By Ashley Reyes

Aftermarket engineers looking to learn about new technologies that can help get their products to market faster, boost productivity and stay ahead of the competition can register now for the 2023 Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium--a unique event that will connect them with product and service providers who offer tools and services to streamline the product development process.

Taking place August 16-18 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, the event offers one-on-one quality meetings where engineers will learn about available resources and how they are relevant to their businesses. Education sessions on alternative internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) trends, emissions compliance and more are included in the program schedule, helping attendees stay informed on topics, products and services relevant to the future of the automotive aftermarket.

"We are just getting into the manufacturing realm, and a lot of this helped open our eyes to resources available in our space," said 2022 N.E.R.D. Symposium attendee Tara Thompson of Dixie 4 Wheel Drive. "On our shop level, the ADAS information really helped open my eyes to what liability we could see down the road as more vehicles go down that path."

Separate networking sessions will allow for further collaboration between engineers and product and service providers and allow attendees to learn and gain different perspectives from industry experts who share common concerns and challenges.  

Start discovering new resources and gain the knowledge needed to optimize your business's processes and the quality of your product. Secure your seat today!

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with General Motors, SEMA Garage Detroit has announced an all-new measuring session for the newly designed '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

The event, June 13-15, will allow companies to measure, 3D scan, test-fit prototypes, and have a close-up experience with the trucks.

The session will feature a combination of '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC midsize, light-duty and heavy-duty platforms with the most popular options, including different bed, cab and powertrain configurations.

Chevrolet: 

• Colorado Trail Boss 
• Silverado 1500 
• Silverado 2500HD 

GMC: 

• Canyon AT4X Edition 1 
• Sierra 1500 AT4 
• Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate Dually

Event Dates: June 13-15, 2023

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit, 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170. Sessions will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register two attendees per company, and keep an eye out for a follow-up email to confirm your time slot.

Visit the link below for event registration details.

Click here to register.

The staff, Board of Directors and volunteer leadership of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) would like to thank William "Bill" G. Miller for nearly 16 years of service. Miller, who will move on from the association as of July 7, has served as senior vice president of operations since 2007 and will provide consulting services through December 2023.

Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO, stated, "I was fortunate to introduce Bill to SEMA back in 1996 and work with him on a daily basis for the last decade. It is always bittersweet to have someone like Bill leave our team to pursue new opportunities, but we wish him and his family nothing but the best."

During Miller's tenure as senior vice president, the association evolved to meet the challenges and needs of its membership. Working with the SEMA staff and Board, he was integral in helping navigate the association through several challenges and opportunities.

A permanent replacement has not yet been named.

By Ashley Reyes

Virtually every new OEM vehicle features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as a standard today, and automakers utilize different types of tests to develop and validate their respective systems. Knowing how these vehicles are evaluated can help automotive professionals plan their new-product development processes and better understand the vehicle's performance.

During the webinar "Testing of ADAS Technologies" on Wednesday, June 14, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, SEMA members will learn about the types of tests performed and how data is recorded, in a very controlled manner, to assess the performance of ADAS systems accurately.

Taylor Manahan, director of advanced mobility at Transportation Research Center, will share the types of sensors being used for these technologies, as well as the facilities, equipment and methods utilized for testing these technologies. Attendees will also gain an understanding of how track testing is conducted.

Register for the webinar presented by the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) here.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) joint lawsuit with EcoLogic Partners--a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37--challenges the California Coastal Commission's plans to prohibit motorized recreational and overnight camping access at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA). The coalition's lawsuit is scheduled for a June 15, 2023, hearing in the California Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County. 

SEMA and EcoLogic Partners seek recognition from the court that the California Coastal Commission does not have the authority to terminate off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and beach camping at the state-authorized and legislatively sanctioned Oceano Dunes SVRA. The lawsuit is combined with a suit filed by Friends of Oceano Dunes making similar allegations. 

SEMA, ORBA, ASA and AMA are leading advocates for motorized recreational activities, and the upcoming hearing marks a crucial moment in the ongoing battle to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States.

Oceano Dunes SVRA is a premier destination for motorized recreation enthusiasts and tourists alike as the only off-road park in the state offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean. For decades, recreationists and off-roaders have enjoyed riding all types of motorized vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to dune buggies and quads, on the California beach, which is now threatened by the Commission's March 2021 amendments to Coastal Development Permit 4-82-300 that demanded the California Department of Parks and Recreation phase out OHV access to Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024.

"SEMA advocates for land-use policies that provide motorized recreational access to publicly owned lands while providing reasonable safeguards needed to protect natural resources," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes are unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. Oceano Dunes is enjoyed by more than two million enthusiasts and tourists each year. SEMA is committed to their rights to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country."

The Honorable Tana Coates is the presiding judge for the June 15 hearing. The judge is expected to issue a final decision in July or August. Any additional appeals following this ruling could extend the outcome of this litigation for an additional 10-13 months.

The trial court's decision is critically important to SEMA and EcoLogic Partners' efforts to protect motorized recreational access at Oceano Dunes.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

By the SEMA D.C. office

The Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) joint lawsuit with EcoLogic Partners--a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37--challenges the California Coastal Commission's plans to prohibit motorized recreational and overnight camping access at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA). The coalition's lawsuit is scheduled for a June 15, 2023, hearing in the California Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County. 

SEMA and EcoLogic Partners seek recognition from the court that the California Coastal Commission does not have the authority to terminate off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and beach camping at the state-authorized and legislatively sanctioned Oceano Dunes SVRA. The lawsuit is combined with a suit filed by Friends of Oceano Dunes making similar allegations. 

SEMA, ORBA, ASA and AMA are leading advocates for motorized recreational activities, and the upcoming hearing marks a crucial moment in the ongoing battle to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States.

Oceano Dunes SVRA is a premier destination for motorized recreation enthusiasts and tourists alike as the only off-road park in the state offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean. For decades, recreationists and off-roaders have enjoyed riding all types of motorized vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to dune buggies and quads, on the California beach, which is now threatened by the Commission's March 2021 amendments to Coastal Development Permit 4-82-300 that demanded the California Department of Parks and Recreation phase out OHV access to Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024.

"SEMA advocates for land-use policies that provide motorized recreational access to publicly owned lands while providing reasonable safeguards needed to protect natural resources," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes are unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. Oceano Dunes is enjoyed by more than two million enthusiasts and tourists each year. SEMA is committed to their rights to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country."

The Honorable Tana Coates is the presiding judge for the June 15 hearing. The judge is expected to issue a final decision in July or August. Any additional appeals following this ruling could extend the outcome of this litigation for an additional 10-13 months.

The trial court's decision is critically important to SEMA and EcoLogic Partners' efforts to protect motorized recreational access at Oceano Dunes.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Manufacturers, retailers and builders can gain exposure through sponsorships, but of course, the partnership must benefit both parties. Understanding the give and take of these relationships is essential to a successful experience in sponsoring a vehicle, manufacturer, team, event or other similar avenues.

SEMA members are invited to the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion on Thursday, June 22, at 10:00 a.m. PDT to learn the ins and outs of sponsorships and how to navigate the landscape.

Featuring speakers Amy Fitzgerald (Cool Hand Customs), Kevin Oeste (V8 TV) and Ben Tucker (Camaro Central), the online event will help members gain an understanding of the following:

• Donations of product and labor in turn for exposure in different areas such as print, web, in-person events and television.
• What to expect and how to negotiate deals.
• How to ensure your company gets proper exposure
• How to protect your investment if the other party does not follow through.
• How to put a deal together, protect both parties and filter out the "I just want free parts" crowd.
• How to set and meet expectations for sponsorships.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Designing wheels can be challenging. So what can designers do--within the confines of a circle--that will meet buyers' needs for both style and functionality?

Wheel and tire industry members can learn new approaches to knowing when to keep, refresh or create new wheel designs that will sell in the live webinar "How to Design the Latest Wheels Fashion" on Thursday, June 15, at 9 a.m. PDT. Led by industry experts and presented by the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the webinar will inspire participants to create new designs.

Attendees will discover the following in the webinar:

• New design inspiration, from classic styles to cutting-edge innovations.
• Key principles of the design process.
• Examples of design failures and successes.
• How to overcome the challenges of creating something new within the confines of a circle.
• Physical challenges to designing wheels.
• The lifespan of design trends.

The webinar includes a Q&A with presenters Aston Liyanarchi (Liyanarchi Design), Scott Weiss (Konig American), George Finch (The Carlstar Group LLC) and Alex Martinez (MetaMartini). Register now!

By Ashley Reyes

The recent SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program provided valuable knowledge and insights to FLN members for becoming more impactful, empathetic and effective leaders in their organizations. Facilitated by trainers from the world-renown Dale Carnegie Institute, the training prepared participants to communicate more confidently in business situations and gave them the tools to communicate more effectively, build rapport and gain willing cooperation by influencing others.

All SEMA members can now share the program's exclusive insights by tuning into the FLN Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, June 14, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. Viewers will learn how to boost their professional development and apply the program to their own careers and personal lives.

This will be a fun and candid conversation with a chance to connect with the speakers live. Visit here to sign up for Facebook event reminders.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Auto Care Association, the CAR Coalition and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket applaud a new group of bipartisan co-sponsors of the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act" (H.R. 906), a bill that will ensure choice, fairness and safety in the vehicle repair market. Initially introduced by lead bill sponsor Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and co-sponsors Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), eight members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed on to support the REPAIR Act in April. 

An additional 16 members of Congress were officially added as co-sponsors in May, bringing the total to 28 U.S. House members who support vehicle owners' right to choose where they get their vehicles maintained and repaired. The new co-sponsors include:  

• Rep. Donald G. Davis (D-NC-1) 
• Rep. John H. Rutherford (R-FL-5) 
• Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) 
• Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) 
• Rep. Mark E. Amodei (R-NV-2) 
• Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL-8) 
• Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-1) 
• Rep. Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA-24) 
• Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR-At Large) 
• Rep. Zachary Nunn (R-IA-3) 
• Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN-3) 
• Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6) 
• Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-2) 
• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 
• Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-4) 
• Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-1) 

Bipartisan support for the bill continues to grow. The REPAIR Act is the only bill that addresses vehicle maintenance and repair restrictions. Specifically, the REPAIR Act will:  

• Preserve consumer access to high-quality, affordable vehicle repair by ensuring that vehicle owners and their repairers of choice have access to necessary repair and maintenance tools and data as vehicles continue to become more advanced. 
• Ensure cybersecurity by allowing vehicle manufacturers to secure vehicle-generated data and requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop standards for how vehicle-generated data necessary for repair can be accessed securely.  
• Provide transparency for consumers by requiring vehicle owners to be informed that they can choose where and how to get their vehicle repaired. 
• Create a stakeholder advisory committee and provide them with the statutory authority to provide recommendations to the Federal Trade Committee (FTC) on how to address emerging barriers to vehicle repair and maintenance. 
• Provide ongoing enforcement by establishing a process for consumers and independent repair facilities to file complaints with the FTC regarding alleged violations of the requirements in the bill and a requirement that the FTC act within five months of a claim. 

Click here to send your U.S. Representative a letter asking them to support the REPAIR Act by co-sponsoring the bill. 

While the REPAIR Act is important to repair and replacement businesses, we still have more work to do. The current legislation does not extend to a right to modify. SEMA is committed to protecting the right to modify vehicles by prohibiting automakers from locking down ECUs and ensuring aftermarket companies have access to the information needed to recalibrate vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) after they have been modified.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.