By SEMA Editors

Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show to shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the specialty automotive market has to offer.

In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social media influencers, ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.

Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.

Reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Important SEMA Show Dates

• Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Friday, May 7
• Early Space Selection: Monday, June 7–Wednesday, June 23
• Full Refund Cancellation Deadline: Wednesday, September 1
• Show Dates: Tuesday, November 2–Friday, November 5

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.

By Kyle Cheng

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:

• Overall Economic Outlook
• New Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
• Consumer Sentiment and Spending
• Economic Growth and Unemployment
• Other Important Industry Insights

Now that 2021 is here, what’s the path moving forward? How does recovery look for the country, the economy and our industry? In the new “SEMA Future Trends” report, SEMA Market Research explores what the most likely scenarios are for the pandemic, overall economy and our industry so that you have the information you need to have more success in 2021 and beyond.

Download the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report and the new “SEMA Future Trends” report today at www.sema.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Sales Lead
Merchant Automotive is hiring a sales lead to coordinate sales efforts and ensure the company’s sales quotas are met. This position will grow sales, develop key relationships with the wholesale division, lead, manage and train the sales/support team while maintaining a high standard of excellence. This position will be responsible for the care, growth and continued success of all WD and smaller jobber relationships. Candidates must have 3-5 years’ experience managing a small phone sales team.

Automotive Technician
AAM Competition LLC is hiring an automotive technician specializing in Nissan and Infiniti Performance to install high-performance parts and perform regular scheduled maintenance. Candidates should have more than two years’ automotive shop experience and a strong understanding of vehicle wiring diagrams/electronics.

Maintenance Supervisor
TransferFlow is hiring a maintenance supervisor responsible for operation, maintenance, repair, cleaning and resource management for the TFI facility, which includes building and mechanical equipment, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, alarm systems, energy management/solar systems, electrical, plumbing, evaporative coolers, water systems and other mechanical and specialized equipment. This hands-on position not only oversees the work and manages service contracts and vendors, but also participates in the work on a regular basis. Candidates must be able to work safely with many different power systems, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and internal combustion.

Visit the SEMA Career Center for more job opportunities.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Eibach
• Flaming River
• Hedman Performance Group
• Hotchkis
• K&N
• KC HiLites
• Magnaflow
• McLeod
• Omix-ADA
• Yakima

By SEMA Editors

Note: Red Rock 4-Wheelers released an update February 4 regarding the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari.

The Red Rock 4 Wheelers have announced the cancellation of the traditional Easter Jeep Safari for 2021. This includes all of the trail rides and other related activities associated with the Safari.

This action has been taken as a result of the State of Utah’s Health order in relation to COVID-19, which at the present time does not allow any group assembly in excess of 250 people.

This is the high-risk portion of the health order. If the statistics show a downward trend in the spread of COVID-19, the county could move to the moderate level. Under the moderate level, the limit for a group activity is 1,000.

Under the Grand County special event permit requirements, the state limits must be followed.

In a meeting with the Grand County administrator and Grand County Attorney to review the ordinance, it was determined that there was no wiggle room to the limits.

Because of the uncertainty of the risk level at Safari time, Red Rock 4 Wheelers determined that the prudent course of action was to cancel the event.

For more information, visit the Red Rock 4 Wheelers website.

By Fredy Ramirez

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

Dana
Expanded TM4 SUMO HP Motor and Inverter Series

Dana Inc. unveiled an expanded family of Dana TM4 SUMO HP electric motors and inverters, including the HV1000 and HV2500. The TM4 SUMO family is specifically designed for battery-electric, range-extended, and fuel-cell vehicles. These high-performance motors and inverters are engineered to offer maximum flexibility, enabling direct-drive, series-hybrid, or parallel-hybrid applications. The technologies are currently available to original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for testing and are scheduled for production in the first half of 2021.

The product is designed to allow OEMs to replace internal combustion-based components with a compact, highly efficient package that does not require major modifications. It can therefore be coupled to diesel engines, natural gas engines, and multi-speed transmissions, as well as integrated as part of an e-Axle in heavy-duty and off-highway applications.

Website: www.dana.com

Automotive Lift Institute
New Lifting Points Guide

A crucial step when raising a vehicle on a frame-engaging car lift like a two-post lift is properly spotting the vehicle. In order to keep the vehicle stable while lifting and to prevent damage, it should be positioned so the lift is making contact only at the lifting points recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The 2021 edition of Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts from the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) includes OEM lifting points for cars, SUVs, vans and light-duty trucks from model years 2000 through 2021.

The Lifting Points Guide is available in ALI’s online store, www.autolift.org/ali-store/alilp-guide and comes with a bonus free Safety Tips Card.

Brass Knuckle
SmartCut BKCR303 Gloves

Brass Knuckle SmartCut BKCR303 gloves succeed on three fronts by providing dexterity, grip and ANSI cut level A2 protection. This triple threat is accomplished with a glass fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) shell — a composite yarn that has a strength-to-weight ratio eight to 15 times greater than steel — and polyurethane coating. The thinner, 13-gauge material delivers deftness without trading away its inherent cut-resistance.

The non-sticky polyurethane coating on the palm and fingers features excellent grip, even against oils, fats, and greases, and can deliver enhanced puncture protection and abrasion resistance, all without adding bulk or reducing touch sensitivity.

Brass Knuckle designed the BKCR303 to provide enhanced flexibility and deliver the right balance of mechanical protection, performance, and comfort.

Website: www.brassknuckleprotection.com/products/BKCR303

Hifonics
Hifonics HFEQ-2 Processor

Hifonics HFEQ-2 Processor utilizes higher sound quality with upgraded components. With 1⁄2 DIN ISO mount included, this perfect system upgrade can be installed right in the dash of your vehicle. At your fingertips, you’ll receive a 9-volt line driver offering a 4-band equalizer with a +18dB variable plus master volume, subwoofer volume control, and front to rear dual-amp fader.

Contact: 847-540-7700
Website: www.hifonics.com

Metra Electronics
Lights, Camera Kit, and Brackets for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

Metra Electronics has added even more aftermarket products to its growing line of Jeep accessories with the addition of new side marker lights, a third brake light, a replacement camera kit, and a fog light adapter bracket set.

Amber LED Side Marker Lights for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator: The JP-SML2 replaces factory side marker lights with an easy to install solution that is plug-n-play with all of the 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT trim levels. It includes an integrated anti-flicker feature with a smoked crystalline lens for a stylish upgrade. The amber LEDs provide better visibility with 13.5 watts and an internal reflector for an even brighter output than the factory marker lights.

Third Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler: The JP-TTL3T upgrades the third brake light to a brighter, modern LED light with 2.5 watts and a durable polycarbonate lens. Installation is easy with a plug-n-play factory connector that will work with any trim level for 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL models.

Replacement Camera Kit for Jeep Wrangler: This JP-JLKT kit is designed to replace the factory LVDS camera on 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler models to provide an RCA output for aftermarket radios or monitors. The rear video feed may be viewed while driving and there is an optional feature for selectable parking lines. This camera is a direct OE replacement and features 550 TV lines resolution, an improved power circuit, and a 160-degree viewing angle. The rear tire mounting bracket is included in the kit so that installers have everything needed.

Fog Light Brackets for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Sport: With a different design for the 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT Sport models, the JP-JFOG2 will convert any of Metra’s 4-inch JP-XXX series fog lights to fit and bolt on directly to the vehicle. The brackets are sold as a pair and mount with the factory hardware.

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.

AeroExhaust
TR/AR

The TR and AR resonator lines are designed to meet every enthusiast's needs. It boils down to functionality, quality, and performance. Commencing with the material, in order to prevent surface rust and corrosion we elected to only offer our resonators in 304-grade stainless steel. We also recognized that some enthusiasts prefer a satin finish over a polished finish, therefore, we offer them in both styles.

Another challenge with certain applications is the space limitations. With this in mind, we had to broaden our line and offer a variety of body dimensions/profiles. Lastly, sound and performance are two of the most important elements. All AERO resonators are tuned and designed to effectively reduce interior resonance along with the high-pitched exterior sound frequencies. Perfect for all applications!

Website: www.aeroexhaust.com
PN: TR/AR

AutoMeter
InVision Digital Dash for '82-'87 Monte Carlo, El Camino and Malibu

The InVision Direct Fit Digital Dash System for '82-'87 Monte Carlo/El Camino/Malibu (Model #7005) is a one model solution for your entire dash. Monitor the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, water temperature, and volts all in one place. The InVision Digital Dash features a 12.3” LCD with three user-selectable screens. The InVision Digital Dash will help protect your car with visual or audible alarms for low fuel level, low oil pressure, high water temperature, and low voltage. All kits include a wiring harness and sending units for water temperature and oil pressure. This dash features an adjustable RPM range and displays in imperial or metric units. Upgrade your dash with the latest, modern LCD direct fit offering from AutoMeter.

Website: www.autometer.com
PN: 7005

JMS
PedalMax Terrain

Designed for the off-road market, from trucks to UTVs, the JMS PedalMAX Terrain can increase or decrease the throttle sensitivity to match any driving conditions on-the-fly.

Throttle response and acceleration are improved, turbo applications see a big lag reduction, all leading to more power and torque. Quick and easy installation, this plug-and-play product utilizes a control knob to "save" your throttle setting into the unit. PedalMAX Terrain units are fully waterproof, made with high-quality ruggedized components backed by a lifetime warranty, and made in the USA.

Website: www.jmschip.com
PN: RC1

Oracle Lighting
Polaris Dynamic ColorSHIFT DRL Signature Light

The Dynamic ColorSHIFT fits all 2019-plus Polaris RZR 1000 and Turbo (except Pro). The Dynamic FLOW Turn Signals (an Oracle Lighting exclusive) has a sequential indicator which sends the LEDs in a wave towards the direction you are turning. This unique feature is built into the control box but is optional and does not need to be connected if you choose not to. The connection is easy…just connect the LH and RH input cables to the + turn signal wire leads. Note: if your vehicle is not equipped with a turn signal kit you will need to add that to use this feature.

The Dynamic DRL Startup Sequence (an Oracle Lighting exclusive) is the latest advancement in Oracle Lighting’s Dynamic LED line. This feature creates an exciting motion effect when you start up the vehicle, giving the appearance of the DRL lights "waking up". It is easy to install by simply connecting the integrated DRL wire to ignition + power.

The Smartphone App Control can easily make standard white colors as well as any static colors using the LED color wheel. What makes these DYNAMIC halos more unique is that you can also display a variety of moving patterns within the app. With more than 200 different patterns there is something to fit every color scheme imaginable.

Website: www.oraclelights.com
PN: 1447-332

Retrax
RetraxPRO XR

The RetraxPRO XR, Retrax's premium Aluminum Series cover, combines industrial strength aluminum construction with an incredibly resilient matte finish. It optimizes cargo capacity with the cover open or closed, providing the ultimate versatility in cargo management. The cover's Trax Rail System will work with most T-slot accessories from Yakima, Thule, Rhino Rack and many more offering endless possibilities. Pairing this unique system with accessories offers double the cargo capacity and frees up the hitch with the ability to mount bikes, coolers, outdoor gear and more on top of the bed cover by combining with the t-slot accessories.

Website: www.retrax.com
PN: T-80336

Truck Covers USA
American Roll Cover

The American Roll Cover manufactured by Truck Covers USA is considered the toughest, most durable, and best-looking, retractable aluminum cover available on the market. Built on customer feedback and experience, it has superior style, is easy to operate, and versatile.  Add our unique toolbox-cover combo, the American Work Cover, or our one-of-a-kind Work Cover Junior with a toolbox that takes up no more bed space than that of a canister!  With the addition of the American Rack System, the most sophisticated rack system available, your truck cover becomes next level! When work is done, bike those mountains, ski those slopes, camp, and more without compromising the functionality of your American Roll Cover.

Website: www.truckcoversusa.com
PN: CR305MT

  SEMA News—February 2021

REQUIRED READING

By Juan Torres

The Best of the Best

The seventh annual SEMA Battle of the Builders contest featured more than 330 submissions from a talented pool of builders who were looking to win the prestigious competition in 2020. The Top 40 and the Top 12 finalists were selected by a panel of industry experts before the 12 finalists performed the judging duties and rated their peers to name a winner in each category (Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact, and Young Guns) and one overall Top Builder. Brady Ranweiler (Hot Rod), Mark Giambalvo (Truck/Off-Road), Chip Foose (Sport Compact), and Cody Medeisis (Young Guns) won their respective categories before Ranweiler was named the overall winner. Below are some of the media that followed the competition.

“Tech Life Today”

Editor Scott Messenger did a profile piece on builder Matteo Medoro, a 20-year-old Canadian builder who has competed in the Young Guns category the last two years. Medoro posted a Top 40 finish in 2020 with his ’47 Dodge 3/4-ton W250, which features hand-painted door signs and an interior lined with potato sacks.

“DUB”

DUB kept its readers informed on the results of the 2020 competition, featuring winner Brady Ranweiler’s ’63 Chevrolet two-door wagon prominently in its coverage. The editors noted how the pandemic couldn’t stop the creative flow of custom-car builders in 2020 nor prevent SEMA from “coming through for the aftermarket with a virtual [Show] in SEMA360.”

“GM Authority”

Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts’ ’64 Corvette caught the attention of editor Sam McEachern when it was named a Top 12 finalist. McEachern praised the builder’s craftsmanship and attention to detail and described the car as being extremely high quality and jam-packed with impressive performance parts.
​

Heard In The News

“This gorgeous Mustang restomod was a hit at SEMA, earning Top 40 Battle of the Builders status.”—Ford Authority, via Facebook

“For the first time in the history of the @SEMASHOW Battle of the Builders, a wagon has won the top award!”—Autosphere, via Twitter

“So #SEMA360 is going strong, and one of the biggest highlights of the day was the announcement of the 2020 #BattleoftheBuilders Top 40.”—Automotive Videos, via Twitter

“Join me as I talk to SEMA VP-Marketing Ira Gabriel and SEMA Battle of the Builder/SEMA Young Guns Director Mike Robleto about the newest details, opportunities and looming deadlines for SEMA360 Battle of the Builders/SEMA Young Guns.”—The Aftermarket Insider, via Facebook

SEMA News—February 2021

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Law and Order

By Stuart Gosswein

FEDERAL UPDATE

China Tariffs: Tariffs were imposed on most imported goods from China starting in July 2018. The tariffs were divided into four separate lists, with auto parts generally placed on List 3. The tariffs were first intended as leverage during U.S.–China trade talks. While the two nations reached a Phase One agreement in January 2020 on increasing intellectual property protection, eliminating forced technology transfer and other issues, the tariffs remain to ensure compliance. They are also bargaining chips for Phase Two negotiations on addressing cybertheft and reducing the U.S.–China trade imbalance. Products on Lists 1–3 are subject to 25% tariffs, while List 4 tariffs are set at 7.5%. The U.S. Trade Representative established a process for companies to seek an exclusion from the tariffs if it could be demonstrated that there was no other supply source and the company would suffer serious economic harm. Some exclusions were granted for a limited time, but nearly all ended as of August or December 2020. SEMA, along with many other trade associations and companies that comprise the Americans for Free Trade coalition, has urged President Biden to repeal the tariffs, which are paid by American businesses and passed along to U.S. consumers.

Duties on Tires From Southeast Asia: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued a preliminary ruling that Vietnamese tire producers were receiving unfair subsidies due to the country’s “undervalued currency.” The DOC calculated countervailing duty rates ranging from 6.23% to 10.08%, and Customs began collecting cash deposits from tire importers based on the preliminary rates. The countervailing duty decision is part of a broader investigation alleging that passenger-car and light-truck tires from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are being sold in the United States at less than fair value (“dumping”). The DOC was expected to issue its preliminary anti-dumping decisions by late December, with final decisions to be issued in mid-March 2021. The alleged dumping margins are as high as 195% for Korea, 147% for Taiwan, 217% for Thailand, and 33% for Vietnam. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has already made an initial determination that U.S. industry is likely being harmed by the alleged dumping and subsidies. For duties to take effect, the ITC must confirm that there is harm or threatened harm to U.S. industry once the DOC has issued its final dumping and subsidy calculations.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act Extension: The U.S. Copyright Office recommended extending an existing exemption that allows vehicle owners and authorized third service and repair parties to perform vehicle diagnosis, repair and modification without fear of prosecution under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The exemption was first granted in 2015 and is subject to renewal every three years. The extension was requested by SEMA along with the Auto Care Association and Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association. The three trade associations argued that the exemption is needed, since vehicles are becoming more digital and the affected parties will otherwise be denied the chance to make vehicle repairs and modifications. The Copyright Office will now consider requests to rescind or limit the exemption, if any, before it is scheduled to be renewed next October.

STATE UPDATE

Virginia—Vehicle Modifications: Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed into law SEMA-supported legislation which includes provisions that change certain traffic infractions from primary to secondary offenses. A secondary offense is one for which a citation can be issued only if the driver is stopped for another, separate offense. Beginning March 1, 2021, the following traffic infractions will be changed to secondary offenses: operating a motor vehicle without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual levels of noise, operating a motor vehicle without a light illuminating a license plate, or operating a motor vehicle with certain sun-shading materials and tinting films.

California—CARB EO Certification Fees: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) held a virtual workshop and accepted public comments on a proposal to establish Executive Order (EO) certification fees for emissions-related aftermarket parts and other products. For context, companies submitting EO applications for emissions-related performance aftermarket parts have never been assessed a certification fee. California enacted SEMA-supported legislation in 2018 permitting CARB to adopt a fee program allowing the agency to expand staffing and process EO applications more quickly. SEMA continues to advocate for reasonable fees and for a streamlined application
process.

Michigan—Liability Protection: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a SEMA-supported bill that provides liability protections for businesses and healthcare providers if proper safety protocols are in place.

Three States Celebrate “Blue Flame Day” in Recognition of the 50-Year Anniversary of Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Record

On October 23, 1970, the Blue Flame rocket car became the world’s fastest vehicle when driver Gary Gabelich recorded the FIA-certified World Land Speed Records of 622.407 mph (1,001.667 kph) for the flying mile and 630.388 mph (1,014.5111 kph) for the flying kilometer. Fifty years later, the achievement was commemorated as the states of Utah, Wisconsin and Illinois issued proclamations celebrating “Blue Flame Day.”

The rocket car was designed in part by several professors and students at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. It was fabricated by motorsports enthusiasts at Reaction Dynamics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raced by the Blue Flame team at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

The Blue Flame was 37 ft. long and nearly 8 ft. high and wide. It had an aluminum skin and weighed more than 6,500 lbs. The rocket engine produced 58,000 hp and 22,000 lbs. of thrust burning a combination of hydrogen peroxide and liquified natural gas pressurized by helium gas. To this day, the vehicle remains the fastest American hot rod and the fastest vehicle ever driven at Bonneville.

Congratulations to the Blue Flame team and their colleagues who helped design, construct and race this timeless vehicle.