By SEMA Editors

The Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.) in East Liberty, Ohio, has assumed day-to-day management of Merced County’s California AutoTech Testing and Development Center (CATDC) at Castle to help expand testing services for automotive manufacturers, suppliers and transportation innovators in mid-California’s technology hub.

Recognized as North America’s most comprehensive automotive testing organization, TRC Inc. signed a 10-year agreement with the Merced County Board of Supervisors to manage the 225-acre CATDC testing complex and bring TRC Inc.’s nearly 50 years of technical expertise as an engineering services firm to help create a one-stop-shop approach to affirming the safety, quality and competitiveness of new technologies.

TRC Inc. was selected to manage and expand the county-owned research center after an extensive RFP process conducted by KPMG International for the Merced County Board of Supervisors.

When TRC Inc. assumes management of the Merced County facility, it will work to complete development of advanced testing facilities, especially new capabilities geared toward research on autonomous and connected vehicles. In Ohio, TRC Inc. operates a 540-acre SMARTCenter which provides transportation innovators with a roadway complex especially designed for testing automated and connected vehicle systems in a safe, secure and repeatable real-world environment.

By SEMA Editors

Platinum status represents SDC manufacturers that have achieved the pinnacle of product data by putting in the extra effort to provide resellers with the most complete data sets available.

AutoMeter
Professional Grade Tire Pressure Gauges

No matter how you use your vehicle, having a properly inflated tire is critical. On the track, having an exact measurement of your tire pressure is oftentimes the difference between lighting up the win lights and blowing your tires off at the line. While offroading, proper tire pressure ensures maximum traction. For everyday driving, the correct tire pressure helps increase fuel economy and lessens the wear on tires. AutoMeter’s professional grade digital tire pressure gauge provides the most accurate measurement available in a durable package designed for the rigors of life at the track, offroad, or anywhere.

Website: www.autometer.com
PN: 2160

JMS
BoostMAX

The JMS BoostMAX is designed to work with all EcoBoost engines to considerably increase Horsepower and Torque, up to 50+WHP depending on application. The plug and play design are easy to install, connecting to your factory MAP and TIP sensors with an included knob for on-the-fly boost adjustment. You’ll feel increased throttle response across the entire power band, with no aftermarket OBDII programming required. For the ultimate in power and control, pair with the JMS PedalMAX. BoostMAX units are fully waterproof, backed by a lifetime warranty, and made in the USA.

Website: www.jmschip.com
PN: BX6

Oracle Lighting
Powersports Illuminated LED Wheel Rings

Oracle Lighting is proud to announce its new illuminated LED wheel rings. Designed specifically for the harsh conditions of off-road use, our new illuminated LED wheel rings are an easy and effective way to light up the wheels, underbody, and suspension on your UTV, ATV, or side-by-side. This head-turning lighting product consists of a set of four LED, illuminated aluminum rings which install around the brake rotor and attaches to the fixed knuckle assembly. Wiring features Plug-and-Play waterproof connectors for easy installation. The effect is a vivid ring of light which accents the wheels and suspension to make your rig stand out. The 12-inch diameter is designed to fit most wheels 14-inches and larger and works on most UTV, ATV, SXS, and sub-compact car applications. Featuring an industry-leading encapsulation and insulation method, these LEDs are completely waterproof.

Website: www.oraclelights.com
PN: 4250-334

By Ashley Reyes

Classic cars and trucks represent a $890 million market for the aftermarket industry. New research reveals what types of work are performed on classic cars, where vehicle owners go to purchase parts for them and what their driving habits are. Join the SEMA Market Research team on February 16, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) as they answer live questions and share a recording of an exclusive presentation about the classic car market that debuted during SEMA360.

Attendees will leave the webinar with a better understanding of the classic car owner, as well as an outlook on the diversity of the classic car market and emerging trends to help them make better business decisions.

Register for “Classic Cars, Modern Markets.”

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) members and those involved in the hot-rod segment of the industry are invited to join the council for its upcoming general membership meeting, February 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).

The HRIA Select Committee will share details about the council’s latest programs and resources, and host a virtual panel discussion focused on trends and predictions in the hot-rod industry. This event is the ideal opportunity for members to connect directly with council leadership and get questions answered on the state of the hot-rod industry at large.

Register now.

For additional questions regarding the event, contact HRIA Council Director Jim Skelly at Jimsk@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On February 2, 2021, California began accepting round-two applications from small businesses and nonprofits seeking funds from the state’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. The program is being administered by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Applications are due February 8, 2021. Round-one applicants who did not receive funds do not need to reapply.

Grant recipients will be awarded between $5,000 and $25,000, based on annual revenue from the most recent tax return. Eligible recipients with annual revenue of $1,000 to $100,000 may be awarded $5,000. Those with revenue more than $100,000, up to $1 million, may receive $15,000. If a recipient’s revenue is greater than $1 million, up to $2.5 million, it may receive $25,000. Funds may be used to cover eligible expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as payroll expenses, working capital, costs associated with reopening and COVID-19 mitigation expenses.

Applicants will be scored based on priority criteria, including geographic distribution based on California’s Blueprint for a Safe Economy; impact of COVID-19 on the applicant’s industry sector; and underserved small business groups served by the State supported network of small business centers.

For more information on the program or to learn how to apply, visit https://careliefgrant.com/.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has completed a rule that will allow low volume vehicle manufacturers to produce and sell replica cars—vehicles that appear to be at least 25 years old. SEMA members are invited to learn more about the replica car law during a webinar on Wednesday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. (PST).

Replica car manufacturers and suppliers have waited since 2015 for the program to start, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation to establish it. Until then, NHTSA only had a one-size-fits-all regulatory framework intended for companies that mass-produce millions of cars.

A panel of industry experts will provide an overview of the new program and practical considerations for selling replica cars, engine packages, or vehicle parts.

Details

Webinar: A New Era for Replica Cars: How Manufacturers and Suppliers Can Take Advantage of Industry-Friendly Regulations

• What is the definition of “replica car”?
• How will replica cars be regulated by NHTSA?
• How will the cars meet current model year emissions standards?
• What are the rules for engine packages to be installed in the cars?
• When and how do companies register with NHTSA, EPA, and CARB?

Register now.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA members can again apply for a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan or emergency injury disaster (EIDL) loan. The current deadline is March 31, 2021, for submitting PPP loan applications, and December 31, 2021, for EIDL applications. SEMA has provided two resources to assist:

• Click here for an overview of PPP first and second loans, EIDL loans, and links for more information.
• Click here for a recording of the “Everything You Need to Know About the New PPP Program” webinar presented by Gene Marks on January 19, 2021.
• Webinar PowerPoint presentation.

Questions? Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Richard Hail

The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here. The 2020 “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will air on A+E Networks’ History Channel this Sunday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m. (EST). Now in its seventh year, more than 1,000 builders have competed in the annual event.

The one-hour program highlights skilled builders who are vying for the industry’s ultimate accolade—the Battle of the Builders Top Builder Trophy. Beginning with more than 300 entries, the Top 40 vehicles are chosen from four distinct categories—Hot Rod, Import/Sport Compact, Truck/Off-Road, and Young Guns—and go head-to-head in a battle for top build.

But before that, there are still three more past episodes that you can catch this week during the SEMA: Battle of the Builders Marathon. Point your browser to the SEMA Show YouTube channel where you can set a reminder to watch the next SEMA Battle of the Builders competition each night at 6:00 p.m. (PST). Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic as she gives an exclusive look at past competitions. Other special guests will also make an appearance throughout the night. Join in the conversation, learn some interesting facts and maybe you’ll get the opportunity to chat with a SEMA builder.

Be sure to subscribe and click that “set reminder” button on the SEMA Show YouTube channel. And follow along with all the #SEMABOTB action on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders program, visit www.semabotb.com

By Ashley Reyes

As the aftermarket industry began to grow, so did the need to recognize the pioneers who contributed to it and to the formation of the association.

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame began and was referred to as the “Old Timer’s Memorial Award” at the time. Few people realize that it was not until 1986 that the program came to be known as the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Here’s more about the program that few people may know:

The First Inductee

When Paul Schiefer returned from serving in the Navy during World War II, he resumed his hobby of working on cars and began experimenting on his flathead Ford V8-powered “T,” and eventually produced the first ribbed-type, lightweight, cast aluminum flywheel that would not wrap or distort under serve load.

As horsepower increased, so did the danger of flywheels exploding into dangerous shrapnel. Schiefer developed a process that provided the ultimate in coefficient of friction and wear of resistance and went on to develop the first bonded bronze clutch facing a new aluminum flywheel called the “Albro.”

During the ’60s, Schiefer guided his company to become the largest specialty drivetrain manufacturing company in the world.

In honor of being named the association’s first inductee in 1969, subsequent inductees received the Paul Schiefer “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.” In 1986, the award came to be known simply as the Hall of Fame. Though the name changed, the original intent did not. To this day, the award continues to honor and pay tribute to the leaders and legends that help make the automotive specialty equipment market a thriving $44.6 billion industry.

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn SEMA Hall of Fame induction. If you know an outstanding person in the industry who has enhanced or significantly contributed to the industry and associations growth, nominate them to be inducted into the 2021 SEMA Hall of Fame class.

Nominations are being accepted until March 19.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Ashley Reyes

Best-selling author Corey Perlman of Social Media Impact Inc. and Brand Experience Expert Katie Mares shared proven strategies and tips for turning a digital onlooker into a lifelong customer during a recent education webinar from SEMA360. The full session will be released on February 24 as special simu-live event, where Perlman and Mares will engage and answer questions through a live chat on what brands can do to obtain testimonials and referrals that will bring in more business, maintain positive customer relationships and offer experiences that are authentic, personalized and tailored.

Industry professionals are invited to watch the highly rated SEMA360 education session that participants described as an “excellent session” with “fantastic content”, while connecting with Perlman and Mares in a live chat and discussion.  

Register here for “The Customer Journey: From Digital Onlooker to Repeat Buyer.”