SEMA’s widely attended February 26 webinar on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Tampering Policy featuring industry experts and an EPA representative is now available to watch on-demand.
The EPA’s new Tampering Policy replaces the Mobile Source Enforcement Memo 1A (1974) and reinforces that the EPA will forgo taking enforcement action if the party engaging in the conduct has a documented “reasonable basis” to conclude that the part, component or part installation will not adversely affect emissions. This allows SEMA members to undertake emissions testing and maintain the test data to support the reasonable basis for demonstrating compliance. A link to the Tampering Policy and a more in-depth overview is available here.
During the webinar, the panel of industry experts and an EPA representative gave a presentation on the new policy and answered questions on many issues, including:
Type of testing needed to achieve a reasonable basis.
Vehicle selection.
Where testing can be performed.
Comparison of testing with CARB EO tests.
Testing benefits if marketing products outside of California.
For additional information about emissions-compliance testing, visit the SEMA Garage.
SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) members and those involved in the restoration industry are invited to join the council for their upcoming Car Show Discussion and General Membership Meeting, Friday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).
The ARMO select committee will discuss updates and benefits of participating in the ARMO Hot Product Showcase as well as other programs and resources available to members. This will be followed by a virtual panel discussion focused on attending car shows during and after the COVID-19 era. Members will hear insight from other auto restoration professionals on what has changed, tips for making their show attendance successful and what efforts are being made to keep employees safe at in-person events in 2021.
Oracle Lighting has won its legal battle against a Chinese-based
manufacturer of imitation products for its Vector LED Grill System.
Oracle Lighting has announced that it has won its legal battle against a Chinese-based manufacturer of imitation products after a failed appeal process by the defendant. According to Oracle Lighting’s attorney, the defendant appealed the lower court’s decision in a last-ditch effort to circumvent Oracle Lighting’s patent based on their argument that they had developed the design prior to Oracle Lighting. However, the defendant withdrew the appeal following an appeal hearing in which the Appeals Court judge told the defendant that their position “can hardly be supported”.
Shortly after Oracle Lighting unveiled its Vector LED Grill System at a trade show in 2017, Chinese knockoffs began appearing. “After nearly a year of work designing and developing this product, it was honestly heartbreaking to find knockoff products pop up online,” explained Justin Hartenstein, director of product development at Oracle Lighting. “I had seen this happen before to other manufacturers in our industry and decided that we were not going to stand for this blatant design theft. We worked with our IP attorney, Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law LLC, to develop and execute a strategy to take action against the overseas knockoff producers. I knew it would not be easy but I had no idea where this journey would take us.”
The court’s decision included an order for the defendant to immediately cease infringing upon Oracle Lighting’s patent. The court also ordered the defendant pay significant monetary damages to Oracle Lighting, and ordered that the defendant pay certain court costs associated with the litigation. In doing so, the court also rejected the defendant’s arguments that they had come up with the design for this particular grill prior to Oracle Lighting filing its design patent application.
“In order for us to file litigation against the infringing company, the Chinese court explained that we had to first complete a ‘notarized purchase’, which basically translates to us having to conduct our own sting operation,” Hartenstein continued. “Our attorney assisted us in hiring private investigators overseas who, after months of investigation, used a cover story to gain access to the factory and, with hidden cameras, obtained evidence of the counterfeit parts. The entire operation had to be covert because these factories producing knockoff goods are often designed to be packed up and moved overnight, making them hard to pin down. Once our legal team in China presented this evidence to the judge, the court issued a demand to the factory to shut down production and the nearly two-year-long litigation process began. This was a massive undertaking for our company but I pursued this in the hope that it provides insight for other small businesses trying to protect their intellectual property rights overseas. It was not easy but these results demonstrate that even overseas counterfeiters can be held accountable. Oracle Lighting takes our intellectual property rights very seriously and we are willing to do whatever it takes to prevent the blatant theft of our patented designs.”
Banyas explained that Oracle Lighting asked his firm to develop and implement a plan to protect its products against overseas knockoffs and counterfeits. “This was no easy task as those who deal in illegal products often take extensive measures to insulate themselves from liability and accountability,” he explained. “Through our firms’ extensive network of private investigators and international law firms, we identified the factory making the knockoff products and obtained all of the evidence we needed to enforce Oracle Lighting’s Intellectual Property Rights. We thank the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court for giving us a fair day in court, and we hope that this decision serves as a strong example to other American companies that they can enforce their Intellectual Property Rights in China, and they do not simply have to accept lost market share to Chinese knockoffs and counterfeit products as an inevitable cost of doing business. I applaud the folks at Oracle Lighting for bucking that trend, and I am proud to have spearheaded the efforts that lead to these successful results.”
Designed for use on the Jeep Wrangler, Oracle Lighting’s Vector Grill has earned the company awards from SEMA, including a 2018 Global Media Award and a runner-up award for the SEMA Best New Exterior Accessory Product of 2019.
Knowing how to be assertive in difficult situations while maintaining professionalism, understanding and respect is a valuable skill that will help professionals in the workplace.
Learn how to handle difficult situations, tips for following-up after an uncomfortable encounter, and even when it’s best to avoid the confrontation altogether, during the upcoming webinar “Asserting Yourself in the Workplace,” March 23, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
As part of the SEMA Virtual Education “Sharpen Your Soft Skills, powered by SBN” series, the webinar will include personal stories from Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development; Karen Salvaggio, owner and editor at Thunder Valley Racing; Sara Morosan, owner of LGE-CTS Motorsports; Sherry Kollien, former technology liaison at Ford; and Jennifer LaFever, production manager at Roush & Yates Racing Engines.
Participants will hear how they each handled difficult situations and what they would have done differently, and also have the opportunity to participate in a breakout session, practice what they’ve learned and take away solid strategies to help them in the future.
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) members and industry women are invited to join in on a virtual wine-tasting and networking event, March 11, at 5:00 p.m. (PST).
Reserved specifically for the industry's women, the event provides the opportunity to connect with longtime friends and new colleagues. The network will celebrate Women’s History Month through a toast to acknowledge the amazing role females play in the automotive aftermarket.
A sommelier will take attendees through the virtual wine-tasting with suggested food pairings. Participants will enjoy good conversation, many laughs and two great bottles of wine with SBN.
“The Steve Sommers Overnight Drive” Show Expands Airing
“The Steve Sommers Overnight Drive” show launched January 11 from the new Hot Shot’s Secret Studios. The show was initially available on Hot Shot’s Secret’s Facebook and YouTube pages as a video stream then quickly expanded to the Steve Sommers Overnight Drive Facebook and YouTube pages.
Currently, the five-hour show airs weekly from midnight to 5:00 a.m. (EST) Monday through Friday, and can be heard via a live audio stream at overnightdriveradio.com, in addition to the Overnightdrive.com Android app. The iOS app is still in the works and will be released in the coming weeks. Topics include, but are not limited to, trucking, news, weather, sports and headline news. Listeners can text or call to speak directly with Sommers during the live show by calling 844-844-3388.
In regard to on-demand, the show can be found on numerous podcasting services, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Acast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio Podcasts, TuneIn, Pocket Cast, Deezer, Breaker and Stitcher. Additionally, viewers can view the video stream on-demand on the website.
UNOH Launches Motorsports Marketing Degree
The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) has announced a new degree in motorsports marketing. Known as one of the leaders in training high-performance motorsports technicians, UNOH will now educate students to run this multi-billion dollar industry’s marketing side. According to the university, this new program marks the only four-year bachelor-degree program in the country focused on motorsports marketing. The program will take students out of the classroom and into the garages, front offices, tracks, suppliers and sponsor companies that drive the motorsports industry. With one required internship, students have the chance to work within the motorsports field of their choice, from grassroots racing to the pinnacle of motorsports, such as NASCAR, IndyCar and more. For more information, visit www.unoh.edu.
Scott Avery
Classic Instruments Appoints Race Enthusiast to Promote Performance Gauge Lineup
Classic Instruments announced that Scott Avery was added to the team as the company’s Performance Gauge Division Manager.
“Scott joined our team a little over a year ago and has been a great addition,” says owner John McLeod, “He has really stepped up to get our Performance Gauge offerings out into the performance world.”
Avery has fostered many sponsorships, such as Kyle Cooper, who races a super stock truck in the Champ Off-Road Series; Jenny Treadwell, who is an NHRA Division Champion drag racer; and the Great Lakes Stock S/S Association, among others. Avery now heads up the Classic Instruments' performance division, which is responsible for adding nearly 3,800 new parts to the company's current product offerings.
Trick-Tools Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The year 2020 was a year of celebration for Trick-Tools. The metal fabrication tool distributor out of Pella, Iowa, celebrated its 25th year of providing high-performance metal fabrication tools to automotive and racing professionals all over the world. The company’s “No Junk Guarantee” marks its commitment to the customer, ensuring it won’t offer “cheap junk” on its website.
Peter MacGillivray
Peter MacGillivray Joins AACF Board of Trustees
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the election of Peter MacGillivray to its board of trustees. MacGillivray is vice president of motorsports events for Bonnier Corp. Prior to joining Bonnier, MacGillivray was an editor and publisher with Petersen’s automotive magazines and later served as vice president of marketing for SEMA, overseeing the SEMA Show and other SEMA events, as well as SEMA media and PR.
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.
The PRI Trade Show, which takes place December 9–11, at the Indiana
Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.
A return to Indianapolis for the annual PRI Trade Show, an all-new membership drive launching next week and a 2.0 version of the renowned PRI Road Tour are all part of Performance Racing Industry’s plans for an unprecedented year.
With its mission to build, promote and protect the racing community, PRI is focused on uniting motorsports professionals and enthusiasts in 2021 through both traditional platforms and newly introduced initiatives and services. Atop the list is this year’s return of the PRI Trade Show, which takes place December 9–11, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.
“The racing industry is resilient and continues to push forward, and PRI very much reflects that spirit,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “Racing businesses have demonstrated remarkable passion and perseverance over the last 12 months. Many have even reported record sales and month-over-month revenue growth.
“Our job is to help the entire community thrive, and No. 1 on that list is bringing the industry together under one roof for an in-person PRI Show to get back to the business of racing and discover all the latest parts, equipment, technology and solutions.”
As planning for the Show continues, PRI will introduce a groundbreaking membership program for motorsports professionals designed to unite the industry on a number of important efforts—legislative advocacy, business resources, career development, educational opportunities, cost savings and more. Exhibitors at this year’s PRI Trade Show, for example, can take advantage of a comprehensive list of benefits that includes discounted booth space, which in most cases covers the cost of membership.
“PRI is laser-focused on supporting the motorsports industry,” said Meyer. “The PRI Show is a critical component of what we do. Membership will complement what takes place at the event by providing year-round legal support, advocacy, educational seminars and more.”
As planning for the Show continues, PRI will introduce a
groundbreaking membership program for motorsports professionals
designed to unite the industry on a number of important efforts
—legislative advocacy, business resources, career development,
educational opportunities, cost savings and more.
Shortly after Meyer’s arrival at PRI in late spring 2020, the company launched a series of targeted programs to assist racing businesses and operations impacted by the pandemic. One was PRI’s Ambassador Program—an aggressive campaign aimed at helping race-track operators navigate local, state and federal rules required to reopen safely.
Then, in October, PRI announced the launch of its Road Tour—an unprecedented, two-and-a-half-month cross-country journey that took a van-load of content creators to the doorsteps of nearly 100 racing and performance shops, teams, tracks and more. The result was an all-out media blitz that allowed dozens of motorsports companies large and small to tell their stories, reveal new products, share never-before-seen treasures, and ultimately bring the industry closer together.
“It was like PRI came to Magnuson and gave us all a big hug,” said Kim Pendergast, president of Magnuson Superchargers, about the PRI Road Tour, which will focus on major race events when it returns for 2021. “I don’t think we knew how much we needed that touch until it arrived.”
Exhibitor booth space applications for the 2021 PRI Trade Show, which include a sign-up option for PRI Business Membership, are available beginning March 15. Details for trade show attendee registration, PRI individual membership and the PRI Road Tour will be announced at a later date.
Charles Siritho is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Siritho is the owner and CEO of Function Factory Performance—an aftermarket retailer of high-performance automotive parts for American musclecars, supercars and imports.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Charles Siritho: Always have leverage.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
CS: My commitment to revolutionize customer service in the aftermarket automotive community.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
CS: You can find me at the racetrack in my Ford Mustang EcoBoost.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
CS: I am the first person to smell a bad deal and call it as it is.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
CS: Toto Wolff.
If you are a current Young Executives Network member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN member updates.
This year’s INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico will be
held December 1–3, at the San Luis Potosí Convention
Center in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
New dates and a new location have been announced for the 2021 INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico. After careful consideration, and in light of the ongoing COVID-19 developments in Mexico and globally, this year’s edition will be held December 1–3, at the San Luis Potosí Convention Center, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
San Luis Potosí is easily accessible, and is an automotive hub for various plants, including both General Motors and BMW, along with more than 250 Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers.
INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico showcases the latest technology and advancements over the entire spectrum of the automotive aftermarket industry. Registration information will be available in the coming weeks.
For more information, contact the INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico team.
Gillis is a PRO select committee volunteer and the general manager at Integrity Customs—an automotive customization shop that specializes in custom interiors, electronics, spray-on bedliners, lift kits and more. In his Q&A with SEMA, Gillis shares what SEMA event inspired him to volunteer for the council and what goals he has for himself and the industry moving forward.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?
Kevin Gillis: I was invited to the members breakfast during the SEMA Show in 2017 and was amazed at the level of knowledge that was within that one room. After talking to some of the select committee members, I discovered that any general member could volunteer. So in 2019, I threw my name in the hat and here I am.
Being on the PRO council has opened my eyes to how big our industry has become but how small it still seems to be for many of the restylers out there fighting everyday to make a living. My goal is to be their voice and share our knowledge with them, and also it will allow us to keep in touch with our future.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
KG: Go for it! Don’t lock yourself in to one direction. Find a shop or company that you have interest in and reach out to see what they need currently or in the future. There are so many opportunities within our industry, so do your research and pick a path and see where it takes you.
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
KG: I’m not sure I have one dream car, more like a dream collection (but one I can drive). This would allow me to go wherever I wanted on the weekends.
SEMA: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
KG: The only failure in life is to not participate. Give yourself permission to fail. I have found this works in all aspects of my life.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
KG: After all these years, I still find new challenges and adventures in this business, and now I have the opportunity to share my successes and failures with a new generation of restylers.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
KG: You can find me spending time with family or volunteering my time at a charity.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the Automotive Restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s and media, SEMA eNews, and future PRO-member updates.
SEMA 
Knowing how to be assertive in difficult situations while maintaining professionalism, understanding and respect is a valuable skill that will help professionals in the workplace.
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) members and industry women are invited to join in on a virtual wine-tasting and networking event, March 11, at 5:00 p.m. (PST).
UNOH Launches Motorsports Marketing Degree
Charles Siritho is the 
The