Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:05

By Ashley Reyes

Fifteen top young entrepreneurs are seeking votes to help launch their new products and innovations into the marketplace. All SEMA members are invited to participate and cast their votes, which have the potential to change the life of a young industry innovator. The semifinalists in the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad competition include a wide array of products and creations for the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket industry. Vote for one of the following contestants:

  • Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
  • Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
  • Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
  • Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse–Emergency Brake Light
  • Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
  • Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
  • Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
  • Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
  • Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
  • Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
  • Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
  • Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
  • Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
  • Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
  • Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: GTe-413 Universal Plug

Individuals may cast their votes up until September 11. Five competitors will go on to compete for a grand prize designed to boost the status of his or her growing young business.

Interested in learning about a new product that could benefit your company or the specialty-equipment aftermarket as a whole? Meet this year’s semifinalists, learn about his or her new product or service and vote today.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:05

By Ashley Reyes

Fifteen top young entrepreneurs are seeking votes to help launch their new products and innovations into the marketplace. All SEMA members are invited to participate and cast their votes, which have the potential to change the life of a young industry innovator. The semifinalists in the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad competition include a wide array of products and creations for the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket industry. Vote for one of the following contestants:

  • Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
  • Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
  • Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
  • Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse–Emergency Brake Light
  • Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
  • Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
  • Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
  • Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
  • Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
  • Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
  • Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
  • Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
  • Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
  • Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
  • Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: GTe-413 Universal Plug

Individuals may cast their votes up until September 11. Five competitors will go on to compete for a grand prize designed to boost the status of his or her growing young business.

Interested in learning about a new product that could benefit your company or the specialty-equipment aftermarket as a whole? Meet this year’s semifinalists, learn about his or her new product or service and vote today.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:57

By Ashley Reyes

Jeffrey Banyas

Former race-car driver turned attorney Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law LLC, has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Banyas, who works at a leading patent/trademark firm and has served as legal counselor to many SEMA members, is a newly elected volunteer on the YEN Select Committee. He was recognized in 2018 as one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” young business leaders. Learn more about his involvement in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA YEN.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Jeffrey Banyas: During an internship prior to law school, my supervisor told me to start smiling more. It is amazing how people's perceptions of you change for the better when you appear outwardly happy and confident.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JB: I was born and raised in this industry. My family still owns a high-performance engine shop to this day, and I grew up around racetracks either as a spectator, crew member or driver. I don't think I could get away from it even if I wanted to (which I don’t).

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

JB: With any luck, you’ll find me at an oval track race somewhere in Ohio.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?    

JB: I try to be as prepared as I can for anything that may come my way. I've always said that I can live with the outcome of any meeting or any situation so long as I went into it feeling like I was as prepared as I possibly could be.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?     

JB: Smokey Yunick. I consider him one of the great innovators of the high-performance industry.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:57

By Ashley Reyes

Jeffrey Banyas

Former race-car driver turned attorney Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law LLC, has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Banyas, who works at a leading patent/trademark firm and has served as legal counselor to many SEMA members, is a newly elected volunteer on the YEN Select Committee. He was recognized in 2018 as one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” young business leaders. Learn more about his involvement in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA YEN.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Jeffrey Banyas: During an internship prior to law school, my supervisor told me to start smiling more. It is amazing how people's perceptions of you change for the better when you appear outwardly happy and confident.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JB: I was born and raised in this industry. My family still owns a high-performance engine shop to this day, and I grew up around racetracks either as a spectator, crew member or driver. I don't think I could get away from it even if I wanted to (which I don’t).

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

JB: With any luck, you’ll find me at an oval track race somewhere in Ohio.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?    

JB: I try to be as prepared as I can for anything that may come my way. I've always said that I can live with the outcome of any meeting or any situation so long as I went into it feeling like I was as prepared as I possibly could be.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?     

JB: Smokey Yunick. I consider him one of the great innovators of the high-performance industry.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 09:58

Compiled by SEMA Editors

2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show Gets New Dates: March 26–April 4

The 2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show will now be open to the public from Friday, March 26 through Sunday, April 4, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 2021 version of the show had been scheduled to be open from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, February 7.

“We believe this scheduling change is in the best interests of our attendees, our partnering auto manufacturers and the District of Columbia,” said Washington, D.C. Auto Show CEO John O'Donnell. “Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all involved in this show, and we believe strongly that a two-month delay will better allow us to produce the type of well-rounded and immersive show that our attendees are accustomed to.”

Under the new schedule, the 2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show's Public Policy Day, featuring a host of public policy and auto industry-focused events, will be held Thursday, March 25—the day before the show opens to the general public. The show will not be holding a pre-show MobilityTalks International conference in 2021. Further details about the auto show's programming, including participating manufacturers, media and industry-related events and more will be announced in the coming months. The Washington, D.C. Auto Show's organizers are also working on a health and safety plan that will prioritize consumer and staff safety and cleanliness, while reflecting the best practices and guidelines that remain in effect in late March of 2021. For more information on The Washington, D.C. Auto Show, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com.

APC
Charlie Kirkland, vice president, program group sales, APC Automotive Technologies, with 2020 Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award.

APC Automotive Technologies Receives Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award From The Automotive Parts Services Group

APC Automotive Technologies LLC has been named as “Outstanding Vendor of the Year” by The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group). The announcement was made during The Group’s 2020 “Together Towards Tomorrow” National Member Conference & Expo last week. This award recognizes APC Automotive Technologies as the organization’s most preferred vendor and was voted on by all Pronto and Federated members. It is the highest supplier-partner award given annually by The Group. The Automotive Parts Services Group purchases all undercar product categories from APC Automotive Technologies (both brake and emissions components), with Centric Parts being the largest overall supplier by volume.

McLeod Racing Launches New Website

McLeod Racing has announced the launch of its new and improved website. McLeod enlisted Admark to provide a technology-driven fresh look for its online presence. Celebrating 50 years of business in 2021, www.McLeodRacing.com was ready for a total overhaul to better showcase all of the products McLeod carries, including the many new lines we have added. The new site provides a Make, Model and Year search; Dealer Locator; product reviews; wish list and more. This new website fully encompasses McLeod Racing as the leader in the drivetrain market and is very mobile friendly.

AACF Prepares to Aid Aftermarket Natural Disaster Victims

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is making preparations to aid aftermarket families affected by Hurricane Laura and the California fires.

"It is very early in the process, but our intention is to explore every avenue to identify aftermarket families that will need our help recovering from these natural disasters happening during a pandemic already causing untold hardship and stress for so many," said AACF President, Lynn Parker.

"Although AACF doesn't claim to be a disaster relief service, we will do our best to identify and assist those industry families that have immediate and unmet needs in keeping with our mission to support aftermarket families facing catastrophic circumstances," said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF.

AACF is asking for tax-deductible donations to help provide needed funding. Donations can be made online at aacfi.org/donate-today, by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.

Kurt Hansen

Kurt Hansen Joins Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Broadcast Team

Long-time Denver-based Race Central Television and ESPN Radio Host Kurt Hansen will join the broadcast team covering of the annual “Race to the Clouds” at Pikes Peak, August 30. Hansen will be heard live on KRDO NewsRadio https://krdo.com beginning at 7:00 a.m. (MT) until the conclusion of the race tentatively around 4:00 p.m. (MT). Due to the pandemic fans will not be allowed to attend the unique event making the broadcast team a vital element to the success of the race.

Hansen, an honorary member of the Colorado Hill Climb Association and Former Pikes Peak International Board Member said, “Our host KRDO Radio has assembled a great team of broadcasters to call the event. I’m looking forward to join the team, it’s always an exciting event, so be sure to tune in!”

Magnuson Superchargers Partners With R&R Marketing Consultants in the Automotive and Marine Aftermarkets

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) has been chosen by Magnuson Products LLC (MPC) to provide sales and marketing services for the Marine Aftermarket for North America. RRMCI will also represent Magnuson in 10 states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota, and for all locations of Atech Motorsports/Summit Racing.

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.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 09:40

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights products from member-companies each week. This week's submissions are listed below.

The companies included with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) logo are also members of the SDC, the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository. The SDC is an end-to-end solution to help you author, validate, store, and distribute product data. All incoming data is validated for compliance to PIES and ACES standards, eliminating confusing proprietary data formats. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Oracle
Headlamp System

Oracle Lighting announces the launch of more color options for its Oculus Bi-LED headlamp system for the Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT. The headlights feature a sharp cut-off line and aim light with precision designed to increase safety. The color options added are Graphite Metallic and new Satin Silver. The lights’ bezel design is based in Euclidean geometry, using concentric ellipses to create patterned symmetries.

800-407-5776
www.oraclelights.com
PN: Vary

Fox
Performance Series 2.0 Shocks

Fox announces the introduction of its Performance Series 2.0 shocks. The shocks are designed to improve both on- and off-road comfort and control. The one-piece aluminum bodies are constructed to dissipate heat caused by riding over rough roads or bumpy trails, maintaining comfort on- or off-road for the duration of your drive and resist corrosion over time.

619-768-1800
www.ridefox.com/jeep
PN: Vary

Mishimoto
Performance Intake

Mishimoto introduces its 2019+ Ford Ranger Performance Air Intake. The intake is designed to improve gains of up to 6.3 hp and 7.9 lb.-ft. on stock tunes. It’s is constructed to improve flow over the stock intake by 49% and features a high-flow airbox that retains fresh air intake for better air temps and flow. The intake is available with an oiled or dry washable filter manufactured for maximum performance in any environment.

877-466-4744
www.mishimoto.com
PN: MMAI-RGR-19

Vintage Air
Air Conditioning System

Vintage Air has released its Gen IV SureFit air conditioning system for ‘73–‘79 Ford F-100 pickup trucks and ‘78–‘79 Broncos. This system is available as both a complete kit as well as an evaporator kit. The system employs a fully electronic microprocessor control system that eliminates cables or vacuum connections. The separate, parallel-flow copper heating coils and aluminum plate-and-fin cooling coils are designed to provide outstanding performance and infinite “just right” temperature air blends, blower fan speed adjustments, and high-volume dehumidified defrost. The kit also includes a three-lever, fully electronic LED backlit control panel that replaces the factory control panel.

800-862-6658
www.VintageAir.com
PN: Vary

Design Engineering
Heat Sheath GOLD

Design Engineering introduces its Heat Sheath GOLD sleeve. It is available in five sizes and features a lock weave pattern. The sheath is manufactured to reflect direct heat up to 800 ̊ F. The sleeve is designed to protect components and keep them cool in the most demanding applications. The sheath also features a high-temperature hook-and-loop fastening system for secure installation. The sleeve is also available in custom dimensions.

800-264-9472
www.DesignEngineering.com
PN: 010916

Hellwig
Helper Springs

Hellwig Suspension Products has released its helper springs for the 2020 Toyota Tundra, including two-wheel and four-wheel-drive models. The helper springs are designed to feature 2,000-lb. load-leveling capacity and to maintain level ride height and better overall driver control when the vehicle is loaded. The springs are engineered to improve vehicle control and safety by maintaining even weight distribution over the front and rear axles.

800-435-5944
www.hellwigproducts.com
PN: 976

Edge Products
CTS3 Back-up Camera

Edge Products introduces its CTS3 back-up Camera. The camera is a designed for drivers who want to hook up to trailers with ease. The camera mode on the CTS3 products automatically engages when the vehicle goes into reverse (only on automatic applications when gear PID is an option) or if the user selects a camera icon from the top menu anytime. The kit includes a license plate mount, RCA to USB video signal adapter and night vision LEDs for optimal lighting.

888-360-3343
www.edgeproducts.com
PN: 98203

 

Energy Suspension
Dampener

Energy Suspension announces the release of its Performance Polyurethane Bushing for the Honda CBR. The Dampeners are designed to provides the solution for smooth shifting and rider confidence. It is engineered to provide smooth shifting and reduces wear on drive components outlasting the OEM part equivalent for the life of the machine. The part fits the following Honda CBR models - 600F4 – 1000R – 900R and RVT51/RVT1000.

949-361-3935
www.energysuspension.com
PN: 70.2002R