JOHNSON, BROWN, NOBILE AND KRAWIEC TAKE READING WINS: Tommy Johnson Jr. raced to the Funny Car victory at the Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway last Sunday. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the 21st event of 24 on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. The Dodge NHRA Nationals is the third race of the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Johnson powered his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T to a 3.895-second pass at 330.63 mph in the final round to defeat teammate and points leader Ron Capps’ 3.911 at 324.12 at the controls of his Napa Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T. Johnson, who has raced to the final round in all three NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship events, claimed his 14th career victory, second of the season, and first at Maple Grove Raceway. He is second in the points trailing Capps by only 24.
“You want to have a strong start in the Countdown; we knew that going into it,” said Johnson, who was runner-up at this event in 2014. “We went from seventh to fourth in Charlotte—a runner-up is good—then we went to St. Louis and got another runner-up and went to second, and I said I’d be happy with four more runner-ups, but when you look in the other lane and it’s Capps, who’s leading the points, it’s a must-win. You’ve got to gain some ground.”
DEJORIA HOPES FOR BIG FINISH AT AAA TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS: The 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season has not gone as planned for Alexis DeJoria. But while her first world championship may not happen this season, DeJoria still has big hopes to finish out her year. DeJoria fractured her pelvis during a crash at Sonoma Raceway in late July, forcing her to miss a pair of races. She narrowly made the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship but has struggled as of late, falling in the first round at the past three races. It’s kept her 10th in points but the chance for a big finish is still there in her 10,000hp Tequila Patron Toyota Camry, starting at the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex, October 13–16.
“We triumph in the face of adversity,” DeJoria said. “Certain things can make or break a team. We’re a strong team and we've proven that time and time again. Obviously the door is pretty much closed for the championship, but we definitely can move up spots and races. There are still races left to win.”
Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were winners of last year’s event that will air on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) for the first time. On October 16, FS1 will televise three hours of live finals coverage starting at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).
NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS SPORTSMAN CHAMPION HIGHLIGHTS: Doug Doll Jr. all but wrapped up the 2016 Comp national championship when he drove to victory at the NHRA Carolina Nationals—his third national event win of the season. Doll’s win highlighted competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at the event, which awarded Wallys to drivers in nine classes, ranging from Top Alcohol Dragster to Top Sportsman.
He Said, She Said
“We had some lucky breaks go our way in some different rounds but we kept our heads down and we kept fighting the whole way. That is what we do. We just fight. St. Louis didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, and there’s still plenty of time left in this championship race. There’s three more races left and we’re going to have to get in that groove and fight hard. Ain’t nobody going to give you the championship. The competition is at an all-time high but I’m really enjoying racing in this kind of competition.”
—Top Fuel racer Antron Brown after winning his sixth race of 2016 in his 10th final round appearance of the season. Brown leads the Top Fuel category by 77 points over Doug Kalitta.
Inside the Numbers
10: Number of career wins Pro Stock racer Vincent Nobile has after his most recent win in Reading. It was his first win in over two seasons with his last victory coming at Chicago in 2014. He was the No. 1 qualifier at the event and defeated Drew Skillman, Erica Enders, Shane Gray and Greg Anderson during the day. Nobile is third in Pro Stock points, 83 behind category leader Anderson.
“We made a bunch of big gains this year, and we are still in it to win it,” said Nobile. “Our main goal is to hold up that big trophy at the end of the year. If we didn’t win this race I think we might have counted ourselves out but here we are and I can’t wait for Dallas.”
Did You Know
FORCE LEADS FUNNY CAR WINS AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: Funny Car racer and 16-time world champion John Force has seven career victories at the Texas Motorplex, his last coming in 2005. The track was also the site of the crash he had in 2007 when he and Kenny Bernstein made contact at the finish line. Force won the opening Countdown race in Charlotte but suffered a second-round loss in St. Louis and a first-round defeat in Reading. He is sixth in points and trails Ron Capps the current points leader by 138 points. Force needs to rebound at the track to win his next championship and having past success in the Lone Star state will help the team rejoin the battle.
“Now we have to turn that corner. We came out and won at Charlotte, the opening race of the Countdown. I thought we were going to be okay. Things were high but got picked off at St. Louis and got picked off in Reading,” said Force. “I’m not happy, but I don’t panic. I’m going to listen to my crew chiefs and they are going to lead me down this road.”
JOHNSON, BROWN, NOBILE AND KRAWIEC TAKE READING WINS: Tommy Johnson Jr. raced to the Funny Car victory at the Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway last Sunday. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the 21st event of 24 on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. The Dodge NHRA Nationals is the third race of the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Johnson powered his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T to a 3.895-second pass at 330.63 mph in the final round to defeat teammate and points leader Ron Capps’ 3.911 at 324.12 at the controls of his Napa Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T. Johnson, who has raced to the final round in all three NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship events, claimed his 14th career victory, second of the season, and first at Maple Grove Raceway. He is second in the points trailing Capps by only 24.
“You want to have a strong start in the Countdown; we knew that going into it,” said Johnson, who was runner-up at this event in 2014. “We went from seventh to fourth in Charlotte—a runner-up is good—then we went to St. Louis and got another runner-up and went to second, and I said I’d be happy with four more runner-ups, but when you look in the other lane and it’s Capps, who’s leading the points, it’s a must-win. You’ve got to gain some ground.”
DEJORIA HOPES FOR BIG FINISH AT AAA TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS: The 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season has not gone as planned for Alexis DeJoria. But while her first world championship may not happen this season, DeJoria still has big hopes to finish out her year. DeJoria fractured her pelvis during a crash at Sonoma Raceway in late July, forcing her to miss a pair of races. She narrowly made the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship but has struggled as of late, falling in the first round at the past three races. It’s kept her 10th in points but the chance for a big finish is still there in her 10,000hp Tequila Patron Toyota Camry, starting at the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex, October 13–16.
“We triumph in the face of adversity,” DeJoria said. “Certain things can make or break a team. We’re a strong team and we've proven that time and time again. Obviously the door is pretty much closed for the championship, but we definitely can move up spots and races. There are still races left to win.”
Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were winners of last year’s event that will air on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) for the first time. On October 16, FS1 will televise three hours of live finals coverage starting at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).
NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS SPORTSMAN CHAMPION HIGHLIGHTS: Doug Doll Jr. all but wrapped up the 2016 Comp national championship when he drove to victory at the NHRA Carolina Nationals—his third national event win of the season. Doll’s win highlighted competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at the event, which awarded Wallys to drivers in nine classes, ranging from Top Alcohol Dragster to Top Sportsman.
He Said, She Said
“We had some lucky breaks go our way in some different rounds but we kept our heads down and we kept fighting the whole way. That is what we do. We just fight. St. Louis didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, and there’s still plenty of time left in this championship race. There’s three more races left and we’re going to have to get in that groove and fight hard. Ain’t nobody going to give you the championship. The competition is at an all-time high but I’m really enjoying racing in this kind of competition.”
—Top Fuel racer Antron Brown after winning his sixth race of 2016 in his 10th final round appearance of the season. Brown leads the Top Fuel category by 77 points over Doug Kalitta.
Inside the Numbers
10: Number of career wins Pro Stock racer Vincent Nobile has after his most recent win in Reading. It was his first win in over two seasons with his last victory coming at Chicago in 2014. He was the No. 1 qualifier at the event and defeated Drew Skillman, Erica Enders, Shane Gray and Greg Anderson during the day. Nobile is third in Pro Stock points, 83 behind category leader Anderson.
“We made a bunch of big gains this year, and we are still in it to win it,” said Nobile. “Our main goal is to hold up that big trophy at the end of the year. If we didn’t win this race I think we might have counted ourselves out but here we are and I can’t wait for Dallas.”
Did You Know
FORCE LEADS FUNNY CAR WINS AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: Funny Car racer and 16-time world champion John Force has seven career victories at the Texas Motorplex, his last coming in 2005. The track was also the site of the crash he had in 2007 when he and Kenny Bernstein made contact at the finish line. Force won the opening Countdown race in Charlotte but suffered a second-round loss in St. Louis and a first-round defeat in Reading. He is sixth in points and trails Ron Capps the current points leader by 138 points. Force needs to rebound at the track to win his next championship and having past success in the Lone Star state will help the team rejoin the battle.
“Now we have to turn that corner. We came out and won at Charlotte, the opening race of the Countdown. I thought we were going to be okay. Things were high but got picked off at St. Louis and got picked off in Reading,” said Force. “I’m not happy, but I don’t panic. I’m going to listen to my crew chiefs and they are going to lead me down this road.”
During the 2015 SEMA Show, scholarship winners were introduced at the Student Program Welcome Luncheon.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded a total of $168,000 to 61 individuals this year. That includes 50 SEMA scholarships presented to current students and 11 loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.
2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Award Winners
Austin Hiebert, McPherson College Top Student and Jeff Moses-Automotive Restoration Market Organization-ARMO Award
Steve Alexander III, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
David Beahr, West Virginia University
Matthew Bisbee, Lake Superior College
Joshua Bowman, Pennsylvania State University—Joe Amato Award
Michael Bowyer, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Skyler Brungardt, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Brenden Bungert, University of Minnesota Duluth—Professional Restylers Organization-PRO Award
Spencer Clark, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Gregory Cooke, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Ernesto Covarrubias, California State University, Los Angeles—K&N Engineering Award
Benjamin Curtis, Clemson University—Wheel & Tire Council-WTC Award
Luis de Casenave, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Nicholas D’Orazio, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Austin Ellis, Colorado School of Mines—Emerging Trends & Technology Network-ETTN Award
Dalton Ellis, Aims Community College
Logan Farmer, University of Northwestern Ohio
Matt Fuka, University of North Dakota
Lael Gobble, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Austin Heinzerling, University of Iowa—Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council-MPMC Award
Ryan Henderson, Pennsylvania State University
Benjamin Hoertnagl-Pereira, John Hopkins University
Josey Hrbek, Kettering University
Almambet Iskakov, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Arnav Jain, The University of Texas at Austin
Alyssa Kawasaki, California State University, Long Beach—Performance Warehouse Association-PWA Award
Conner Knepley, Western Michigan University
Caleb Knotts, University of Northwestern Ohio—Joe Hrudka Award
Daniel Konzelman, Northwest University
Alyson Kuch, Spring Arbor University
Adam Lecznar, Kettering University
Brian Leung, San Diego City College and University of California, San Diego—Louis L. Borick Award
Charles Mancino, Kettering University
Gabrielle May, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ian McKibben, Savannah College of Art and Design
Summer Miller, Brookhaven College—Leo Kagan and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network-SBN Award
John Napa, College of Southern Nevada—Melvin Burton Award
Jeremy Peterson, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Suong Pham, University of Houston
Trevor Sheehan Sr., University of Northwestern Ohio—Dan Borré Award
Samuel Shelhoss, Clemson University—Nat Danas Award
Sarah Spoto, University of Rochester—Mike Kunzman and Manufacturers Representative Network-MRN Award
Spencer Steele, Bradley University—Steve Woomer Award
Austyn Sullivan-Watson, University of Idaho—John Menzler and Hot Rod Industry Alliance-HRIA Award
Brian Tea, The University of Texas at Austin
Alex Van Nest, Clemson University
Cora Veltman, Valparaiso University—Wally Parks Award
Chase Wilderman, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Adreenah Wynn, University of Florida
Bryan Yap, California State University, Long Beach—Thurston Warn Award
2016 SEMA Loan-Forgiveness Award Winners
Danielle Campbell, WeatherTech—Trudy Thompson Award
Edward Carter, Motor State Distributing
Daniel Dokter, General Motors
Tate Emerson, A.R.E. Accessories—Harlan Felder and Truck and Off-Road Alliance-TORA Award
Collin Gentry, Meyer Distributing—Performance Warehouse Association-PWA Award
Robert Haynes, Holley Performance Products—Young Executives Network-YEN Award
Robert Martin, Motor State Distributing—Jim A. Borré Award
Traci Nigon, QA1 Precision Products—Performance Warehouse Association-PWA Award
Michael Robins, Ford Performance Parts
Angel Scharklet, Holley Performance Products
Heather Wilson, Kahn Media—John Raffa Award
The online application for next year’s awards will be accepted November 1, 2016, through March 1, 2017.
During the 2015 SEMA Show, scholarship winners were introduced at the Student Program Welcome Luncheon.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded a total of $168,000 to 61 individuals this year. That includes 50 SEMA scholarships presented to current students and 11 loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.
2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Award Winners
Austin Hiebert, McPherson College Top Student and Jeff Moses-Automotive Restoration Market Organization-ARMO Award
Steve Alexander III, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
David Beahr, West Virginia University
Matthew Bisbee, Lake Superior College
Joshua Bowman, Pennsylvania State University—Joe Amato Award
Michael Bowyer, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Skyler Brungardt, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Brenden Bungert, University of Minnesota Duluth—Professional Restylers Organization-PRO Award
Spencer Clark, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Gregory Cooke, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Ernesto Covarrubias, California State University, Los Angeles—K&N Engineering Award
Benjamin Curtis, Clemson University—Wheel & Tire Council-WTC Award
Luis de Casenave, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Nicholas D’Orazio, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Austin Ellis, Colorado School of Mines—Emerging Trends & Technology Network-ETTN Award
Dalton Ellis, Aims Community College
Logan Farmer, University of Northwestern Ohio
Matt Fuka, University of North Dakota
Lael Gobble, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Austin Heinzerling, University of Iowa—Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council-MPMC Award
Ryan Henderson, Pennsylvania State University
Benjamin Hoertnagl-Pereira, John Hopkins University
Josey Hrbek, Kettering University
Almambet Iskakov, Georgia Institute of Technology—Bernie Karp Award
Arnav Jain, The University of Texas at Austin
Alyssa Kawasaki, California State University, Long Beach—Performance Warehouse Association-PWA Award
Conner Knepley, Western Michigan University
Caleb Knotts, University of Northwestern Ohio—Joe Hrudka Award
Daniel Konzelman, Northwest University
Alyson Kuch, Spring Arbor University
Adam Lecznar, Kettering University
Brian Leung, San Diego City College and University of California, San Diego—Louis L. Borick Award
Charles Mancino, Kettering University
Gabrielle May, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ian McKibben, Savannah College of Art and Design
Summer Miller, Brookhaven College—Leo Kagan and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network-SBN Award
John Napa, College of Southern Nevada—Melvin Burton Award
Jeremy Peterson, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Suong Pham, University of Houston
Trevor Sheehan Sr., University of Northwestern Ohio—Dan Borré Award
Samuel Shelhoss, Clemson University—Nat Danas Award
Sarah Spoto, University of Rochester—Mike Kunzman and Manufacturers Representative Network-MRN Award
Spencer Steele, Bradley University—Steve Woomer Award
Austyn Sullivan-Watson, University of Idaho—John Menzler and Hot Rod Industry Alliance-HRIA Award
Brian Tea, The University of Texas at Austin
Alex Van Nest, Clemson University
Cora Veltman, Valparaiso University—Wally Parks Award
Chase Wilderman, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Adreenah Wynn, University of Florida
Bryan Yap, California State University, Long Beach—Thurston Warn Award
2016 SEMA Loan-Forgiveness Award Winners
Danielle Campbell, WeatherTech—Trudy Thompson Award
Edward Carter, Motor State Distributing
Daniel Dokter, General Motors
Tate Emerson, A.R.E. Accessories—Harlan Felder and Truck and Off-Road Alliance-TORA Award
Collin Gentry, Meyer Distributing—Performance Warehouse Association-PWA Award
Robert Haynes, Holley Performance Products—Young Executives Network-YEN Award
Robert Martin, Motor State Distributing—Jim A. Borré Award
Traci Nigon, QA1 Precision Products—Performance Warehouse Association-PWA Award
Michael Robins, Ford Performance Parts
Angel Scharklet, Holley Performance Products
Heather Wilson, Kahn Media—John Raffa Award
The online application for next year’s awards will be accepted November 1, 2016, through March 1, 2017.
SEMA Provides Comprehensive Guides to Government Issues Impacting Member Companies
SEMA’s government affairs office has compiled guides for members about healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts regulation and the Bonneville Salt Flats.
SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled four comprehensive guides for members that cover topics of federal standards and regulations in the areas of healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts and, most recently, the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The newest brochure answers questions such as:
How is SEMA’s heritage tied to Bonneville?
Why are the Salt Flats disappearing?
What is SEMA doing to help restore Bonneville?
The guides are available in two forms: a six-page downloadable brochure that provides a concise overview, or the same information with clickable links for additional background resources. Visit www.sema.org/government-affairs to view and download the brochures.
Editors and Reporters: Get Advance Previews of SEMA Show Exhibitors
The TORA Media Preview will enable editors and reporters to preview products and conduct interviews before the SEMA Show officially opens.
Editors and reporters at the 2016 SEMA Show will be able to preview products and conduct interviews before the Show officially opens by participating in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Media Preview. The media-exclusive event takes place Monday, October 31, the day before the annual SEMA Show opens.
The TORA Media Preview hours are 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Media Center. The event will include 25 exhibiting companies, all members of TORA that manufacture truck-related products.
To attend the preview, media can select the event on the SEMA Show media application at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Those who have already secured media credentials or who have questions may contact SEMA PR at pr@sema.org or 909-978-6722.
SEMA Offers New Research—Vehicles In Operation Data
SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive, allowing members to request Vehicles in Operation counts and gain new insights for their businesses. Vehicles in Operation counts can help businesses understand opportunities for product development and planning, inventory management, sales planning and location decisions.
For example, if you are thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang but are not sure of the sales potential, SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.
This program is available for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. Simply request specific Vehicles in Operation counts from SEMA Market Research, and staff members gather the information. Visit www.sema.org/vio for more information.
n Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In Operation, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.
Great Vegas Rooms Still Available in Every Price Range
When booking with the SEMA Show’s official housing partner, attendees are guaranteed the lowest rates for Show week.
The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists hotel properties that can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating. There are currently a range of hotels in various price ranges that still have rooms available, including Aria, Circus Circus, Luxor and Tropicana.
The program is powered by the SEMA Show’s official housing partner OnPeak. Showgoers receive the guaranteed lowest rates for their rooms as well as added perks such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings. Book now at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.
For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST), Monday–Friday.
How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Can Stay Ahead of Online Retailers
The retail marketplace is changing but that doesn’t mean that brick-and-mortar shops are going away. Learn how to keep a competitive advantage during the 2016 SEMA Show Education Days.
Online aftermarket industry sales are growing rapidly. According to one report, online aftermarket revenue was $6.5 billion last year. That report also noted that retail stores generated $30 billion in sales—proof that brick-and-mortar isn’t going away.
What do you need to do to guarantee that your store’s sales continue to grow in the face of this digital challenge? The 2016 SEMA Show will introduce a new retail track designed to provide ammunition to take on online competitors. Sessions will cover topics such as selling value, low-cost design ideas for retail spaces, principles for success and personalized service for customers.
Competing with an anonymous website can be tricky for brick-and-mortar store managers, so take advantage of the SEMA Show’s retail track to find out how to beat online competitors.
Engineering students attended a Career Day at the SEMA Garage in February.
A recent SEMA Industry Employment Perspective Study found that 95% of companies in the automotive aftermarket industry will need to hire new employees with specific skills in the next five years. The number-one problem, according to the study, is that companies don’t know where to look for the highly skilled employees they will need in the future.
This year, in support of SEMA’s Career Paths initiative, the SEMA Show will launch its first-ever Student Career Day. On Monday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., SEMA Show exhibitors will have the chance to meet with about 600 high-school and college students who will attend the Show and introduce them to their companies and the career opportunities available to them.
For more information or to register to participate, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
SEMA Provides Comprehensive Guides to Government Issues Impacting Member Companies
SEMA’s government affairs office has compiled guides for members about healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts regulation and the Bonneville Salt Flats.
SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled four comprehensive guides for members that cover topics of federal standards and regulations in the areas of healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts and, most recently, the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The newest brochure answers questions such as:
How is SEMA’s heritage tied to Bonneville?
Why are the Salt Flats disappearing?
What is SEMA doing to help restore Bonneville?
The guides are available in two forms: a six-page downloadable brochure that provides a concise overview, or the same information with clickable links for additional background resources. Visit www.sema.org/government-affairs to view and download the brochures.
Editors and Reporters: Get Advance Previews of SEMA Show Exhibitors
The TORA Media Preview will enable editors and reporters to preview products and conduct interviews before the SEMA Show officially opens.
Editors and reporters at the 2016 SEMA Show will be able to preview products and conduct interviews before the Show officially opens by participating in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Media Preview. The media-exclusive event takes place Monday, October 31, the day before the annual SEMA Show opens.
The TORA Media Preview hours are 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Media Center. The event will include 25 exhibiting companies, all members of TORA that manufacture truck-related products.
To attend the preview, media can select the event on the SEMA Show media application at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Those who have already secured media credentials or who have questions may contact SEMA PR at pr@sema.org or 909-978-6722.
SEMA Offers New Research—Vehicles In Operation Data
SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive, allowing members to request Vehicles in Operation counts and gain new insights for their businesses. Vehicles in Operation counts can help businesses understand opportunities for product development and planning, inventory management, sales planning and location decisions.
For example, if you are thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang but are not sure of the sales potential, SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.
This program is available for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. Simply request specific Vehicles in Operation counts from SEMA Market Research, and staff members gather the information. Visit www.sema.org/vio for more information.
n Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In Operation, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.
Great Vegas Rooms Still Available in Every Price Range
When booking with the SEMA Show’s official housing partner, attendees are guaranteed the lowest rates for Show week.
The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists hotel properties that can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating. There are currently a range of hotels in various price ranges that still have rooms available, including Aria, Circus Circus, Luxor and Tropicana.
The program is powered by the SEMA Show’s official housing partner OnPeak. Showgoers receive the guaranteed lowest rates for their rooms as well as added perks such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings. Book now at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.
For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST), Monday–Friday.
How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Can Stay Ahead of Online Retailers
The retail marketplace is changing but that doesn’t mean that brick-and-mortar shops are going away. Learn how to keep a competitive advantage during the 2016 SEMA Show Education Days.
Online aftermarket industry sales are growing rapidly. According to one report, online aftermarket revenue was $6.5 billion last year. That report also noted that retail stores generated $30 billion in sales—proof that brick-and-mortar isn’t going away.
What do you need to do to guarantee that your store’s sales continue to grow in the face of this digital challenge? The 2016 SEMA Show will introduce a new retail track designed to provide ammunition to take on online competitors. Sessions will cover topics such as selling value, low-cost design ideas for retail spaces, principles for success and personalized service for customers.
Competing with an anonymous website can be tricky for brick-and-mortar store managers, so take advantage of the SEMA Show’s retail track to find out how to beat online competitors.
Engineering students attended a Career Day at the SEMA Garage in February.
A recent SEMA Industry Employment Perspective Study found that 95% of companies in the automotive aftermarket industry will need to hire new employees with specific skills in the next five years. The number-one problem, according to the study, is that companies don’t know where to look for the highly skilled employees they will need in the future.
This year, in support of SEMA’s Career Paths initiative, the SEMA Show will launch its first-ever Student Career Day. On Monday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., SEMA Show exhibitors will have the chance to meet with about 600 high-school and college students who will attend the Show and introduce them to their companies and the career opportunities available to them.
For more information or to register to participate, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
SEMA Provides Comprehensive Guides to Government Issues Impacting Member Companies
SEMA’s government affairs office has compiled guides for members about healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts regulation and the Bonneville Salt Flats.
SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled four comprehensive guides for members that cover topics of federal standards and regulations in the areas of healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts and, most recently, the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The newest brochure answers questions such as:
How is SEMA’s heritage tied to Bonneville?
Why are the Salt Flats disappearing?
What is SEMA doing to help restore Bonneville?
The guides are available in two forms: a six-page downloadable brochure that provides a concise overview, or the same information with clickable links for additional background resources. Visit www.sema.org/government-affairs to view and download the brochures.
Editors and Reporters: Get Advance Previews of SEMA Show Exhibitors
The TORA Media Preview will enable editors and reporters to preview products and conduct interviews before the SEMA Show officially opens.
Editors and reporters at the 2016 SEMA Show will be able to preview products and conduct interviews before the Show officially opens by participating in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Media Preview. The media-exclusive event takes place Monday, October 31, the day before the annual SEMA Show opens.
The TORA Media Preview hours are 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Media Center. The event will include 25 exhibiting companies, all members of TORA that manufacture truck-related products.
To attend the preview, media can select the event on the SEMA Show media application at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Those who have already secured media credentials or who have questions may contact SEMA PR at pr@sema.org or 909-978-6722.
SEMA Offers New Research—Vehicles In Operation Data
SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive, allowing members to request Vehicles in Operation counts and gain new insights for their businesses. Vehicles in Operation counts can help businesses understand opportunities for product development and planning, inventory management, sales planning and location decisions.
For example, if you are thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang but are not sure of the sales potential, SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.
This program is available for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. Simply request specific Vehicles in Operation counts from SEMA Market Research, and staff members gather the information. Visit www.sema.org/vio for more information.
n Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In Operation, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.
Great Vegas Rooms Still Available in Every Price Range
When booking with the SEMA Show’s official housing partner, attendees are guaranteed the lowest rates for Show week.
The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists hotel properties that can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating. There are currently a range of hotels in various price ranges that still have rooms available, including Aria, Circus Circus, Luxor and Tropicana.
The program is powered by the SEMA Show’s official housing partner OnPeak. Showgoers receive the guaranteed lowest rates for their rooms as well as added perks such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings. Book now at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.
For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST), Monday–Friday.
How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Can Stay Ahead of Online Retailers
The retail marketplace is changing but that doesn’t mean that brick-and-mortar shops are going away. Learn how to keep a competitive advantage during the 2016 SEMA Show Education Days.
Online aftermarket industry sales are growing rapidly. According to one report, online aftermarket revenue was $6.5 billion last year. That report also noted that retail stores generated $30 billion in sales—proof that brick-and-mortar isn’t going away.
What do you need to do to guarantee that your store’s sales continue to grow in the face of this digital challenge? The 2016 SEMA Show will introduce a new retail track designed to provide ammunition to take on online competitors. Sessions will cover topics such as selling value, low-cost design ideas for retail spaces, principles for success and personalized service for customers.
Competing with an anonymous website can be tricky for brick-and-mortar store managers, so take advantage of the SEMA Show’s retail track to find out how to beat online competitors.
Engineering students attended a Career Day at the SEMA Garage in February.
A recent SEMA Industry Employment Perspective Study found that 95% of companies in the automotive aftermarket industry will need to hire new employees with specific skills in the next five years. The number-one problem, according to the study, is that companies don’t know where to look for the highly skilled employees they will need in the future.
This year, in support of SEMA’s Career Paths initiative, the SEMA Show will launch its first-ever Student Career Day. On Monday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., SEMA Show exhibitors will have the chance to meet with about 600 high-school and college students who will attend the Show and introduce them to their companies and the career opportunities available to them.
For more information or to register to participate, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
SEMA Provides Comprehensive Guides to Government Issues Impacting Member Companies
SEMA’s government affairs office has compiled guides for members about healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts regulation and the Bonneville Salt Flats.
SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled four comprehensive guides for members that cover topics of federal standards and regulations in the areas of healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts and, most recently, the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The newest brochure answers questions such as:
How is SEMA’s heritage tied to Bonneville?
Why are the Salt Flats disappearing?
What is SEMA doing to help restore Bonneville?
The guides are available in two forms: a six-page downloadable brochure that provides a concise overview, or the same information with clickable links for additional background resources. Visit www.sema.org/government-affairs to view and download the brochures.
Editors and Reporters: Get Advance Previews of SEMA Show Exhibitors
The TORA Media Preview will enable editors and reporters to preview products and conduct interviews before the SEMA Show officially opens.
Editors and reporters at the 2016 SEMA Show will be able to preview products and conduct interviews before the Show officially opens by participating in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Media Preview. The media-exclusive event takes place Monday, October 31, the day before the annual SEMA Show opens.
The TORA Media Preview hours are 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Media Center. The event will include 25 exhibiting companies, all members of TORA that manufacture truck-related products.
To attend the preview, media can select the event on the SEMA Show media application at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Those who have already secured media credentials or who have questions may contact SEMA PR at pr@sema.org or 909-978-6722.
SEMA Offers New Research—Vehicles In Operation Data
SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive, allowing members to request Vehicles in Operation counts and gain new insights for their businesses. Vehicles in Operation counts can help businesses understand opportunities for product development and planning, inventory management, sales planning and location decisions.
For example, if you are thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang but are not sure of the sales potential, SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.
This program is available for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. Simply request specific Vehicles in Operation counts from SEMA Market Research, and staff members gather the information. Visit www.sema.org/vio for more information.
n Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In Operation, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.
Great Vegas Rooms Still Available in Every Price Range
When booking with the SEMA Show’s official housing partner, attendees are guaranteed the lowest rates for Show week.
The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists hotel properties that can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating. There are currently a range of hotels in various price ranges that still have rooms available, including Aria, Circus Circus, Luxor and Tropicana.
The program is powered by the SEMA Show’s official housing partner OnPeak. Showgoers receive the guaranteed lowest rates for their rooms as well as added perks such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings. Book now at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.
For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST), Monday–Friday.
How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Can Stay Ahead of Online Retailers
The retail marketplace is changing but that doesn’t mean that brick-and-mortar shops are going away. Learn how to keep a competitive advantage during the 2016 SEMA Show Education Days.
Online aftermarket industry sales are growing rapidly. According to one report, online aftermarket revenue was $6.5 billion last year. That report also noted that retail stores generated $30 billion in sales—proof that brick-and-mortar isn’t going away.
What do you need to do to guarantee that your store’s sales continue to grow in the face of this digital challenge? The 2016 SEMA Show will introduce a new retail track designed to provide ammunition to take on online competitors. Sessions will cover topics such as selling value, low-cost design ideas for retail spaces, principles for success and personalized service for customers.
Competing with an anonymous website can be tricky for brick-and-mortar store managers, so take advantage of the SEMA Show’s retail track to find out how to beat online competitors.
Engineering students attended a Career Day at the SEMA Garage in February.
A recent SEMA Industry Employment Perspective Study found that 95% of companies in the automotive aftermarket industry will need to hire new employees with specific skills in the next five years. The number-one problem, according to the study, is that companies don’t know where to look for the highly skilled employees they will need in the future.
This year, in support of SEMA’s Career Paths initiative, the SEMA Show will launch its first-ever Student Career Day. On Monday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., SEMA Show exhibitors will have the chance to meet with about 600 high-school and college students who will attend the Show and introduce them to their companies and the career opportunities available to them.
For more information or to register to participate, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
SEMA Provides Comprehensive Guides to Government Issues Impacting Member Companies
SEMA’s government affairs office has compiled guides for members about healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts regulation and the Bonneville Salt Flats.
SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled four comprehensive guides for members that cover topics of federal standards and regulations in the areas of healthcare, intellectual property rights, auto parts and, most recently, the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The newest brochure answers questions such as:
How is SEMA’s heritage tied to Bonneville?
Why are the Salt Flats disappearing?
What is SEMA doing to help restore Bonneville?
The guides are available in two forms: a six-page downloadable brochure that provides a concise overview, or the same information with clickable links for additional background resources. Visit www.sema.org/government-affairs to view and download the brochures.
Editors and Reporters: Get Advance Previews of SEMA Show Exhibitors
The TORA Media Preview will enable editors and reporters to preview products and conduct interviews before the SEMA Show officially opens.
Editors and reporters at the 2016 SEMA Show will be able to preview products and conduct interviews before the Show officially opens by participating in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Media Preview. The media-exclusive event takes place Monday, October 31, the day before the annual SEMA Show opens.
The TORA Media Preview hours are 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Media Center. The event will include 25 exhibiting companies, all members of TORA that manufacture truck-related products.
To attend the preview, media can select the event on the SEMA Show media application at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Those who have already secured media credentials or who have questions may contact SEMA PR at pr@sema.org or 909-978-6722.
SEMA Offers New Research—Vehicles In Operation Data
SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive, allowing members to request Vehicles in Operation counts and gain new insights for their businesses. Vehicles in Operation counts can help businesses understand opportunities for product development and planning, inventory management, sales planning and location decisions.
For example, if you are thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang but are not sure of the sales potential, SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.
This program is available for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. Simply request specific Vehicles in Operation counts from SEMA Market Research, and staff members gather the information. Visit www.sema.org/vio for more information.
n Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In Operation, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.
Great Vegas Rooms Still Available in Every Price Range
When booking with the SEMA Show’s official housing partner, attendees are guaranteed the lowest rates for Show week.
The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists hotel properties that can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating. There are currently a range of hotels in various price ranges that still have rooms available, including Aria, Circus Circus, Luxor and Tropicana.
The program is powered by the SEMA Show’s official housing partner OnPeak. Showgoers receive the guaranteed lowest rates for their rooms as well as added perks such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings. Book now at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.
For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST), Monday–Friday.
How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Can Stay Ahead of Online Retailers
The retail marketplace is changing but that doesn’t mean that brick-and-mortar shops are going away. Learn how to keep a competitive advantage during the 2016 SEMA Show Education Days.
Online aftermarket industry sales are growing rapidly. According to one report, online aftermarket revenue was $6.5 billion last year. That report also noted that retail stores generated $30 billion in sales—proof that brick-and-mortar isn’t going away.
What do you need to do to guarantee that your store’s sales continue to grow in the face of this digital challenge? The 2016 SEMA Show will introduce a new retail track designed to provide ammunition to take on online competitors. Sessions will cover topics such as selling value, low-cost design ideas for retail spaces, principles for success and personalized service for customers.
Competing with an anonymous website can be tricky for brick-and-mortar store managers, so take advantage of the SEMA Show’s retail track to find out how to beat online competitors.
Engineering students attended a Career Day at the SEMA Garage in February.
A recent SEMA Industry Employment Perspective Study found that 95% of companies in the automotive aftermarket industry will need to hire new employees with specific skills in the next five years. The number-one problem, according to the study, is that companies don’t know where to look for the highly skilled employees they will need in the future.
This year, in support of SEMA’s Career Paths initiative, the SEMA Show will launch its first-ever Student Career Day. On Monday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., SEMA Show exhibitors will have the chance to meet with about 600 high-school and college students who will attend the Show and introduce them to their companies and the career opportunities available to them.
For more information or to register to participate, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
Performance products drive innovation and consumer enthusiasm, guaranteeing the continued health and growth of every business in the distribution chain, from manufacturers to retailers and marketers to media. And because clean-air regulations govern so much of the manufacturing, sale and use of products in this category, SEMA has long emphasized the need for emissions compliance on the part of its member manufacturers while simultaneously striving to protect them from overly burdensome regulation.
Recently both the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have stepped up their enforcement of air-quality regulations relating to these products—in some cases leveling crippling fines on non-compliant manufacturers. This in turn has sent chills through the entire aftermarket, with warehouse-distributors and even retailers now giving more scrutiny than ever to the products they carry. (See “Emissions Compliance,” SEMA News, July 2016.)
The new SEMA Garage fast track program has helped cut the red tape for emissions testing, allowing product manufacturers to complete their tests and receive a CARB Executive Order in as little as two to three months. Prior to this cooperative program with CARB, the process could take anywhere from six months to a year or more.
For manufacturers, the means of emissions compliance has traditionally been to seek an Executive Order (EO) certification from CARB (see sidebar on p. 130)—often an expensive, time-consuming process. Fortunately for SEMA members, the recently established SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center in Diamond Bar, California, has come up with an answer to the many hurdles.
“Getting paperwork through CARB can feel like a cumbersome process full of red tape if you don’t know what you’re doing, have never been through the process or don’t know how to process the paperwork,” explained Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, who oversees the new SEMA Garage and its Emissions Compliance Center. “To help SEMA manufacturers save time, we collaborated with CARB to craft a fast track program that now helps expedite paperwork and testing. This collaboration has enabled us to reduce the entire process, in many cases, down to as little as a couple of months.”
SEMA Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte elaborated on the traditional EO certification process that up to now has frequently delayed the introduction of performance products to the market.
Emissions Lab Manager Daniel Ogden oversees an emissions test from the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center control room. The SEMA Garage’s 2WD dyno can simulate a wide variety of road and driving conditions.
“Say I’m a manufacturer with a performance product,” he explained. “Traditionally, the start of the process obligated me to assess my products to determine part numbers and the vehicle applications I wanted covered by an EO. The next step was to go to the CARB website and download an application form. I would then fill out that application, which can be quite involved, with appropriate information about the product and the vehicle applications, then submit that application and wait for CARB to respond with a test letter. That test letter indicated the type of testing needed and on what type of vehicles. If I had done anything in that application process that was incomplete or incorrect, the process of just getting the test letter became very time consuming.”
Treydte explained that many applicants found themselves in a back-and-forth scenario with CARB at that point, with the agency requesting missing information and clarifications and the manufacturer scrambling to supply them.
Once a manufacturer received the CARB test letter, the next step was finding an appropriate emissions-testing facility and vehicle platform for the actual testing. Plus, there may be added R&D work to ensure that the product will pass.
“The fast track process we’ve worked out with CARB does a couple of things to shortcut the process. First of all, we don’t have to wait for a CARB test letter. We gather the information from the member to determine the appropriate test vehicle and test sequence. Then, we go directly into testing at our own emissions lab. Consequently, our program cuts a significant amount of waiting time. From start to end, the entire EO certification process can now take as little as two months.”
An Innovative Approach
Sometimes product emissions testing will reveal the need for a little more R&D or fitment adjustments. The SEMA Garage offers immediate access to a fully equipped installation bay and other leading-edge R&D tools.
Spagnola further emphasized the uniqueness of the SEMA Garage fast track program.
“Two things have happened here,” he explained. “First, we’ve worked with CARB over the course of several months to create this streamlined process. Second, our lab has been able to acquire a fleet of test vehicles. CARB is engaged in our testing process and has approved these vehicles for use in that process.”
The state-of-the-art emissions laboratory takes up approximately 3,500 sq. ft. of the new 15,000-sq.-ft. SEMA Garage and is a major component in the Garage’s mission to help SEMA members expedite products to consumers from concept to marketing. The emissions lab currently features a control booth and one emissions test lane outfitted with a two-wheel-drive dynamometer and all the associated analyzing equipment for tailpipe emissions. Much of that equipment was manufactured by AVL, a company based in Germany well known in the industry for its global, leading-edge technology.
The present lab setup can simulate road and driving conditions for everything from a 1,000-lb. compact car to a 10,000-lb. cargo vehicle. Testing includes drive traces for cold starts, city start-and-stop driving, suburban and highway driving, and hill climbs. Meanwhile, the emissions-measuring equipment takes precise readings for hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide through each drive trace.
SEMA-member Sprintex utilized a Jeep JK for its recent emissions tests. The Jeep is one of the several different CARB-approved test vehicles that the SEMA Garage keeps ready for companies that need them. The Garage’s AVL-made equipment is state-of-the-art.
“Right now, the lab is capable of performing all levels of certification for gasoline-powered vehicles, and we’ll be adding diesel capability at some point,” Treydte said.
Beyond the emissions testing itself, the SEMA Garage offers another advantage to fast trackers: access to leading-edge R&D facilities, complete with laser measuring, 3D printing and a fully-tooled installation bay. In other words, basic installation and fitment of products for testing can be done more quickly and efficiently. Even better, if a need to tweak a product arises during the emissions-testing process, the manufacturer can do so on the spot, without removing the product to another garage or facility for retooling or further R&D work.
“Of course, if there’s R&D work or lab time involved, that can add to the length of the process—in most cases, probably two to three weeks total,” Treydte noted. “Generally speaking, however, a month to six weeks is going to be the normal EO certification timeline. Once our testing is complete, all the necessary information is submitted to CARB, and we’ve usually seen turnaround time of about one month to receive an EO certification.”
Like other SEMA Garage programs, emissions-certification services are offered to SEMA members at reduced costs. According to Spagnola, the privacy of companies testing and performing R&D at the facility is also strictly maintained. Since initiating its fast track program this past year, the SEMA Garage has seen numerous companies—both domestic and international—successfully complete testing on a variety of products in record time.
Real-Life Results
The SEMA Garage Emissions Control Center delivers world-class testing attractive to domestic and international manufacturers. Recently Australian-based Sprintex tested and passed its new Pentastar Supercharger for Jeeps in an extremely short amount of time.
Supercharger manufacturer Sprintex, based in Perth, Australia, is a case in point. According to Jay Upton, the company’s chief technology officer, the new SEMA Garage has emerged as an especially attractive, world-class testing venue.
“For CARB certification testing, the SEMA Garage is really a great opportunity for us. The fact that the SEMA Garage is offering popular test vehicles is almost too good to be true,” said Upton, explaining that past tests have required the company to hunt around for suitable test vehicles, then hunt some more for workspace to make any necessary product adjustments that arose during the testing process.
“The fact that we can come here and use the facilities is really a great advantage to us,” he said. “Normally, you would have to work out of one of your dealer shops. You’re taking up space in their shop, and when things don’t go exactly to plan, you’re taking up valuable time. Here, one of the guys described the SEMA Garage as the members’ clubhouse. We can come here and do whatever [is necessary] to ready a product for market.”
For those and other reasons, Sprintex recently turned to the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center to certify its new ’12–’16 Jeep 3.6 Pentastar supercharger system.
“Without a doubt, the new process pioneered by the SEMA Garage made the [certification] process simpler, faster and cheaper than previous emissions testing in the United States and elsewhere,” Upton said.
According to Upton, CARB EO certification gives Sprintex huge clout in the performance marketplace.
“What it means for us is that we can go ahead and sell our product for legal use on the highway, which obviously broadens our market,” he said. “Every day, we get inquiries from California, and the first question is, ‘Is it legal?’”
Moreover, said Upton, with EO certification, his company can not only confidently sell into all 50 U.S. states but also supply its emissions-compliant superchargers to other companies. “These are some of the very reasons we built the SEMA Garage and Emissions Compliance Center, and industry response has been tremendous,” summed up Spagnola. “We’re pleased with the number of SEMA-member manufacturers who have taken advantage of our fast track program. In addition, it’s gratifying to welcome and assist so many newcomers through the process while leading the industry in making emissions compliance easier for everyone.”
Understanding EO Certification
Due to frequent misunderstandings of the need for Executive Order (EO) certification—not to mention the hefty consequences for failing to comply with the EO process—SEMA is making member education a major priority.
In short, it is illegal under both California and federal law to sell products that could negatively impact emissions on street vehicles. As stated on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) website, parts or modifications shown not to increase vehicle emissions may be granted exemption to emissions control system anti-tampering laws. This exemption is called an EO and allows the modification to be installed on specific emissions-controlled vehicles. Every EO part or modification receives an assigned number that can be verified by emissions testing stations in California and around the country. Manufacturers should especially note the following:
Emissions compliance applies to almost all performance and engine products. Generally, any product that affects airflow into or out of the engine, impacts the containment or delivery of fuel or affects the functionality of an emissions-control system or device requires an EO from CARB for that product to be legal for street use. This includes but is not limited to intake systems, exhaust components, tuning products, turbos and superchargers.
The concept of “49-state legal” isn’t real. Products are not considered “49-state legal” simply because they are not sold in California. Just like California regulations, the U.S. Clean Air Act prevents the modification of vehicles with products that impact emissions unless the product is certified. In other words, for an engine-related product to be legal anywhere in the United States, it must complete a certification process. In practice, the only acceptable certification process is the CARB EO program.
The CARB EO is generally recognized by the EPA as demonstrating emissions compliance. Therefore, a CARB EO certification provides coverage for all 50 states.
Both CARB and the U.S. EPA have the ability to enforce air-quality regulations and can administer fines against manufacturers, sellers and installers that do not comply with clean-air laws.
Got Questions?
For more information on getting your products EO certified or to begin the process, e-mail SEMA Emissions Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte at petert@sema.org. Please include a basic product description, part numbers and vehicle applications, including years, makes, models and engine configurations.
