By Ashley Reyes

With a focus on providing automotive aftermarket professionals with content designed to improve their careers and businesses, the SEMA Virtual Education Program will help members enhance their professional development and include comprehensive presentations, insightful discussions and short videos that teach, inform, inspire and entertain. The virtual and on-demand offerings provide members with the flexibility to participate remotely and at their convenience.

“We are excited to launch this new initiative that will make it easier than ever for members to participate in top-quality, industry-leading education,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “We’ve heard from our members that education is a top priority for them, and the SEMA program brings the knowledge and information they need to advance their businesses. Introducing a year-round virtual element will make it possible for all members, from builders and engineers, to marketers and sales staff, to participate and prepare for greater success.”

More sessions will be announced throughout the year, and will be placed in tracks, such as professional development, government affairs or market research, to make it easy for members to identify offerings that may be of greatest interest to them. Upcoming sessions include:

SEMA Virtual Education Upcoming Events

*Stay tuned to SEMA eNews as new events are announced weekly.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021 – YEN Live Chat with Jamie Meyer

Track: Industry Talks

Dr. Jamie Meyer joined Performance Racing Industry (PRI) as its president during 2020. He’s since navigated the challenges from the pandemic and introduced a number of new programs and initiatives to help the motorsports industry continue to succeed. Connect with Meyer during the Live Chat to learn how he is able to stay focused amidst the industry’s challenges, what he does to keep his team motivated and why he remains committed to supporting the racing performance industry.

Location: YEN Facebook page

Thursday, January 14, 2021 – Digital Marketing in 2021: What the Winners are Doing

Track: Marketing & Sales

One of the most popular sessions from 2020 will be presented during this simu-live webinar, where presenter and founder of (Un)Common Logic Jim McKinley will participate and answer questions during the event. Find out what companies that are killing it with their digital marketing campaigns have in common, discover what successful digital marketers are doing and get tips for bringing targeted traffic to your website.

Register here.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - Everything You Need to Know About the New PPP Program

Track: Legislative & Regulatory

Last month, the $900 billion federal stimulus law that was enacted included $284 billion for first and second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and a simpler one-page loan forgiveness application form. Learn more about the new law during this informational webinar presented by national columnist and CPA Gene Marks.

Register here.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 – Tire Knowledge 201: Standards for Determining Rim Width and Load Capacity

Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC

Track:  Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Wheel and tire professionals are strongly encouraged to tune in to this webinar, where leading tire technical experts will address the specifics of load index and load ranges, when and where they apply, and how to calculate the correct air pressure for certain applications. This 40-minute session will answer all the basic questions and empower sales staff to be able to communicate and effectively sell to consumers.

Register here.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021 – Navigating Career Advancement Conversations

Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills Series, powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

As the new year begins, it’s time to think about your career. Promotions and job advancements are likely top of mind, but asking for a raise or promotion is not always easy. In “Navigating Career Advancement Conversations," owner of HR Culture Geek Elizabeth Jacobs will help attendees understand the best methods to connect with management to successfully attain salaries, raises and promotions. The one-hour session will address how to avoid what can potentially be an uncomfortable conversation, and how to focus the discussion on their work and not the finances.

Register here.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – What Now? Industry Path in the Wake of Disruption

Series: SEMA Industry Insights Series

Track: Trends & Research

As aftermarket businesses enter the new year, the state of the industry will be closely watched for new sales trends and market planning. Join SEMA Market Research as they introduce potential scenarios for 2021 and explore the industry’s path in the wake of disruption, the economy, and changes in vehicle segment sales and market size.

Register here.

By SEMA Editors

Image

In partnership with Chevrolet, the SEMA Garage has announced a Measuring Session for the ’20 Chevrolet Corvette C8.

This event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with two different trim-level vehicles:

’20 Corvette Stingray Convertible and Coupe:

• 6.2L V8
• Eight-Speed Transmission
• Z51 Performance

Please note, 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 take place over two separate weeks with scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, appointments will be time limited.

• Week 1: January 19–22
• Week 2: January 25–29

All registered attendees will be required to take an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment. The vehicle will be sanitized between each appointment.

Register now!

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Efforts to enact SEMA-supported provisions to provide businesses with liability protection from COVID-19 related lawsuits were successful in 2020 in at least 16 states. Many more states are considering these protections as state legislatures begin to convene their 2021 legislative sessions and consider what additional measures should be put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

States that have already passed liability protection for businesses include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming. These states either enacted legislation or their Governors took executive action in 2020. In Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf vetoed legislation that would have shielded businesses exposure from most COVID related lawsuits.

Looking forward, state legislators and business leaders in Florida, Indiana, Maine, Missouri and other states have expressed their support for passing liability protection in 2021. Most of the provisions that have been enacted to date require companies to have followed certain health protocols for maintaining a safe operation and do not shield a business from a gross negligence claim.

At the federal level, a SEMA-supported measure has not yet been enacted despite attempts to include the provision within the $900 billion coronavirus stimulus plan enacted on December 23, 2020. Lawmakers will continue to pursue a federal approach to the issue as additional legislation is considered to address the pandemic.

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

Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the L.A. Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown in previous spyshots (in October). At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model. This is a first look at a production four-door model in Rubicon duds.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the L.A. Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown in previous spyshots (in October). At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model. This is a first look at a production four-door model in Rubicon duds.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

As part of SEMA’s initiative to provide live and virtual education to the automotive specialty equipment industry, SEMA is issuing a call for speakers for the SEMA Show, the PRI Trade Show and the association’s year-round virtual education program. Available at www.sema.org/speakers, applications are open to innovative thinkers, industry experts and dynamic presenters who can share ideas, technologies and expertise with the industry.

In addition to in-person seminars at the SEMA Show and the PRI Trade Show, efforts have recently been expanded to include a year-round virtual education program. While the focus of the education program is specific to the industry professionals in the automotive aftermarket and its related niche-specific segments, SEMA and PRI strive to provide thought-provoking, forward-thinking seminars that will help participants take their businesses and careers to the next level. Topics of particular interest include:

• Business Management
• Sales & Marketing
• Advanced Vehicle Technology
• Trends & Research
• Sponsorship
• Building Brands/Branding
• Digital Marketing
• Industry Segment Specific Topics

Speaker proposals for the 2021 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 4, and 2021 PRI Trade Show proposals must be submitted by April 4. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time. Submit a proposal today at www.sema.org/speakers.  

Suggestions for topics and/or speakers are also encouraged and can be submitted at www.sema.org/sessiontopics.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest Spotlight member is Cris Payne, owner of Truck Gurus. With more than 200 builds at the SEMA Show, as well as 24 magazine covers and more than 80 features, Payne is a leader in working directly with manufacturers and assisting them on their journey to represent and grow their business and promote exposure of their products and accessories.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Cris Payne: I felt at home here. The community of people and how I am able to assist in the growth of the industry is something that drives me!

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

CP: I joined because I love having an impact in any way I can within the automotive industry. I love seeing others and businesses succeed.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

CP: Communicate. Do what you say always and over-deliver when you can.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

CP: I have built my dream trucks and will continue to do so! You will usually find me in the mountains at the lake.

By SEMA Editors

John Gaines, a member of the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame Class of 2020, passed away at his home surrounded by family on January 3, 2021.

Gaines was an early pioneer in automotive aftermarket warehouse distribution. His company, G&M Performance Parts, was one of the first of its kind in the automotive aftermarket.

Gaines’ company utilized a fleet of vehicles to distribute product direct to local speed shops, truck accessory stores, car dealerships and machine shops, creating a much quicker and more streamlined process from manufacturer to end user. Gaines is credited with forward-thinking early on that helped many manufacturers grow to where they are today.

The success of G&M brought Gaines many achievements, including being awarded the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year and a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors. However, he considered his 2020 induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame to be the highlight of his career.

He is survived by his companion Carlinda Belcher; his son, John Gaines (Kelly); and daughters, Allison Gaines (Daniel) and Kristen Bell (Rob). He is also survived by grandchildren, Madison, John and Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a celebration of life this summer in his hometown of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Memorial contributions can be made to the following charities:

• The Heritage Classic Foundation
• The Hilton Head Humane Association

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA stands ready to advocate the interests of the aftermarket industry no matter what the prevailing political winds. The results of the January 5, runoff elections in Georgia shifted the balance of power in the U.S. Senate during the 117th session of Congress, as Democrats now control both houses of Congress along with the White House. Now is the time to pause and take a deeper look at what to expect from Washington, D.C., over the next two years. Despite Democrats taking control of the White House and the Senate, voters sided with Republicans in the House, where they picked up 10 seats. Democrats control the House and Senate by the narrowest of margins (a 50 Republican to 50 Democrat split in the Senate means Democrats will control the chamber starting on January 20, as the Vice President is the tiebreaker). This means that legislation will require bipartisan support in order to have a chance of becoming law, which will temper efforts to advance heavy-handed legislation related to taxes and the environment.

President-elect Biden will face the challenge of uniting a divided electorate as his administration works with Congress to pass legislation to help the economy recover from the damage inflicted by COVID-19. Millions of Americans are unemployed as businesses face an uncertain future, which is inextricably tied to getting the pandemic under control. Despite continued partisan differences over how to safely reopen the economy, Congress came together in the final weeks of 2020 to pass a $900 billion COVID-relief bill to stabilize the economy, which was coupled with legislation to fund the federal government through September. It is important that President-elect Biden and congressional leadership collaborate on passing a recovery plan that helps distressed businesses in a fiscally responsible way.

Finding common ground between Republicans and Democrats is no small task, as the divide between the respective parties is as wide as it’s ever been. However, it’s important to note that the U.S. Senate will retain its role as a moderating force. Additionally, the House will face a greater challenge in passing legislation given the slim Democratic majority and the diversity of thought within its party on most issues.

There are many factors that will impact the issues Congress chooses to prioritize over the next two years. A comprehensive infrastructure bill is expected to be a top priority for both Republican and Democratic leadership. With many roads and bridges in disrepair, an infrastructure bill is ripe for bipartisan consensus and is likely to be taken up this spring. It is also an issue of critical importance to automotive enthusiasts and SEMA members alike.

SEMA will use every tool at our disposal to defeat anti-small business policies, including proposed tax increases on business and consumers and efforts to increase the cost of healthcare. At the close the 116th congress, the RPM Act was left unaddressed, as was most legislation. SEMA will evaluate the best route forward to accomplish the aims of the Act. SEMA will also work to influence Biden Administration trade and tariff policy.

One important way SEMA members can help strengthen the industry’s ability to impact a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues is through the SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC). By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. However, SEMA PAC allows employees of SEMA-member companies to contribute their personal funds to help elect lawmakers who support our industry’s positions and initiatives. Government rules require SEMA PAC to get each member company’s permission before it can ask for support. It’s a painless process known as becoming prior approved and it only takes minutes. To find out if your company is prior approved, or to become prior approved, click here. In fact, when you log on, the form is partially filled out for you. Becoming prior approved does not obligate you to contribute.

For more information on the 117th Congress and how SEMA Government Affairs is protecting the industry on Capitol Hill, please contact Eric Snyder, Director of Congressional Affairs, at erics@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Hot Shot’s Secret Launches “The Steve Sommers Overnight Drive” on Monday, January 11

“The Steve Sommers Overnight Drive” show launches officially on Monday, January 11, at 12:00 a.m. (EST). The five hour overnight call-in talk show will stream live from the brand new Hot Shot’s Secret Studios and have a similar trucking-focused format as Steve’s prior radio show, “America’s Truckin’ Network,” but will also provide a greater production flexibility with an expanded new audience and freedom to cover topics of interest to his callers. The show is scheduled to air weekly from midnight to 5:00 a.m. (EST) Monday through Friday and is the brainchild of longtime sponsor Hot Shot’s Secret. As before, callers will be able to speak direct with Sommers during the live show by calling a toll free number 844-844-3388.

To start, the live show will be featured exclusively on Hot Shot’s Secret’s YouTube and Facebook pages, which means for the first time, longtime fans will not only be able to hear but also see Sommers behind the microphone. Plans for expanded distribution of the program are currently in the works and will be announced in the coming weeks. The Steve Sommers Overnight Drive show is currently solely supported by Hot Shot’s Secret. The new Hot Shot’s Secret Studios are located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

CURT Launches Online Media Center

CURT has launched an all-new Media Center, offering videos, photos, literature and logos for instant download. This marketing resource provides CURT customers with full access to its array of media assets, making it easy to enhance customers’ web presence and assist with social media. The CURT Media Center is also designed to make it easy to quickly search, filter and download marketing assets. Images can be downloaded in jpeg format, videos as mp4 files, and logos are available in multiple file formats. Catalogs, trifolds and sales flyers are available as PDFs and can easily be printed out as needed.

Oracle Lighting Promotes Melissa Parker-Boudreaux to National Sales Manager

Oracle Lighting has announced the promotion of Melissa Parker-Boudreaux to national sales manager. She will be responsible for leading Oracle Lighting’s inside and outside sales teams and managing upper-level distribution accounts. Parker-Boudreaux recently celebrated 10 years with ORACLE Lighting, during which she rose through administrative and supervisory sales roles.

Champion Brands Celebrates 65 Years in the Lubricant Business  

Champion Brands LLC has announced a year-long 65th Anniversary Celebration in 2021. Highlights of the year will be sponsorship of national and regional auto races, product contests, promotions, and special events. Originally Lowe Oil Co. founded by Ralph Lowe in 1956, Champion Brands, LLC produces and blends more than 350 products including fuel, oil and engine additives, brake fluids and motor oils for the automotive, heavy truck, racing, performance, industrial, commercial, agricultural and specialty markets. 

Wilwood Disc Brakes Hires Tommy Strup as Outside Sales Contractor

Wilwood’s Racing division has hired Tommy Strup as the newest outside sales contractor. Since his early childhood, Strup has spent time at race tracks. He’s owned a race program, and worked directly with various race teams, builders and dealers. In 1969, he turned his passion for racing into a career at Heintz Performance. He also spent time at CV Products, Central High Performance and Pro-Systems. A native and long-time resident of Long Island, New York, Strup now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He will report directly to Dave Brzozowski, Wilwood motorsports manager.

Waytek, Inc. and Amphenol Sine Systems Announce New Distribution Partnership

Amphenol Sine Systems and Waytek Inc. have announced a formal agreement to distribute Amphenol Sine’s full selection of industry standard connectors. This distribution partnership became official in September. Waytek will continue to distribute new products developed by Amphenol Sine Systems throughout 2020 and beyond.

Timken Acquires Aurora Bearing Co.

The Timken Company, a provider of engineered bearings and power transmission products, has acquired Aurora Bearing Company’s assets. Aurora manufactures rod ends and plain spherical bearings.

DEI to Expand Headquarters in Avon Lake, Ohio

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) has announced the company is entering Phase Two of a long-term, three-phase expansion project that will increase capacity at its Avon Lake, Ohio headquarters. Phase One occurred in 2013 when DEI completed a 12,000-sq.-ft. addition that more than doubled its prior warehouse space. Phase Two will add approximately 10,000 additional square feet to the current facility, bringing the total square footage to 35,000. The additional space will allow DEI—which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020—to continue to build on its lineup of heat and sound control products for the automotive, racing, powersports, 12-volt audio, industrial, marine, and related markets. A new water jet cutter, other new equipment, and process improvements will also enhance manufacturing and R&D.

R&R Marketing Consultants Welcomes Sparta to Client Roster

Sparta Evolution has signed on as a new client of R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI). RRMCI will work with the Seattle-based company to market and sell its line of products, including Big Brake Kits and direct replacement brake kits that include all the necessary components for installation.

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.