Nearly 15 years ago, passenger cars and light trucks each represented about half of all new light vehicles sold in the United States. Today, the share of light trucks—pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans—is roughly 76%.
As automakers prioritize light truck models, these segments are expected to continue to dominate both the market for new vehicles and the specialty aftermarket. Find out how light trucks are expected to shape the market by joining SEMA Market Research in a live webinar on May 11, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Webinar participants will learn about the growing diversity of the light truck market and receive new information that will help them make more informed, strategic business decisions.
SEMA Live webinars allow participants to hear from and engage with presenters in real-time during the event.
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
With under seven months before the opening of the 2021 SEMA Show, positive news from Las Vegas has specialty-equipment businesses eager meet in person, and Show management excited to help reconnect the industry at the world's leading celebration of innovation, ingenuity and passion for automobiles. Momentum for the 2021 space allocation, which takes place in June, is very strong with an anticipated 1,800 companies expected to participate. This will be very appealing to industry buyers who have the chance to secure credentials as registration opens in May.
Below are key dates and information to help attendees and exhibitors prepare for the return of the SEMA Show. For additional information, visit www.SEMAshow.com.
Positive News From Las Vegas
The city of Las Vegas continues to move toward reopening, with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announcing plans for the city to be at 100% capacity by June 1. SEMA continues to work closely with city and state officials to provide the industry with an event that complies with the most up-to-date guidelines, while optimally showcasing the latest automotive aftermarket products, technology and trends.
New Ways to Connect
The Las Vegas Convention Center completed construction of a new 1.4-million square-foot hall earlier this year. The new (West) hall will optimize the SEMA Show experience by providing even more new features to encourage more valuable interactions between buyers and exhibitors. In addition to personally connecting on the Show floor, a newly constructed, high-speed underground transportation system connects the entire campus together and will make navigating the Show's displays, attractions and special events easier than ever. The $52.5 million people-mover system will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls.
Show Space Selection in June
Exhibitors continue to reserve space for the 2021 Show and will begin selecting their locations on the Show floor through the Show's space allocation process, taking place June 7-21. For companies interested in exhibiting in 2021, the deadline to submit the Exhibit Space Rental Application is May 7. Prior to space selection, the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be made available and includes the information and forms needed to prepare the SEMA Show, such as deadline dates, shipping details, display and feature vehicle guidelines and more.
More Than Products
The SEMA Show provides buyers the opportunity to connect with the companies behind the automotive aftermarket's newest products, and see the latest vehicle and lifestyle trends. The Show is also where attendees can learn practical skills and discover ways to thrive in today's fast-changing automotive industry through SEMA Education. The 2021 SEMA Show will feature more than 100 business and professional-development seminars that prepare individuals and companies for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Attendee registration for the 2021 SEMA Show opens May 3.
A Homecoming Unlike Any Other
When the industry reunites at the Show in November, it will have been two years since everyone will have seen one another, together. People are looking forward to gathering at the Show to reconnect with friends, network with new contacts and get back to business in general. The SEMA Show and the city of Las Vegas will be ready to welcome everyone back with open arms. Currently, the Show’s hotel block is open, and we encourage you to start making your plans now to attend the best automotive event of the year.
The Ferrari 812 GTO (Versione Speciale) was caught thinly disguised while out on a test run in Maranello.
Last year, Ferrari was seen testing a cobbled together mule that consisted of an 812 Superfast. Fast forward to today, and we have what appears to be the fruits of that labor—an 812 GTO. The GTO badge was last seen in 2011, so after a decade in retirement, the 812 GTO seems to make sense.
Power is expected to come from the 6.5L V12 found in the 812 Superfast, which pumps out 789 hp and 530 lb.-ft. of torque, although the GTO is expected to come in more than 800 hp, especially given the fact that the Monza models are already ringing in at 799 hp.
The Ferrari 812 GTO (Versione Speciale) was caught thinly disguised while out on a test run in Maranello.
Last year, Ferrari was seen testing a cobbled together mule that consisted of an 812 Superfast. Fast forward to today, and we have what appears to be the fruits of that labor—an 812 GTO. The GTO badge was last seen in 2011, so after a decade in retirement, the 812 GTO seems to make sense.
Power is expected to come from the 6.5L V12 found in the 812 Superfast, which pumps out 789 hp and 530 lb.-ft. of torque, although the GTO is expected to come in more than 800 hp, especially given the fact that the Monza models are already ringing in at 799 hp.
Automotive enthusiasts and replica car companies alike are eager for the Biden Administration to approve a rule allowing the sale of completed replica cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a rule during the last days of the Trump Presidency that must be finalized before the SEMA-led replica car law takes effect.
U.S. Representative Norma Torres (D-CA) shares SEMA’s desire to see the replica car law finalized so that manufacturers can begin production and start hiring workers. Rep. Torres recently asked U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg to give special consideration to finalizing the replica car rulemaking at a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing.
Rep. Torres, who previously toured the SEMA Garage, shares SEMA’s passion for classic vehicles, as she enjoys driving a ’66 Ford Mustang that her husband Louis restored (he’s currently fixing up a classic Ford truck).
For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to its proposed rule to modify or remove the current E15 warning label requirement for gasoline that contains 15% ethanol.
Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations, such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. In 2011, the EPA prohibited the use of E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, along with motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.
The EPA’s proposed new label would weaken the warning message and be smaller in size. SEMA argued that these changes would increase the likelihood of E15 gasoline being used in incompatible vehicles.
SEMA also opposed the EPA proposal to remove the E15 warning label requirement all together. Such removal would place the responsibility to know if their vehicle is compatible solely on the consumer, which would lead to much more misfuelling. Instead of removing or limiting the warning label, SEMA suggested in its comments that the label should be strengthened by expanding it to include the words “WARNING” and “Check your owner’s manual”; be 5x7 inches or larger; and include pictograms depicting a boat, a lawnmower, a chainsaw, a motorcycle and a snowmobile.
SEMA also recommended that the EPA take this opportunity to establish a uniform national labeling standard for gasoline that contains 10% ethanol or less. The labels are currently subject to state law and some states do not require that consumers be informed that the gasoline being purchased contains ethanol.
For additional information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
The Reverse Trade Mission enables attendees to meet one on one
with global distributors and resellers and participate in numerous
networking receptions and special events with top international
buyers.
Meet key global trade buyers of automotive specialty-equipment products here in the United States. Since buyers will travel to multiple states for the Reverse Trade Mission (RTM), attendees will choose the most convenient location from the list of stops below.
The RTM enables attendees to meet one on one with global distributors and resellers and participate in numerous networking receptions and special events with top international buyers. The day-and-a half program (per location) will create opportunities for visiting international resellers and for U.S.-based suppliers to establish or enhance relationships and hopefully lead to increased business. Space is limited.
Locations (select one):
California: July 19-20
Michigan: July 22-23
North Carolina: July 26–27
The registration fees is $300, which includes the opportunity to meet one on one with visiting buyers and all meals during this day-and-a-half program, starting with a dinner the first night followed by one-on-one meetings and a closing reception.
A special promotion package of $2,700 is available, which includes a half-page ad in the SEMA Buyer’s Guide, to be distributed at the RTM, in SEMA News and in the Center for International Commerce (CIC) at the 2021 SEMA Show and a one-month digital ad on www.sema.org.
A $1,200 grant is available from the U.S. federal government for qualified companies with an additional $1,650 from the State of California for qualified California-based companies resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package ($3,000 value for $150).
Eligible Michigan companies participating in the RTM and taking advantage of the $2,700 Special Promotion Package (SPP) can receive $1,200 from the federal MDCP grant and $1,050 through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program to cover a maximum 75% reimbursement of all eligible export expenses. For more information or to apply, contact export@michigan.org to get connected with your international trade manager.
In addition to the $1,200 MDCP award, an additional $1,650 from the State of North Carolina for qualified North Carolina-based companies is available, resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package. For more information or to apply, contact Jen Vogelsberg at jen.vogelsberg@edpnc.com.
Many other states also have grants. Contact Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org for more information.
For more information on the Reverse Trade Mission or other SEMA International programs and resources, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.
SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin, President and CEO Chris Kersting and other SEMA/PRI executive staff will share updates about the industry’s top initiatives during the Virtual Town Hall, Tuesday, May 4, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Recognizing the changes that have taken place in the industry during the past year, the association has many new, enhanced and modified programs focused on current needs. During the 45-minute Virtual Town Hall, members will get updates about resources for emissions compliance, programs uniting the motorsports community and reconnecting the industry at in-person trade events this year.
SEMA/PRI executive staff will talk about the status of current programs and events available to members, and answer questions live during the Virtual Town Hall.
By participating in the event, members can make their voices heard and provide feedback on how SEMA can better serve the industry and membership.
SEMA volunteers played a key role in many of the programs, services
and events that were introduced this past year, including
reintroducing in-person events such as the industry happy hour at the
recent Keystone BIG Show in Grapevine, Texas. With safety guidelines
in place, volunteers from TORA, SBN, and YEN guided SEMA staff on
the promotion, planning and execution of the event.
Volunteers are essential to SEMA and the industry throughout the year, even more so during the past year as businesses struggled to keep their doors open and contend with confusing federal and state regulations impacting their day-to-day operations.
It’s during this challenging time, however, that SEMA volunteers stepped outside the box to dedicate their time, knowledge and expertise to helping the industry. Volunteers worked with SEMA staff to develop new business resources and modify existing programs to ensure that they would meet the industry’s needs.
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18–24), SEMA is recognizing the contributions of the volunteer groups and individuals who have given so much to the industry.
“Amidst a trying year, hundreds of volunteers continued to donate their time and efforts to helping the industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Councils and Membership Nathan Ridnouer. “By providing creative solutions to solve unprecedented situations, the industry continued to flourish and succeed.”
Many of the new ideas that resulted during the pandemic were developed from volunteers. For example:
After a full year of being unable to gather in-person, volunteers from the Truck and Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA) partnered with volunteers from the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) to host an in-person networking event at the Keystone Big Show in Grapevine, Texas. The event was followed by a trail-run and networking event at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, allowing truck and off-road professionals to connect for the first time in months.
SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) volunteers are working to provide aspiring young professionals with high-quality leadership training. The select committee recently hosted a focus group, where the accredited training association Dale Carnegie shared “Five Drivers of Success” with YEN members and SEMA Board members.
Earlier this year, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) volunteers held the first ever Virtual Media Trade Conference. The event connected motorsports journalists with leading motorsports manufacturers and offered them the opportunity to gather content and conduct interviews to use in stories and posts that will reach consumers from all over the world.
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) volunteers fully embraced virtual education and community building by hosting 10 virtual education sessions and three virtual networking/community building events within four months, and more scheduled throughout the year. Through four different virtual education series, the SBN continues to be a resource for women in the industry to advance their careers while also creating community through interactive breakout groups.
Both the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have been hosting virtual general membership meetings since mid-2020, making it easier than ever for members across the country to participate. The volunteers have found such value in holding meetings in this new format that they will continue to do so even as in-person events return.
Additional programs that also resulted from volunteers include the launch of the seven-part “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights” webinar series, powered by the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC); the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Member Insight program, which provided an outlet for ETTN members to share technology tips for overcoming the pandemic; the SEMA Cares #MotorsoundChallenge on social media; and the “Industry Talks: Back to Business—Rebuilding Partnerships and Operations, Powered by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)” virtual panel discussion.
“During the pandemic, SEMA volunteers showed passion and commitment to build a stronger community for our members,” said SEMA Council and Network Director Nicole Bradle. “Through their leadership, SEMA councils and networks created and implemented resources over the past year to provide professional education and create networking outlets and opportunities for members to engage with their peers.”
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Nearly 15 years ago, passenger cars and light trucks each represented about half of all new light vehicles sold in the United States. Today, the share of light trucks—pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans—is roughly 76%.
SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin, President and CEO Chris Kersting and other SEMA/PRI executive staff will share updates about the industry’s top initiatives during the Virtual Town Hall, Tuesday, May 4, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
“During the pandemic, SEMA volunteers showed passion and commitment to build a stronger community for our members,” said SEMA Council and Network Director Nicole Bradle. “Through their leadership, SEMA councils and networks created and implemented resources over the past year to provide professional education and create networking outlets and opportunities for members to engage with their peers.”