By SEMA Washington, D.C., staff

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA) (S. 873) by a voice vote. This SEMA-supported bill will help to expand access and increase the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy. As a result, this historic public lands and recreation legislation is the first comprehensive recreation package since 1963. It will help improve and grow America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. 

The bill requires federal land-management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, and it includes provisions to streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits. Additionally, the legislation directs the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed and prohibited and to update them periodically to ensure that the maps do not become outdated.

SEMA, along with our partners that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) for their leadership in passing this vital legislation that benefits public lands, access to the outdoors, and the economy.

Click here to sign a letter to your U.S. Senators asking them to support S. 873.

For more information on the American Outdoor Recreation Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., staff

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA) (S. 873) by a voice vote. This SEMA-supported bill will help to expand access and increase the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy. As a result, this historic public lands and recreation legislation is the first comprehensive recreation package since 1963. It will help improve and grow America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. 

The bill requires federal land-management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, and it includes provisions to streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits. Additionally, the legislation directs the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed and prohibited and to update them periodically to ensure that the maps do not become outdated.

SEMA, along with our partners that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) for their leadership in passing this vital legislation that benefits public lands, access to the outdoors, and the economy.

Click here to sign a letter to your U.S. Senators asking them to support S. 873.

For more information on the American Outdoor Recreation Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., staff

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites manufacturers of aftermarket parts to demonstrate and answer questions about the implementation of the new CARB-eFILE system (hereafter referred to as eFILE), a new electronic document-management system for the Aftermarket Parts Certification and Audit Branch. The system will be used for submitting, receiving and tracking Executive Order (EO) applications electronically. 

In addition to informational materials provided on the eFILE website, the Aftermarket Parts Certification and Audit Branch will hold a single training session on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, to provide information and training on using the new eFILE system. The training will be held via Microsoft Teams only.

Attendees will learn the implementation schedule of eFILE, the usage of the system and actions manufacturers must take to gain access.

Note: after the implementation of the new system, all applications must be submitted through eFILE, and applications for aftermarket parts exemptions and experimental permits submitted by email will no longer be accepted. This change will not affect active applications or applications submitted before the new eFILE system was officially implemented.

Aftermarket eFILE Training 

Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 

Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm (PDT) 

Call-In #: +1-916-538-5111 

Passcode: fPUoT2 

Click Here:  Join Meeting 

For more information, visit CARB Certification's Document Management System webpage. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Mountain Top USA as its newest member spotlight company. Get to know the story behind this industry-leading truck bed accessories supplier in this SEMA News interview with North American Sales Manager Dennis Noonchester below. 

SEMA News: Tell us about your company.  

Dennis Noonchester: We've come a long way. With 40 years of experience in the automotive industry and many long-lasting OEM relationships, we have been on a long and interesting journey to get to where we are today. Among the things that we've learned is that there are no shortcuts in this business. Quality takes an investment in time and people. 

SN: What was your company's breakthrough moment? 

DN: In maturing from a single Danish hub to a global entity, we've made sure that we do things properly wherever we are. We deliver the same high-quality products and services that we're globally known and respected for. As we continue to grow, the competition to be a market leader gets tougher. That's why we protect our leadership by investing even more time and energy into researching and developing new ideas. From materials and design to production processes and career paths, we're always evolving. 

SN: Tell us about your business now and projects you are working on.  

DN: Mountain Top USA is expanding and preparing to launch an aggressive sales and marketing campaign that will disrupt the product category.  

SN: Tell us about a package or product that you are proud of.  

DN: We are most proud of our innovative engineering and European-influenced designed products. 

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

DN: Follow your passion! If you love the automotive industry, the aftermarket is the most exciting place to be.  

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company contributes to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Designing wheels can be challenging. So what can designers do within the confines of a circle that will meet buyers' needs for both fashion and functionality?

Wheel and tire industry members are invited to join the live webinar "How to Design the Latest Wheels Fashion" on Thursday, June 15, at 12 p.m. EDT to learn new approaches to knowing when to keep, refresh or create new wheel designs that will sell. Led by industry experts and presented by the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the webinar will leave participants inspired to create new designs.

Attendees will learn the following:

• New design inspiration, from classic styles to cutting-edge innovations
• Key principles of the design process
• Examples of design failures and successes
• How to overcome the challenges of creating something new within the confines of a circle
• Physical challenges to designing wheels
• The lifespan of design trends

The webinar includes a Q&A with presenters Aston Liyanarchi (Liyanarchi Design), Scott Weiss (Konig American), George Finch (The Carlstar Group LLC) and Alex Martinez (MetaMartini).  Register now!

By Ashley Reyes

The 2024 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is confirmed for January 30-February 1, at the Embassy Suites - Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California. By connecting motorsports parts manufacturers with journalists and content creators, the council's iconic event helps manufacturers generate coverage and raise brand awareness while providing media with a quick, easy and efficient method of gathering content. 

Unlike traditional trade shows or conferences, the Media Trade Conference consists of private, uninterrupted meetings where media members can interview and learn about a company's product and news. As a result, manufacturers are able to build strong, long-lasting relationships with individuals who can reach millions of their target audiences.

Read more about the event in the May issue of SEMA News Magazine here.

Manufacturers and media are encouraged to mark their calendars now for the MPMC Media Trade Conference taking place January 30-February 1, 2024. Manufacturer registration will open in mid-June. Go here to learn more about the Media Trade Conference. 

SEMA exhibitors will want to take advantage of an exclusive program for the 2023 Show.

The New Products Showcase is the No. 1 destination for media members and buyers to discover new parts and technology straight from the SEMA Show floor, and exhibitors can enter their first product free of charge. [Note: additional entries are $95 per product until October 6. After, extra entries are $150.]

In addition, all exhibitors receive exclusive publicity benefits: products in the Showcase will be featured in SEMA News, listed in the SEMA Show app and may be eligible for a New Products Showcase award.

This year, the New Products Showcase will be next to the Battle of the Builders (BOTB) exhibit in the North Hall. 

Enter your company's product(s) at SEMAshow.com/newproducts.

For the complete rules, regulations, deadlines and related information, visit here. 

Questions? Contact newproducts@sema.org or 909-396-0289. 

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

Enthusiast Auto Holdings

President & General Manager, RCI Off Road

Enthusiast Auto Holdings is hiring a new president and general manager after its recent acquisition of RCI Metalworks LLC based in Loveland, Colorado. RCI is one of the leading banners for off-road enthusiasts looking to take their vehicles to the next level in off-road performance. RCI sells off-road body protection, skid plates and truck bed accessories directly to consumers and installers via its website. 

Canepa

Engine Builder

Among additional open positions--including auto body technician, Porsche technician and motorsports technician--Canepa in Scotts Valley, California, is hiring an engine builder. Candidates must have extensive experience in all aspects of engine building, including engine diagnosis, functions, machining, repair, rebuilding and tuning.

Energy Suspension

Sales Account Manager

Energy Suspension--the provider of performance automotive polyurethane suspension and drivetrain components based in San Clemente, California--is seeking a motivated and disciplined in-house sales account manager. The ideal candidate thoroughly understands the automotive aftermarket distribution channels, including aftermarket manufacturers, powersports and marine.

For more information, including how to apply for jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center here. 

By Luis Morales

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has recently launched its xEV High-Voltage Electrical Safety certifications. These procedures--developed to serve as guides--share existing industry standards, concepts and practices that can be followed by individuals working in the automotive, truck and commercial electrical industries. 

There are two levels of certification:

•  xEV Electrical Safety Awareness Certification - Level 1 Standards 
•  xEV Technician Electrical Safety Certification - Level 2 Standards 

You can access the xEV Electrical Safety Standards here: Automotive Service Excellence (ase.com).

Since 1972, the independent non-profit organization ASE (ase.com) has worked to improve vehicle repair and service quality by testing and certifying automotive professionals.  

As new technologies emerge in the automotive industry, so will training and certification opportunities. SEMA is positioned to help raise awareness of these different opportunities and keep our members up to date. Stay tuned for additional opportunities.

Sources have managed to snap the first shots of the new (and presumably last-generation) Porsche Panamera sans most of the camouflage near Porsche's development center in Weissach, Germany. The second-generation Panamera arrived in 2017, so a replacement seems imminent based on the timeline of the original model, which lasted six years.

The final product seems to borrow styling elements from the Porsche Taycan. As for engines, there's no word yet on what will power the next-generation Panamera, but previous spy shots hinted at a hybrid drivetrain based on the presence of two fuel doors. However, all angles in this latest spy shot batch only include the passenger side, so it's unclear if the prototype had a charge port on the driver side.