By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) are currently drafting the state’s 2023 Colorado Electric Vehicle (EV) Plan. Despite being a CARB state, the current draft will not follow California by banning the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles.

SEMA believes Coloradans, not the government, should be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them and their families, and encourages its members and enthusiasts to submit comments to the Colorado Energy Office by the December 31 deadline. The state aims to issue its final plan in late January or early February.

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org. 

By Juan Torres

SEMA is planning its 2023 education program and has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show—taking place in Las Vegas in November 2023—and its year-round virtual education program. Dynamic and entertaining presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at www.sema.org/speakers.

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2023 SEMA Show and its year-round virtual education program.

Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate thought-provoking, forward-thinking seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

SEMA’s year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry’s complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars. Likewise, the educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals come to learn new business strategies.

Topics of focus for 2023 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Electric vehicles
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legal and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Vehicle technology
• Specific industry segments

Speaker proposals for the 2023 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 27, 2023. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at www.sema.org/speakers.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

Priority media registration may have passed, but reporters, journalists and content creators who would like to participate in the SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference can still register to attend here.

Unlike traditional trade shows, where manufacturers are focused on buyers and making sales, MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitors attend to conduct quality media interviews.

Taking place in person on January 24–26, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California, the Media Trade Conference is the best way for journalists to build relationships and connect with up to 42 manufacturers of racing and performance products (14 each day) in quality one-on-one meetings. There is no fee for media, and the event includes complimentary lunch.

Media can attend one, two or all three days to meet with company representatives who are prepared to discuss their newest product lines, important updates within their company, and the latest industry trends. It is the best and most efficient way for media to obtain editorial content to share with their audience.

For questions or more information, click here or contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Edward Brumfield as the council's newest spotlight member. Brumfield is the owner of Hi Class Customs, an automotive customization shop in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Get to know Brumfield through the following SEMA interview: 

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

Edward Brumfield: I decided to volunteer for PRO because I want to stay connected to the industry. It will impact my business in a major way. I will have access to new manufacturers and technical data, not to mention all the upcoming SEMA News and events.

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

EB: Find your niche, focus on your growth and move in the direction where you are strong. Don’t worry about anything but what will help you grow. Stay in your own lane.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

EB: My dream vehicle is the ’22 Ford Bronco—Battleship Gray exterior with some Gloss Black ADV1 wheels and a Rosso Corso Impact Leather interior by EDTHESTITCHDOCTOR. You would find me at weekly Cars & Coffee shows worldwide with the roof and doors off to enjoy the lovely weather.

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

EB: Don't worry about how long it takes to build a great company. Just get started and don't waste time.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

EB: What keeps me and my company in the industry is our ability to adjust to changes fast. You must be open minded for change at all times.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

EB: At car-related events or at my shop catching up on work staying ahead of the pack.

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 News and future PRO-member updates.

  The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola

Dear SEMA Member:

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chairman-elect (one open seat)
• Distributor/Retailer (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO

  By Mike Imlay

Throughout the South, In & Out Customs Owner Sage Thomas, aka, The Donkmaster, is known as the king of big-wheel racing. Born in Savannah, Georgia, and now based in Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas built his first Donk at 16 and dove headlong into the racing scene. Now he’s formed the National Donk Racing Association (NDRA), the first professional sanctioning body dedicated to Donk and big-wheel drags, which are exploding in popularity. His many fans follow him on Donkmaster TV on YouTube and @1_Donkmaster on Instagram.

SEMA News: For those unfamiliar with the concept—what’s a Donk?

Sage Thomas: A Donk is a ’71–’76 Chevrolet Caprice or Impala. It can be a two- or four-door convertable model. NDRA or other big-wheel racing platforms can have other classes like G-bodies. This would include Monte Carlos, Novas, Camaros, Cutlasses and other big-wheel cars.

SN: What first attracted you to Donk racing?

ST: Actually how big the cars were and how fast they got moving. I always liked big cars with horsepower because of my stature and how comfortable they are.

SN: Why did you start the NDRA?

ST: These big cars can weigh anywhere between 5,000–6,000 lbs. Wheels, U-joints, driveshafts, transmissions—all that stuff takes a different load level. People always wanted a good appearance, but weren’t doing it safely. I wanted to touch on the safety side to ensure they have the right kind of U-joints, axles, plus the right kind of safety equipment when they start going 150 mph in the quarter-mile.

SN: Big-wheel events are real crowd pleasers. What makes them unique? Why are they catching on?

ST: Donk racing is catching on because I make the impossible possible, and it becomes a challenge. You see a 5,000-lb. car with 26-in. wheels and real small sidewalls. This setup is extremely difficult to grip and hook on the track. Plus, all the flashy paint and chrome wheels make the sport appealing. Spectators like to see all the trash talking, the money, and who’s handing out Gapsauce. Every driver is a character.

SN: Obviously, big-wheel racing takes skill. Have you ever had one of those “uh-oh” moments where you had to call on every skill you had?

ST: Oh yeah—one particular time when my car started leaking coolant. After I went into high gear, I was feeling so much pressure in my engine that the coolant line started seeping and dripping on the track. When I did a one-two shift, I started spinning towards the wall a little bit, but I gathered it up pretty quickly and overcorrected something, but it straightened out. I went to third gear, and I just had to pedal on through it. But yeah, I’ve had a couple of “uh-oh” moments.

SN: What should the aftermarket know about the car culture surrounding big-wheel events?

ST: It’s exciting. It’s flashy. It’s loud. There’s a lot of different things to see. You might pull up to the racetrack at a car show and see a Honda Civic with 50 speakers hanging out of it. Or you might see a Donk on big wheels running 170 mph. It’s truly fun and exciting to see.

In the beginning there was little exposure to the Donk world. We were always testing parts. I had a lot of ins because I drag-raced 10 years before I actually started big-wheel racing. So some of my parts suppliers/partners, like FTI Transmissions, made different clutches, baskets and other parts like input shafts. I actually was part of the engineering process for some axle-specific big-wheel racing parts. Now TBM Brakes is making a different kind of brake just for big-wheel racing. Since being at the PRI and the SEMA Shows, the world is taking notice and starting to manufacture parts specifically for big-wheel racing.

SN: Who are your personal racing inspirations?

ST: Murff, a fellow from Florida who died recently, inspired me to do this stuff. Also Vito NoShake out of South Florida, and my Uncle Buggy, who was more of a father figure, helped me actually build all these big-horsepower cars in the very beginning. My uncle is one of the main people that pushed me in this direction.

SN: When not at the track, how do you spend your downtime?

ST: I love to play with my kids. We [also] go swimming, travel a lot to different places, and just relax, sit on the beach, kick my feet up.

SN: And finally, what’s in your shop?

ST: We have a high-end clientele that includes celebrities, football players (Za’darious Smith), rappers, comedians (Karlous Miller) and other entertainers.We just finished a car going to Canada for eBay Motors and Sneaker Con. We also have a wheel line and a top AKOO (A King of Oneself) urban clothing line that’s in 1,500 stores nationwide.

Atturo Tire Corp. Hires Jeremy Wurst as Northeast Regional Sales Director

Atturo Tire Corp. is bolstering up its United States sales force with the addition of Jeremy Wurst as its new northeast sales director. Wurst will service Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Wurst is an industry veteran with more than 15 years of experience in sales.

Rotary Announces Partnership With TEXA, Launches A/C Recharge and Diagnostic Line

Rotary, part of Vehicle Service Group (VSG), a Dover company, announced the launch of its new line of fully automatic air-conditioning diagnostic and recharging equipment through Rotary’s partnership with TEXA. TEXA designs, develops and produces multi-brand diagnostic tools, exhaust-gas analyzers, A/C recharge stations and tele-diagnostic devices for cars, bikes, trucks, boats and farm machinery. Unveiled for the first time at the 2022 SEMA Show, the new Rotary product line provides a quick, efficient and cost-effective way to recover, recycle and recharge R134a and R1234yf refrigerant gases.

There are three models launching in spring of 2023:

• The single-gas R3AC50-A (R134a refrigerant compatible)
• The single-gas R3AC60-YF (R1234yf refrigerant compatible)
• The industry-leading dual-gas R3AC80-AYF (both R134a and R1234yf compatible) that automatically purges between gas changes

Each machine can update automatically, receive remote assistance and connect to other devices, such as printers and smartphones.

Jaguar Land Rover Joins I-CAR Sustaining Partner Program

I-CAR (the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) announced that Jaguar Land Rover has joined I-CAR’s Sustaining Partner Program. The program is designed to fund the various initiatives that drive I-CAR’s vision to arm every person in the collision-repair industry with the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. According to I-CAR, the move builds upon Jaguar Land Rover’s longstanding training partnership with I-CAR.

Since the program’s founding in 2017, I-CAR Sustaining Partners has helped fund I-CAR curriculum and student fees in career and technical schools, which have become I-CAR fixed training sites; that funding exceeds $3 million. Sustaining Partners has also funded all Industry Training Alliance training credit fees for individuals who train with curriculum from approved Industry Training Alliance partners.

The Sustaining Partner program provides tangible benefits to partners through access to information, course content and marketing opportunities. As a not-for-profit, neutral organization, I-CAR’s objective for the program is to offer a platform for like-minded organizations to address industry issues collaboratively.

Mullen Automotive Receives Purchase Order for 6,000 Class 1 EV Cargo Vans

Emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Mullen Automotive Inc. announced a purchase order for 6,000 Class 1 EV cargo vans from Randy Marion Isuzu LLC (RMI), a member of the Randy Marion Automotive Group (RMA). Mullen reports the firm order agreement is valued at approximately $200 million and named RMA its first commercial dealer partner to offer sales, service and parts for Mullen Automotive’s commercial vehicle lineup.

“We see a tremendous opportunity with the Mullen commercial portfolio, and the launch of the commercial van could not come at a better time,” said Randy Marion, CEO and founder of RMA. “There’s significant pent-up customer demand for Mullen to fulfill.”

Mullen’s commercial EV lineup includes Class 1-3 cargo van and cab chassis offerings and Bollinger Motors Class 4-6 chassis products. Mullen’s entire commercial vehicle lineup will be manufactured out of the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC) located outside Tunica, Mississippi.

Falken Tires Launches All-New Website

Falken Tires has introduced a refreshed, more user-friendly website that the company says makes finding the right Falken tires easier than ever. The revised website, which just launched in December 2022, includes a more detailed breakdown of all its tire offerings, additional in-depth product information, and a deep dive into the story of Falken Tires. The website is currently available in English, and the company announced that French Canadian and Spanish-language versions will be available in early 2023.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

  By Mike Imlay

One of the annual SEMA Show’s many distinctions is its weeklong display of greatness. From new products and innovations to the groundbreaking people driving the specialty aftermarket to new heights, the SEMA Show reflects the industry’s reach for excellence. Perhaps that’s the reason the Show’s award ceremonies resonate so deeply with thousands of Show participants.

“We are pleased to congratulate all the winners that we celebrated throughout numerous events and competitions during the 2022 SEMA Show Week,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “This is an industry founded on deep-seated passion and the constant enthusiasm to excel at one’s craft—and all our SEMA Show winners and honorees embody that spirit.”

The 2022 SEMA Show introduced several major updates to its traditional awards presentations. First, with e-commerce expanding and data-driven transactions becoming more routine, the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award evolved into a new Channel Partner of the Year award. The award honors the contributions of sales, distributors, retailers and e-commerce channel(s) in the industry as well as the distribution companies that support retailers.

In addition, the Channel Partner of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year award presentations were moved to the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 1, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Held just before the Show’s official opening, the event was previously called the New Products Awards Breakfast. Under its new name, the 2022 event continued its tradition of honoring the Show’s best new products across numerous categories, including two new categories for electric vehicle and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) products.

Jarod DeAnda, known as the “voice of Formula Drift,” hosted the reformatted 2022 breakfast. He was joined on stage by Hoonigan driver Ken Block and Hoonigan Co-Founder Brian Scotto, who discussed “Electrikhana,” a new video featuring an all-electric Audi S1 Hoonitron that was shot on the streets of Las Vegas. “Electrikhana” is the latest video of the wildly popular “Gymkhana” series.

“Combining the Channel Partner of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and New Product Awards into one event early in the week enabled winners to promote their honors throughout Show Week,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “We were also very honored and excited to have Ken Block and Brian Scotto at the event. They are inspirational, and the ‘Gymkhana’ series and cars represent what our industry is all about.”

Meanwhile, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the traditional Thursday-night venue for major awards, also got a dynamic makeover, which included a novel center stage and a streamlined run time. Themed “Further. Faster. Together.,” the event featured the SEMA Person of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year awards, along with the first-ever SEMA Influencer of the Year award designed to honor content creators who make a positive industry impact across social-media channels. The evening also included a tribute to industry icons Walker Evans, Jack Roush and Robert Eugene “Gene” Winfield, who were named to the SEMA Hall of Fame in the summer of 2022.

The banquet further made headlines with the announcement that the SEMA Show is going citywide in Las Vegas, starting this year. Another high point came with the audience of about 3,000 casting the deciding votes via text to name Kevin Robinson, inventor of the TRAC Tire Jack, as the ultimate winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition. Winnowed from a field of five Show finalists, he and runner-up Susan Pieper, DMOS Collective CEO, got to pitch their product ideas before panelists Chip Foose, Jared Hare, Myles Kovacs and Alex Parker just before the audience vote.

“There were many changes to our Show’s recognition programs for 2022,” observed Gattuso. “All our awards and recognitions represent an extremely dynamic industry, so as our industry has evolved, we’ve been pleased to evolve with it.”

The following photos capture the winning moments and highlights of the Show’s many award presentations at the Kickoff Breakfast and the Industry Awards Banquet.

SEMA Launch Pad WInner

(Industry Banquet)

Kevin Robinson, TRAC LLC

Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC, reacts to his Launch Pad win at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Robinson pitched his TRAC Tire Jack product—a tool designed to remove or install a wheel/tire easily and safely—live at the event and walked away with a grand-prize package valued at nearly $100,000.

Sharing the Passion

(Industry Banquet)

James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman of the Board

In a speech touching on the things that most matter in life, Lawrence noted that “we’re doing a lot more than business this week. Connections are being made, dreams are being realized, lives are being changed. SEMA has become a celebration of passion for cars and trucks.”

Celebrating an Industry

(Industry Banquet)

Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO

Recalling the high school mentors who sparked his automotive interests, Spagnola summed up the spirit of the industry and the SEMA Show that represents it. “This has been an amazing week, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by honoring the incredible accomplishments of our industry trailblazers,” he said.

Chairman’s Service Award

(Industry Banquet)

WD-40

Bestowed at the SEMA Chairman of the Board’s discretion, the Chairman’s Service Award is unique in that it’s not given out every year. SEMA Chairman James Lawrence presented the award to WD-40 for the company’s ongoing support of SEMA Cares, the association’s charity arm. The award was accepted by WD-40 Sales Manager Shannon Edwards (left). WD-40 has built several prized vehicles that have raised more than $2 million for children and people in need at auction. They include a bright-yellow 50th Anniversary ’67 Camaro, a Foose-designed ’12 Dodge Challenger, a ’53 Ford F-100, a ’14 F-150, a two-toned ’10 Camaro and a custom ’11 Mustang.

GEN-III Innovator of the Year

(Industry Banquet)

Mike Burns, ValvoMax

The Gen-III award is presented annually to an entrepreneurial individual, age 40 or younger, who creates industry breakthroughs. The CEO of ValvoMax, Mike Burns (center) is the inventor of a closed oil change system that removes the hassle, time and mess involved in a traditional oil change. Not only has his innovation garnered the approval of DIY oil changers everywhere, but multiple patents as well. Most of all, Burns exemplifies a constant spirit of thinking outside the box to invent and make things better. Burns is flanked by last year’s winner Matt Kossoff (right) and emcee Jarod DeAnda.

Influencer of the Year

(Industry Banquet)

Larry Chen, Photographer/Videographer

Emcee Jarod DeAnda presents a surprised Larry Chen (right) his award. A world-renowned automotive photojournalist from Los Angeles, Chen’s YouTube channel boasts 424,000 subscribers and counting. His Instagram account tops even that with 684,000 followers. From drifting to Baja racing to everything automotive, Chen travels the globe to document and advocate for grassroots car culture. “For me, this is about doing my best and playing my part in saving the culture that we love so much,” he said.

Person of the Year

(Industry Banquet)

Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.

The SEMA Person of the Year award is among the association’s highest honors, recognizing exceptional volunteerism on behalf of the industry. This year the award went to SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council Chair Josh Poulson (right). The owner of Auto Additions, Poulson is well known for his industry leadership contributions, philanthropy and overall positive influence. He will be profiled in the February edition of SEMA News magazine.

Industry Icons

(Kickoff Breakfast)

Jarod DeAnda, Brian Scotto, Ken Block

Brian Scotto (middle) and Ken Block (right) talk everything “Electrikhana” with industry personality Jarod DeAnda, who emceed the Tuesday-morning SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast. The annual breakfast was freshened for 2022 to serve up several new award presentations.

Channel Partner of the Year

(Kickoff Breakfast)

Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

These are not the first SEMA Show honors for Turn 14 Distribution, which took the former Distributor of the Year award in 2021. This year, Turn 14 was again recognized for its innovation as a channel partner, along with its three warehouses across the United States, deep supplier inventories, and excellent technical support. The company is also a highly engaged sponsor of events and related sales drivers. Director of Purchasing Mike Malloy (left) and Director of Sport Compact Sales Jeremy Sassaman accepted the award.

Manufacturer of the Year

(Kickoff Breakfast)

Baja Designs Inc.

In a year of difficult production and supply capacities, Baja Designs continued to bring new and improved products to market while keeping up with demand. With excellent product support and high-quality packaging, the company has also achieved one of the market’s lowest return rates. The manufacturer is also known for its consistent, high-quality new product announcements and its high profile at consumer and industry events. CEO Trent Kirby (left) and Sales Manager Brennan Scully accepted the award.

Here’s a look at the ’24 Ford Ranger XLT.

Ford officially debuted the next-gen Ranger in February, but only showed the EU and Global trims. It was crickets when it came to the U.S. market, other than a guarantee from Jim Farley that the Ranger (and Raptor) would be on sale sometime in 2023.

Looking at these shots, we can see that the U.S. Ranger doesn’t stray too far from the Global Ranger. The main change comes from a revised lower front fascia and grille, where the U.S. Ranger ditches the exaggerated raised plastic that meets the grille, and opts for a smoother, more flush finish. Around back, the differences appear to be minimal, with the addition of a high-mount brake light and a backup camera.

Powertrain options are expected to remain the same, but with the addition of a hybrid option (we’re hearing PHEV) sometime in the future).

Expect an official debut for the U.S. Ranger in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

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.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Auto Body Technician
Canepa

Canepa is hiring an auto body technician. This individual must be quality-minded, hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of workmanship in the industry. Candidates must be highly professional, have a minimum of four years of auto-body experience and be able to work individually, as well as part of a multi-functional team.

Outside Sales Manager
Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution is hiring a Great Lakes region outside sales manager who is goal-oriented and possesses a strong drive, and intent on helping to continue the company’s strong growth trajectory. This vital role requires strong multi-tasking skills to help already existing Turn 14 Distribution customers grow their businesses and foster new business relationships. The role of this position is to maximize sales revenue in a defined region. This candidate preferably has experience in outside sales and is accustomed to being on the road, traveling by car. This is a heavy travel position, mostly by car and occasionally by plane. The ideal candidate for this role is located near either Chicago or Detroit.

Mechanical Design Engineer
Cognito Motorsports

Cognito Motorsports is hiring a mechanical design engineer to: project manage the evolution of product concepts through all phases of development, including design, prototyping, fitting, testing and manufacturing; review product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and customer contract requirements and related specifications; and sketch rough layouts and computes angles, weights, surface areas, dimensions, radii, clearances, tolerances, leverages and location of holes. Candidates must have a B.S. in engineering and hands-on experience with computer-aided engineering (CAE) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).