SEMA News—October 2021

EVENTS

The 2021 SEMA Installation Gala

An Annual Tradition Makes a Symbolic Return in Las Vegas

By Mike Imlay

The annual SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry are recognized and celebrated. But this year’s Installation Gala, held July 30 in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), was especially poignant.

Since 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala has been a celebration of industry volunteerism, leadership and SEMA Hall of Fame legacies. This year, the festivities in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall held special significance for an industry reconnecting live and in person.

With famed automotive television and podcasting personality Kevin Oeste serving as emcee, the event marked the first official live industry gathering since 2019—plus it gave a preview of the LVCC’s latest renovations and the major reconnections to come at the 2021 SEMA Show this November 2–5.

The annual pre-banquet reception was held in the West Hall’s airy main atrium, providing a glimpse of things to come when the 2021 SEMA Show extends its footprint into the new space this November.

The banquet also punctuated a week of SEMA activities held in the expansive LVCC West Hall and the newly opened nearby Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World conference center. Those activities included the yearly Exhibitor Summit for new SEMA Show exhibitors as well as high-level meetings of the SEMA Board of Directors and council and network leadership. An industry reception featuring the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags (see sidebar on
p. 270) was held in the main West Hall atrium just prior to the gala celebration.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags has become a much-anticipated charity event in the warm-up to the banquet. Donations help raise funds for SEMA Cares outreaches to children’s causes. The Industry Cup Challenge race is always especially spirited.

“This event is a special occasion for SEMA,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting in his opening banquet remarks. “It’s our chance to welcome our new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and to welcome and give recognition to our Board volunteers.”

Kersting then noted the banquet’s significance after a year of disruptions and unprecedented challenges for the industry.

“We have learned what it means to truly persevere, and we all reminded each other over and over to stay positive, hang tough and keep moving forward,” he told the audience. “On behalf of the industry and the association you all worked so hard to serve, we owe all of you a debt of gratitude.”

Honoring Hall of Famers

Induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame is considered the trade association’s most prestigious honor, and it is reserved for outstanding individuals within the specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

During the course of the evening, tribute was paid to 2020 Hall of Fame honorees Rich Barsamian, Jack Chisenhall, John Gaines and Joe St. Lawrence, all of whose live introductions to the industry last year were prevented by restrictions on public gatherings. The gala then focused on the 2021 Hall of Fame class of four inductees:

The 2021 Installation Gala was honored by the presence of (left to right) Jessi Combs’ mother, Nina Darrington; sister, Danielle Theis; and brother, Kelly Combs. They accepted Jessi’s Hall of Fame award posthumously on her behalf while recalling her tremendous spirit and legacy.

Jessi Combs built an accomplished career in the automotive industry as the host of several television programs, the founder of a variety of businesses, and an accomplished fabricator and race car driver. A passionate booster of the industry, she served as host for many SEMA events and was an enthusiastic SEMA volunteer and role model, especially for women. In 2019, Combs set a women’s land-speed record of 522.783 mph on an Oregon dry lakebed—a feat that resulted in an accident that led to her untimely death at age 39.

Hall of Fame inductee Rick Love thanked the association not only for the night’s honors but also for all that the industry has given him. The best friendships of his life have been forged in the aftermarket, he said.

Rick Love created a home workshop and leaned on his electronics degree to do wiring and air-condition installations for fellow hot rodders during his youth. He also freelanced as a Rodder’s Digest writer/photographer in the early ’80s. Eventually, his A/C work caught the attention of SEMA Hall of Fame and Vintage Air founder Jack Chisenhall, who introduced Love to SEMA volunteerism. He became a true industry advocate who has never wavered in his service to the industry and to its countless builders and businesses seeking to grow and develop.

Bob Moore’s passion for the industry shone brightly as he expressed his thanks for his Hall of Fame recognition. Hailed for his pioneering contributions to digital marketing, he reminded the industry that, today, data is everything.

Bob Moore once appropriately authored a monthly Aftermarket Business column titled “Ahead of the Curve.” With the rise of the internet and electronic catalogs in the early ’00s, Moore was a pioneer in establishing standards for automotive-aftermarket product data. As a SEMA Board member and chairman of the SEMA Business Technology Committee, he was instrumental in the adoption of standardized industry data. Moore’s work paved the way for the SEMA Data Co-op (now known as SEMA Data), which transformed how aftermarket brands bring product to market.

A racer and the founder of Schiefer Media, Carl Schiefer reflected on his career and the honor of becoming a SEMA Hall of Famer. His remarks were punctuated with a warmth and humor that resonated deeply with the audience.

Carl Schiefer is the son of SEMA’s first Hall of Fame inductee, Paul Schiefer. But Carl built a legacy of his own by founding Schiefer Media in 1985 as an enthusiast marketing agency specializing in automotive brands. A racer himself, Schiefer and his agency became instrumental in placing motorsports companies and their products front and center before a mainstream national audience, notably through television advertising—a breakthrough marketing approach for the time. His agency still operates as SCS, with his son James as CEO.

Celebrating Volunteerism

Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO (left); James Lawrence, SEMA’s newly inaugurated chairman of the Board (second left); and Tim Martin, who now serves as SEMA immediate past chairman of the Board (right); congratulate outgoing Past Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki for his years of leadership to the association.

In addition to the association’s Hall of Fame recognitions, the annual Installation Gala traditionally focuses a spotlight on the industry volunteers who take SEMA leadership roles. For 2021, gratitude was extended to SEMA’s outgoing Immediate Past Chairman Wade Kawasaki and departing Board members Dan Kahn, Donnie Eatherly and Brian Lounsberry. Thanks were also expressed to Tim Martin, who, having served his term as Board chairman, now becomes the Board’s immediate past chairman and secretary.

During a Board of Director’s session held July 30, James Lawrence (right) accepted the ceremonial gavel after being sworn in as Board chairman by Tim Martin (left), who became immediate past chairman.

Congratulations went out to former chairman-elect James Lawrence, who now begins his term as chairman of the Board, and Kyle Fickler who becomes the new chairman elect. Incoming Board members Lindsay Hubley (services category), Larry Montante (distributors) and Brian Reese (manufacturers) were likewise welcomed. (See the accompanying sidebar on p. 268 for the detailed list of incoming, outgoing and current Board members and their company backgrounds.)

An Iconic Milestone

Amid the salutes to industry volunteers, the evening’s festivities also included an unexpected surprise. Among the banquet’s noted guests was industry icon Ed Iskenderian, founder of Isky Cams and a legend of the motorsports world. Also a founding member of SEMA, Iskenderian turned 100 on July 10, 2021. After a video tribute highlighting his life and achievements, the centenarian was presented with a 100th-birthday cake as the entire room of guests sang “Happy Birthday” and burst into sustained applause.

The legendary Ed Iskenderian (center) was among the evening’s distinguished guests. Flanked here on the left and right by SEMA Hall of Famer Joe Schubeck and Gary Topalian respectively, Iskenderian had recently turned 100, a triumph applauded at the gala.

For SEMA Senior Director of Special Events Jamie Eriksen—whose team was instrumental in the event’s planning—the well wishes for Iskenderian epitomized the spirit of the annual gathering.

“This year’s gala was especially inspiring,” Eriksen said. “After a year of being apart, the industry was able to come back together and celebrate the people and volunteers at the heart of our aftermarket community. We were also able to introduce the industry to the amazing new LVCC West Hall and demonstrate our support for Las Vegas. I see it as a symbol of the many meaningful reconnections to come.”

SEMA Board Members Honored at the 2021 Installation Gala

Since 1976, it has been customary to celebrate industry volunteers at the Installation Gala, and this year was no exception. For 2021, the association expressed special thanks to the following outgoing, incoming and ongoing SEMA Board of Directors members:

Outgoing Board Members

• Immediate Past Chairman Wade Kawasaki, President and CEO, Legendary Companies
• Dan Kahn, President and CEO, Kahn Media Inc.
• Donnie Eatherly, President, P&E Distributors Inc.
• Brian Lounsberry, CEO, FuelArmy

Incoming Board Members

• Lindsay Hubley, Managing Partner, Lodestone Events LLC
• Larry Montante, Vice President, Category Management, Keystone Automotive Operations
• Brian Reese, President and CEO, Driven Lighting Group

2021 Board of Directors

• Chairman of the Board: James Lawrence, CEO, Power Automedia
• Chairman-Elect/Treasurer: Kyle Fickler, Director of Sales and New Business Development, Driven Racing Oil
• Immediate Past Chairman/Secretary: Tim Martin, CEO, Aftermarket Advisors LLC

Members of the Board

• Chris Douglas, CCO, Edelbrock Group
• Lindsay Hubley, Managing Partner, Lodestone Events LLC
• Larry Montante, Vice President, Category Management, Keystone Automotive Operations
• Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Brian Reese, President and CEO, Driven Lighting Group
• Kathryn Reinhardt, Director of Retail Marketing, 4WP Factory/Pro Comp/Rubicon Express/Smittybilt
• Bunyan L. (Les) Rudd, CPMR, President, Bob Cook Sales
• Ted Wentz III, CEO, Quadratec
• Steve Whipple, Director of Private Label Sourcing, Jegs High Performance
• Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products

2021 Pinewood Drags Winners

Each year, the SEMA Installation Gala takes place in conjunction with the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser. The charity event offers participants the chance to sponsor a Pinewood race car or challenge colleagues head-to-head during the pre-banquet reception.

Donations enable SEMA Cares to help significantly improve the lives of children in need through the work done by the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer; Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse; and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.

2021 Industry Cup Challenge (ICC):

Winner’s Circle

• First Place: Warn Industries
• Second Place: Turn 14 Distribution
• Third Place: Kunzman & Associates

ICC Winners by Category

• Warehouse Distributor: Turn 14 Distribution
• Manufacturer: Warn Industries
• Rep Agency: Kunzman & Associates
• Service Provider: Auto Image
• Media: Motor Trend Group

Council Cup Challenge

• First Place: Truck & Off-Road Alliance
• Second Place: Professional Restylers Organization
• Third Place: Emerging Trends & Technology Network

Build It For Me Class

• First Place: Joel Ayers, AACF
• Second Place: Kevin Gillis, Integrity Products
• Third Place: Mike Sullivan, Fox Products

Unlimited Class (Two Entries)

• First Place: Natalie Simon, Ford Motor Company
• Second Place: Tara Thompson, 4 Wheel Drive Dixie

SEMA Member News—October 2021

By Ellen McKoy

TORA Celebrates a Vibrant Industry

SEMA’s Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is planning for a dynamic week at the SEMA Show, beginning with a new location and culminating in the TORA Awards Reception.

“The SEMA Show is the grandfather of industry shows,” said council Chair Troy Wirtz. “We’re excited to return to Las Vegas and for members to experience what TORA has to offer.”

Showgoers used to trek to the South Hall to view truck and off-road products. No longer. The sections for Truck, SUV & Off-Road and Powersports & Utility Vehicles are now in the West Hall, alongside Restyling & Car Care.

Wirtz hailed the move.

“Like-minded customers in restyling and truck accessories have been crisscrossing the convention center,” he said. “With customers spending less time in each hall, their visits with exhibitors were brief. Being in the same hall creates new opportunities for truck accessories and restyling. I’m really excited about it.”

Welcome to Happy Hour

Want to quench your thirst after a day on the Show floor? Connect with the TORA select committee and members for a beverage and shoptalk during Happy Hour, to be held Tuesday, November 2, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., in LVCC West Hall booth #56155.

Cheer along as TORA presents two awards: Best New Product in the truck category and Best New Product in the off-road category. Check out a modified side-by-side as well as other TORA feature vehicles that will be prominently displayed outside the hall.

Sharpen Skill Sets

TORA is primed to power a builders’ panel moderated by journalist Sean P. Holman. “Why Truck and Off-Road Builders Are Thriving” is on tap for Wednesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in room W235.

Truck and off-road accessories are hot categories and are gaining momentum. Vintage trucks, SUVs and modern truck performance are driving a banner year. Learn what builders consider to be some of the best aftermarket business
opportunities.

Toast Trailblazers, Support SEMA Cares

Experience TORA hospitality at its annual awards reception, to be held Wednesday, November 3, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., on the third floor deck of the LVCC West Hall. The always-packed networking event celebrates the union of two vibrant market segments—truck and off-road—and recognizes industry achievements. As guests savor appetizers and drinks, emcee Rick Hermann will engage in a spirited spiel on the Pinewood Derby to help raise funds benefitting SEMA Cares.

“The reception is a favorite, and doing it in a new venue in the West Hall is a game changer,” Wirtz said. “I love doing the Pinewood Derby and generating funds for SEMA Cares. It’s a great atmosphere and a great way to celebrate our industry.”

SEMA News—October 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) announced two new management changes, effective July 1. Stan Chandgie was promoted from vice president of consumer sales to executive vice president of sales and support, and Heather Adelman, director of strategic accounts, consumer sales, was named vice president of consumer replacement sales. Chandgie will report to Yokohama CEO Jeff Barna. In his new role, he will lead YTC’s consumer replacement and TBS/commercial sales groups along with Yokohama’s sales support functions. Adelman, who has been with Yokohama since 2008, will report to Chandgie.

Peter Rogers, a long-time executive in the music and entertainment industry, has been named vice president of sales for Sonoma Raceway. In his new role, Rogers will oversee all aspects of sponsorships and sales for the 1,600-acre Northern California facility, including title sponsorships, premium sales, corporate events and official speedway partnerships. Rogers holds former experience with Sony Music and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. He will report to Speedway Motorsports Chief Sales Officer Kevin Camper.

Competition Specialties Inc. announced that Charlie Jensen is the newest team member of its purchasing department. Jensen has been in the automotive specialty-equipment industry since 1989, when he went to work as a customer service rep for Flex-a-Lite. Over the next seven years, he worked his way up in the company, achieving the ranks of production coordinator and sales manager. He has also worked in sales at K&N Engineering, R&R Marketing and IMS Marketing, which received recognition for outstanding service from SEMA in 2012.

Race Winning Brands (RWB) welcomed industry veteran Vic Wood as a regional tech support manager. Wood comes to Race Winning Brands with more than 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. A native of Australia, Wood came to the United States in 2000 after a long career as a winning drag racer and oval-track competitor. At RWB, Wood will service automotive engine builders, performance shops and distributors throughout the Midwest. He will remain based out of the Kansas City area to serve the Midwest territories.

The Eastwood Company completed the acquisition of Yost Vises, a specialized provider of high-quality vises. The Yost Vises brand has a 100-year-old history as an industry-leading provider of rugged, durable and dependable work-holding tools sold at DIY price points. It offers a range of bench vises, drill press vises, woodworking vises and clamps and accessories sold via e-commerce to automotive enthusiasts, metalworkers, woodworkers and other DIYers and hobbyists.

Eleven Engineering Inc. announced that Oleksandr Antonenko joined the company’s growing research and development design team. Antonenko has a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alberta.

Gold Eagle Co. announced the retirement of Robert F. (Bob) Hirsch. He joined Gold Eagle in 1957 alongside his father, company founder Armin Hirsch, and served as chairman and most recently senior vice president and director. For the past 10 years, Hirsch chaired the Automotive Aftermarket Charity Foundation to provide financial support for industry employees and their families and was active in fundraising for the American Cancer Society. He will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.

With the untimely passing of Art Morrison Enterprises (AME) Vice President Craig Morrison, long-time AME employee Matt Jones (pictured) will take over a number of the responsibilities that he had shared with Morrison since 2019 as operations manager. Jones joined AME in 2005. He worked hand in hand with company founder Art Morrison. As the company grew, Jones ascended to the roll of lead engineer, ultimately supervising a trio of other chassis and suspension experts. Jones was the prime motivator in the development of the AME multi-link IRS.

Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop acquired the tooling, equipment and proprietary manufacturing techniques from Walker Radiator Works and will move forward as Johnson’s Radiator Works. Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop is committed to continuing the same standard of excellence set forth, as each radiator will continue using the finest-quality materials available, according to the company. The product line focus will be continuing on the legacy of Walker Radiator Works and developing into other markets for later-model car and truck applications.

Aeromotive announced the hiring of Phillip VanBuskirk as national sales manager. VanBuskirk brings 16 years of aftermarket automotive sales experience to Aeromotive, formerly working as a performance parts specialists for both ProCharger and Weld Racing. In his new role, VanBuskirk will be responsible for all Aeromotive sales functions.

Holley announced that Vinod (Vinny) Nimmagadda was appointed executive vice president of corporate development and new ventures. Nimmagadda, an experienced investment banker, will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report directly to President and CEO Tom Tomlinson. Prior to joining the Holley team, Nimmagadda served as vice president at Jefferies Group LLC in the global automotive aftermarket team, where he played a role in many mergers and acquisitions transactions, financings and equity offerings.

Bridgestone Americas announced that Sara Correa has been appointed chief marketing officer (CMO), effective July 26. Correa succeeds Philip Dobbs, who announced that he will retire from Bridgestone in October after a transition period to onboard Correa into her new role. As CMO, Correa will be responsible for the company’s marketing “Center of Excellence” and focus on driving enhanced coordination and marketing activation for the company’s tire and solutions businesses in the United States and Canada.

Legendary Companies, led by Wade Kawasaki and his partners at Irving Place Capital, announced the acquisition of Paragon Corvette Reproductions. The Michigan-based Corvette restoration parts manufacturer and supplier enters as Legendary Companies’ third strategic acquisition since partnering with Irving Place Capital. This acquisition expands the range of products available from Legendary Companies and widens its customer base by offering high-quality restoration components for ’53–’96 Corvettes. Paragon will continue to operate with the same leadership team and staff.

Air Flow Research (AFR) was acquired by Taglich Private Equity (TPE) in a partnership with AFR’s founding family and management. The company’s 42 production and office employees based in Valencia, California, will remain with the current executive team and staff. AFR was founded in 1970 by Ken Sperling and was family-owned until the recent acquisition. Sperling’s son Rick will remain as president and a significant owner of the company.

The XLerate Group added Liquid Motors to its offerings, serving consignors and buyers both digitally and in-lane. Liquid Motors is a critical service provider to independent auctions, dealers, marketplaces and key industry participants.

SEMA Member News—October 2021

By Ellen McKoy

SBN Programs Connect and Engage

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is poised to host its first in-person programs after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus. Designed to empower industry women, SBN’s activities present opportunities for attendees to connect with like-minded colleagues and further their careers.

Women-Centric Education

To help members stay connected during the past year, SBN launched a virtual education platform and hosted nearly 20 virtual sessions. They focused on enhancing your career, providing tips on successful management and assisting C-Suite executives to be as successful as possible post-pandemic. The SBN Resource Committee is drafting its 2022 virtual education roadmap and will be ready for release at the upcoming SEMA Show. The SBN will continue to provide education through in November. The SEMA Show offers a welcome opportunity to power three interactive educational sessions.

“Women Who Build” is on tap for Tuesday, November 2, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in room N259. The panel discussion features top women builders sharing insights into their journeys to success and what they see for the future of custom-car building.

On Wednesday, November 3, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., SBN will present “Women in Leadership” in room N258. A diverse panel of CEOs will discuss the importance of having women among a company’s leadership team, plus the unique perspectives women bring to the table and how to encourage the advancement of women in the industry.

“Women Who Rule Racing” is set for Thursday, November 4, 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., room N258. The Brew Talks session will feature top names in racing—who happen to be female. The women will share inspiring conversation about the adversities they’ve faced and overcome and how they’re encouraging young women to step into the world of racing.

An Evening of Camaraderie

In years past, two SBN events—Gear-Up Girl and the SBN Reception—were held on different nights. This year, both events are set for Wednesday evening, November 3, at the Renaissance Hotel Pool, and SBN is especially excited that students attending Gear-Up Girl will be able to attend the reception as well.

Gear-Up Girl will be held from 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. The women-only networking event gives up-and-coming young women a chance to meet seasoned women leaders, learn about career opportunities, and make valuable connections. The venue also serves as the backdrop for an awards ceremony.

The sixth annual SBN Reception runs from 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. and is open to men and women. Complete with gourmet food and beverages, the festive event typically draws a standing-room-only crowd—including many from other SEMA councils and networks—for an evening of networking and camaraderie.

SEMA Member News—October 2021

By Ellen McKoy

ETTN Delivers Technology-Featured Education

To assist members in adapting to a rapidly changing automotive landscape, the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) provides knowledge on evolving vehicle trends and new technologies. A key component of ETTN’s efforts is centered on distance learning, and a recent Live Chats series concentrated on related technology topics. Current sessions address aspects such as performance electrification, 3-D product development and emissions. Moving forward, ETTN is launching a new initiative.

Tech-Based Education

ETTN will expand its educational sessions from virtual Live Chat session on FaceBook to pre-recorded technical specific session ranging from topics CARB EO procedures to GD&T and more. These sessions will be approximately 20–30 min. in length, cover specific technical topics and provide ETTN members with valuable information across the aftermarket spectrum. ETTN is looking into other educational opportunities, including in-person opportunities.

Diving Into Technology

Two technology-centric sessions, powered by ETTN, are slated for the SEMA Show.

“Synthetic Fuels: Paving the Way for the Future of ICEs (internal combustion engines)” is set for Monday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., room N259 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Panelists will discuss the transition to zero-emissions powertrains and how some companies are investing in alternate technology while preserving internal combustion engines.

A panel comprised of OEM representatives, tuning software companies and aftermarket manufacturers will tackle “Challenges to Modifying the Modern Powertrain” on Thursday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., room N258.

ETTN Happenings

Calling all engineers, product developers and others connected to product development: You’re invited to two events.

On Thursday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., ETTN is hosting its first Tech ’n’ Toast in rooms N235–239. Start the day with a cup of java, a bite to eat and networking with colleagues.

The popular ETTN Lunch & Learn, to be held Thursday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m., rooms N235–239, will feature presentations followed by a panel discussion. Topics will touch on digital testing and design, 3-D printing and artificial technology, and how they relate to product development as well as utilizing SEMA Garage resources to support your company’s growth and increase productivity.

SEMA News—October 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS

SEMA Announces Benjamin Kaminsky as Detroit Operations Manager

SEMA has announced the hiring of Benjamin Kaminsky as Detroit operations manager. Earlier this year, SEMA announced the purchase of a 45,000-sq.-ft. building in Detroit to be used as a second SEMA Garage. Kaminsky will be responsible for the overall management of SEMA Garage Detroit services and facilities to assist members with new product development and integration.

“Benjamin Kaminsky will be a great addition to our SEMA Garage team,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of SEMA’s OEM and product development programs. “He comes to SEMA with more than 20 years of experience in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industries as an engineering and project manager, having worked at both automakers and tier-one suppliers.”

Prior to joining SEMA, Kaminsky worked at General Motors as a senior design and release engineer. He oversaw the design, development, validation and release of Chevrolet Performance air intakes, exhausts and components for use in performance applications. He also worked closely with GM emissions compliance and legal groups to ensure engineering hardware development and release processes consistently delivered products that met and exceeded regulatory requirements.

The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022. Visit www.semagarage.com for further details.

Pep Boys Rolls Out Centennial Celebration

Pep Boys is celebrating its 100th year in business by announcing business expansion plans and investments that will solidify its position as a leading automotive service provider. Throughout the remainder of the year, a custom Pep Boys-branded bus will travel across the country to affirm the company’s commitment to the thousands of local communities it serves. Along the way, Pep Boys will mark the opening of new locations and kick off new business initiatives while celebrating the team members and customers who helped the company reach its remarkable milestone.

“Since Pep Boys was founded 100 years ago, our mission has been to make car care more accessible,” said Brian Kaner, Pep Boys CEO. “For our founders, this meant getting drivers the new auto parts they needed to repair the recently invented automobile. As we shift the Pep Boys business model to focus primarily on automotive service and tires, we’re doing just what our founders did: adapting to changes in the market and the demands and preferences of our customers. Our centennial is the perfect time to honor our heritage, celebrate our success, and jumpstart our future by hitting the road to reconnect with the team members and customers to whom we’ve made a promise for the next 100 years: ‘We go further to help you go farther.’”

Select Hotels Offer Free Parking During SEMA Show

Showgoers booking through onPeak—the SEMA Show’s housing partner—will receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip. onPeak offers not only discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants but also reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.

Driving to the Show? Here is the list of hotels that offer free parking during the Show and which you can book through onPeak to secure your stay.

• Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Downtown Grand Las Vegas
• Encore
• Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
• OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
• SAHARA
• Westin
• Wyeth

Rates start as low as $122 a night.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page at www.SEMAShow.com, you receive the most affordable and convenient hotel options through the partnership with onPeak—the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, to be held Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

Legendary Companies Announces Inaugural Legendary Charity Cruise-In Event

Wade Kawasaki and the team at Legendary Companies announced the inaugural Legendary Charity Cruise-In, an exclusive car show held in conjunction with the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival on Saturday, October 16, from 5:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. All proceeds will go to the Fifty Plus Foundation in support of CHI Memorial Hospital and the NeuroScience Innovation Foundation to help their efforts in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

The Cruise-In offers participants a chance to showcase their collector vehicles in a premier location at the intersection of Riverfront Parkway and M.L.K. Blvd (875 W. 9th Ave.). The event is steps away from the Pace Grand Prix at the Bend, where wheel-to-wheel action will feature historic race cars, including open-wheel cars, CanAm cars, GT cars and more. Participants will receive entry for one collector vehicle and two spectator admission tickets that provide access to Saturday of the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, including access to the Grand Prix Paddock and Mecum Auctions.

Space is limited to 400 cars. The entry fee is a donation of $100 (donation through the Fifty Plus Foundation will support neuroscience research at CHI Memorial)—a special value to encourage enthusiasts to drive their collector vehicles and take part in the event. Register early at https://tinyurl.com/legendarycruise.

SEMA News—October 2021

REQUIRED READING

By Juan Torres

Available High-Tech Resources

Since 2013, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, has given association members access to high-tech resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers. Scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, and an emissions lab recognized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are among the resources available to help manufacturers develop parts from start to finish. In order to offer these services to new members and increase collaboration with partners in other parts of the country, SEMA purchased a building near Detroit to build a second SEMA Garage. The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to open in early 2022. Below are some of the media outlets keeping track of all the SEMA Garage efforts.

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SEMA News—October 2021 

BUSINESS

Navigating Uncharted Territory

ADAS and the Art of Aftermarket Product Development

By Douglas McColloch

The advent of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in OE vehicle platforms presents the aftermarket with one of its greatest near-term opportunities and some of its most daunting challenges. Modifying a vehicle in virtually any way can affect the ability of ADAS to function properly, and the same holds true for collision repair and refinishing.

Regardless of the nature of the work, a vehicle’s sensors must be properly repositioned, its cameras correctly repointed and its control modules successfully reprogrammed when modifications are made, and even the smallest variation from the factory OE geometry can adversely affect a vehicle’s performance and drivability.

But for companies that can solve those problems and integrate new products with ADAS-compatible vehicles, the opportunity to expand market reach is considerable. A recent SEMA Education webinar, “ADAS Technologies: How to Navigate Product Development,” aimed to provide answers by featuring case studies from two leading aftermarket manufacturers that have successfully developed and launched products for ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Moderated by SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development Mike Spagnola, the webinar discussed the types of ADAS systems that can pose the most difficulties to builders and modifiers, the testing and calibration protocols that are the most efficient, and the tools and logistical support that are needed to enable successful product integration.

Compliance: Concept to Execution

The webinar commenced with a presentation from John Natoci, chief operating officer at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), who focused on the Jeep Wrangler, one of the aftermarket’s most heavily modified vehicle platforms. AEV manufactures a plethora of parts for Wranglers, including bumpers, winches, lightbars and lights, and Natoci said that every one of them will have some impact on the factory ADAS. The key to successful product development, therefore, is to factor in ADAS requirements early in the design process, before pen is put to paper.

“We had to learn to bake this into the process early rather than after the fact,” Natoci said. “We weren’t used to having to deal with it, and our designers and engineers found out the hard way later on that we had issues. It was a paradigm change for us, to make sure that everyone was thinking ahead and not having to learn by trial and error later.”

While the Wrangler is not the most sophisticated in terms of advanced tech, Natoci said, its suite of onboard ADAS is comparable to other, more technologically advanced cars and trucks. The first step, then, is to identify a new product’s potential impacts on the Jeep’s ADAS. Among the potentially disruptive factors are increased curb height, new bumper geometry, revised wheel offset or increased tire diameter.

“Even the smallest changes can have a significant impact,” Natoci noted.

Once ADAS problem spots are identified on a bumper, for instance, designing can commence. To provide an example, Natoci spotlighted an AEV rear bumper/spare-tire carrier that necessitates relocation of the factory backup and parking sensors as well as the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). Using CAD software, AEV engineers simulate the field of view of the relocated sensors, looking for potential points of interference while calculating angles to restore sensor coverage to factory specifications.

Next comes physical testing—in this case, in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111. The first step involves modeling a baseline of the unmodified vehicle, which will provide the needed data to recalibrate the sensors once they’ve been relocated.

Next, a test mule is mocked up with the relocated sensors and then subjected to testing. The data gathered here can be compared to the unmodified baseline data gathered previously.

“Like a lot of companies these days, we do a lot of 3-D printing, which allows us to try out all sorts of design iterations and adjust as needed,” Natoci said. In this case, that enabled AEV to fine-tune the size and shape of the housing for the CHMSL relocation kit until the proper positioning and angularity were achieved.

Then comes actual proving-ground testing, which often involves partnering with third-party test facilities. Once compliance with the relevant FMVSS standards has been achieved, an AEV technician will plug into the vehicle using (usually) the supplied OE diagnostic software to verify that all ADAS sensors are functioning as intended with no trouble codes noted.

Other Considerations

However, modifiers tend to keep modifying, so it’s important that users also be given the necessary tools to keep their vehicles in compliance as they continue to tinker with their rides. In AEV’s case, every suspension system it makes comes with an electronic snap-on module to account for future changes in tire diameter, tire pressure, axle ratios and the like.

Moving up the vehicular pecking order, ADAS compliance poses its own unique set of challenges to more technologically complex “signature” or coach-built vehicles. Corry Davis, vice president of engineering at Saleen Automotive, noted that the ADAS systems most affected by changes to Saleen’s signature F-trucks and Mustangs are adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist and rear parking assist.

“With the Mustang, there’s also radar as well as the cameras that have to be aligned and accounted for,” Davis said. “Vehicles equipped with collision avoidance and/or adaptive cruise control have a forward-facing radar unit that must be calibrated when installed or moved. Before calibration, you must ensure that the sensor face is perpendicular to the ground, then use the diagnostic scan tool to set the calibration for the CCM [central control module].”

That generally requires about 15 minutes of on-road testing while running the calibration procedure with the OE scan tool.

Another relatively new ADAS technology to consider is 360-degree camera view.

“As you take the rake out of the stock vehicle when you lift it or lower it, the alignment of these cameras needs to be redone,” Davis said.

A Saleen technician will connect a factory diagnostic tool to the vehicle’s CCM and follow the on-screen instructions. To verify that the alignment has been successful, the vehicle is taken to a parking lot with straight parking lines. Driving over the lines slowly while watching the infotainment screen will reveal whether the camera view is partial or “segmented” (in which case another alignment is needed) or “unsegmented” (in which case the vehicle is in compliance again).

How SEMA Can Assist

No matter the test methodology, ADAS compliance testing and verification can be costly and time-consuming. It requires ample, level shop space for target positioning, and it requires special tools that can costs tens of thousands of dollars, which may be beyond the budgetary limits of many smaller companies. There are also no industry-wide standards for nomenclature, testing or calibration, which further adds complexity and cost for smaller operations.

To better assist member companies in the manufacture and testing of ADAS-compliant products, SEMA’s new state-of-the-industry SEMA Garage facility, located in metro Detroit and scheduled to open in early 2022, will incorporate a 5,000-sq.-ft. shop space dedicated exclusively to ADAS testing.

In addition to the dedicated space, two ADAS engineers will be on staff, and two static on-site calibration centers will employ both OE and aftermarket tools and equipment. Additionally, SEMA will purchase 20 new vehicles in the coming year to use as test beds in both stock and modified (e.g., lifted or lowered) configurations. Test procedures will be both static and dynamic—the latter to be done off-site in cooperation with Detroit-area test tracks. The end goal of the program is to assist industry partners in more fully understanding ADAS, particularly on modified vehicles.

“This is all-new territory for a lot of us,” Spagnola noted. “SEMA is investing a half million dollars in tools for the Garage, and they belong to our members. We’ll have technicians on hand to answer questions, and members will be welcome to bring their modified vehicles to our Garage, and we’ll work right alongside them.”

Looking forward a few years, the emergence of artificial intelligence “auto-pilot” features will present their own sets of challenges to modifiers, Davis said.

“Camera placement and how the camera works with the engine control module is a big concern right now—specifically in terms of what we’re limited to, based on where everything needs to go,” he explained.

Still, Natoci remains optimistic.

“A few years ago, you could panic and say, ‘We’re going to get locked out of the market,’” he said of advances in onboard OE technologies. “I think the aftermarket has proven that we can move with it, and I also think the OEMs understand that. There was a time when I think that they were trying to lock folks out—intentionally or unintentionally—but I think they see the benefit of aftermarket involvement now. So it’s not going to get any easier, but I don’t see aftermarket-modified vehicles going away any time soon.”

About SEMA Garage Detroit

Three times larger than SEMA’s Diamond Bar technical facility, SEMA Garage Detroit, scheduled to open in early 2022, will be a state-of-the-art emissions testing lab and ADAS research and development center, with a staff of full-time technicians on hand to assist SEMA-member companies with product testing and development.

SEMA Garage Detroit will include new equipment such as emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and diesel vehicles. It will also house vehicle lifts, fabrication equipment, an alignment rack, 3-D scanning tools, and engineering software. In addition to the 5,000-sq.-ft. ADAS testing facility, the Garage’s new emissions lab will be purpose-built to accommodate a 48-in., all-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer and will include equipment that meets the California Air Resources Board’s new 1066 testing requirement standards.

For further information about the SEMA Detroit Garage and its many programs and services, visit www.semagarage.com.