SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Vossen
HF-7

Vossen's all-new Hybrid Forged wheel, the HF-7, is derived from it's forged counterpart, the EVO-5R. With pocketed spokes and an aggressive Y-pattern, the HF-7 is available in 2 standard finishes and custom finishes.

The wheel is available in 19-in.–24-in. sizes.

HRE Wheels
CRBN Line

HRE announced that its new CRBN program uses the latest materials and manufacturing technologies to surpass what was previously possible in carbon fiber wheels. Initially, the CRBN line will consist of carbon fiber rims paired with all-new forged aluminum centers. The new Series HX1 will consist of four styles: the HX100 Mesh, HX101 Y-Spoke, HX104 V-Spoke, and HX107 Split 5-Spoke. The wheels will be offered 20-, 21-, and 22-in. diameters, with expanded fitments to come.

The new HRE CRBN wheel is designed for supercars and hyper-exotics features a toughened-resin system for achieving high impact resistance and is created using precision closed-mold Vacuum-Assisted Resin-Transfer Molding (VARTM), giving the CRBN rim exceptional fiber volumes for class-leading strength-to-weight ratios.

Aeromotive
Drop-In Phantom Brushless Fuel Pumps

Aeromotive has developed Direct Drop-In Phantom Brushless Spur Gear Fuel Pumps for ’05–’18 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 series trucks. The fuel pumps are designed to directly fit factory fuel tanks with 3.5 gallon-per-minute and 5.0 gallon-per-minute (GPM) flow rates. Unique OEM-style brackets accommodate different applications and fuel level sending units. The pumps are engineered to deliver the proper fuel volume to high-performance street, off-road and racing applications with easy installation when using the factory tank.

The 3.5 GPM Brushless Spur Gear Fuel Pump (PN: 18087) can support naturally-aspirated gasoline applications up to 2,400 hp, naturally-aspirated E-85 ethanol applications up to 1,680 hp, forced-induction gasoline applications up to 1,800 hp, and forced-induction E-85 ethanol applications up to 1,260 hp. For those looking for more flow, the 5.0 GPM Brushless Spur Gear Fuel Pump (PN: 18088) supplies enough fuel for naturally aspirated gasoline applications up to 3,400 hp, naturally-aspirated E-85 ethanol applications up to 2,380 hp, forced-induction gasoline applications up to 2,600 hp and forced-induction E-85 ethanol applications up to 1,820 hp.

Yokohama
ADVAN A055 Motorsports Wheel

Yokohama Tire has added a new motorsports tire to its lineup, the ADVAN A055.

Highlights of the A055 include:

• Maximum grip is achieved by an advanced motorsports compound that provides outstanding dry grip for extreme cornering, braking and acceleration on the track. Also, symmetric alternating twin grooves maximize the contact patch to increase dry track performance.
• Ultimate handling comes from the motorsports construction which features an ultra-high turn up that increases stiffness for enhanced cornering.
• Consistent performance is produced by a rounded profile which quickly transitions from straight-line sprints to high-speed cornering for predictable handling.
• Race-ready tires thanks to the optimized tread depth and design which eliminates the need for shaving.  

www.yokohamatire.com/motorsport

REKUDO
JL8 4-Wheel Disc Brake System For ’70–’81 Camaro and Firebird

The 4-wheel disc brake upgrade (with Corvette-style 4-piston calipers for both front and rear) was offered for the ’68 Camaro as a “Heavy Duty Service” package sold through the parts counter at Chevrolet car dealers. In 1969, the 4-piston disc brakes could be ordered as a Regular Production Option (RPO) JL8 package on production vehicles. With only about 200 vehicles optioned with the JL8 package, finding parts is hard to come by.

The complete JL8 brake system is now available again with upgraded components, like forged aluminum calipers, premium rotors, dust shields, brake hoses, spindles, hubs, and other parts. There are several options for caliper finish (with and without the REKUDO logo). This premium brake system can be used with the complete REKUDO suspension system for the ’70–’81 Camaro/Firebird. JL8 brake systems are ideal for use in all high-performance applications.

BDS
Billet Backfire Plate Kits

Prior to blower manifolds being fit with backfire plates it wasn’t uncommon for a severe backfire to lift the blower, shear the studs and grenade the manifold. The use of backfire plates has significantly reduced or eliminated this issue entirely.

More information is available www.blowerdriveservice.com.

Wolo Manufacturing
8000 Series Grill and Surface Mount LED Warning Light Kit

Wolo Manufacturing Corp. introduced the Wolo 8000 Series LED Warning Light Kit. The 8000 Series is designed for grill and surface mount applications on vehicles that require front warning lighting and offers high visibility in bright sun, dense fog, and rain. The new warning light series is available in a choice of amber, blue, or red lighting and comes as a complete kit with two, super-bright linear LED clusters.

Designed to provide a simple application, the 8000 Series includes all the necessary components for installation. The kit features plug-and-play, waterproof connections for long lifetime, switch control, wiring, mounting brackets, and hardware. The lights are operated by the switch control, which can be mounted to the dashboard or console to turn the LEDs on and off, and toggle between 26 different light patterns, including a ‘strobe-like’ flash pattern.

The Wolo 8000-A is pre-wired to accept additional lighting and can be expanded from two to four LEDs with the Wolo LED Grill and Surface Mount Expansion Pack, 8050-A. Whether the operator is using two or four LED clusters, the system comes factory wired so the clusters will be synchronized. Each of the three Linear LED clusters have different part numbers: Amber-8000-A, Blue 8005-B, and Red 8010-R.

Brass Knuckle
Midnight Safety Glasses

The new Midnight (BKDST-1050AFP) Safety Glasses feature a face-tight gasket, SideShield, and wraparound protection makes work comfortable for the wearer. The lenses feature BK-Anti-FOG+ anti-fog protection to keep vision clear in high-moisture, high-heat conditions.

Each pair features a removable gasket made of soft-but-tough EVA foam, forming a dust filter that completely fills the gap between the glasses and the face, to seal in eyes and keep dust out.

Brass Knuckle bonds the BK-Anti-FOG+ directly to the lens, adhering to a standard 45-times tougher than the most stringent anti-fog standards. Each lens also offers 99.99% UV protection.

By Ashley Reyes

Celebratory cheers came from every direction as Dustin Woolf, founder of Woolfpack Racing, was announced as the winner of last year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition. Taking place during the 2021 SEMA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas, Woolf triumphed from a pool of 180+ applicants to win a $92,000 prize package to launch his business into the marketplace.

Dustin Woolf, founder of Woolfpack Racing, was the winner of last year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition.

SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry. Applications are now being accepted for this year’s competition at www.sema.org/lauchpad.   

“It was the most nerve-racking experience showing the world what I created,” reflects Woolf on his competition experience. His winning product, Natural Nitrous, is a stand-alone refrigerated system for the air induction of the motor that lowers air temperature on demand, makes horsepower and torque and lowers emissions.

Through the competition, entrepreneurs pitch their product or service idea to a panel of aftermarket icons in hopes of convincing them that their business has what it takes to benefit and enhance the industry. Judges provide candid feedback and guidance, which can be leveraged to enhance a competitors’ product innovation and improve their go-to-market strategy.

“The competition has made me more aware of the needed changes in having a growing successful business at the highest level of industry standards. Since winning, I have changed focus on my original target markets, which was just racing and musclecars into all the available automotive industries.”

Dustin was one of 15 semifinalists who received a complimentary booth to exhibit their product at the 2022 SEMA Show Launch Pad Corral and had their product featured on SEMA websites, social media and in online and print publications for the duration of the competition.

“Being in the company of the world’s best innovators was a great experience,” added Woolf. “The opposition I faced was realizing I had to take personal emotion out of business, and make adjustments on what works for the industry and not just for myself.”

SEMA Launch Pad is open to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO or vice president) over the age of 18, and who have a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale.

Applications to participate in 2022 SEMA Launch Pad are being accepted online at www.sema.org/lauchpad until June 13.

Sales of specialty-equipment parts reached a new high in 2021, increasing to $50.9 billion in retail sales for the first time in history—up from $47.9 in 2020.

The finding comes from the new “2022 SEMA Market Report,” which is available for download at www.sema.org/research, and provides the automotive aftermarket industry a comprehensive review of the specialty-equipment market in 2021. The report includes new data on the U.S. market size, consumer profiling, industry trends and changes in the vehicle population.

Sales of specialty-equipment parts reached a new high in 2021, increasing to $50.9 billion in retail sales for the first time in history—up from $47.9 in 2020.

SEMA estimates that the growth was driven by strong consumer interest in working on their car or truck, as more than 80% of specialty-equipment consumers reported spending as much, if not more, time working on their personal vehicles as they did during 2020.

“The 2022 SEMA Market Report can help member companies identify key areas of interest for consumers, and where the most money was spent on parts in 2021,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “As our biggest research report of the year, this is a must-read for any business that wants to make strategic, data-driven decisions.”

Restrictions on in-person shopping eased in 2021, prompting consumers to become more comfortable going back into stores to buy parts. The split of in-store versus online sales is 2021 was roughly 50/50 versus 54% online in 2020 and 45% online in 2019. This normalization is expected to continue in 2022.

Pickups remain the single biggest segment in the specialty-equipment parts market. An estimated 13.6 million pickups were modified by consumers in 2021, accounting for a combined 31% of specialty-equipment parts sales.

Ongoing supply-chain issues are also a concern in 2022. More than 90% of specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers feel that their business has been impacted by supply-chain-related challenges. This, is turn, is softening expectations regarding 2022 sales.

For more data on the opportunity available in the automotive specialty-equipment market, download the 2022 SEMA Market Report for free today at www.sema.org/research.

This report is the focus of an upcoming SEMA webinar on June 8. Register for the webinar by clicking here.

By Ashley Reyes

Performance reviews are extremely important. Whether the review is coming up soon or is months from now, being prepared to demonstrate one’s own contributions and achievements can ultimately guide their development, advancement opportunities and career path.

Automotive aftermarket professionals will receive tips for a successful performance review and learn how to prepare by joining the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) for a live webinar on June 16 at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

During “Performance Review for Employees,” attendees will learn:

• The importance of reviews and setting targets for professional growth.
• How to have a productive conversation that points to specific examples of exceptional professional achievement.
• Tips for gathering feedback that identifies training and development needs.

An employee’s role in his/her performance review is just as important as that their supervisor’s. This webinar is designed specifically for automotive aftermarket employees and includes a live Q&A and breakout-session.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Restoring a classic car is unlike modifying any new vehicle on the road today. With dozens of models that can be restored in different ways, staying informed on new trends and build request types can help businesses expand their customer base, as well as their creative wit.

SEMA Automotive Restoration Organization (ARMO) members and businesses in the restoration segment are invited to a panel discussion where they will hear from builders and businessowners sharing their take on current trends.

Taking place June 14, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), the ARMO General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion will feature Joanna Agosta Shere of Steel Rubber Products as moderator, and panelists Lou Santiago, host of Garage Insider TV on YouTube; Amy Fitzgerald, owner of Cool Hand Customs; and Douglas Glad, head of editorial at Hemmings, answering questions live on:

• Top restoration trends for hobbyists and businesses.
• What’s hot and what’s not at car shows.
• Where restomods and EVs fit in the restoration world.

This meeting features a brief presentation from the ARMO Select Committee, where they will discuss the current state of the automotive restoration market and the council’s current initiatives.

Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is bringing members together and will host a happy hour at the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) Back to the ’50s Show in Minneapolis.

The meeting and mixer will take place Thursday, June 16, from 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m., at O’Gara’s restaurant.

“Networking is a vital key to success,” said HRIA Chair Danny Agosta. “This happy hour is the ideal event to meet with industry friends after a long day of set up to talk about hot rods and learn what’s new in the industry.”

Exhibitors and builders as well as current and prospective members of the council will network with other hot-rod businesses, learn about member benefits and resources and connect with the HRIA select committee.

Learn more, and RSVP here.

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

Many SEMA Show hotels, such as The LINQ Hotel & Casino, offer reduced resort fees for Showgoers.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

See below for the list of hotels offering discounted nightly resort fees.

Note: Rates listed on the onPeak website do not include the resort fee (except for Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World and Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. Daily resort fee is included in the nightly rates).

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

  By SEMA Editors

It’s not too late for exhibitors who want to participate in the 2022 SEMA Show to submit a booth space application. Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan throughout the week to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about exhibiting, refer to the Exhibitor Service Manual, where you will find information about deadlines, booth and feature vehicle applications, Show guidelines, booth services, target times for freight and more.

The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Marketing and Social Media Intern
VIAIR Corp. is hiring a paid marketing and social-media intern to assist with day-to-day marketing and social-media efforts. The ideal candidate should have coursework or prior work experience in marketing (including social media) and be interested in the outdoor enthusiast industry. This position will interface across multiple departments in the company, including sales, creative and product development.

Motorsports Technician
Canepa is seeking a motorsports technician who is interested in taking the next step in their career. This individual must be quality minded, hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of service in the industry. Applicants must have a broad knowledge base of all mechanical aspects of a vehicle, from suspension and brakes to engine and transmission and be highly versatile with superior skills and be able to produce work of the highest quality. Candidates should have exceptional diagnostic ability along with race preparation experience. Canepa is seeking a person who is highly professional, who can work individually, as well as part of a multifunctional team.

Automotive Technician
Custom Trucks Unlimited is hiring an automotive technician responsible for installation of aftermarket accessories including lift and leveling kits, alignments, mount and balance wheels/tires, bed covers, grille guards, bumper replacements, winch and winch mounts, cab lighting, LED lighting and all types of hitches. Candidates should have high-school diploma or GED; certifications in an automotive field are preferred, and three years’ related experience.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.