By SEMA Editors
SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.
By SEMA Editors
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.
Sales Representative
GRP Equipment is hiring a sales representative in limited territories to sell its wheel service equipment. Applicants should be self-starters, motivated to make sales and develop distributorships in their areas. Salespeople must have the ability to transport machinery to demonstrate and sell, as well as service, under warranty. The ideal candidate will have a background in automotive shop equipment.
Bookkeeper
Verifacts Automotive is hiring a bookkeeper responsible for accounting duties (both accounts payable and accounts receivable) and performing monthly bank reconciliations and credit card reconciliations. Candidates must have experience in an administrative role, QuickBooks experience and be comfortable using Microsoft Office products, especially Excel.
Vice President of Marketing
SD Wheel is hiring a vice president of marketing responsible for leading the total marketing strategy to ensure sales, growth, start-up initiatives, brand well-being, and total profitability of the truck division’s scale each year. This position will lead, create and manage the strategic deployment of the EEI plans as they relate to all truck divisions while primarily focusing on marketing, brand awareness, enterprise scalability, sales, new company origination, all while owning the success of the metrics related to the health of each company that allows them to grow 60% year over year. The ideal candidate will be an expert and leader in lean business performance management systems; marketing management systems and catch ball techniques; brand origination, brand tone and understanding the voice of the customer; and organic, video and social channel initiatives.
By SEMA Editors
The official 2021 SEMA Show mobile app is now available for download from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or via the QR code below.
A great tool to maximize your time at the Show, the official SEMA Show app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. This year, the SEMA Show app will feature a scanning function that will allow attendees to quickly capture product and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display throughout the Show as well as the ability to scan and save products from the New Products Showcase. The app puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket.
2021 SEMA Show mobile app features include:
Exhibitors: Look up all 2021 SEMA Show exhibitors by name, Show section or product category.For more information about the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com.
By Jason Catullo
The early registration discount for the 2021 SEMA Show has passed. The price is now $90, and domestic attendees can pick up their badges on-site.
The Las Vegas Convention Center’s (LVCC) halls are nearly full of exhibits, but booth space is still being reserved, and more exhibitors are expected to secure space until the Show opens on November 2.
Attendees planning on joining the industry at the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where through the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.
For 2021, the Show will include exhibit space in the LVCC’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January. The new facility includes exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections.
Earlier in June, the visitors of the World of Concrete convention were the first to use the new hall, and the event marked the first large-scale convention and tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in 15 months.
In addition to the new hall, the newly constructed Loop—a high-speed, people-mover system that runs 40 ft. under the LVCC—will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World of Concrete successfully used the system to shuttle visitors through the 200-acre convention center.
For more information on the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
By Ashley Reyes
With a focus on new products and innovations, the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will provide the truck and off-road industry a chance to strengthen existing business relationships, develop new contacts and learn about trends and opportunities in the truck and off-road market. In addition to exhibitors on the Show floor, education sessions and display vehicles, the November 2–5 trade show will include networking events specifically for the truck and off-road segment.
On the Show floor, attendees will be able to check out the latest products and meet face-to-face with nearly 200 truck and off-road exhibitors. Members are also invited and encouraged to join the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) at the following events:
Click here to RSVP in advance.
TORA Booth Happy Hour
Network with friends and colleagues in the truck and off-road industry while expanding and growing your network during the TORA Booth Happy Hour. Current and prospective council members will connect through open conversation while winding down from a busy day on the Show floor. Awards for the Best New Light-Truck Product and Best New Off-Road Product will also be presented.
TORA Industry Reception
The TORA Industry Reception will bring together truck and off-road colleagues and friends to unwind after a busy day at the Show, host the Pinewood Drags in support of SEMA Cares and honor leading companies and individuals in the truck and off-road market. During the awards presentation, the council will recognize and announce the recipients of the 2021 TORA Retailer of the Year, Business of the Year, TORA Jessi Combs Ambassador Award winner and TORA Hall of Fame Inductee(s).
TORA Featured VehiclesFive vehicles have been selected to participate in the TORA Feature Vehicle program. New this year, attendees can vote on the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award. Simply scan the QR code displayed on the signage next to one of the vehicles to vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced during the TORA Industry Reception, Wednesday, November 3.
The ’20 CAN-AM X3 will be displayed in the TORA booth #56155, while the other four vehicles will be displayed in premier locations outside of the new West Hall.
Category: Jeep
Armorlight/Warn: ’20 Jeep Gladiator
Category: Lifted
Magelssen/Borla: ’20 Chevrolet Silverado
Category: UTV/Side-by-side
BOOSTane: ’20 CAN-AM X3
Category: Lifted
Defco/Truck Hero: ’21 Ford F-450
Category: Jeep
Covercraft Industries, LLC, ’20 Jeep Gladiator
Why Truck and Off-Road Builders Are Thriving, Powered by TORA
Truck and off-road is among the aftermarket’s hottest accessories categories, and gaining momentum as one of the most lucrative and influential builder segments. With the market’s growth, vintage truck and SUV models are finally having their day. When paired with the performance modern truck segment, builders are seeing a banner year. Add this session to your Show Planner when registering for the SEMA Show to learn what these builders consider to be some of the aftermarket’s best business opportunities.
SEMA Show attendees will be able to see essential gear and customized vehicles specifically for the red-hot overlanding market in the SEMA Overland Experience area. Products include rooftop tents, sunshades, portable kitchen systems and much more. While popular in remote parts of the world for many years, overlanding has taken off in the United States. The SEMA Overland Experience will feature industry experts identifying key overlanding opportunities and trends that can add important new profit centers for your business.
Attendees planning on attending the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where by visiting the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.
By Ashley Reyes
In less than two weeks, 153 exhibitors in the restyling and car-care areas will be in Las Vegas and ready to connect with buyers at the 2021 SEMA Show.
As part of its commitment to raise awareness of the benefits of vehicle accessorization, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), will also host several activities throughout the week. These events provide the ideal opportunity to learn about challenges and opportunities facing the restyling segment and the importance and benefits of working with a professional accessory provider.
All SEMA Show attendees serving the restyling and accessory market—whether they’re manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers reps or restylers and installers—are invited to join PRO for the following events:
PRO Cup Challenge
Location: PRO Booth #51085
Voting Open to Showgoers: Monday, November 1, at 9:00 a.m.–Wednesday, November 3, at 3:00 p.m.
Winners Announced: Wednesday, November 3, at 4:00 p.m.
In an effort to raise awareness and encourage customization of new-model cars and trucks for mainstream consumers, PRO is conducting the second SEMA PRO Cup Challenge. Through the competition, seven popular new-model vehicles are customized by restylers in an easy-to-replicate restyling package that is quick (max 20 hours) and affordable (no more than $12,000).
All seven competitors will be graded on build marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability by a panel of judges. Meanwhile, Show attendees will have opportunity to vote for their “Fan Favorite” at the PRO booth.
The SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Competitors are:
PRO-Sponsored NetworkingClick here to RSVP for events in advance.
PRO Reception
Highly anticipated among Showgoers in the automotive restyling market, this event will bring together colleagues, leaders and enthusiasts to celebrate their passion for new-vehicle accessorization. An awards ceremony will also take place to honor the PRO Manufacturer of the Year, PRO Nat Danas Person of the Year, PRO Restyler of the Year and the PRO Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
PRO Booth Happy Hour
Wind down from a busy day on the SEMA Show floor and network with automotive restyling professionals. In addition to open discussion and an opportunity to connect with the council's select committee, this event will include the PRO Cup Challenge winner announcements and a Q&A with the PRO Cup Challenge builders.
Lunch with the PROs: PRO General Membership Meeting
This general membership meeting and lunch will serve as a great opportunity to hear council updates directly from PRO leadership and learn about the benefits and resources available to PRO members.
How the Pandemic Moved Buyers From Your Showroom to Online, Powered by PRO
This education session looks at the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the dealership experience as well as the changing online consumer landscape. A panel of experts will share how aftermarket manufacturers and distributors can leverage the changing dealership industry to sell more accessories. Add this session to your Show Planner when registering for the SEMA Show.
Attendees planning on attending the 2021 SEMA Show can see who’s exhibiting and where by visiting the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is raising awareness of vehicle accessorization through its second annual SEMA PRO Cup Challenge.
Created to provide restylers with creative new package ideas to offer in their respective markets, the challenge takes place at the SEMA Show and features seven restylers showcasing a popular new-model vehicle that can be modified quickly and easily. Modifications must be completed in less than 40 hours and cost no more than $12,500.
Among the seven vehicles in the competition are a ’21 Chevrolet Silverado and ’21 Jeep Gladiator:
A ’21 Chevrolet Silverado, customized by On the Rocks 4x4, will feature:
The ’21 Jeep Gladiator, customized by Integrity Customs, will feature:
Other vehicles competing in the PRO Cup Challenge include: DPS Automotive, ’22 Volkswagen Atlas; Automotive Concepts, ‘21 Ford Bronco; Auto Image, ’21 Ford 150; City Kia/Vaccar Co., ’21 Kia Sorento; and Crush Customs, ‘21 Kia Telluride.
All seven competitors will be graded on build marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability by a panel of judges, while all Show attendees will have opportunity to vote for their “Fan Favorite” at the PRO booth #51085 until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 3. The winner of the Fan Favorite and PRO Cup Challenge will be announced Wednesday during the PRO Booth Happy Hour from 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
To learn more about the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit www.sema.org/PRO.
Dart Machinery has announced its founder Richard Maskin has passed away at the age of 74.
“He was an innovator in motorsports, a fierce competitor, a good friend, a loved family man, a generous and respected employer, and we all will miss him immensely,” the company said in a post. “Richard leaves behind a great legacy. One that spans decades and can’t be put into just a few words. We do take solace in knowing that his contribution to racing will continue, however, with every Big M engine block that finds a home under someone’s hood. He is the namesake, the original, and the one and only ‘Big M.’”
Maskin’s engines have won multiple NHRA Pro Stock world championships and national events. Dart Machinery’s products can also be found on cars in a wide range of drag racing categories, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Street, Pro Mod and more.
Compiled by SEMA Editors
Pirelli Tire North America Names New CEOPirelli has announced that Pietro Berardi, currently CEO of Pirelli Tire North America, is leaving the company to pursue a new professional challenge. He will be replaced by Claudio Zanardo beginning November 1. Zanardo will join the North American team from Pirelli’s Milan headquarters, where he has most recently served as senior vice president, Moto and Velo. He has extensive experience in the automotive industry including working for Ducati Motor Holding. As CEO of the North American region, Zanardo will be responsible for the car, motorcycle and cycling businesses, as well as manufacturing facilities in Rome, Georgia, and Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico. In 2015, he joined Pirelli overseeing marketing and controlled retail for Region Europe until assuming responsibility for Driver Italia (Pirelli’s franchise network) in 2016. He was then appointed country CEO of Italy, before moving to the role of senior vice president, Moto, in January 2020. In February 2021, he was also given responsibility for Business Velo.
Lucas Oil Products, the distributor of high-performance automotive additives and lubricants, has announced the addition of Heather Cameron as the new general counsel. In her role with the company, Cameron will advise executive management and the business teams on a variety of different matters. She will provide advice on current and future products, business processes, and legal and regulatory compliance. She will also develop and maintain corporate policies and procedures.
E.C.D. Automotive Design has retained the services of racecar engineer and consultant Cody Ragone to refine the drivability and overall performance of the company’s restored classic Defenders and Range Rovers. A specialist in grand tourer sports cars and touring car racing, Ragone has a storied pedigree with luxury racecar brands, such as Audi Sport, Porsche, Lamborghini and more. He has experience in both the factory and customer racing fields and collaborated with more than 40 different teams, 17 different cars and eight different series. In addition to remote support and in-person consultation services, Ragone will source connections with top-tier vendors. This will allow each E.C.D. vehicle to be fitted with the most advanced parts and quality materials for peak performance.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Stay at the Hilton and Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World—the newest property to open on the Las Vegas Strip for more than 10 years. Resorts World is walking distance from the 2021 SEMA Show, and brings together three top-tier Hilton brands—Hilton, Conrad and the Crockfords—under one roof.
Three top-tier Hilton brands—Hilton, Conrad and the Crockfords—are under one roof named Resorts World.
With a quick look on the SEMA Show hotel page, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center.
When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show block, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.
View all hotels available in the SEMA Show block.