SEMA News—June 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry Indicators: U.S. Economic Outlook Improves as Vaccinations Accelerate

Economic activity improved significantly in the early months of the year, according to the latest edition of “SEMA Industry Indicators.” The rate of vaccinations is accelerating, and the number of COVID-19 cases, while still high, is improving. Additionally, the COVID relief bill likely will push economic growth above forecasts for the back half of 2021 and through much of 2022. All of that paints a much better outlook for the economy as it moves past the pandemic.

Still, there are some potential risks. Inflation is a possibility, and prices in some segments of the economy are moving higher. Supply chains are constrained because of disruption from the virus. Additionally, consumers spent more money on goods over the past year, as many services were closed. Consumers stayed at home and bought items such as electronics and auto parts. As the country opens and restrictions lift, consumers may divert more money to things they haven’t been able to do, potentially slowing growth for certain segments of the economy.

For more information, download the new March “SEMA Industry Indicators” report today, and for a more in-depth, longer-term look at the path of recovery for the industry and the economy, check out the “SEMA Future Trends—January 2021” report at www.sema.org/research.

New Dates, Location Announced for 2021 INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico

New dates and a new location have been announced for the 2021 INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico. After careful consideration, and in light of the ongoing COVID-19 developments in Mexico and globally, this year’s edition will be held December 1–3, 2021, at the San Luis Potosí Convention Center in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

San Luis Potosí is easily accessible and is an automotive hub for various plants, including both General Motors and BMW, along with more than 250 Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico showcases the latest technology and advancements over the entire spectrum of the automotive aftermarket industry. Registration information will be available in the coming weeks.

For more information, contact the INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico team at www.ina-paace-automechanika-mexico-city.us.messefrankfurt.com/mexico-city/en/contact.html.

SEMA Announces Plans for West Hall at LVCC for the 2021 SEMA Show

SEMA is on track to deliver an exciting in-person SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) November 2–5, 2021. With exhibits included in the LVCC’s newly constructed West Hall, the entire SEMA Show floorplan will be optimized and offer room for new features and enhancements for an improved overall attendee experience.

“The industry is eager to reconnect,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The return to an in-person SEMA Show gives resellers a chance to engage with an amazing gathering of suppliers, new products, stunning vehicle builds and networking opportunities. We are excited to provide our industry with a world-class marketplace that will help them grow and expand their businesses.”

The LVCC’s new West Hall is a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January during the COVID-19 shutdown. Details on additional resources, including a new online component that focuses on manufacturers, new products, feature vehicles and educational resources, will be announced as they are finalized in the coming weeks. For all the latest developments, see “The In-Person SEMA Show Is Back” on p. 50 of this issue.

Registration Open for SEMA Nordic Trip

Join SEMA on the first SEMA Nordic trip, August 25–29, 2021, in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants will learn the potential for their products in the area’s performance and classic-car paradise. Meet with top trade buyers who enable the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars.

The region hosts the headquarters of the European drag-racing championship. Rally racing and drifting also enjoy fan support. A robust sportsman program allows enthusiasts to use their more modestly upgraded rides in numerous competitions. High disposable income, a love of American vehicles and products, and a passion for personalization make this an attractive region.

The SEMA Nordic trip is the fifth region for the popular SEMA Business Development Programs. These low-cost, turnkey overseas events bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key global markets. The price of the upcoming trip includes hotels, a tabletop display, meals and networking events. Prices start at $4,500 per company, not including flights to/from the United States. U.S. government grants (federal and state) are available to help defray the cost for qualified companies.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/nordic or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

S. Torrence, Hight and Hartford Earn Wins at Rain-Delayed MOPAR Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals Presented by Pennzoil

Three-time defending Top Fuel world champ Steve Torrence finally conquered Houston Raceway Park, racing to the victory on Monday at the 34th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park. Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) also won in their respective categories at the fifth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. Eliminations were postponed to Monday due to inclement weather on Sunday.

Torrence pedaled to a 4.001-second pass at 260.06 mph in his 11,000hp Capco Contractors dragster to beat veteran Doug Kalitta in the final round, earning this third win this season and extending his points lead.

In their 70th career meeting in eliminations and ninth time in the final round, it was Hight who got the best of Ron Capps in a matchup of Funny Car heavyweights, with Hight going a 3.916 at 327.19 in his 11,000hp AAA Texas Chevrolet Camaro SS.

In the Pro Stock final, Hartford picked up his first victory of the year in his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro with a run of 7.660 at 145.11. Final-round opponent Deric Kramer had even more trouble, shaking the tires almost immediately to help hand the victory to Hartford.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action June 11-13, with the TascaParts.com NHRA New England Nationals presented by Bandero Premium Tequila at New England Dragway.

Mooresville, North Carolina, Provides $100k in Support of Motorsports

Iredell County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will launch a technical assistance program called ReVamp to help local motorsports teams and component manufacturers diversify to serve new markets. The program was made possible through partnership and funding from the Town of Mooresville and Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) at North Carolina State University. The ReVamp program will support companies with matching funds up to $10,000 per company for technical support assistance. The Town of Mooresville has provided $100,000 to Iredell EDC to support the ReVamp program, which was launched in response to the changes resulting from the impact of both NASCAR’s Next Gen car and the impact of COVID-19 on the racing industry.

The initiative is modeled on a program previously deployed by IES to help Department of Defense contractors diversify. Two local companies—Roush Yates Engines and MSI Defense— participated.

ReVamp is one of three programs developed by Iredell EDC to respond to the changes happening in the motorsports industry, including ReGen, a series of “lunch and learns” webinars to provide local manufacturers basic tools for diversification and to invite them to the “deeper dive” of ReVamp. Stream 2021, hosted earlier this year, brought together Charlotte region manufacturers to facilitate supplier and procurement opportunities for companies. For more information, visit iredelledc.com/revamp. To register for the webinar, click here.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Kyle Cheng

The current outlook of the U.S. economy remains positive, with several tailwinds helping to drive the recovery. States have lifted many COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise and consumers are responding. This, combined with loose federal monetary policy and stimulus payments, is spurring consumer spending.

Retail sales are nearly 18% higher than they were prior to the pandemic in February 2020—further helping the recovery. It will be difficult for retail sales to continue to grow at these historic rates in the coming years and months, as the increased opening of the service economy will likely pull away some of this growth in the later part of 2021.

New-vehicle sales hit record highs in April. However, supply constraints are hurting production levels. The auto sector is racing to keep up with this historic demand, but supply-chain shortages may take some time before fully recovering.

For more information, download the new May “SEMA Industry Indicators” report today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

As CMO and executive vice president of Redline Detection, Alex Parker has been instrumental in helping the company succeed and grow. In addition to receiving the 2020 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year award, Redline Detection is a leader in diagnostic leak detection technology.

Parker’s unique background in psychology, digital marketing and publishing has helped Redline Detection generate great brand buzz. Get tips and insight on how she’s developed a proven recipe for success during her SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Facebook live chat, Wednesday, June 2, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), on the SBN Facebook page.

Participants will learn how to get a brand noticed, what tools are available to make it simple and what mistakes brands make when pushing messages out. As a Facebook live chat, participants will be able to communicate with Parker live and get their questions answered in real-time.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members that manufacture or install products for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)-equipped vehicles are invited to join the SEMA Garage as they kick off a new three-part ADAS webinar series.

Ideal for businesses who manufacturer or install parts that alter a vehicles body, suspension, or wheels and tires, the series will cover ADAS technology, resources, and case studies, information on how ADAS systems work and how they are affected by various vehicle modifications or repairs.

During Part 1 “ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems & Trends,” taking place June 16, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), attendees will hear and learn from top industry experts as they provide a high-level look at current ADAS systems' function, technology and trends.

Register for Part 1 – ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems & Trends.

By Ashley Reyes

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, June 2—Facebook Live Chat featuring Alex Parker, Redline Detection  

Track: Industry Talks

As CMO and executive vice president of Redline Detection, Alex Parker utilizes her professional background in psychology, digital marketing and publishing to generate great brand buzz around her company with authenticity and transparency. Tune in to this live chat as she shares tips for getting brands noticed and answers questions live.

Location: SBN Facebook page

Thursday, June 10—State of the Industry: Where Are We Now?

Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series

Track: Trends and Research

During this live webinar, SEMA members will learn about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry and where the market is headed. Presented by SEMA Market Research, the webinar will feature new stats on specialty-equipment sales, hot and emerging markets, and an outlook and projections for 2021 and beyond.

Register here.

Wednesday, June 16—ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems & Trends

Series: ADAS Webinar Series  

As part 1 of the SEMA ADAS webinar series, this webinar will feature top industry experts as they provide a high-level look at current ADAS systems' function, technology and trends. Participants will learn the basics of how these systems work, and how they are affected by various vehicle modifications or repairs.  

Register here.

NEWLY ADDED: Tuesday, June 22—Everything but the Kitchen Sink of Job Hunting

Series: Perfecting Your Job Search Series, Powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Learn how to stand out as a well-rounded candidate beyond your resume and interview. Featuring Maru Trevizo, SEMA vice president of human resources, this webinar will cover how to successfully leverage attire, follow up, recommendations and networking to land a desired job position. Participants will have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned through interactive breakouts.

Register here.

NEWLY ADDED: Wednesday, June 30 – ADAS Technologies: Making Sense of Simulation, Testing and Calibration

Series: ADAS Webinar Series

As part 2 of the SEMA ADAS webinar series, this webinar will feature top service providers in the ADAS simulation, testing and calibration spaces. Participants will learn what resources are available in the marketplace to help SEMA members develop and install parts safely while maintaining OEM functionality of the ADAS system.  

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Eric Holmes as the council’s latest volunteer spotlight member.
Holmes is the national sales manager at Eastman Performance Films, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance window films for the automotive, residential and commercial spaces.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?

Eric Holmes: I am passionate about this industry and love the opportunity to work with other peers with different backgrounds to support the aftermarket business.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

EH: You can achieve anything you want if you put forth the effort and commitment. There is a ton of support from manufacturers and peers across the industry. SEMA has a lot of great resources, so make sure you know what is available to you.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle?

EH: My dream vehicle is a Porsche 911 Turbo S.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

EH: Stay focused, stay patient, keep your head down and continue to drive forward. Good things will come.  

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

EH: Growth and opportunity keep me in the industry.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

EH: You can find me snowboarding in the winter and camping in the summer.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA eNews and future PRO-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

As businesses continue to reopen, the state of the industry will be closely watched for new market and sales trends, and what has changed over the past year.

SEMA members are invited to learn about new information that will help advance their businesses. SEMA Market Research will share new data that explores the state of the specialty-equipment industry and where the market is headed.  

The SEMA Virtual Education “State of the Industry: Where Are We Now?” webinar on June 10, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT) will feature SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp and Market Research Manager Kyle Cheng as they present:

• How the industry weathered the pandemic.
• Current industry trends and sales performance.
• Overall outlook and projections for 2021 and beyond.

This event is the ideal time to hear from the experts, ask questions live and learn where the opportunities can be found for your business.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

President of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Amy Jo Osborn is the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) latest #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is a SEMA Cares charity whose mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize each child’s quality of life through essential specialized intervention, beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship.

SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?

Amy Jo Osborn: I have served as president for 14 years, going on 15 as a full-time volunteer. My husband and I formed the organization after losing our son Austin Hatcher Osborn to childhood cancer. There are many things I enjoy about working at the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The overall mission is filling gaps of service that children with cancer and their entire family face by providing a comprehensive psychosocial need at no cost the family. My colleagues are what make this organization thrive.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

AO: A lot of people may wonder, “why the Austin Hatcher Foundation and SEMA?” Or “why automotive and pediatric cancer?” Well, the automotive industry is in the DNA of the Foundation. From my husband Jim’s family owning car dealerships and Jim racing professionally for over a decade, it is our family. We have encompassed vehicle builds and racing into our therapies for many reasons.

One: To teach a trade to children who may not be able to play sports anymore. Two: Team building for families and siblings. Three: occupational therapy by using hand and eye coordination, and four: driving simulation research study to prove if virtual reality improves cognitive function after chemo or radiation. The challenge is educating the need of the automotive industry in the pediatric cancer setting!

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?

AO: Adaptability, persistence, and work ethics. Adaptability has benefited me in my role to be able to look at ever-changing success in the industry. Adapting to the need of patients and families. Persistence has been a large part in the success of the foundation. Solely relying on the support and donations of others, you have to have broad shoulders to hear the word "no" quite a few times. Persistence to keep educating the mission of the foundation and with education most see the need and get behind the mission! Lastly, but probably one of the most important, work ethics! There is no looking at the clock when starting a growing and successful business. Working long days and weekends is how, I feel, we have been able to be so successful.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

AO: Women, like Marla Moore, Rose Kawasaki and Jessi Combs—all with different walks in the industry, but all instrumental in the overall goal of the automotive industry.

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

AO: The sky is the limit, and as you can see, the sky is never ending. This has helped me know that being creative, being innovative and reaching for goals beyond what is in front of you is all doable.

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?

AO: My husband, Jim Osborn.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Oracle Lighting Named Third-Fastest-Growing Company in Metro New Orleans

Oracle Lighting has announced it was ranked as the third-fastest-growing company in the entire metro New Orleans area, with a three-year growth rate of 56%, according to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine. Despite major setbacks experienced due to the global pandemic, Oracle Lighting experienced substantial revenue growth in 2020. Oracle Lighting is the highest-ranked manufacturer and the only automotive industry business represented on the Fastest Growing Businesses of 2020 in New Orleans CityBusiness magazine’s rankings.

McCarthy Tire Service Acquires Tire Division of The TSS Group in Philadelphia

McCarthy Tire Service has purchased the assets of Tire Sales LLC—an affiliate of The TSS Group LLC, which specializes in services to the mining and aggregate industries. The deal concluded May 12. Tire Sales’ products and service operations will be merged into McCarthy Tire’s current commercial locations in nearby Levittown and Trainer, Pennsylvania. The five key service team employees of Tire Sales will join McCarthy Tire Service. The TSS Group LLC, owned and operated by John Morrone Jr., will now focus on services related to quarry maintenance and fabrication, quarry personnel, short- and long-term staffing, mobile heavy equipment repair, hydraulics repair, and hose repair sales and service. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Race Winning Brands Acquires Victory 1 Performance

Race Winning Brands Inc.—a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries LLC—has announced the acquisition of Victory 1 Performance Inc.—a supplier of manufactured and forged high-performance titanium and alloy valves. Victory represents the eighth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Victory has been a source of valvetrain components for countless engine builders, cylinder head manufacturers and racers for nearly three decades.

BOSS HOG Torque Converters Car, Truck and Jeep Show to be Held August 1

The BOSS HOG Torque Converters Car, Truck and Jeep Show will be held Sunday, August 1, and aired nationally on MotorTrend TV Network, MAVTV and REV’N TV Networks. It will also be streamed on The “Lokar Car Show.” The event will feature special TV Host Sam Mahdavi of “Sam’s Garage,” Pinks All Out Live Group, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, 660 Grudge Racers, Singing River Corvette Club, North Alabama Jeep Club, Muscle Shoals Car Club, North Alabama Mustang Club, Terry Wilson aka “Coverman66,” Holston Gases, Miller Welders, Dwayne Mattox, Tamco Paint, Off Road Performance Centers, Louis Lee with ALL ENDS magazine, Southern Ink Addiction, 306 BBQ, and Mitchel Printing. For more info Contact Nelson Gill at 256-508-4621 or nelson@accperformance.com.

Continental Recognized by ACPN for Excellence in Electronic Catalog Data Quality

Continental has received the 2021 ACES and PIES Data Award for Medium Catalogs from the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) for the accuracy of its electronic catalog data. The award was presented for the company’s ATE Brake Systems Parts catalog during the annual ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference, which was held virtually from May 17–19. This marks the second ACPN award for Continental’s aftermarket team, who also received the 2018 ACES and PIES Data Award for Small Catalogs. Attended by most major manufacturers, distributors and parts experts in the automotive content space, the ACPN Knowledge Exchange provides a focused and unique opportunity to learn, share best practices, network with peers, and interact with service providers in the content management space.

Baxter Performance Expands Adapter Line

Baxter Performance announced the expansion into adapters for Mopar, Ford, GM and Subaru applications. The company produces quality machined adapters that retain oil in the filter and post filtration in the engine for faster oil delivery and pressure at start-up, this results in less engine wear at the most critical time, thus extending engine life. More information is available through Baxter's video on faster engine oil delivery.

Quadratec Partners With Petersen Automotive Museum for Teen Auto Workshop

Quadratec Inc. recently announced a partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum to supply a Jeep vehicle and products for the museum’s Teen Auto Workshop program. In this workshop, eight Los Angeles-area high school students will gain first-hand experience refurbishing and modifying a ’01 Jeep Wrangler using a majority of Quadratec parts.

Quadratec donated the Jeep and all necessary parts and accessories to turn it into a rugged, trail-ready off-roader. Over the program’s course, student work will be chronicled on both the Petersen and Quadratec YouTube sites, social channels, as well as Quadratec’s Torque network. At the end of the eight-week program, the finished Jeep will be awarded to the winner of an essay contest hosted by the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Behind the leadership of an automotive professional, students will make numerous modifications to the Wrangler, including a Quadratec 2.5-in. Coil Spring Suspension lift, Fox Shocks, Quadratec Rubicon Xtreme wheels, 33-in. Nitto Trail Grappler tires, Quadratec Winch Ready Bull Bar Front Bumper and more. The students will also make interior upgrades, thanks to all-new Kicker Audio speakers and an Alpine Bluetooth-compatible head unit. Other modifications include Quadratec’s Diver Down Neoprene seat covers, while a complete Quadratec Floor Liner Kit will be added to protect all new Bedrug replacement carpet.

Complete information is available at www.quadratec.com/page/quadratecpetersen-teen-auto-workshop-build.

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.