the companies that have worked with SDC to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SDC members that have achieved data excellence.
HushMat
’82–’92 Chevrolet Camaro Kit
Sound-deadening and thermal-insulation material is designed to make every type of vehicle cool, quiet and comfortable to drive and enjoy. HushMat is an easy-to-install, USA-made material that molds, forms and adheres to your vehicle’s surface. No tools, glues and or special equipment needed to install HushMat; simply peel and stick.
HushMat has invested thousands of hours over the past 15 years measuring vehicles to create a year-, make-, model-specific portfolio of 365,000 part numbers. HushMat insulates firewall, floor pan, tunnel, doors, roof and trunk. HushMat even provides installation templates to show where each piece is placed.
Oracle Lighting
Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT
Oracle Lighting launched new rear bumper LED reverse lights. Unsatisfied with the visibility of your Jeep Gladiator reverse lighting when backing up at night? Then replace the factory bumper reflectors with high-output replacement auxiliary LED reverse lights from Oracle Lighting. Designed for function and durability, these lights feature an aluminum housing with PMMA lens while also maintaining the rear reflector function with a scaled-down version integrated into the housing. Scheduled to release April 20, 2021.
Engineered to “Activate More Grip,” sway bars are principally designed to reduce body roll or sway. By reducing body roll, lateral loads are spread more evenly across the tires thereby increasing cornering grip and improving outright performance. This Whiteline sway bar equals more grip, equals better handling, equals outright performance. Benefits extend to improvements in handling, safety and tire wear without affecting ride quality or comfort.
SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
Oracle Lighting
Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT
Oracle Lighting announced the launch of the new Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT (PN: 5878-504). Scheduled to release April 20, the new reverse lights have an MSRP of $149.95 per pair. Replace the factory bumper reflectors with Oracle’s high-output auxiliary LED reverse lights. The design seamlessly integrates into the bumper's reflector area to provide more than 1,500 additional lumens when backing up.
Designed for function and durability, the lights feature an aluminum housing with PMMA lens, while also maintaining the rear reflector function with a scaled-down version integrated into the housing. These compact lights pack a big punch with a total of 30 high-powered LEDs to improve your Gladiator’s reverse visibility. The lights come ready to install out of the box, ensuring that you will have rear visibility in your Jeep Gladiator when it matters. Installation uses factory mounting hardware, and the lights tie into the rear light wiring with the included T-taps or with the optional Plug-and-Play adapter (PN: 5881-504) for even easier installation.
Additional features and specifications include:
Connects to existing reverse light power source without error code.
Integrated rear reflector for OE appearance and function.
Total of 30 high-powered LEDs with 3,000 raw Lumen output.
Aluminum housing with black powdercoat finish.
Optic-focused beam pattern for an extended field of view.
Milwaukee Tool is adding Knee Pads to its personal protective equipment offering. The new Knee Pad Lineup comes in a variety of cap styles, including Free-Flex, Hard Cap Gel, Performance, Non-Marring Performance and Stabilizer Performance. These solutions are thoughtfully designed to provide all-day comfort on the jobsite and are EN14404 tested.
Free-Flex Knee Pads: The Free-Flex Knee Pads are constructed with a lightweight, comfortable foam that allows users to easily move around the jobsite. They are built with a water-resistant cap and adjustable straps for easy and quick size adjustments.
Hard Cap Gel Knee Pads: The Hard Cap Gel Knee Pads are built with a secure gel zone to provide better comfort and create a contoured fit to the user’s knees. Constructed with thick comfortable foam and durable caps, these knee pads are designed for extended wear and can withstand a variety of surfaces.
Performance Knee Pads: The Performance Knee Pads provide maximum comfort and deliver the longest life. These knee pads are constructed with pressure-reducing foam that maintains its shape for extended wear and layered gel that absorbs pressure and supports the knee for all-day kneeling. To withstand changing jobsite conditions, the knee pads are complete with a robust, durable cap. Non-Marring Performance Knee Pads are also available for applications on sensitive surfaces.
Stabilizer Performance Knee Pads: The Stabilizer Performance Knee Pads are equipped with large flat caps, making them the most stable knee pads for working in stationary locations and layered gel that absorbs pressure to support the knee during all-day kneeling. These knee pads are built with a hinged thigh strap for better mobility, allowing the user to easily move around the jobsite.
Dana Incorporated
Ultimate Dana Kingpin Knuckle Kits
Dana Incorporated launched its new Ultimate Dana Kingpin Knuckle Kits
in conjunction with the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Only available from Dana, the kits include all of the top-quality components required to install a kingpin assembly for more robust off-road performance on Jeep vehicles.
The kits feature an updated knuckle design that delivers added strength to the axle while improving turning radius and steering. Available for Jeep JK, JL and JT models, the Ultimate Dana kingpin knuckle kits are the newest addition to the Dana builder axle program.
The 2021 Easter Jeep Safari was held March 27–April 4, in Moab, Utah. Dana had six of its branded vehicles on-site, including the Jeep vehicle, which has been upgraded with the Ultimate Dana Kingpin Knuckle. In addition, Dana was the official sponsor of three of the Easter Jeep Safari trails, and members of the Dana sales and engineering teams were on site to interact with Jeep owners and answer questions about Dana products.
PPE (Pacific Performance Engineering)
304 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust Systems for GM and Ford
The 304 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust Systems is for drivers who want their trucks to sound better and get better performance, while not being annoying to drive day-to-day. This kit offers a mellow interior tone with an aggressive sound on the exterior.
Easy to install, the kits use the factory hangers and clear the factory-mounted spare tire. A single, 3-in. inlet pipe splits into two, 2.5-in. over-axle tailpipes after the stainless steel muffler containing reinforced internal baffles. Exhaust then exits the two large-diameter stainless-steel tips. Tips are available in a ceramic-coated black or polished finish. A fully polished kit with brightly polished tubes, muffler and tips is also available.
Features
304 stainless steel exhaust tubes and mufflers available in raw or polished finish.
Tips available in ceramic coated black or fully polished.
Easy, bolt-on upgrade.
Complete with all fasteners, 304 stainless-steel clamps and hangers.
Billet timing pointer and degree wheel for SB and BB Chevy, including supercharged engines. Timing degree wheel is only 1/16-in. thick, with a diameter of 7 in. Add 0.050 thousands thick in spacing, black anodized and Lazer Etched degree wheel installs between the first V- pulley and the crank hub. Provides marks every 2 degrees, with larger marks every 10 degrees. Using this degree wheel and application-specific pointer eases the chore of setting the ignition timing.
Website: www.blowerdriveservice.com
PN: CH-3199KB Timing Pointer and Crank Hub Degree Ring Kit (BB)
PN: CH-3199KS Timing Pointer and Crank Hub Degree Ring Kit (SB)
Champion
Red Poly-7 Racing Grease
Champion Brands has recently introduced a professional-grade Poly-7 Red Racing Grease for high-speed competition and racing applications.
Champion Poly-7 Red Racing Grease (PN: 4053T/40 -14 oz.) is red in color, a NLGI #2 classification, tacky, multi-purpose, and high-temperature grease that incorporates polymer technology, premium additive technology, hydro-treated base oils, calcium sulfonate, and a lithium complex thickening system. Its unique chemistry prevents melting and breakdown of the grease at temperatures more than 500°F.
These additive and polymer technologies ensure for the racer maximum lubricity, adhesion, resistance to water wash-out and defiance to sling-off. Strong tackiness additives keep this grease in place under high pitch line speeds, and provide ease of application.
The all-new, redesigned L5P Duramax Pulsar V3, with the addition of an industry-leader in digital gauges provides a potent power-plus-visibility combo. The Insight CTS3 has a high-res, 5-in. color touch screen with full swipe capability and edge-to-edge graphics. When the Pulsar V3 and the CTS3 Insight are paired, users gain full control over the Pulsar, including power-level adjustment, transmission-slip protection on/off, EGT backdown adjustment, high-idle adjustment, throttle-sensitivity adjustment and more.
Every month witnesses the release of hundreds of new products across every segment of the specialty-equipment aftermarket. This is especially true for trucks, SUVs and Jeeps, which have remained a vibrant and expanding market sector in spite of the pandemic and feature a steady stream of new releases aimed at improving a truck’s performance and functionality. Featured on these pages are a few of the most recent new-product announcements that have found their way to our inbox.
Elka Suspension
3-in.-Lift 2.5 Reservoir Shock Kit for Ford F-150s
Elka’s new Reservoir Shock Kit for ’14–’19 F-150s features an external reservoir with increased oil volume for cooler operating temperatures. The 2.5 Reservoir Shocks provide better performance and consistency for a comfortable yet highly capable ride. The rear shocks are piggyback configuration for easy installation. Like all Elka products, they are also fully rebuildable and easy to service. Suggested MSRP is $3,099.98 for all four shocks.
Meyer Products
Ram- and Jeep-Licensed Plows and Spreaders
Meyer Products now offers Jeep and Ram owners and enthusiasts a full line of Ram- or Jeep-licensed snowplows and spreaders. All plows and spreaders will be engineered and manufactured in the United States and will be available at local participating Ram and Jeep dealerships. The Drive Pro pictured here is a lightweight, high-strength-steel, commercial-grade plow that is designed to provide optimal maneuverability in small commercial lots and driveways. It attaches or detaches with the pull of one handle, and it comes standard with a snow deflector and Nite Saber III lights.
Curt Group
2.5-in. Shank for Class 5 Trailer Hitches
CURT Group has expanded its Rebellion XD cushion hitch line to include 2.5-in. shank options and several new accessories to accommodate Class 5 receiver hitches. Curt Group has also added dual-ball options for 2-in. shanks (coming soon) and 2.5-in. receivers, accommodating 2- or 25/16-in. couplers and up to 15,000- and 20,000-lb. GTWR, respectively. The company has also added a pintle mount with standard holes to accept any of its pintle hooks or ball-and-pintle combos.
Westin’s Pro-Series Front Bumper for the ’14–’21 4Runner features a distinctive low-profile bumper that retains the OEM factory styling while adding a winch-capable platform engineered to accommodate virtually any 8,000- to 12,000-lb. winch. The bumper is constructed of a 10-gauge steel outer shell and a heavy-duty four-gauge center section. It also features large winch-area access holes for easier winch access and operation, and it provides two additional recovery/mounting points for shackles or ropes.
Warn Industries announces the release of its modular Trans4mer mounting system for the ’19–’20 Ram HD gen III and ’20 Ford Super Duty. The kit is designed to retain the factory front bumper. The kits are constructed of heavy-gauge steel with a durable black powdercoated finish engineered to protect against corrosion. The base winch mounting kit is required and includes brackets and a winch carrier. They also include J-hooks for increased recovery options and provisions to mount lights.
SmartCap has released its EVOa Adventure line for most late-model midsize trucks. The world’s first flat packable truck cap, SmartCap ships to your home or dealership in as little as 24 hours. Built to withstand abuse off-road or on the job site, the fully configurable EVOa comes with double-walled, stainless-steel gullwing doors and interior MOLLE panels. The cap will hold 330 lbs. when moving on the road, and 770 lbs. when stationary.
Diablosport announces the release of its Sprint Auto/Stop Start disabler on late-model Ford F-150s. The 3.5L Eco-Boost, the 5.0L V8 and the 3.0L diesel are supported. Plug in the disabler into the OBD-II port and it should stop the Auto Start/Stop feature indefinitely as long as it remains plugged into the vehicle. To revert to stock, simply unplug the disabler.
Quadratec
Driver-Side Dead Pedal for ’18—’21 Wrangler JLs and Gladiator JTs
Add a piece of functional style to the interior of your Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT with the Driver Side Dead Pedal. The pedal is constructed using 304 stainless steel and installs easily to factory locations using the supplied hardware. The large 9.84x3-in. surface makes for the perfect spot to rest your foot and will help with leg fatigue on long trips. No drilling or modifications are required. Adjustable to fit most factory and aftermarket floor liners. (Automatic transmissions only.)
Flowmaster introduces its FlowFX cat-back exhaust system for the ’07–’14 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The system is manufactured using 409 stainless steel throughout and features 2.50-in. mandrel bent pipes for better exhaust gas flow and a FlowFX “straight-through” muffler designed for better sound and maximum performance. The system is finished off with a 3.50-in.-diameter black ceramic-coated 304S stainless-steel tip. The system uses all the existing factory hanger locations and includes installation instructions and all necessary hardware for an easy installation.
Given the stubborn persistence of COVID-19, increasing numbers of firms are turning to teams software, which helps organize groups and enhances their communications, to ensure that their managers and staff can work virtually for the foreseeable future. Indeed, Google (a key player in teams software) has decided that nearly all of its 200,000 employees and contract employees will be working remotely through July 2021.
“The virtual work phenomenon is here to stay, and it’s only going to involve more people over time,” said Jeanne MacDonald, president of Global RPO Solutions for Korn Ferry.
Fortunately, businesses of all sizes have a cornucopia of teams software to choose from to guarantee that their remote workers can easily communicate with one another, quickly get together for group audio or video calls, or even collaborate on a long-term project that might last months or years. The good news is that teams software can actually increase productivity when leveraged expertly.
Specifically, a study of worker productivity at businesses in March and April 2020 (during which many were relying on remote workers) found that productivity increased 47% (https://bwnews.pr/2RQ19vC).
“The common assumption is that remote workers are less productive than those who are in a traditional office, but our ability to capture, integrate and analyze workplace data shows otherwise,” said Crisantos Hajibrahim, chief product officer for Prodoscore, the company that conducted the study.
More than 100 teams software platforms in varying configurations are currently competing for your business, according to Capterra, an online software review firm (www.capterra.com/collaboration-software).
Most are designed to offer managers and staff a quick and easy way to check in, communicate and collaborate on projects in a shared virtual space.
Many also offer users the ability to share their screens with coworkers and work together online with popular software packages such as Google Docs, Microsoft Excel or Salesforce, and most offer users the ability to quickly communicate via direct messaging and online chat video calling. Teams software also often offers safe storage of key documents, projects and files in the cloud—a distinct backup advantage for users who are also storing the same data on their computers or hard drives.
Fortunately, the wide variety of teams software guarantees that you’ll most likely be able to find a platform optimally suited to your needs, but here’s what you should look for in any decent teams software package for fundamentals:
Messaging: Nearly all teams packages offer some form of instant messaging. You’ll want to give this feature a go before evaluating any other features, since it’s so critical to the overall performance of your chosen package.
File Sharing: The best way to test file sharing on a teams software package is to bring in the applications you’re using everyday, such as Microsoft Word, Google Calendar, Zendesk and the like, and ensure that they work without a hitch.
Document Collaboration: You’ll want to take special care that document collaboration works with any teams software you choose, given that most businesses are so heavily reliant on such collaboration.
Audio and Video Calling: The use of video calling at businesses (using Zoom and the like) has exploded since spring, so you’ll want to carefully confirm that your choice of software—or the video calling software that’s built into the package—is easy to use and reliable. Ditto for audio calling from within the package.
Version Tracking: Managers and staff will need to be absolutely sure that they’re working with the latest version of any document or file while using teams software, so you’ll want to confirm the efficacy of this feature.
Calendaring: Virtually all collaboration and a great deal of communications will hinge on calendaring, so don’t commit to a teams package until its calendaring (or import of your favorite calendaring tool) is verified.
Bottom line: Before settling on a teams software package for your business, it’s a good idea to run the top packages through their paces and then see how those features compare to a package you may be evaluating.
Below is a look at la crème de la crème—the top five teams software packages currently on the market, which have been evaluated by at least 9,000 users, according to Capterra.
Slack (5.5 of 6 Stars): Easily one of the most popular and well-known team software packages, Slack has yielded excellent results for users for a number of years. Like most top packages, Slack offers direct messaging for all users, and it includes dedicated conversations for specific groups that are looking to go over a particular project, brainstorm an idea or just check in.
Slack also comes with group video calling, group audio calling and the ability to drag, drop and share files with colleagues. You can also run a poll with Slack, search previous messages, and post a personal status update (such as whether you’re in a meeting, out sick or have just won the lottery). Like most top packages, Slack also integrates with a number of other software packages, including email, GitHub, Google Calendar, Zendesk, Salesforce and Wunderlist.
Trello (5.5 of 6 Stars): Trello’s emphasis is on project management, so its design focuses a great deal on enabling staff and management to track, organize and coordinate a project through to completion. With Trello, you can easily inform others on the progress of various components of a project, and you can quickly create your own custom boards and lists to more easily manage and/or communicate about a project.
Like most top packages, Trello also integrates with a number of other software packages, including GitHub and Slack.
Basecamp (5.5 of 6 Stars): Basecamp, another pioneer of team software, is also known for its emphasis on project management. The company literally wrote the book on teams software, titled “Remote Working” (https://amzn.to/3mMbre6).
Basecamp easily enables you to create a project and then put together all the people, discussions, documents, files, tasks and deadlines associated with that project in one place. Staff can share their personal to-do lists for the day and then update those lists to inform management on how they’re progressing.
Meanwhile, company managers can post key announcements and notices in virtual spaces in Basecamp that are common to all, and clients can be brought into the loop with the ability to see data that managers deem appropriate.
Managers can also opt to receive a daily digest of pertinent Basecamp activities to their email inboxes every day.
Microsoft Teams, Part of Microsoft 365 (5.5 of 6 Stars): This platform enables you to create a separate team for each project you’re looking to complete. Each team “meets” in a virtual building where members can communicate and collaborate, and there are also rooms where select members of a team can break off into smaller groups.
The platform also has all the communications options that you’d expect from a top-tier choice, including private chat, instant messaging, calendar integration, group voice calls and group audio calls.
Perhaps one of the package’s greatest strengths, however, is its tight integration with other Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Whiteboard, which makes it a high contender for workplaces based around Microsoft products.
G Suite (5.5 of 6 Stars): Formerly Google Apps, G Suite offers a collection of tools millions of users turn to every day: Google Docs, Gmail, Google Hangouts, Google Currents, Google Calendar and the like. With Google Hangouts, you’ll easily be able to meet for video conferences, and with Google sites, you’ll be able to quickly put together a quick website for a company or internal project.
The platform also comes with Google Work Insights—an analytics tool that uses charts to report on how your team is using G Suite and how the tool may or may not be helping with worker productivity.
Essentially, G Suite is a natural high contender for workplaces that rely heavily on Google apps.
Joe Dysart is an internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan.
Superformance MKIII-Custom Series, a modern take on the
iconic Cobra.
When Congress passed a SEMA-led law in 2015 to allow small businesses to produce completed replica cars, it was hailed as “revolutionary.” For the very first time, federal statute authorized small auto manufacturers to produce completed replica vehicles under a streamlined regulatory structure that reflected the distinctly different business model of this niche industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) completed the law’s implementing regulation in January, which must be reviewed by the Biden administration before it becomes official. NHTSA’s regulation offers a business-friendly pathway for companies to begin producing classic cars in 2021.
The Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, which is more commonly known as the replica car law, enables small-volume auto manufacturers to construct up to 325 such replica cars a year under a simplified regulatory structure. Replicas must resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago to qualify. From ’30s roadsters to ’70s musclecars to the DeLorean of the ’80s—it’s back to the future time.
“SEMA applauds NHTSA’s final rule allowing companies to market classic-themed cars,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting. “Regulatory barriers have previously prevented small automakers from producing heritage cars for eager customers. The roadblocks have been eliminated. Companies will be able to hire workers, start making necessary parts and components, and produce and sell cars.”
Until now, NHTSA had only a one-size-fits-all regulatory framework intended for companies that mass-produce millions of cars. Members of Congress understood that a car produced in 1931 is different from a 2021 vehicle and therefore adopted the kit-car approach that treats the car as automobile equipment. While exempt from the vehicle-based Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), parts used in replica cars produced under the 2015 law must meet NHTSA’s equipment-based standards. The law applies to the appearance of the vehicle, which means manufacturers can incorporate new platforms and high-performance equipment under the hood.
Implementation of the replica car law promises to create opportunities throughout the industry. For example, traditional kit-car businesses such as Superformance and Factory Five will be able to diversify their customer bases. For other companies such as DeLorean Motor Co., it is a chance to sell their classic original again.
There will still be many enthusiasts who prefer to assemble a car from a kit or purchase a rolling chassis and install the engine and transmission themselves. Those gearheads will still have that option. For consumers who may not have the time or skills to build a kit car, they now have the option to purchase a turnkey replica.
Factory Five’s all-new second-generation ’33 Hot Rod with the
optional ’32 Deluxe nose.
Change is Never Easy: A History of the Replica Car Law
When NHTSA was created in the ’60s, the agency focused its attention on vehicles coming off the assembly line. Over subsequent decades, many other countries expanded their policies to create separate programs for regulating low-volume vehicle manufacturers. Meanwhile, it was impossible for domestic small businesses to produce limited-edition classics since NHTSA required, for example, a ’26 Packard replica to comply with current model-year vehicle standards.
SEMA worked closely with a core group of companies to craft legislation authorizing the replica car program. The bill was first introduced in 2011 by former U.S. Representative John Campbell (R-CA). The quest toward enactment involved a considerable education campaign on Capitol Hill and faced long odds, as the issue proved obscure to most members of Congress and staff.
Gradually, the program’s merits were understood. Along the way, SEMA was able to partner with longstanding legislative allies, including U.S. Reps. Bill Posey (R-FL) and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), in addition to fostering relationships with Reps. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Gene Green (D-TX), and Mike Kelly (R-PA), who were integral in enacting the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act into law in 2015. U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and former U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) played critical roles in securing the Senate’s approval of the replica car law.
SEMA and the industry celebrated passage of this carefully crafted law, which explicitly required NHTSA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to issue implementing regulations or guidance within 12 months. Several years would pass before there was tangible action. During that time, SEMA and members of the industry contacted the agencies and expressed concern about missing the December 2016 statutory deadline. SEMA pursued grassroots and media campaigns while members of Congress met with agency officials, sent letters, and even questioned government officials during congressional hearings.
Partial success was achieved in 2019 when the EPA issued guidelines for the engine packages to be installed and CARB issued a regulation for certifying the vehicles and engine packages. The law requires vehicles to meet current model-year emissions standards, and the program was based on certified engine packages recognized by California for specially constructed vehicles.
NHTSA moved at a much slower pace. Despite repeated outreach to senior agency officials, SEMA felt it had little choice but to ask a federal court to intervene. A 2019 lawsuit citing NHTSA’s failure to issue a regulation in a timely fashion had its intended effect—helping spur the agency to issue a proposed rule in January 2020. The industry welcomed NHTSA’s replica car proposal, although it included a few provisions that required modification. Most importantly, the draft rule provided the industry with optimism that implementation of the law was in sight.
The new and timeless DeLorean.
“NHTSA started off with a more conservative approach under which replica vehicle manufacturers would be limited to the same length, width and height as the vehicle being replicated,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “The draft regulation even specified that the replica vehicle’s interior would have to match the original vehicle’s interior dimensions as well, so they’d just be building reproductions. We argued that the operative word is ‘resemble’ not ‘duplicate,” and they agreed.”
NHTSA issued a final rulemaking on January 15, 2021, which included changes requested by the industry (highlighted in the sidebar “Major Issues Addressed in Final Rule”). The program does not take effect until the NHTSA rule has been officially published in the Federal Register, which was delayed due to the presidential transition but is expected to occur within weeks.
Businesses producing replica cars will need to register with NHTSA and the EPA (and CARB, if selling cars in California). The registration process may take up to 90 days for NHTSA review and approval.
Background on Kit Cars
Kit cars have been around nearly as long as the automobile itself. The term is associated with vehicles that are completed by the purchaser.
Production encompasses many possibilities, ranging from hobbyists assembling all the parts in their garages to turning a rolling chassis produced by a commercial manufacturer into a completed car by installing the powertain.
The kit-car industry took hold in the ’50s as companies began marketing products that provided older vehicles with a second life. Beyond ordinary repair and replacement, kit-car products instilled a desire for customization and personalization. By the ’70s, enthusiasts were able to purchase components to convert older cars into unique classics or build them from the ground up. The industry addressed a variety of issues, whether supplying consumers with sports-car replicas or fanciful variations of historic vehicles. Kit cars expanded the marketplace, addressed demand for vehicles originally produced in limited numbers, and provided the latest technology.
SEMA embodies the kit-car industry’s spirit and soul. It also has two councils whose companies incorporate the industry: the Automotive Restoration Market Organization and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance.
Replica Vehicle FAQs
Why is this law necessary? Until now, all motor-vehicle manufacturers were treated the same, regardless of whether a company produced one car or one million. The law directed NHTSA to create a simplified regulatory program that considers the unique differences between a company that mass produces thousands of cars and one that handcrafts a limited number.
What is a “low-volume” manufacturer? The law states that a low-volume manufacturer is a company whose annual worldwide production (including by a parent or subsidiary of the manufacturer) is not more than 5,000 motor vehicles each year. Such companies will each be able to sell up to 325 replica cars annually in the United States.
How does the law define a replica vehicle? A replica vehicle’s body resembles that of another motor vehicle produced at least 25 years ago. The vehicle is produced under a license agreement from the original manufacturer, its successor/assignee, or the current owner of the replicated vehicle’s intellectual property rights. In some instances, the replica car manufacturer may be the current owner (for example, when the original manufacturer no longer exists or the replica car has a distinguishably different appearance and brand name).
How are replica cars regulated by NHTSA? Replica vehicles are subject to
NHTSA’s equipment standards, including lighting, brake hoses, glass and tires. However, the automobiles are exempt from safety standards that apply to motor vehicles (roof crush, side impact, bumper standard, etc.). The exemption recognizes that it is impractical to apply current model-year standards to vehicles designed decades ago or crash-test vehicles when only a few are being produced.
How are replica cars regulated by the EPA and CARB? Replica cars will meet current model-year emission standards. The engine package must be approved by the EPA and, if produced or sold in California, by CARB. SEMA and the replica car industry worked with the agencies to develop an EPA guidance document and a CARB regulation for recognizing compliant engine packages.
When will the program begin? The program has been on hold while NHTSA drafted a regulation. NHTSA submitted a final rule to the Federal Register on January 15, 2021. The rule becomes effective upon publication, which means that companies can then file registration applications to be reviewed by NHTSA within 90 days, allowing sales to commence. Companies are also required to register and file annual reports with the EPA and CARB.
How will this law impact kit-car consumers? Hobbyists will still have the freedom to assemble their own vehicles from kits if they prefer, including modern-era cars. The law expands the market of who can purchase a replica car to include those who don’t have the time or skills to complete a kit car. In short, this law means more business opportunities for the industry and more choice for consumers.
Will I be able to title/register the car? SEMA has worked with many states to establish specific categories for titling, registering and regulating kit cars (for example, street rods and customs, including replicas and specialty constructed vehicles), which will also apply to turnkey replicas. For more information on the laws in your state, visit the Titling & Registration page on the SEMA Action Network’s website, www.semasan.com.
Size: NHTSA adopted a size definition consistent with that adopted by CARB, whereby the length, width and height of the replica motor vehicle may vary +/-10% from the original motor-vehicle dimensions. It may also exceed that number for a warranted need, such as incorporating an extra safety feature.
Definition of “Resemble”: NHTSA recognizes that the law permits the sale of vehicles that resemble a vehicle that is least 25 years old but is not an exact reproduction. The agency will take an individualized approach when determining that a replica car sufficiently resembles the overall appearance of the original vehicle, noting that there is a difference between the term “resemble” versus merely “inspired” by an older vehicle, or it “reminds” the public of past automotive heritage.
Term “Body”: When applying the term “body” to replica cars, the agency will be referring to only the outside appearance of the vehicle. The term will not apply to the interior portions of the vehicle.
Intellectual Property (IP): Replica car manufacturers must certify that they own or have a license for the IP associated with the vehicle. However, the manufacturer is not required to submit documentation. NHTSA agreed that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or the federal courts are more proper venues for resolutions if there are any disputes.
Multistage Manufacturing: In addition to replica car companies being the sole fabricators of the vehicles, NHTSA will allow replica cars to be produced in two or more stages. Under that scenario, the replica car manufacturer is the final stage manufacturer and is responsible for instructing the incomplete vehicle manufacturer to assign a replica car VIN. (The Society of Automotive Engineers assigns VINs and will now include a unique replica car manufacturer VIN that will assist NHTSA in monitoring the replica car inventory.)
Registration: NHTSA has streamlined the regulatory text to clarify how the agency will process registrations and confirmed that registrations are deemed approved if processing has not been completed by the agency (unless additional time is necessary for incomplete registrations). NHTSA retains the authority to revoke a registration at any time if the manufacturer has failed to comply with the rules.
Equipment: NHTSA will permit manufacturers to comply with the replacement-equipment provisions contained in the lighting and glazing standards (FMVSS numbers 108 and 205), which allow manufacturers to comply with the standards in effect for the original equipment being replaced. If installing seatbelts with retractors, they must comply with the current FMVSS number 209 for seatbelt assemblies. (NHTSA assumes that most replica vehicle manufacturers will provide three-point seatbelts voluntarily or, at minimum, a lap belt.)
Preemption: The rule preempts any state safety standards for replica vehicles.
The April 2021 digital issue of Off-Road Business includes a recap of the ongoing fight to save Oceano Dunes, Southern Four Wheel Drive Association’s valuable tips for OHV rides, Part II of an article exploring abandoned mines and cool trails in Death Valley, and an article about how C.M.I. Precision Machining produces high-performance components for racers and extreme enthusiasts.
Other features to check out include: the “Ultimate Overland Vehicle” built by Overland Expo with the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, 4 Wheel Parts celebrates its 60th anniversary, ORW adds two new locations in Las Vegas and Corona, California, donations benefiting ORBA by TrailBuilt and Method Race Wheels, and newest products offered by EMPI and Nanuk.
SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learning through new and engaging webinars.
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Equipment: NHTSA will permit manufacturers to comply with the replacement-equipment provisions contained in the lighting and glazing standards (FMVSS numbers 108 and 205), which allow manufacturers to comply with the standards in effect for the original equipment being replaced. If installing seatbelts with retractors, they must comply with the current FMVSS number 209 for seatbelt assemblies. (NHTSA assumes that most replica vehicle manufacturers will provide three-point seatbelts voluntarily or, at minimum, a lap belt.)
The April 2021 digital issue of Off-Road Business includes a recap of the ongoing fight to save Oceano Dunes, Southern Four Wheel Drive Association’s valuable tips for OHV rides, Part II of an article exploring abandoned mines and cool trails in Death Valley, and an article about how C.M.I. Precision Machining produces high-performance components for racers and extreme enthusiasts.