SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Danfoss
StreetLite Performance Hose

Danfoss has launched its new StreetLite Performance hose, the latest addition to its Aeroquip Performance line of hoses and fittings for racing enthusiasts. StreetLite Performance hose features four layers of construction that provide high strength and durability and better fluid compatibility than alternative materials. The multi-purpose hose is engineered for fuel, oil, air and coolant applications. With a reformulated tube for E85 fuel compatibility, StreetLite hose also features a near-zero permeation barrier that eliminates gas smell.

The hose and fitting assemblies are tested to a rigorous 4:1 safety factor and hose lengths are proof tested to two times the rated working pressure for long-lasting reliability. StreetLite Performance hose is designed to handle operating temperatures ranging from -40°F to 300°F and working pressures of up to 500 psi. Available in bulk and cut length options of 6, 10 and 20 feet, the hoses come in sizes -4 through -16 to suit most street motor applications.

www.danfoss.com/en-us/

Plews & Edelmann
Edelmann Elite Premium Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

Plews & Edelmann has introduced a new, fully synthetic power steering fluid to complement its all-new and advanced power steering parts program. Edelmann Elite Premium Synthetic Power Steering Fluid provides exceptional coverage for all vehicle makes and models, except Honda/Acura.

The new power steering fluid meets and exceeds OE specifications and delivers an operating temperature range of -58 °F to +400 °F, surpassing most other fluids available in the aftermarket.

www.plews-edelmann.com/edelmannelite

Aeromotive
Ford-150 Direct Drop-In Module

Aeromotive introduced its new direct drop-in fuel pump modules for the ’15–’20 Ford F-150. Designed to perform at optimal efficiency in even the harshest conditions on- and off-road, these direct drop-in modules utilize the award-winning Phantom in-tank pumps and Aeromotive’s patented foam and bladder technology to ensure consistent fuel delivery.

Compatible with both gasoline and E85 ethanol fuels, these pump modules are available with either dual or triple 450 liter-per-hour fuel pumps. The dual-pump module (Part# 18090) can support naturally aspirated gasoline applications up to 2,200 hp, naturally aspirated E-85 ethanol applications up to 1,500 hp, forced-induction gasoline applications up to 1,600 hp and forced-induction E-85 ethanol applications up to 1,100 hp. The triple-pump module (Part# 18091) can support naturally-aspirated gasoline applications up to 3,300 horsepower, naturally-aspirated E-85 ethanol applications up to 2,250 hp, forced-induction gasoline applications up to 2,400 hp and forced-induction E-85 ethanol applications up to 1,650 hp.
 
Aeromotive’s Phantom Series drop-in fuel pump modules are preassembled and are covered by Aeromotive’s limited one-year warranty.

www.aeromotiveInc.com

Weld
Three New RT-S Wheel Designs

WELD debuted three RT-S options featuring the most intricate designs ever offered by the 50-year-old high-performance wheel manufacturer.

The first new designs in the RT-S lineup in five years, the S80, S81 and S82 offer both beadlock and non-beadlock options. Each incorporates 3-D surface milling to create intricate details in the spoke structure and multi-axis design, providing another dimension layer in each spoke element.

Utilizing finite element analysis to optimize maximum weight savings, the Weld design team developed three distinct wheels that incorporate three-piece forgings for application flexibility, which are assembled by welding. In addition to the large array of widths and offsets, three mounting pad height options fit various brake package while maximizing the depth of the outer wheel lip.

WELD RT-S wheels are available in widths from 15 in. to 20 in. to accommodate beefy tires. The tires are capable of handling 1,200 hp, 1.2-second 60-ft. times, 1,580-lb. loads and very high speeds.

www.weldwheels.com

By Ashley Reyes

Many business owners spend years starting and developing their business, but often receive only a fraction of what the business is actually worth when they transition or sell.  

During a live webinar on Thursday, January 27, at 11:00 a.m. (PST), SEMA members will hear from business advisors Chuck and Gayle Ross, principal partners at Ross Business Solutions, as they share the exit strategy needed to harvesting the true value of a business.

Chuck has first-hand experience growing his own business and accelerating his firm’s value through continuous quality, safety, and environmental systems and procedures. Likewise, Gayle is experienced in both corporate America and as a small-business owner, has proven to help solve big business problems on a small-business budget and help business owners build their business with the end in mind.  

Whether you plan on transitioning in the next few months or the next few years, this webinar will address what you need to know so that you will be prepared to transition your company on your terms and reach your personal, lifestyle and professional wealth goals. 

Register here.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA’s advocacy efforts are off to a fast start in 2022, as Callies Performance Products hosted U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-OH) for a tour of the company’s Fostoria, Ohio, headquarters. The event marked Rep. Latta’s second time visiting Callies, as the tour provided him an opportunity to interact with company’s employees and watch them manufacture and assemble crank shafts, connecting rods and camshaft cores. The congressman was interested to discuss the most pressing issues facing Callies and the automotive aftermarket, including the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), tariffs, the ability to hire workers, and federal policy proposals to incentivize electric vehicles. Rep. Latta is a co-sponsor of the RPM Act and a strong supporter of the legislation, volunteering to work with House Energy & Commerce Committee leadership to pass the bill.

“We are fortunate to have SEMA and PRI represent manufacturers, engine builders and racers to protect our source of livelihood,” said Heath Norton, vice president of Callies Performance Products. “We strive to offer value-based products that support a safe family friendly sport. It’s important that we pass the RPM Act to preserve our industry, which is an economic driver in many communities and provides hands-on STEM education to the youth of America. Thank you Rep. Latta for visiting Callies and for all you are doing to fight to protect manufacturing in America."

Rep. Latta represents Ohio’s 5th Congressional District, which includes the Northwest and West Central parts of the Buckeye State. The congressman is passionate about advancing policies that further economic prosperity and job creation, as his top priorities include balancing the budget, maintaining a strong national defense, and implementing common-sense government reforms. Rep. Latta is also member of the Congressional Automotive Performance Caucus along with the House Manufacturing Caucus.

For additional information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open at www.sema.org/hof.

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.

“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”

Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including:

• Agosta, Matt (Steele Rubber Products)
• Airheart, Bob (Bob Airheart Sales)
• Alderson, Don (Muldoon Engineering)
• Amato, Joe (Keystone Automotive Warehouse)
• Appelgate, Brian (B&M Racing & Performance)
• Arias Jr., Nick (Arias Pistons)
• Arkus-Duntov, Zora (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Ayres, Joel (Automtoive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation)
• Babcox, Tom (Babcox Publications)
• Baney, Lou (SEMA)
• Barnett, Don (Speed Warehouse)
• Barris, George (Barris Kustom Industries)
• Barsamian, Rich (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.)
• Bartlett, John (Grant Piston Rings)
• Baskerville, Gray (Hot Rod Magazine)
• Belond, Sandy (Belond Mufflers)
• Bingham, Jim (Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.)
• Black, Keith (Keith Black Racing Engines)
• Bleiweis, Raymond (Rocket Industries)
• Blum, Charles R. (SEMA)
• Bobins, Chuck (CB Sales)
• Bolio, Steve (Scafidi-Bolio & Associates)
• Borick, Louis (Superior Industries)
• Borré, Dan (Keith Black Performance Inc.)
• Borré, Jim (Manik Motors)
• Brock, Ray (Petersen Publishing)
• Brothers, Paul "Scooter" (Competition Cams, Inc.)
• Brown, Ray (Superior Industries)
• Cahill, Robert (Chrysler Corp., Mopar Division)
• Campbell, Ben, Nighthorse (Senator)
• Card, Charley (Honest Charley's)
• Carleton, GiGi (Robert E. Petersen Foundation)
• Cepek, Dick (Dick Cepek Inc.)
• Chandler, Bob (Bigfoot 4x4 Inc.)
• Chapouris, Pete (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Chrisman, Art (Chrisman’s Auto Rod Specialist – CARS)
• Coddington, Boyd (Boyds Wheels)
• Coker, Corky (Coker Tires)
• Coleman, Ron (Competition Cams)
• Cook, Bob (Book Cook Sales)
• Cornelison, Nile (Direct Communications Inc.)
• Cozzie, Jim (Brenton Productions Inc.)
• Crane, Harvey J. (Crane Cams)
• Crower, Bruce (Crower Cams)
• Day, Dick (Petersen Publishing Co.)
• Deane, Russ (SEMA General Counsel)
• Deist, Jim (Deist Safety Equipment)
• Diamond, Murray (Plasticolor Molded Products)
• Douglass, Howard (Douglass Mufflers)
• Eatherly, Donnie (P&E Distributors Inc.)
• Economaki, Chris (National Speed Sport News)
• Edelbrock Jr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Edelbrock Sr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Elliott, Ed (Elliott-McMullen Advertising)
• Elliott, George (Argus Publishers)
• Evans, Doug (Bonnier Corporation)
• Faulk, Amy (Hypertech Inc.)
• Fishel, Herb (The Business of Motorsports)
• Foose, Chip (Foose Design)
• Foote, George (Karbelt Speed & Custom)
• Foulger, Donna Imrie (SEMA)
• France Sr., Bill (NASCAR)
• Funfar, Run (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Gage, Dennis (MadStache Inc.)
• Gaines, John (G&M Performance Parts)
• Garlits, Don (Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing)
• Garner, Willie (Trans-Dapt)
• Giampetroni, Angelo (Ford Motor Company)
• Goldberg, Harvey (Goldberg Marketing Inc.)
• Goldstein, Jack (Jack Goldstein & Associates)
• Granatelli, Andy (Consultant)
• Grant, Eric
• Halibrand, Ted (Halibrand Engineering)
• Harman, Kenny (Harman Collins Inc.)
• Harris, Jack (Rush Sales)
• Hart, C.J. (Lion's Drag Strip)
• Hart, Jack (NHRA)
• Hays, Bill (Centerforce Clutches)
• Hedman, Bob (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Heffington, Mark (Hypertech Inc.)
• Hibler, Harry (Nanotech Fuel Corp.)
• Hilborn, Stuart (Fuel Injection Engineering Co.)
• Hiltz, Stan (Thrush Mufflers)
• Holding, Dennis (Direct Parts Inc.)
• Hooker, Gary (Hooker Headers)
• Hrudka, Joe (Mr. Gasket Co.)
• Hurst, George (Hurst Shifters)
• Iskenderian, Ed (Isky Racing Cams)
• Kagan, Leo (Amco Manufacturing)
• Kawasaki, Wade (Coker Group)
• Keller, Bob (Turbonetics, Inc.)
• Kerr, Jim (Jim Kerr & Associates)
• Konblett, Sheldon (SC Performance)
• Kuhns, Arnold (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Lahmann, Butch (American Specialty Equipment)
• Larivee Sr., Bob (Promotions Inc.)
• LeSage, Burke
• Leslie, Roy (Kenz & Leslie Accessories Ltd.)
• Light, Jerry (Speed Warehouse)
• Lipper, Ray (Center Line Wheel Corp.)
• Lohn, Els (Ansen Enterprises)
• Mallory, Boots (Mallory Ignition)
• Martin, Dick
• Maxwell, Dick (Chrysler Corporation)
• McClelland, Dave (Diamond P Sports)
• McFarland, Jim (AutoCom)
• McJannett, Bob (Performance Improvements)
• McMullen, Richard
• Meguiar, Barry (Meguiar’s)
• Menzler, John (COMP Performance Group)
• Moon, Dean (Moon Equipment Co.)
• Moore, Marla (Coker Tire)
• Moroso, Dick (Moroso Performance Products)
• Offenhauser, Fred (Offenhauser Equipment Corp.)
• Olson, Carl (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Parks, Wally (NHRA)
• Patteri, Robert (Patteri Sales)
• Perry, Bill (Bill Perry and Associates)
• Petersen, Robert E. (Petersen Publishing)
• Piggins, Vince (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Pink, Ed (Ed Pink Racing Engines)
• Pisano, Joe (Venolia Pistons)
• Prudhomme, Don (Don Prudhomme Racing)
• Raleigh, Don (Don's Speed Shop)
• Reed, Alan (IMARC)
• Richter, Roy (Cragar Industries)
• Rifchin, Marvin (M&H Tires)
• Roberts, Red (McLeod Industries)
• Rollins, Rick (Superchips, Inc.)
• Scafidi, John (Hurst Shifters)
• Schiefer, Paul (Schiefer Equipment Co.)
• Schubeck, Joe
• Schwartz, Chuck (ConvExx)
• Senter, Louis (Senter Engineering Corp.)
• Shedden, Tom (Cragar Industries)
• Shelby, Carroll (Shelby Automotives)
• Shelton, Nate (B&M Automotive Group)
• Sigman, Ben (Sigman-Pittman)
• Simmons, John (SECO Performance Centers)
• Simpson, Bill (Simpson Racing Products)
• Smith, Bill (Speedway Motors)
• Smith, Don (High Performance Distributors)
• Spar, Bob (B&M Automotive)
• St. Lawrence, Joe (RTM Studios)
• Stroppe, Bill (Bill Stroppe & Son)
• Thompson, Mickey (Mickey Thompson Enterprises)
• Thomson, Chris (TMG Performance Group)
• Towle, John (Performance Warehouse Association)
• Van Cleve, Charlie (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Van Cleve, Dick (Van Cleve & Associates)
• Vandergriff, Robert (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Vaughn, Jim (Mr. Phone)
• Vaughn, Linda (Hurst Performance Products)
• Warn, Thurston (Warn Industries)
• Weber, Harry (Weber Cams)
• Weiand, Joan (Weiand Industries)
• Weiand, Phil (Weiand Automotive Industries)
• Wells, Dick (SEMA)
• Winfield, Ed (Winfield Carburetors)
• Wirth, Jim (Wirth & Wirth Advertising)
• Woodell, Van (Weathers Auto Supply)
• Woomer, Steve (Competition Specialties)
• Worthan, Rolan “Jeep” (Auto Meter Products, Inc.)
• Xydias, Alex (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Yunick, Henry “Smokey”

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

FIA World Rally Championship Debuts All-New Hybrid Rally1 Cars

Star drivers and pioneering new hybrids delivered a high-voltage introduction to the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship as the covers came off the WRC’s ground-breaking new Rally1 cars from the three manufacturers. The gathering took place for the first time at Hangar-7 in Salzburg, Austria.

Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

M - Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1

Reigning champions Toyota Gazoo Racing, Hyundai Motorsport and M-Sport Ford revealed their stunning cars, which will compete across 13 rounds on four continents. FIA is committed to plug-in hybrid-powered cars built around an upgraded safety cell chassis, 100% fossil-free fuel and sustainable energy supplies are keys to the sport’s greener future.

Dust Settles on 2022 Dakar Rally After More Than 4,000 km of Racing

Nasser Al-Attiyah on the Toyota GR DKR Hi-Lux T1+ of the Toyota Gazoo Racing during the podium of the Dakar Rally 2022 around Bisha, January 14, in Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

After more than 4,000 km of racing over treacherous Saudi Arabian terrain, the 2022 Dakar Rally has ended with Nasser Al-Attiyah, Chaleco Lopez, Dmitry Sotnikov and Sam Sunderland winning titles.

Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel (France) in the Toyota Hi-Lux T1+ took the lead on the first day and kept the top spot until the end for the Qatari driver’s fourth Dakar title and his first in Saudi Arabia. Al-Attiyah was pushed all the way by nine-time WRC winner Sébastien Loeb (France), who claimed his third Dakar podium finish, while Carlos Sainz (Spain), Stéphane Peterhansel (France) and Mattias Ekström (Sweden) all steered their electrical drivetrain-powered Audis to at least one stage win.

Both Giniel De Villiers (South Africa) and Kuba Przygoński (Poland) eventually had to settle for fifth and sixth respectively with Cyril Despres (France) getting more miles under his belt for his ambitious Gen-Z project—which hopes to return with a fully hydrogen-powered car—and a successful debut on four wheels for Laia Sanz (Spain) as she finished her 12th consecutive Dakar.

Lopez (Chile) made it back-to-back side-by-side victories by following up last year’s T4 triumph with an overall win in this year's T3 category, while Cristina Gutiérrez (Spain) also finished on the podium in third giving the Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team their first ever top-three result at the Dakar.

Sunderland (Great Britain) once again became champion, recapturing the title that he first won in 2017—the Dubai-based biker delivering GasGas their maiden Dakar victory as he becomes the first biker to win with different colors since Richard Sainct (France) did it two decades ago.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner (Austria) got his fourth podium finish in third spot as Sunderland's GasGas team-mate Daniel Sanders (Australia) crashed out on the liaison section ahead of Stage 7.

Team Kamaz Master in the truck race kept their Saudi Arabian unbeaten run going as Sotnikov (Russia) made it two wins on the bounce with Eduard Nikolaev (Russia) in second, Anton Shibalov (Russia) third and Andrey Karginov (Russia) fourth.

Fan Favorite Terry McMillen Announces Plan for 2022 Return

The 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing season will see another familiar face in the Top Fuel ranks as fan favorite and 2018 US Nationals Top Fuel winner Terry McMillen will compete, on a limited schedule, in six to eight national events in 2022. He will continue to support his son Cameron’s junior dragster career. McMillen will race under the Dan Mercier Racing banner.

Dan Mercier Racing purchased the Terry McMillen Racing operation, so the veteran driver will be returning to the same livery that he earned his first No. 1 qualifier at the Dodge Nationals in 2020.

The team will be making further announcements in the coming weeks. The current plan includes possible races at the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire, the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and the fall NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway outside of Charlotte, with additional events to be determined.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and businesses in the restylers/accessory market are invited to join the council for a virtual membership and volunteer meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) / 12:00 p.m. (CST) / 1:00 p.m. (EST).

The meeting is the best time to learn about what PRO is currently working on and find out how to get more involved with the council and industry at large. Attendees will discover the many benefits associated with volunteering, the different levels of volunteerism, and about the various programs designed to help restylers grow their businesses through programs such as the PRO Cup Challenge and the new PRO Car Show program.

Register here.

News and updates from the specialty-equipment industry.

Covercraft Acquires Lloyd Mats

Covercraft announced the acquisition of Lloyd Mats, an industry-leading manufacturer of custom-fit carpeted floor and cargo mats. Since 1978, Lloyd Mats has developed a comprehensive library of vehicle application-specific patterns in the custom floor mat category.

The company offers multiple branded, licensed and personalized versions of its floor mats across dozens of colors and carpet styles. The acquisition is the first completed under Covercraft’s new ownership, Audax Private Equity (“Audax”). 

SEMA Data's Jonathan Briseno Wins 2022 ACPN Scholarship

The Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, named Jonathan Briseno of SEMA Data as the 2022 ACPN Scholarship winner. The ACPN Scholarship is awarded to one individual who has the passion and determination to pursue professional and personal growth. The scholarship provides opportunity to attend the 2022 ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference—a gathering of content professionals and service providers in the aftermarket.

The ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference is set to take place May 15–18, in Orlando, Florida, during the Auto Care Connect event. ACPN’s mission is to educate, inspire and connect industry professionals who specialize in the management of automotive product related content.

For more information about the ACPN scholarship, click here.

Christine Bowser Appointed President of Pinnacle Media

Christine Bowser has been appointed president of Pinnacle Media, a full-service marketing communications agency serving clients in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial and financial services sectors. The agency’s founder, Drew Shippy, will remain with the firm as chairman and CEO.

Bowser joined Pinnacle in 2002 as a public relations account executive. She most recently served as vice president and director of account service, overseeing the company’s relationships with clients throughout North America.

In turning over daily operation of the company to Bowser, Shippy will focus on assisting Pinnacle clients, both in North America and Europe, with marketing strategy and content development.

RYNO Classifieds Launches $60,000 Racer Support Tour Sponsorship Program

RYNO Classifieds has announced its Racer Support Tour with $60,000 of sponsorship payouts. The promotion details are available at www.RYNO.com, where every type of racer can signup, create a profile, and get ready for the voting to begin on February 7.  Fans, friends and family can cast their vote for their favorite racers, and vote daily for multiple racers and show the support they need to continue to push the limits. The racer with the most votes during the week wins a $1,000 sponsorship check from RYNO and our sponsors.

A racer with a solid support team and the passion for pushing the social-media channels to gain votes will have the opportunity to win up to $30,000 in sponsorship checks during the 30 weeks of the Racers Support Tour.

NPW Miami Acquires Jim’s Auto Parts of Ft. Lauderdale

National Performance Warehouse announced the acquisition of Jim’s Auto Parts. Jim’s, owned by Jim Arpin, has been in business since 1962 and is the last of the Broward Group of stores that is now under NPW management. The Broward Group was the largest independent group of auto parts stores in South Florida. Jim’s Auto will continue to fly the Bumper to Bumper banner.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) are invited to a cross-council mixer on Thursday, February 3, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., at King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California.

The cross-council mixer at King of the Hammers is the ideal opportunity for attendees to meet new contacts and strengthen existing connections.

The event is located inside the VIP tent and will provide the ideal opportunity for attendees to meet new contacts and strengthen existing connections. Participants will be updated on resources and volunteer opportunities available in the industry, watch the short-course race and learn about land use and stewardship from the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA).

King of the Hammers attendees who are not current TORA, ETTN or SBN members but are interested in getting more involved are invited to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn about what SEMA councils and networks have to offer.

Registration, although not required, is encouraged so that event organizers can plan accordingly. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.   

Learn more and RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

Within SEMA are nine niche-specific groups where members can connect with others who share common goals, interests and challenges.

While each group addresses the needs and promotes awareness of its particular market, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is at the forefront of building awareness of the benefits of vehicle accessorization.

In today’s ever-changing market, it is critical that companies involved in vehicle accessorization have a means to address and speak out through a unified voice in issues that influence and impact the restyling industry. PRO is that influential voice.
The council invites all companies active in vehicle accessorization to join the cause and will host a virtual meeting for all current and prospective members who are interested in getting more involved within the council and industry at large.

Taking place virtually on January 27, at 12:00 p.m. (PST), the meeting will provide attendees an opportunity to engage with council leadership on PRO’s initiatives for 2022, get updates on the PRO Cup Challenge and learn about PRO’s New Car Show program—designed to increase consumer engagement within the restyling and aftermarket community at automotive shows.

Register here.

[Editors' Note: The current SEMA Scholarship application information can be found at www.sema.org/scholarships].

The 2022 SEMA Scholarship application period for students preparing for careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open and will run through March 1. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. A loan-forgiveness component is also available to employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed and are currently paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical school within the United States.

“College is expensive and for current students and recent graduates who have outstanding student debt, receiving a SEMA scholarship or loan forgiveness can help ease financial concerns,” said Chris Standifer, project manager, recognition programs at SEMA. “Reducing costs also means students have more time to focus their studies toward a career in our industry. This gives them a competitive advantage empowering them to reach their academic and career goals.”

The annual scholarship program is a cornerstone of SEMA’s efforts to support career development and access in the automotive industry. In addition to the scholarship and loan-forgiveness program, aspiring industry professionals have access to SEMA’s career center, resources, job posting center and more. Scholarship winners will also have the opportunity to attend the 2022 SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens 18 years or older and demonstrate a passion for automotive hobbies and careers. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, including but not limited to accounting, sales, marketing and engineering. Eligible students and SEMA-member company employees can apply until March 1, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

This story was originally published on January 13, 2022. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.