By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations until Friday, August 4, for its 2023 council and network awards honoring the unwavering passion, dedication and innovative spirit that drives the automotive aftermarket industry.

The awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of council and network members and honor leading companies and individuals who have significantly impacted their respective industry segments.

"Among the nine SEMA communities in the council and network program are members who volunteer their time and expertise to protect, promote and advance the automotive aftermarket," said Zane Clark, SEMA vice president of membership, education, research and councils. "Participating in the nomination process helps ensure that SEMA is aware of all of the remarkable contributions that drive our industry forward and that no company or individual who deserves to be recognized goes unnoticed."

Nominations are open in the following categories:   

• Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO): Business of the Year, Person of the Year. 
• Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN): Engineer of the Year. 
• Future Leaders Network (FLN): Vanguard Award, Professional of the Year Award. 
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA): Hall of Fame, Industry Recognition Award, Business of the Year, Design & Engineering Award, Evolution of Hot Rodding Award.   
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC): Hall of Fame (awarded at the Performance Racing Industry Show).  
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO): Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year, Restyler of the Year, Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award.  
• Truck & Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA): Hall of Fame, Retailer of the Year, Jessi Combs Ambassador of the Year.  
• Wheel & Tire Council (WTC): Hall of Fame.  

Award winners will be announced at each council and network's respective SEMA Show reception, which brings together influential industry leaders and members within each segment of the automotive aftermarket. Nominate today!

By Marissa Guajardo

The deadline to be part of the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is only four days away, Friday, August 4. Exhibitors who will make breaking news announcements that will interest a large number of media at this year's SEMA Show are encouraged to submit a press conference application today.

Once an application is submitted, exhibitors will receive an automatic email confirming their application was received. Those who do not receive a confirmation email or experience a technical problem are encouraged to reach out to pr@sema.org for assistance.

Since media are not required to attend press conferences, many exhibitors also choose to reach out to media through an alternative means, such as submitting a press release through the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

The deadline to be part of the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is Friday, August 4. To learn more about press conferences, the online media center, or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2023 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Networking is not only about trading information; it's a necessary investment that can help industry professionals build their reputations and establish long-term business relationships with mutual benefits.

SEMA members will not want to miss the next Wheel Tire & Council (WTC) Coffee and Conversation networking event, where they will establish valuable business connections and discuss the state of the wheel and tire industry. 

Taking place on Thursday, August 3 at 9:00 a.m. PDT, the event will feature an open discussion among attendees about the latest trends, innovations and market dynamics happening in the wheel and tire aftermarket. Attendees will gain insight into opportunities and challenges that other businesses are experiencing, share their experiences, exchange ideas and build business relationships that can further their career or company goals.

Organizers will introduce a discussion topic to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to bring a talking point that impacts their business. Register now.

Questions can be directed to Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Join SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees (PACs) on Sunday, August 13, for an unforgettable day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in a private-suite gathering to witness the heart-pounding action of the NASCAR Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.

U.S. law restricts trade associations like SEMA and PRI from funding political candidates, but our voices still need to be heard. A PAC allows association members to pool resources to support the lawmakers and candidates who stand up for the racing and aftermarket industry and protect individual freedoms such as vehicle purchase choice, off-road access and the right to race.

Tickets are limited and include suite and garage access, full catering and an open bar. Interested in attending or have questions? Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252 for more information. Space is limited and requires a purchase to attend--RSVP today!

By Ashley Reyes

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host an open meeting and social gathering at the Kentucky Expo Center, Room B101, on Wednesday, August 2, from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. EDT.

Set for the evening before the official start of the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals, the meeting will provide HRIA members an exclusive opportunity to network with industry friends and learn how to get more involved within the council. Attendees will meet the HRIA select committee, unite with fellow members at large and learn about benefits that can help their business thrive. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided.

To sign up for the meeting and view the schedule for the HRIA Education Days seminars taking place at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, August 3-4, click here.

By SEMA Editors

I-CAR has announced the official launch of CollisionCareers.com, an online experience dedicated to connecting individuals to rewarding opportunities in collision repair.

Collision Careers provides a neutral brand and platform for industry partners to collaborate while amplifying efforts to solve a talent crisis that, because of a combination of unfilled roles and expected retirements over the next five years, is estimated to leave the segment 100,000 skilled technicians short.

With the aim of building a bridge between job seekers or students exploring a career path and the collision repair industry, CollisionCareers.com and its associated social-media channels offer an authentic, comprehensive resource for students and career changers as well as the parents and school counselors who often influence their decisions.

Key features and benefits of CollisionCareers.com include: 

• Educational Resources: Powered by I-CAR, a neutral, not-for-profit education organization, the site empowers visitors with articles, tutorials and curriculum to build a foundation for collision-repair-knowledge and skills.
• Community: CollisionCareers.com fosters a vibrant community where professionals, industry experts and enthusiasts can connect, engage and garner valuable insights.
• Extensive School and Shop Search: Users can input their information to stay connected with Collision Careers as they consider the industry and peruse listings of local Gold Class shops and career technical education (CTE) schools by state for career or education opportunities.

"It is no secret that there are increasingly more available jobs in collision repair than there are people to fill them, and while there are many successful programs in the industry, individually, we each lack the scale necessary to address this nationwide, generational issue," said I-CAR CEO and President John Van Alstyne. "I-CAR will use our unique position as an organization of collaboration to unite and align efforts for the good of the broader industry."

For more information, visit CollisionCareers.com.

By SEMA Editors

Sources have captured the GT500 prototype near Ford's Dearborn Proving Grounds (DPG).

The prototype features strategically placed camo on the decklid and the rear window, which both hide a modified rear spoiler and conceal a full rollcage.

The all-new GT500 is expected around 2025, so it's uncertain if Ford is working on a special edition GT500 or instead testing components for the next-gen GT500.

'24 Ford Explorer Timberline Spotted in Dearborn

Also captured near the DPG was the '24 Ford Explorer Timberline. 

Although Ford has already introduced an electric version in the European market, the United States market is focusing on a refresh for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Explorers.

The '24 Timberline will be primarily a carryover compared to the other '24 Explorer trims. 

While no significant powertrain changes are expected for the '24 model, there might be slight improvements to the performance of the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and the 3.3L hybrid engine. These changes could result in a slight bump in power and fuel economy.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, and H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act. These SEMA-supported bills seek to preserve vehicle choice for consumers and prevent the federal government and the State of California from choosing only one form of technology (such as electric vehicles) (EVs) over the many others to achieve their emission reduction goals. 

SEMA has strongly supported H.R. 1435, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," a bill prohibiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in the state by 2035. Rep. John Joyce's (R-PA) legislation is essential to stopping California's plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act for the mandate to go into effect. U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, recently introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435. Click here to send a letter to your Congress members asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring the bill.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced H.R. 4468 in response to the EPA's proposed federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years '27 to '32, which is designed to result in EVs making up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The SEMA-supported CARS Act would prevent the EPA from finalizing the proposed emissions standards on light- and medium-duty vehicles.

The EPA's proposal intends to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to become the only option for automakers to produce. Given the subsidies in place for EV purchases and production, EVs become the de facto choice to achieve the rulemaking's climate goals, as other options, such as hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, and multiple renewables, do not enjoy a level playing field of subsidies.

SEMA and more than 100 stakeholder organizations recently sent President Biden a letter expressing concerns about the EPA's Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards. The letter stated, "EPA's proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest-cost opportunities to reduce GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice." SEMA will continue to engage in any proposed regulatory action that may lead to ICE bans. You can read the joint letter here.

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the EPA in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. In addition, SEMA's grassroots efforts have generated more than 7,700 comments by our member companies and enthusiasts from around the country.

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, and H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act. These SEMA-supported bills seek to preserve vehicle choice for consumers and prevent the federal government and the State of California from choosing only one form of technology (such as electric vehicles) (EVs) over the many others to achieve their emission reduction goals. 

SEMA has strongly supported H.R. 1435, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," a bill prohibiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in the state by 2035. Rep. John Joyce's (R-PA) legislation is essential to stopping California's plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act for the mandate to go into effect. U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, recently introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435. Click here to send a letter to your Congress members asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring the bill.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced H.R. 4468 in response to the EPA's proposed federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years '27 to '32, which is designed to result in EVs making up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The SEMA-supported CARS Act would prevent the EPA from finalizing the proposed emissions standards on light- and medium-duty vehicles.

The EPA's proposal intends to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to become the only option for automakers to produce. Given the subsidies in place for EV purchases and production, EVs become the de facto choice to achieve the rulemaking's climate goals, as other options, such as hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, and multiple renewables, do not enjoy a level playing field of subsidies.

SEMA and more than 100 stakeholder organizations recently sent President Biden a letter expressing concerns about the EPA's Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards. The letter stated, "EPA's proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest-cost opportunities to reduce GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice." SEMA will continue to engage in any proposed regulatory action that may lead to ICE bans. You can read the joint letter here.

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the EPA in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. In addition, SEMA's grassroots efforts have generated more than 7,700 comments by our member companies and enthusiasts from around the country.

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.