This is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Caught while testing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only the Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 as a powertrain option. The updated version of the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be rated at around 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. It will also feature Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology on all EcoDiesel models. Power will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to MoparInsiders, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance. Low-friction pistons will also help improve fuel economy, while a new injector nozzle design, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor help to optimize combustion.”

Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad will advance to the six-week online voting stage to determine the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show.

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN), have been selected and will advance to the six-week online voting stage. The public will be invited to vote from July 29–September 8, thereby determining the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, during the SEMA Show Student Program. One winner will be selected for the top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Eric  Amato (Radial Dynamics); Product: Vortex Steering Reservoir
• Alan Brentzel (Traveling Tint); Product: Removable Sun Shades & Window Tint
• Jason Denney (RIGd Supply); Product: UltraSwing
• TJ Hammerle (Trac-Top); Product: Trac-Top/Jeep Wrangler Top
• Thomas Judge (GJ Motorsports); Product: 3rd Brake Lights
• Riley Koidahl (The Paddock); Product: The Paddock
• Andrew Lien (KeyCages); Product: KeyCages
• Reid Lunde (Kaizen Speed); Product: Kaizen Relay
• Christopher Owens (Last Drop Wrench); Product: The Last Drop Wrench
• Wesley Poole (Forged Authority); Product: Aftermarket Truck Bed System
• Alexander Reid (Seville Auto Trim); Product: GloTrim/Fiber Optic Light Guide see OEM
• Zachary Saylor (The Wiper Group); Product: Wiper Packs
• John Schurman (Voxel Evolution/dba Luxe Auto Concepts); Product: Luxe LightWrap
• Sarah Smith (SoCur); Product: UV Cure Undercoat System for Automotive Refinish
• Justin Urban (Urban Custom Fabrications); Product: DIY Custom Flatbeds

“We were very impressed with the 15 Launch Pad semifinalists,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA Vice President of Councils & Membership. “Each year, the level of ingenuity and innovation gets better and better. We’re excited to share their ideas with the public and let them vote for their favorites.”

The Launch Pad is a competition designed to help and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket. All 15 semifinalists will receive complimentary SEMA membership, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 17–18 in Las Vegas. At the Exhibitor Summit, the semifinalists will learn new business strategies and film videos that will be used for the online voting process, which begins July 29.

The top five vote-getters will then pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hosted by industry celebrity Aaron Kaufman of “Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman” on the Discovery Network and owner of Arclight Fabrication, the Live Launch Pad competition will include a panel of industry experts serving as judges. One winner will receive the top prize of $10,000, a turn-key exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more.

“While there is one grand-prize winner, all finalists will receive guidance and support and participate in the 2019 SEMA Show,” said Ridnouer. “The SEMA Launch Pad program is an amazing opportunity that inspires each participant to pursue their business goals and makes them aware of the avenues available to reach them in the specialty-equipment market.”

By SEMA Editors

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad will advance to the six-week online voting stage to determine the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show.

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN), have been selected and will advance to the six-week online voting stage. The public will be invited to vote from July 29–September 8, thereby determining the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, during the SEMA Show Student Program. One winner will be selected for the top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Eric  Amato (Radial Dynamics); Product: Vortex Steering Reservoir
• Alan Brentzel (Traveling Tint); Product: Removable Sun Shades & Window Tint
• Jason Denney (RIGd Supply); Product: UltraSwing
• TJ Hammerle (Trac-Top); Product: Trac-Top/Jeep Wrangler Top
• Thomas Judge (GJ Motorsports); Product: 3rd Brake Lights
• Riley Koidahl (The Paddock); Product: The Paddock
• Andrew Lien (KeyCages); Product: KeyCages
• Reid Lunde (Kaizen Speed); Product: Kaizen Relay
• Christopher Owens (Last Drop Wrench); Product: The Last Drop Wrench
• Wesley Poole (Forged Authority); Product: Aftermarket Truck Bed System
• Alexander Reid (Seville Auto Trim); Product: GloTrim/Fiber Optic Light Guide see OEM
• Zachary Saylor (The Wiper Group); Product: Wiper Packs
• John Schurman (Voxel Evolution/dba Luxe Auto Concepts); Product: Luxe LightWrap
• Sarah Smith (SoCur); Product: UV Cure Undercoat System for Automotive Refinish
• Justin Urban (Urban Custom Fabrications); Product: DIY Custom Flatbeds

“We were very impressed with the 15 Launch Pad semifinalists,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA Vice President of Councils & Membership. “Each year, the level of ingenuity and innovation gets better and better. We’re excited to share their ideas with the public and let them vote for their favorites.”

The Launch Pad is a competition designed to help and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket. All 15 semifinalists will receive complimentary SEMA membership, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 17–18 in Las Vegas. At the Exhibitor Summit, the semifinalists will learn new business strategies and film videos that will be used for the online voting process, which begins July 29.

The top five vote-getters will then pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hosted by industry celebrity Aaron Kaufman of “Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman” on the Discovery Network and owner of Arclight Fabrication, the Live Launch Pad competition will include a panel of industry experts serving as judges. One winner will receive the top prize of $10,000, a turn-key exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more.

“While there is one grand-prize winner, all finalists will receive guidance and support and participate in the 2019 SEMA Show,” said Ridnouer. “The SEMA Launch Pad program is an amazing opportunity that inspires each participant to pursue their business goals and makes them aware of the avenues available to reach them in the specialty-equipment market.”

By SEMA Editors

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad will advance to the six-week online voting stage to determine the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show.

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN), have been selected and will advance to the six-week online voting stage. The public will be invited to vote from July 29–September 8, thereby determining the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, during the SEMA Show Student Program. One winner will be selected for the top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Eric  Amato (Radial Dynamics); Product: Vortex Steering Reservoir
• Alan Brentzel (Traveling Tint); Product: Removable Sun Shades & Window Tint
• Jason Denney (RIGd Supply); Product: UltraSwing
• TJ Hammerle (Trac-Top); Product: Trac-Top/Jeep Wrangler Top
• Thomas Judge (GJ Motorsports); Product: 3rd Brake Lights
• Riley Koidahl (The Paddock); Product: The Paddock
• Andrew Lien (KeyCages); Product: KeyCages
• Reid Lunde (Kaizen Speed); Product: Kaizen Relay
• Christopher Owens (Last Drop Wrench); Product: The Last Drop Wrench
• Wesley Poole (Forged Authority); Product: Aftermarket Truck Bed System
• Alexander Reid (Seville Auto Trim); Product: GloTrim/Fiber Optic Light Guide see OEM
• Zachary Saylor (The Wiper Group); Product: Wiper Packs
• John Schurman (Voxel Evolution/dba Luxe Auto Concepts); Product: Luxe LightWrap
• Sarah Smith (SoCur); Product: UV Cure Undercoat System for Automotive Refinish
• Justin Urban (Urban Custom Fabrications); Product: DIY Custom Flatbeds

“We were very impressed with the 15 Launch Pad semifinalists,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA Vice President of Councils & Membership. “Each year, the level of ingenuity and innovation gets better and better. We’re excited to share their ideas with the public and let them vote for their favorites.”

The Launch Pad is a competition designed to help and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket. All 15 semifinalists will receive complimentary SEMA membership, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 17–18 in Las Vegas. At the Exhibitor Summit, the semifinalists will learn new business strategies and film videos that will be used for the online voting process, which begins July 29.

The top five vote-getters will then pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hosted by industry celebrity Aaron Kaufman of “Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman” on the Discovery Network and owner of Arclight Fabrication, the Live Launch Pad competition will include a panel of industry experts serving as judges. One winner will receive the top prize of $10,000, a turn-key exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more.

“While there is one grand-prize winner, all finalists will receive guidance and support and participate in the 2019 SEMA Show,” said Ridnouer. “The SEMA Launch Pad program is an amazing opportunity that inspires each participant to pursue their business goals and makes them aware of the avenues available to reach them in the specialty-equipment market.”

By SEMA Editors

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad will advance to the six-week online voting stage to determine the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show.

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN), have been selected and will advance to the six-week online voting stage. The public will be invited to vote from July 29–September 8, thereby determining the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, during the SEMA Show Student Program. One winner will be selected for the top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Eric  Amato (Radial Dynamics); Product: Vortex Steering Reservoir
• Alan Brentzel (Traveling Tint); Product: Removable Sun Shades & Window Tint
• Jason Denney (RIGd Supply); Product: UltraSwing
• TJ Hammerle (Trac-Top); Product: Trac-Top/Jeep Wrangler Top
• Thomas Judge (GJ Motorsports); Product: 3rd Brake Lights
• Riley Koidahl (The Paddock); Product: The Paddock
• Andrew Lien (KeyCages); Product: KeyCages
• Reid Lunde (Kaizen Speed); Product: Kaizen Relay
• Christopher Owens (Last Drop Wrench); Product: The Last Drop Wrench
• Wesley Poole (Forged Authority); Product: Aftermarket Truck Bed System
• Alexander Reid (Seville Auto Trim); Product: GloTrim/Fiber Optic Light Guide see OEM
• Zachary Saylor (The Wiper Group); Product: Wiper Packs
• John Schurman (Voxel Evolution/dba Luxe Auto Concepts); Product: Luxe LightWrap
• Sarah Smith (SoCur); Product: UV Cure Undercoat System for Automotive Refinish
• Justin Urban (Urban Custom Fabrications); Product: DIY Custom Flatbeds

“We were very impressed with the 15 Launch Pad semifinalists,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA Vice President of Councils & Membership. “Each year, the level of ingenuity and innovation gets better and better. We’re excited to share their ideas with the public and let them vote for their favorites.”

The Launch Pad is a competition designed to help and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket. All 15 semifinalists will receive complimentary SEMA membership, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 17–18 in Las Vegas. At the Exhibitor Summit, the semifinalists will learn new business strategies and film videos that will be used for the online voting process, which begins July 29.

The top five vote-getters will then pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hosted by industry celebrity Aaron Kaufman of “Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman” on the Discovery Network and owner of Arclight Fabrication, the Live Launch Pad competition will include a panel of industry experts serving as judges. One winner will receive the top prize of $10,000, a turn-key exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more.

“While there is one grand-prize winner, all finalists will receive guidance and support and participate in the 2019 SEMA Show,” said Ridnouer. “The SEMA Launch Pad program is an amazing opportunity that inspires each participant to pursue their business goals and makes them aware of the avenues available to reach them in the specialty-equipment market.”

By SEMA Editors

SEMA News will highlight 35 of the industry’s top young trendsetters in its September 2019 issue.

Tomorrow is the deadline to submit nominations for the SEMA News “35 Under 35” article, which will highlight up-and-coming superstars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2019—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2019 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due tomorrow (May 31).

By SEMA Editors

SEMA News will highlight 35 of the industry’s top young trendsetters in its September 2019 issue.

Tomorrow is the deadline to submit nominations for the SEMA News “35 Under 35” article, which will highlight up-and-coming superstars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2019—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2019 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due tomorrow (May 31).

By Katie Hurst

SEMA has partnered with five high school automotive tech programs across the country to customize five Jeep Wrangler TJs. The semester-long build program is in the second year of a pilot that aims to introduce auto-shop students to customization by providing hands-on learning experiences with aftermarket products.

The participating schools include:

• C.D. Hylton High School, Woodbridge, Virginia
• Comstock High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan
• R.L. Turner High School, Carrollton, Texas
• Santa Fe Early College Opportunities High School, Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Santa Ynez, California

The vehicles were delivered to the schools in mid-February with a steady flow of aftermarket products arriving shortly afterward. To help sustain the program, SEMA relies heavily on parts or service donations from automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers, retailers, WDs and service-provider members. Through this program, companies are supporting the preservation and expansion of automotive education in high schools. The vehicles will be sold upon completion of the builds with proceeds being reinvested back into the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program to fund another round of builds.

The students of R.L. Turner High School were visited by members of the industry: Dennis Collins, Collins Bro’s Jeep; Dawson Druesdow, 4 Wheel Performance; Kelli Mallicote, Body Guard Bumpers; Kevin Taddeo, Add On Auto; Steven Sala, Eastman Chemical Company; BJ Leanse, Go Rhino; Matt Reasoner, Retrax; Matt Moore, Retrax; and Carol Walsh, Katzkin.	Students of Comstock High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, lead a discussion about the vision for their build.
Students at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in Santa Ynez, California, were excited to receive their Black Rock wheels from The Carlstar Group.	C.D. Hylton High School automotive instructor Eddie Stevens (left) leads his students on the vehicle build in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Students install Rugged Ridge products at R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas.	The students at Santa Fe Early College Opportunities in Santa Fe, New Mexico, posed for a quick photo with their donated products from Rugged Ridge before getting back to working on the build.

The program has received more than 200 donated products from industry sponsors, including:

• 4 Wheel Performance
• Advance Auto Parts
• aFe Power
• Atturo Tire
• Auto Image
• Bloomfield Manufacturing Company (Hi-Lift)
• BOLT Lock
• The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels (Black Rock Wheels)
• Collins Bros Jeeps (Black Mountain)
• Covercraft
• Diode Dynamics
• Eastman Chemical Company (LLumar)
• Finishmaster
• Husky Liners
• JcrOffroad
• Just Jeep’N Stuff
• Katzkin Automotive Leather
• LKQ/Keystone Automotive
• Omix-ADA (Rugged Ridge)
• Painless Performance Products
• Pilot Automotive (Rolling Big Power)
• Quiet Ride Solutions
• Rancho Suspension & Shocks
• Rock Krawler Suspension
• Safelite
• Seatbelt Planet
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• Steele Rubber Products
• T-REX Products Inc.
• Truck’n America
• Twisted Automotive
• Unicorn Tire (Travelstar)

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, the students are putting on their final touches to the builds. The vehicles will be available for purchase in the June/July timeframe. Check out the progress of these builds and learn more about the program at www.sema.org/student-builds.

By Katie Hurst

SEMA has partnered with five high school automotive tech programs across the country to customize five Jeep Wrangler TJs. The semester-long build program is in the second year of a pilot that aims to introduce auto-shop students to customization by providing hands-on learning experiences with aftermarket products.

The participating schools include:

• C.D. Hylton High School, Woodbridge, Virginia
• Comstock High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan
• R.L. Turner High School, Carrollton, Texas
• Santa Fe Early College Opportunities High School, Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Santa Ynez, California

The vehicles were delivered to the schools in mid-February with a steady flow of aftermarket products arriving shortly afterward. To help sustain the program, SEMA relies heavily on parts or service donations from automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers, retailers, WDs and service-provider members. Through this program, companies are supporting the preservation and expansion of automotive education in high schools. The vehicles will be sold upon completion of the builds with proceeds being reinvested back into the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program to fund another round of builds.

The students of R.L. Turner High School were visited by members of the industry: Dennis Collins, Collins Bro’s Jeep; Dawson Druesdow, 4 Wheel Performance; Kelli Mallicote, Body Guard Bumpers; Kevin Taddeo, Add On Auto; Steven Sala, Eastman Chemical Company; BJ Leanse, Go Rhino; Matt Reasoner, Retrax; Matt Moore, Retrax; and Carol Walsh, Katzkin.	Students of Comstock High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, lead a discussion about the vision for their build.
Students at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in Santa Ynez, California, were excited to receive their Black Rock wheels from The Carlstar Group.	C.D. Hylton High School automotive instructor Eddie Stevens (left) leads his students on the vehicle build in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Students install Rugged Ridge products at R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas.	The students at Santa Fe Early College Opportunities in Santa Fe, New Mexico, posed for a quick photo with their donated products from Rugged Ridge before getting back to working on the build.

The program has received more than 200 donated products from industry sponsors, including:

• 4 Wheel Performance
• Advance Auto Parts
• aFe Power
• Atturo Tire
• Auto Image
• Bloomfield Manufacturing Company (Hi-Lift)
• BOLT Lock
• The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels (Black Rock Wheels)
• Collins Bros Jeeps (Black Mountain)
• Covercraft
• Diode Dynamics
• Eastman Chemical Company (LLumar)
• Finishmaster
• Husky Liners
• JcrOffroad
• Just Jeep’N Stuff
• Katzkin Automotive Leather
• LKQ/Keystone Automotive
• Omix-ADA (Rugged Ridge)
• Painless Performance Products
• Pilot Automotive (Rolling Big Power)
• Quiet Ride Solutions
• Rancho Suspension & Shocks
• Rock Krawler Suspension
• Safelite
• Seatbelt Planet
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• Steele Rubber Products
• T-REX Products Inc.
• Truck’n America
• Twisted Automotive
• Unicorn Tire (Travelstar)

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, the students are putting on their final touches to the builds. The vehicles will be available for purchase in the June/July timeframe. Check out the progress of these builds and learn more about the program at www.sema.org/student-builds.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA News will highlight 35 of the industry’s top young trendsetters in its September 2019 issue.

May 31 is the deadline to submit nominations for the SEMA News “35 Under 35” article, which will highlight up-and-coming superstars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2019—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2019 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.