GM to Produce Hybrid, Electric Chevrolet Corvettes

General Motors has announced plans for a hybrid Chevrolet Corvette sports car, followed by a fully electric model, as GM President Mark Reuss announced in a LinkedIn post. The hybrid Corvette is expected in 2023.

The fully electric Corvette will likely feature Ultium Platform’s energy recovery system, a patented onboard system designed to take the heat generated by EV batteries to warm the cabin, create more efficient charging conditions and increase vehicle acceleration. Image courtesy: Chevrolet

The fully electric Corvette will feature GM’s Ultium-powered batteries. In addition, it will likely feature Ultium Platform’s energy recovery system, a patented onboard system designed to take the heat generated by EV batteries to warm the cabin, create more efficient charging conditions and increase vehicle acceleration. Additional details, including the names of the new models, will be announced later.  

Reuss stated that the new models would be in addition to the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and other gas-powered variants. For more information, visit gm.com.

Melling Engine Parts Acquires Casalandra Metal Stamping

Melling Engine Parts has announced the acquisition of Casalandra Metal Stamping, a manufacturer of expansion plugs based in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

“Casalandra has been a key vendor to Melling for years, and we were excited when the opportunity presented itself,” said Melling Engine Parts CEO Mark Melling. “We are committed to becoming basic in more product lines and, of course, love the fact that the parts are made in the USA.”  

For more information, visit melling.com.

Brian Rowland Joins JEGS as CEO

Arkansas-native Brian Rowland has been appointed CEO of JEGS High Performance Parts, the aftermarket auto parts mail-order retailer founded in 1960 by the Coughlin family. In his new position, Rowland will help oversee the company, which features a 10,000-sq.-ft. retail store and 225,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and corporate headquarters in Delaware, Ohio, among other duties. Rowland comes from Walmart eCommerce, where he served as the vice president/general manager of the automotive, tires and powersports division. Prior, he was with Nissan Motor Corp. as the director of marketing and technology. For more information, visit jegs.com. 

Keiser Takes on New Role at Continental Tire

Adam Keiser has been named content and communications specialist for the General Tire brand at Continental Tire. Since 2019, Keiser had been director of marketing at PFC Brakes, where he oversaw marketing for the company's motorsports, fleets and manufacturers units. He began with PFC in 2016 as advertising art director. Keiser's experience also includes stints at Speed Digital in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Callies Performance Products in Fostoria, Ohio. For more information, visit continentaltire.com.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California lawmakers introduced bipartisan SEMA-sponsored legislation (A.B. 2350) that would incentivize consumers to convert gasoline- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV). If enacted, A.B. 2350 would provide eligible motorists who convert their vehicle with a $2,000 rebate.

At the 2021 SEMA Show, Salvage to Savage decided to take a completely unique path with its ’85 Chevy C10. Instead of using a V8 engine, the team yanked the electric drivetrain out of two Teslas to create a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive truck.

In recent years, California has implemented various programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). However, none of the programs currently offer benefits for vehicles that started their life with an internal combustion engine and can be converted to a ZEV via an aftermarket motor package.

The adoption of ZEVs by consumers and industry is growing, as is the demand for aftermarket technology that can convert used gasoline-powered vehicles into hydrogen or electric ZEVs. At the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, ZEV conversions were on full display, including vehicles powered by electric crate motors. Additionally, a recent article by the Los Angeles Times demonstrated that demand for aftermarket ZEV conversions is rapidly growing, with some shops featuring long waiting list for customers.

A.B. 2350 helps preserve California’s rich car culture while creating new ways to make ZEV ownership more accessible.

SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in California to contact their lawmakers in support of A.B. 2350 by clicking here.

For further details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In 2021, New York enacted a bill into law—the SLEEP Act—that aims to crack down on excessively loud vehicles. The law, which went into effect on April 1, is simple: anyone who sells, offers for sale, installs or uses a “cut-out, bypass or similar device” to make a motor vehicle louder could be subject to a new penalty of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail. These devices have been illegal in New York for more than 60 years and are also illegal in every other state in the country.

Unfortunately, false media reporting and misleading letters from the state’s DMV have created anxiety in the marketplace regarding the new law. In response, SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) have published and are constantly updating a Fact vs. Fiction page to cut through the noise. Click here for the latest updates.

For further details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

The 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Tuesday–Thursday, July 26–28, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

SEMA Vice President, Events Tom Gattuso will provide Exhibitor Summit attendees helpful tips on how to be successful at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will receive helpful tips from Show management and have the opportunity to meet with their SEMA Show sales director. During educational sessions, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
• Properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
• Participate in the New Products Showcase.
• Utilize the Exhibitor Services Manual.

There is no cost to attend. Exhibitors pay for their flight and SEMA takes care of the rest, which includes hotel, shuttle service from hotel to LVCC, breakfast and lunch, a cocktail Hour on July 26 and an excursion on July 27 (tbd).

For more information, contact semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Awards Gala (formerly the SEMA Installation Gala) is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated.

Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at the SEMA Awards Gala, Friday, July 29, in Anaheim, California, to honor 2022's SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees. The gala will take place at the Westin Anaheim Resort.

Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala (now the SEMA Awards Gala) has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also highlighted during the event.

Connect with friends and family who share a common passion and love for the industry. Join others in helping celebrate Hall of Fame inductees’ lifetime achievements.

The evening will feature cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited. A full table can be purchased by selecting 10 tickets.

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala opens Friday, April 29.

Motul Announces Technical Partnership With Mountune USA

Motul has announced a technical partnership with Mountune USA, the renowned engine builder and performance parts manufacturer. The partnership will help both companies get the most performance for their respective customers through collaboration and testing initiatives to enhance and develop future products.

The partnership brings a century of collective racing and engineering experience to the forefront of product innovation.

The technical partnership between Motul and Mountune USA encourages further commitment to rigorous performance testing—whether dynamometric or physicochemical. As part of the partnership, Motul’s engineers will analyze oil samples taken from vehicles after testing on Mountune USA’s in-house engine dyno to test, develop, re-test and refine high-performance lubricants at the heart of engine performance. The Motul and Moutune partnership results can be expected to improve engine performance and durability from the highest level of professional motorsport to inside the garages of enthusiasts.

Beyond the technical aspects of the partnership, Motul will provide collective marketing support for several events and activations catered to the automotive community. In addition, Mountune USA will offer Motul products and begin the development of a Motul oil change kit for future release.

Race Winning Brands Shifts Into Transmission Performance

Race Winning Brands has acquired RevMax, TransGo and Transmission Specialties Inc. (TSI).

Race Winning Brands Inc. (RWB), a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, has announced the next evolution of its performance product offerings with the acquisition of RevMax, TransGo and Transmission Specialties Inc. (TSI). This trio of acquisitions represent the 10th, 11th, and 12th add-ons for Race Winning Brands. The transactions are effective immediately. The businesses will continue to operate and service customers from their respective locations.

DENSO Products and Services Americas Announces Promotions

DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc., an affiliate of DENSO Corp., has promoted Reggie Cruz to director of corporate planning and Manny Rodriguez to senior manager of product development. Cruz has been with DENSO for more than 16 years and was senior manager of product development. In the newly created position, Cruz is responsible for overseeing business and corporate planning, financial services, and new business strategy development. He is also tasked with establishing the long-term direction of the organization.

Rodriguez has been with DENSO more than 22 years and served as manager of independent aftermarket product and business development prior to his promotion. Rodriguez is responsible for collaborating with DENSO’s engineering, procurement and supply chain teams on product development; creating and developing marketing strategies for new and existing products; and tracking key performance indicators.

AAM Group Promotes John DeBalso and David Ayers

The AAM Group has announced the promotion of two senior employees: John DeBalso to executive vice president of supplier relations, and David Ayers to vice president of operations.

The promotion of DeBalso, a lifelong industry veteran who has been with AAM for 16 years, formalizes his position as a member of the executive team. The former CAN board of directors member will continue to lead AAM’s purchasing, compliance and supplier-relations efforts, including managing a team dedicated to exploring growth opportunities for the organization’s distribution members and supplier partners.

Ayers, previously AAM’s director of marketing and current SEMA TORA select committee member, will shift focus to concentrate on strategic marketing and technology projects and other operational priorities. Andy Stacy, who was recently promoted to marketing manager, will assume oversight of AAM’s day-to-day marketing activities.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Join SEMA on the first SEMA Nordic trip, August 24–28, in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants will learn the potential for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise. Meet with top trade buyers enabling the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars. Trade buyers are expected from throughout Europe.

The Nordic region hosts the headquarters of the European drag-racing championship. Join SEMA this summer for the inaugural SEMA Nordic trip. Photo courtesy: Lena Peres – Speedgroup.

Performance is among the top upgrades sought for a range of vehicles. After all, the region hosts the headquarters of the European drag-racing championship. Rally racing and drifting also have their passionate fans and skilled competitors. A robust sportsman program allows enthusiasts to use their more modestly upgraded rides in numerous competitions. High disposable income, a love of American vehicles and products, coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The SEMA Nordic trip is the fifth region for the popular SEMA Business Development Programs. These overseas low-cost, turnkey events bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key global markets. The price of the upcoming trip includes hotel accommodations, a table-top display, meals and networking events. Prices start at $3,860 per company, not including flights to/from the United States (for qualified companies taking the instant $1,200 U.S. government grant).

Register now; slots are limited. More information is available at www.sema.org/nordic or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.

The SEMA Board of Directors elections are just around the corner, so now is the time to ensure you vote and be informed about your candidates.

Each member company is able to cast one ballot. Your company’s primary contact should have received an email from SEMA requesting them to fill out a brief form to confirm we have the appropriate person to complete the ballot for your company. It’s important that those forms are completed and returned as soon as possible.

The SEMA Board of Directors Candidates webpage is available to learn more about your candidates. The page includes their photos, bios, questionnaires and social-media links so you can learn more about them and their platforms.  

Ballots will be sent on May 10 from the SEMA election coordinator <mailto:noreply@directvote.net>, so ensure you receive your ballot by adding the email to your contacts list.

  By SEMA Editors

Companies that missed the deadline to submit a booth space application for the 2022 SEMA Show can still reserve space now for November. To secure your space, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Companies that submitted an Exhibit Space Rental application and deposit for the 2022 SEMA Show prior to the April 4 deadline will choose the best locations for their Show displays during the Priority Space Selection process, which starts May 2.

Companies that submitted an Exhibit Space Rental application and deposit for the 2022 SEMA Show prior to the April 4 deadline will choose the best locations for their Show displays during the Priority Space Selection process, which starts May 2.

The selection process is based on exhibitor seniority, and each company will be contacted via email with their booth selection date and time range. The email will be sent to the person listed as the exhibitor’s primary SEMA Show contact.

About an hour prior to the time to select, exhibitors are encouraged to be prepared by viewing the 2022 Show’s online floorplan. Updated every 30 minutes, exhibitors can see as the Show begins to take shape and monitor their desired section to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

Prior to April 26, SEMA Show management will email each exhibiting company’s Show contact advising of the date and time assigned for their 2022 SEMA Show booth selection. Companies that have not received a correspondence by April 26 should contact sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

During the exhibitor’s time to pick, a SEMA Show account representative will call the primary SEMA Show contact and help locate and assign the exhibit space that best suits the company’s needs. If the exhibitor wishes to change the primary contact for booth selection, a proxy form must be submitted 24 hours prior to the booth selection appointment.

For more information about exhibiting, refer to the Exhibitor Service Manual, where you will find information about deadlines, booth and feature vehicle applications, Show guidelines, booth services, target times for freight and more.

The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

The September 2022 issue of SEMA News magazine will again 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, 2022—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you by May 1. In addition, for the first time ever, self-nominations are also allowed this year. (Those nominating themselves must provide an industry reference.)

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young entrepreneurs and 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 also 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.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2022 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 1.