By Ashley Reyes

Register now for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming live and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, June 30 – ADAS Technologies: Making Sense of Simulation, Testing and Calibration
Series: ADAS Webinar Series

As part 2 of the SEMA ADAS webinar series, this webinar features top service providers in the ADAS simulation, testing and calibration spaces. Participants will learn what resources are available in the marketplace to help SEMA members develop and install parts safely while maintaining OEM functionality of the ADAS system.  

Register here.

Wednesday, July 7 – SBN Live Chat Featuring Shannon Welch
Track: Industry Talks

Stop worrying if you are good enough or smart enough, and focus instead on being valuable. Join Shannon Welch during this Facebook Live Chat hosted by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, when Welch shares her person career journey that will inspire and motivate others to discover their value. As former communications director at ULTRA4 Racing and founder of “Hey Shannon, Quick Question,” Welch has firsthand experience about the path to success.

Location: SBN Facebook page

Wednesday, July 14 – ADAS Technologies: How to Navigate Product Development
Series: ADAS Webinar Series

Hear about real-world situations and case studies from leading aftermarket manufacturers that have successfully developed and launched products for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Participants will learn the steps companies have taken to understand ADAS and how to design compatible parts and validate the functionality of all OEM features. This is a great opportunity to learn from companies that have firsthand ADAS experience.

Register here.

Newly Added: Wednesday, July 21 – YEN Live Chat featuring Jim Liaw
Track: Industry Talks

Here’s your chance to chat with Jim Liaw, co-founder of Formula DRIFT. During this Live Chat presented by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), you will be able to ask about how the premier United States drifting series came to be, what other motorsports events he’s helped organize, and what he was thinking when the first Formula DRIFT event debuted to a sell-out crowd of 10,000 in 2003—causing traffic jams on the streets outside the track and culture shock to those in the stands. You’ll also be able to find out what he has planned for 2021 and why he supports the RPM Act.

Location: YEN Facebook page  

Newly Added: Thursday, July 22 – How to Keep Productivity at a Maximum
Series: Team Management Series, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Having a long to-do list can feel overwhelming, and oftentimes, it can be a struggle to even know where to start. During this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), managers and supervisors will learn solid tips and habits for increasing productivity throughout the day, how to identify and avoid challenges that impede productivity, and various goal-setting methods for effectively managing time.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) named David Nieuwstadt as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Nieuwstadt is a business owner at RimTyme Custom Wheels, a rent-to-own concept that offers wheels and tires for trucks and Jeeps, as well as for custom wheels for passenger vehicles.

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

David Nieuwstadt: A career change led me to a career in the wheel and tire industry.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

DN: The information provided allows me to keep updated on current events and trends enabling me to pursue additional revenue streams.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

DN: There is amazing growth potential, especially in the rent-to-own industry. Get started with a proven franchise and the sky’s the limit.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

DN: Since our busiest days are the weekend, you will find me at work.  

Fill out a WTC spotlight application to share how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates have the opportunity to be featured on SEMA eNews, social media and WTC member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named BedWood as the council’s latest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, company Founder and CEO Jeffrey Major shares what inspired him to launch his company—a manufacturer of custom-fit and restoration wood kits for truck beds—and his breakthrough moment.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?

Jeffrey Major: Bed Wood and Parts LLC was founded in 2006 out of my desire to create choices, unique as the truck owners themselves, that would meet the personal needs of their build.  

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

JM: My breakthrough moment was when I realized the business potential of a quality product and exceptional customer service in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2021 and what projects you are working on.

JM: Our business is strong in 2021. Keep checking www.bedwood.com for our new products! They are only getting better.

SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.

JM: We’re proud to support all of our customers builds.

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

JM: Buy the ticket… Take the ride!

By SEMA Editors

The hot-rodding world lost one of its rising young stars, as Craig Morrison, 46, passed away unexpectedly on June 13 due to complications from COVID-19.

Born in Tacoma, Washington, he enthusiastically followed in his father Art’s footsteps as an avid outdoorsman and automotive craftsman. He attended the University of Washington, where he received his degree in business administration.

Following his graduation, Morrison embarked on a series of travels around the world, and on a trip to England, he met the love of his life, Clarey. She emigrated to the United States, married Craig, and they had a son Alexander, who is now 12.

Morrison began working on his first car—a ’40 Ford—before he had a driver’s license. The ’40 was followed by several notable projects, including an ’80 Chevrolet C10 pickup and ’50 Chevy “Farm Truck” that were both featured in prominent automotive enthusiast magazines.

He tried his hand in competition too, driving the Art Morrison Enterprises (AME)-built “Project Super Glass” ’55 Chevy in NHRA Super Gas competition at Division VI events.

After getting some “real-world experience” in the automotive aftermarket, Morrison returned to AME and became involved in many facets of the company business—eventually rising to vice president.

It was Morrison who recognized the need of a true “bolt-on” replacement chassis to provide a contemporary ride, handling and stance for older vehicles, and was the impetus behind the creation of the Morrison GT Sport chassis—which has become an important cornerstone in the restomod movement.

Among his industry accolades were SEMA’s “HRIA Industry Achievement” Award for 2010, as well as the Gran Tourismo “Best In Show” award for the “Project 3G” Corvette he and his dad built for the 2006 SEMA Show.

Above all, Morrison was a “people person” of the highest order. His enthusiasm, sense of humor and genuine caring enabled him to make countless friends the world over.

As of press time, funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

By SEMA Editors

Now that SEMA Show Priority Space Selection is complete, exhibitors can start planning to take advantage of the Show’s business and marketing opportunities. To get started, exhibitors are going to want to make sure to do the following:

• Register staff
• Book hotel rooms
• Book flights (discounts available)
• Enter a product(s) into the New Products Showcase
• Enter an application to the Feature Vehicle Program

View the online floorplan.

Companies are encouraged to access the Exhibitor Services Manual for early-bird rates on booth services, deadline and budget check lists, shipping information, sponsorship opportunities and much more.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual (ESM) is an online exhibitor resource that contains all of the pertinent information and forms to prepare for a successful SEMA Show experience.

To help companies navigate the ESM efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Exhibitors are encouraged to become familiar with the website to understand how the tools available will pay dividends with ease of participation, better visibility with buyers, and more ways to save exhibitors time and money.

Below is an example of what resources and information are included in the ESM. Access the entire ESM at www.SEMAShow.com/esm.

Included in the Exhibitor Service Manual:

• Guidelines & Policies
• Advertising Opportunities
• Public Relations Opportunities
• Sponsorship Brochures
• Meeting Room Applications
• FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
• Feature Vehicle Information and Applications
• Booth Vehicle Information and Applications

More information about the 2021 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Here’s the ’22 Chevy Silverado ZR2 undergoing testing, showing a few new traits about the upcoming off-road-oriented truck.

The Silverado ZR2 (or potentially Silverado Trail Boss ZR2) will feature even more rugged capability than the Trail Boss models. From the shots, we can see a higher clearance front bumper, a prominent skid plate at the front and what appears to be an even greater suspension lift. Curiously, this prototype is fitted with a set of running boards that don’t appear to offer very high ground clearance.

Other than that, the Silverado ZR2 should adopt all the traits of the Silverado 1500 refresh, including a new interior.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’22 Chevy Silverado ZR2 undergoing testing, showing a few new traits about the upcoming off-road-oriented truck.

The Silverado ZR2 (or potentially Silverado Trail Boss ZR2) will feature even more rugged capability than the Trail Boss models. From the shots, we can see a higher clearance front bumper, a prominent skid plate at the front and what appears to be an even greater suspension lift. Curiously, this prototype is fitted with a set of running boards that don’t appear to offer very high ground clearance.

Other than that, the Silverado ZR2 should adopt all the traits of the Silverado 1500 refresh, including a new interior.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a final decision that U.S. industry is being harmed from imports of passenger and light-truck tires at less than fair value (“dumping”) from South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, and that tires are being subsidized by the government of Vietnam. The ITC dismissed the anti-dumping investigation for tires from Vietnam as being negligible.

In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued final calculations for dumping duties to be assessed for tires from South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, and countervailing duties for tires from Vietnam. The dumping margins are 14.72% to 27.05% for South Korea, 20.04% to 101.84% for Taiwan, and 14.62% to 21.09% for Thailand. The subsidy rates range from 6.23% to 7.89% for Vietnam. The duties are collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Click here for more specific duty information.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Diode Dynamics Announces ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Automotive LED lighting manufacturer Diode Dynamics has announced that the company has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification. The company was audited by SRI Quality System Registrar, and received their certificate on May 25. The scope of Diode Dynamics’ certification includes the design, manufacture and distribution of automotive lighting products.

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized quality management standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification provides a model for companies of all types to use in building an effective quality management system, with a focus on risk-based thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement in all organizational processes.

This certification was not contractually required by any existing customers. Instead, Diode Dynamics’ decision to work towards ISO 9001:2015 certification was the result of its ongoing commitment to providing industry-leading, high-quality products to its customers, and the company’s focus on continuous improvement and excellence, according to the company.

Competition Specialties Inc. Adds Charlie Jensen to Team Roster

Competition Specialties Inc. has announced Charlie Jensen as the newest team member of its purchasing department. Jensen has been in the automotive specialty-equipment industry since 1989, when he went to work for Flex-A-Lite in Tacoma, Washington, as a customer service rep. Over the next seven years, he worked his way up in the company, achieving the ranks of production coordinator and sales manager. In 1996, he joined K&N Engineering as its international sales manager in Southern California. In 1998, he accepted a job with the independent sales rep company R & R Marketing. For the next 12 years, he excelled in all aspects of managing the challenges of marketing multiple product lines to a wide variety of wholesale distribution companies throughout the Western States region. In 2010, through a partnership with Jerry Nunez, IMS Marketing was launched. The company received recognition for outstanding service from SEMA in 2012. Due to Nunez’s unexpected passing in November 2012, Jensen took over IMS Marketing, rebranding it as Jensen Marketing Services, which for eight years thrived as a rep services company until the 2020 global pandemic.

Aaron Kaufman, Builder and Show Host to Appear at Carlisle GM Nationals

Carlisle Events announced that Aaron Kaufman will sign autographs on Saturday, June 26, at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania, during the Carlisle GM Nationals. Kaufman is a builder and TV personality who is known for his time alongside Richard Rawlings on “Gas Monkey Garage,” and is also the owner of Arclight Fabrication located in Dallas. Sessions with Kaufman are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., and again from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. The autograph and photo opportunity with Kaufman is free once on Carlisle grounds. The two-day gathering of all things GM takes place June 25–26, and includes competitions, special displays and automotive guests and personalities.

RRMCI to Represent McGard Through Western United States and Canadian Territories

McGard will now work with R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) for North American sales and marketing representation. RRMCI will represent McGard throughout the Western United States and Canada. McGard is the latest brand to retain the sales and marketing services of R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. The Kansas City-based firm has earned six SEMA Representative of the Year Awards for their work in the automotive aftermarket. For more information on McGard’s security products, wheel locks and chrome-plated lug nuts or to become a dealer, visit www.mcgard.com.

Sonoma Raceway Names Peter Rogers Vice President of Sales

Peter Rogers, a long-time executive in the music and entertainment industry, has been named vice president of sales for Sonoma Raceway. In his new role, Rogers will oversee all aspects of sponsorships and sales for the 1,600-acre Northern California facility, including title sponsorships, premium sales, corporate events and official speedway partnerships. Rogers holds former experience with Sony Music and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. His most recent position was serving as vice president of partnerships and business development for the Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas. Rogers will report to Speedway Motorsports Chief Sales Officer Kevin Camper. Rogers will relocate from Las Vegas to Sonoma.

Thermo-Tec Automotive Inc. Launches New Website

Thermo-Tec Automotive Inc. announced that the company has revamped and launched a new website to modernize the online presence of the company. The updates feature a new rotating banner, product categories on the homepage, and many updated images and videos, as well as a new enticing layout to browse products. The new website still has its e-commerce features, allowing visitors to continue purchasing Thermo-Tec products directly from the manufacturer.

CT Performance Opens New Facility

CT Performance has announced its relocation to a brand-new facility in Stockbridge, Michigan. The 12,500-sq.-ft. facility is situated on five acres of land and is expected to allow CT Performance to offer additional services, including tire mounting, balancing, alignment, and in-house machining and parts manufacturing. The new facility also features a five-axis CNC machining center, giving CT Performance the ability to manufacture performance components in-house.

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 Ashley Reyes

After a year of connecting virtually, Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) members will connect at the Iowa State Fairgrounds/Goodguys Heartland Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, for an in-person membership meeting taking place on Thursday, July 1, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (CDT).

This meeting is open to current HRIA members and businesses in the hot-rod market that are interested in learning more involved with the council. The HRIA Select Committee will be on site to share updates on the council’s latest initiatives, as well as answer questions from attendees on what resources are available.  

Those attending Goodguys Heartland Nationals are encouraged to RSVP for the meeting.