By Ashley Reyes

The custom ’51 Chevrolet 3100 sponsored by WD-40 for SEMA Cares brought in $92,400 for SEMA Cares charity Childhelp. The vehicle sold for $88,000 and Bring-a-Trailer donated the buyers’ fee of $4,400 to the cause.

The custom ’51 Chevrolet 3100 sponsored by WD-40 for SEMA Cares brought in $92,400 for SEMA Cares charity Childhelp.

Designed on behalf of WD-40 by Trad Ronfeldt of Team Racing And Development, the project benefits Childhelp—a SEMA Cares charity dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

“We appreciate all of the bidders, Trad and WD-40 for bringing this auction to life and supporting our mission,” said Michael Medoro, chief development officer at Childhelp. “The money raised will allow Childhelp to further their impact and provide much-needed support to children in need. We couldn’t be more thrilled for the results of this one-of-a-kind vehicle.”

Childhelp exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. The money will make significant progress toward providing advocacy, intervention, treatment, prevention, family resilience and community outreach programs to children impacted in the United States.

“These children have experienced traumas that no child should ever go through,” said Zeb Brown from WD-40 Company. “We’re honored to support this program knowing it will positively impact those who need it most.” 

To learn more about the SEMA Cares mission, their partnering charities and how to support, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares.

By Ashley Reyes

While CUVs are the fastest-selling type of vehicle in the United States today, the aftermarket is not as clear about the vehicle’s role in the specialty-equipment market.
SEMA members are invited to join the SEMA Market Research team as they provide an overview of the market for crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) during a live webinar on March 31, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

This webinar, based on data collected for SEMA’s “CUV Market Snapshot” report, will shed light on where these vehicles fit into our industry and what businesses need to know.

Attendees will learn:

• What is a CUV?
• New data on the current vehicle landscape.
• Where CUVs fit into the automotive aftermarket.
• CUV accessorizer profiling.
• Key trends to watch.

The event will provide information and insight into the CUV market and CUV report that attendees won't find anywhere else.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

A custom ’37 Ford panel delivery van is going to auction, April 4–17. Individuals will be able to bid on the vehicle, which was featured on the television show “Fast N’ Loud” (Season 7, Episode 14), with proceeds from the sale supporting Victory Junction—a SEMA Cares charity.

A custom ’37 Ford panel delivery van will be auctioned April 4–17 with proceeds from the sale supporting Victory Junction—a SEMA Cares charity.

The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges. Lebaron Bonney Co. products were used for upholstery, including seats in gray wool broadcloth with graphite-insight patterned cloth installed over a Glide Engineering seat frame, door panels with gray wool broadcloth and gray square weave carpet, which is carried throughout the floor, and dark gray napped-cotton headliner.

“Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs. “We applaud Gas Monkey Garage for what is truly a unique build that will go to a great cause.”

The vehicle will be available for bidding:  
Hemmings
April 4–17 
Classic Cars and Parts for Sale | Hemmings

By Juan Torres

SEMA has announced RJ de Vera as its vice president of marketing.

De Vera comes to SEMA after 12 years at 3M, a Fortune 100 company, including the last seven as global leader of digital marketing and public relations for the Meguiar’s Car Care brand. He will be developing and implementing a modernized multi-channel marketing strategy for SEMA with a digital-first focus to expand brand awareness and build customer affinity for SEMA and its members.

As SEMA's vice president of marketing, industry veteran RJ de Vera will develop and implement a modernized multi-channel marketing strategy with a digital-first focus.

“RJ is an industry icon, having worked in and with the aftermarket specialty business for nearly 30 years. It’s a thrill to have him join the SEMA leadership team,” said SEMA Senior Vice President of Operations Bill Miller. “He will surely be an asset to our growth in the coming years, and we look forward to seeing what he will bring to the organization.”

Prior to 3M/Meguiar’s, de Vera worked with OEMs, including Honda, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Scion to build corporate image vehicles. He also helped American Racing, Veilside Japan and Vorsteiner design and market aftermarket parts and accessories, while also consulting on automotive-related marketing initiatives with numerous brands, including Pepsi Co., Valvoline, Boost Mobile, Michelin/BFGoodrich and Microsoft/XBOX.

“I have attended every SEMA Show since 1997 and have had the honor of being a judge for the SEMA Show’s Battle of Builders series for the past six years,” said de Vera. ”I am honored to expand my role within the association and hope to have a positive impact on the industry and culture that I love.”

Early in his career, he was part of the team at Petersen Publishing that led the charge to popularize sport compact culture with Super Street magazine. In addition, de Vera helped promote the first National Import Racing Association (NIRA) events and assisted Universal Studios in launching The Fast and the Furious movie franchise as a consultant and actor. He also served as a judge, host and content strategist for MTV’s “Trick It Out” series.

By Rachel Tatum

Anatalia (@anataliav) will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything,” Tuesday, March 22, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).

Anatalia is currently building and prepping her ’94 Mazda Miata and getting it ready to hit the track later this year. Anatalia brings an entertaining perspective to the industry, bringing her audience along as she learns how to customize her Miata—reviewing new and customized cars and attending races and JDM events. Join us to learn more about getting started with building and how to have more fun with your builds.  

SEMA continues to actively recruit automotive influencers for the SEMA Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.

By Ashley Reyes

Brent Dreher, NVH/durability manager at Faraday Future is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.
Get to know what tools his company has leaned on and what new trends he is seeing in the industry in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: How has the pandemic changed your company?

Brent Dreher: The pandemic has resulted in several challenges to my company, which is an emerging electric vehicle (EV) OEM. First, it resulted in funding challenges that have since been overcome. Second, it made us rethink work itself; indeed, we saw for ourselves that remote and hybrid work can be as effective as in-office work. Finally, the pandemic-induced supply-chain difficulties have presented us with another challenge to face and overcome.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?

BD: Remote meeting technology has been a lifesaver! In addition, for those needing high-power computing capabilities, such as the CAE engineers on my team, the usage of modern remote desktop software coupled with high-powered desktop workstations located in-office has been a key enabler of successful remote and hybrid work modes.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed within the industry?

BD: The shift to remote and hybrid workforce is one obvious trend among OEMs. Also, the pace of “real” EV model announcements and launches has seemed to increase especially among major OEMs. There’s no going back now!

SEMA: What is the single best career advice you’ve been given?

BD: This is an easy one. The best career advice I’ve been given is to “be as helpful as possible to each and every person you work with.” Whenever I encounter someone with a problem or an uncertainty, I go the extra mile to get that “Wow, thanks!” reaction. This has trickled out to provide more happiness and success for everyone in the business.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA News.

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the all-electric ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning. The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with Ford’s first ever all-electric F-Series truck.

New F-150 Lightning features will include:

• SuperCrew Four-Door Cab
• Four-Wheel Drive
• 5.5-Foot Cargo Bed
• Extended-Range Battery Option
• Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 Technology (ADAS)

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited.

Event Dates: April 11–April 15

Details and registration for the SEMA Garage '22 Ford F-150 Lightning Measuring Session.

By Della Domingo

SEMA hired two new directors working in the councils and membership department: Pamela Brown-Matthis and Marcy Ann Yanus. Brown-Matthis is the new education director based in McKinney, Texas. Marcy Ann Yanus is the new SEMA council director overseeing Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), and will be based in Grove City, Ohio. Both women will report to SEMA Vice President, Councils & Membership Nathan Ridnouer.

“Pamela and Marcy will be tremendous assets to our education and council teams,” said Ridnouer. “As we continue to advance our programs to serve the needs of our members and the industry as a whole, we need seasoned professionals like Pamela and Marcy to move us forward.”

Brown-Matthis is a seasoned education development specialist with more than 25 years of experience as a professional development executive, instructional designer, content developer and author. As a professional speaker, coach and workshop leader, Brown-Matthis has presented on topics such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Leadership Development; and Interpersonal Skills Development. As a curriculum developer, she has developed a portfolio of competency-based leadership development solutions for hybrid learning and development programs. Brown-Matthis has led, developed and managed national leadership development programs, conferences, summits and workshops for emerging leaders, executives and c-suite professionals.

Yanus has worked professionally for non-profit associations for nearly 20 years. She has served in numerous capacities with non-profits in Ohio, Texas, Michigan and Connecticut. Most recently she served as an executive at YMCA of Central Ohio over membership and database management. Yanus is passionate about gender equity and was co-chair for the Inaugural National YMCA Women’s Leadership Conference in 2018. Personally, Yanus grew up at her dad’s small business where he restored classic and antique car engines. As a former race car driver, she accompanied him to the racetracks to watch him work the pit while she timed races.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to update the occupant protection Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to account for autonomous vehicles. The rule updates the FMVSS to clarify the standards automakers are held to when manufacturing autonomous vehicles that don’t require traditional driving controls, such as a steering wheel and brake pedal. Vehicles that are equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) technology must provide the same level of occupant crash protection as current passenger vehicles.

Fully autonomous vehicles using ADS technology differ from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-departure warnings and automatic emergency braking that are becoming commonplace on all new passenger vehicles. There are currently no fully autonomous passenger vehicles available for sale.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

  By Juan Torres

Applications for the 2022 SEMA Show are now available at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. The event taking place November 1–4 in Las Vegas is the premier automotive trade event in the world.

Manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories exhibit at the SEMA Show to promote new products, increase brand awareness, generate leads for future orders, build and strengthen relationships through in-person networking, and generate media coverage.  

“Nothing compares to the SEMA Show. There’s a unique energy and mystique about the Show that makes it the ideal place for manufacturers to promote their products and raise brand awareness,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “With buyers and media from all over the world in attendance, exhibitors have unlimited opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that lead to profitable business partnerships.”

With more than 100,000 professionals in attendance at the 2021 SEMA Show, the event was Las Vegas’ No. 1-attended trade show last year. It also marked the Las Vegas Convention Center’s first full-capacity event since the pandemic. Exhibitors found valuable ROI by participating at the Show, with nearly all participants rating their experience as positive and noting that they plan to return in 2022.

“In-person interactions have greater meaning today than ever before,” said Gattuso. “The ability to communicate face-to-face, witness a live product demonstration, and take a photo with a celebrity is rare. The SEMA Show offers four full days of valuable activity both on and off the Show floor.”

In addition to more than 4.6 million of convention space, the SEMA Show includes interactive experiences, celebrity appearances, unique seminars with dynamic speakers, and unique panel discussions.

Companies may apply for space at the 2022 SEMA Show at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. To be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, applications must be received by Monday, April 4. For more information, visit www.semashow.com.

View the list of participating manufacturers to date.