By Rachel Tatum    

Kyle Tucker was crowned the winner of the fifth-annual “SEMA Battle of the Builders” competition for his ’69 Chevy Camaro.

Missed the premiere airing? Watch the most recent “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special, as it re-airs on MotorTrend TV (formerly Velocity Network), Friday, January 25, at 4:00 p.m. (PST)/7:00 p.m. (EST). Viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at many of the top vehicles from the 2018 SEMA Show.

Hosted by Tanner Foust and Adrienne “AJ” Janic, the program features footage of vehicles being built prior to the 2018 SEMA Show, insight from expert judges as they review the submissions and personal stories from builders, including those who are up-and-coming. Learn more about the builders’ journey to “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” by tuning in Friday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m. (EST) on MotorTrend or via the MotorTrend app.

Learn more about the competition and watch additional videos at www.semaignited.com.

By Rachel Tatum    

Kyle Tucker was crowned the winner of the fifth-annual “SEMA Battle of the Builders” competition for his ’69 Chevy Camaro.

Missed the premiere airing? Watch the most recent “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special, as it re-airs on MotorTrend TV (formerly Velocity Network), Friday, January 25, at 4:00 p.m. (PST)/7:00 p.m. (EST). Viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at many of the top vehicles from the 2018 SEMA Show.

Hosted by Tanner Foust and Adrienne “AJ” Janic, the program features footage of vehicles being built prior to the 2018 SEMA Show, insight from expert judges as they review the submissions and personal stories from builders, including those who are up-and-coming. Learn more about the builders’ journey to “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” by tuning in Friday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m. (EST) on MotorTrend or via the MotorTrend app.

Learn more about the competition and watch additional videos at www.semaignited.com.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is now ACES 4.0 compliant, making it more efficient than ever for participating parts manufacturers and resellers to communicate details that will help get products to market quickly and easily.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is now ACES 4.0 compliant, making it more efficient than ever for participating parts manufacturers and resellers to communicate details that will help get products to market quickly and easily.

The updated data standards target engine-based manufacturers by separating data for engine blocks, bore and stroke into their own tables. Individual tables allow users to search more efficiently, particularly when bore/stroke are not relevant to fitment. Also included in ACES 4.0 are greater details between medium- and heavy-duty vehicles based on the weight class of the chassis.

“One of the best features of ACES is being able to search for products without having to go further than you need to,” said Jim Graven, SDC senior director of membership. “For instance, you typically do not need to know which engine a truck has to order a set of step bars, but you will need to know cab length. Cab length isn’t important for choosing an air filter, but engine is. Expanding the table options allows users to only map what is necessary.”

As part of SDC’s ACES updates, users are also now able to utilize digital asset imagery at the year/make/model level. The image or asset, which is ideal for manufacturers with many fitment options per part number, may be specific to a certain body type or engine, or it may be used for graphical fitment or performance details.

Future updates to ACES that are expected in the spring include new classifications for systems such as engine or transmission, allowing users to bypass year, make and model.

Since its inception in 2012, the SDC has helped thousands of businesses share and communicate product details quickly and efficiently. The industry-owned and -operated data repository gives members access to tools that manage a product’s weight, size and application, as well as its price, shipping and UPC codes. Details about the SDC are available at www.semadatacoop.org or by contacting Graven at 888-958-6698, ext. 4, or jimg@semadatacoop.org.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is now ACES 4.0 compliant, making it more efficient than ever for participating parts manufacturers and resellers to communicate details that will help get products to market quickly and easily.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is now ACES 4.0 compliant, making it more efficient than ever for participating parts manufacturers and resellers to communicate details that will help get products to market quickly and easily.

The updated data standards target engine-based manufacturers by separating data for engine blocks, bore and stroke into their own tables. Individual tables allow users to search more efficiently, particularly when bore/stroke are not relevant to fitment. Also included in ACES 4.0 are greater details between medium- and heavy-duty vehicles based on the weight class of the chassis.

“One of the best features of ACES is being able to search for products without having to go further than you need to,” said Jim Graven, SDC senior director of membership. “For instance, you typically do not need to know which engine a truck has to order a set of step bars, but you will need to know cab length. Cab length isn’t important for choosing an air filter, but engine is. Expanding the table options allows users to only map what is necessary.”

As part of SDC’s ACES updates, users are also now able to utilize digital asset imagery at the year/make/model level. The image or asset, which is ideal for manufacturers with many fitment options per part number, may be specific to a certain body type or engine, or it may be used for graphical fitment or performance details.

Future updates to ACES that are expected in the spring include new classifications for systems such as engine or transmission, allowing users to bypass year, make and model.

Since its inception in 2012, the SDC has helped thousands of businesses share and communicate product details quickly and efficiently. The industry-owned and -operated data repository gives members access to tools that manage a product’s weight, size and application, as well as its price, shipping and UPC codes. Details about the SDC are available at www.semadatacoop.org or by contacting Graven at 888-958-6698, ext. 4, or jimg@semadatacoop.org.

Linda Vaughn is a legend in the automotive aftermarket industry and takes time during the 2018 SEMA Show to talk about some of the experiences she's had throughout the years.

Linda Vaughn is a legend in the automotive aftermarket industry and takes time during the 2018 SEMA Show to talk about some of the experiences she's had throughout the years.

The SEMA Garage and SEMA International invite members to a measuring session featuring the ’19 RAM, ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61 Safari and ’16 Australian-Spec Ford Ranger.

The SEMA Garage and SEMA International invite members to a measuring session featuring the ’19 RAM, ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61 Safari and ’16 Australian-Spec Ford Ranger.

The SEMA Garage and SEMA International invite members to a measuring session featuring the ’19 RAM, ’18 Nissan Patrol Y61 Safari and ’16 Australian-Spec Ford Ranger.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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

Automotive Store Salesperson – 4 Wheel Parts is hiring an automotive store salesperson responsible for assisting customers with product inquiries and sales, meeting weekly sales and productivity objectives, selling additional products through suggestive selling, pitching monthly sales promotions and capturing all necessary information to support direct mail efforts. Candidates should have consumer sales experience in a retail environment, automotive experience and knowledge of four-wheel/off-road products.

Collision-Repair Technician Coach – VeriFacts Automotive is hiring an experienced, Washington, D.C.-area collision-repair technician coach to coach shops and conduct audits for various OEM certifications. The ideal candidate will have more than 10 years’ hands-on experience with collision repair and I-CAR or ASE certifications. This position will be responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with shops in the assigned region and working with collision-repair facilities and their repair technicians to ensure standards are being met.

Test Lab Coordinator – SFI Foundation is seeking a full-time test lab coordinator to conduct testing services. This person must be mechanically inclined, reliable and motivated. Office computer skills are required. Job tasks include preparing test samples and conducting test procedures, processing reports and associated paperwork, providing lab-related customer service and cleaning/maintaining lab equipment and the facility as needed. Machining, fabricating and welding skills are helpful.

Automotive/Powersports Mechanic – Cognito Motorsports is hiring a skilled automotive/powersports mechanic to maintain and repair vehicles. This position will be responsible for troubleshooting issues and fixing them, aiming to maximize reliability and functionality. An excellent mechanic has good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Two years of experience working in a professional automotive or powersports service and repair shop is required. Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 70 lbs.

R&D Engineer – Energy Suspension is hiring an R&D engineer responsible for the design and development of polyurethane components along with the creation of technical documents, PPAP submittal and ISO quality-control documentation. This position will work extensively with sales to develop new products and provide customer support. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficient in 3-D CAD software and a good mechanical aptitude are required. Candidates should have experience with automotive suspension and a vector graphics program.