SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
Optronics International
LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights
Optronics International introduced its new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights. The newest members of Optronics’ MCL16 series family of lights, the unique 1 and 1/4-inch, seven-diode, PC-rated lamps enable vehicles to meet clearance and all marker lighting regulations, but give users an extra lighting bonus. The new clear lens lamps are able to turn white when a truck or trailer is stationary, creating a bright halo of light around the vehicle perimeter.
Whether it’s a last mile delivery vehicle, a work truck, or a parked semi-trailer, when humans perform duties around them, they need adequate lighting. The new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights can create a safer and more productive environment for workers.
Both seven-diode MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB lights are hard wired and include separate grounding wires and both feature a pliable EPDM grommet. The lamps require only a single 1.4-inch diameter mounting hole.
Improved Racing
Flow Series Extreme (FSX) Inline Fluid Thermostat
Improved Racing's new FSX series thermostats are designed to control fluid temperatures in high-flow applications such as diesel engines found in semi-trucks and military vehicles.
This thermostat is based on the design Improved Racing originally developed for an amphibious assault vehicle for the US military. Recommended for flow rates of up to 33 GPM with lubricants and up to 50 GPM with less viscous fluids.
Ingersoll Rand introduced the Ingersoll Rand® 2146Q1MAX ¾" Impact Wrench, the first pneumatic impact wrench with an innovative air gauge that indicates whether it is operating at, below or above the tool's maximum rated air pressure of 90 psi.
The new onboard air pressure gauge is situated on the back of the 2146Q1MAX and monitors the air pressure ranging from 60 psi to 120 psi. When the gauge indicates the tool is operating in the green range, it's receiving the maximum rated air pressure of 90 psi. If the gauge is in the yellow range, the air pressure is low, and if it's in the red range, it's operating over the rated maximum air pressure of the tool.
The industrial grade 2146Q1MAX ¾" Impact Wrench is the most powerful ¾" impact wrench in its class. Also available with a 1" drive (2146Q2MAX), both tools deliver up to 2,000 foot-pounds of nut busting torque. With its quiet, six-vane, efficient motor, the tool removes stubborn bolts reliably.
The ergonomic design is also a hallmark of the Ingersoll Rand 2146Q1MAX, featuring improved handle-positioning, balance, triggers and buttons. The tool features a feather touch trigger and a forward reverse mechanism that technicians can operate with one hand.
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.
Retail SalesManager Vivid Racing is hiring a retail sales manager who will be tasked with organizing and overseeing the daily sales processes of the team. This includes working with the entire retail team on setting goals and expectations; providing consistent training and education to improve salesmanship while offering a great shopping experience; utilizing tools to help with automation and customer data collection; providing continual review, analysis and implementation of SOPs to ensure a well functioning machine; interacting with the purchasing and marketing departments to provide sales team assets needed to push certain products; and developing and implementing new sales initiatives, strategies and programs to capture key niches of the industry
Automotive Technician TCI Engineering Inc. is hiring an automotive technician.Qualified candidates must be great with people and demonstrate their relationship-building skills and willingness and ability to problem solve. Proven administration skills with an attention to detail and accuracy is a must, as the position plays an important role in tracking orders for our dealer and retail customers, while developing sales reports and updates for the sales team. Proven experience in a receptionist and/or administrative role is preferred.
Videographer and Graphic Designer Extra Mile Brands is hiring a videographerresponsible for creating engaging video content for YouTube and other social-media platforms. Additionally, you will use your creative skills to work with our team to plan, film, edit and promote video content. Responsibilities include ensuring the necessary filming equipment is available for use, coordinating needs with the presenter of the video, and editing film footage. This position reports up to the director of product marketing. Expertise using Mac OS with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator is a must.
Here’s a first look at the ’23 Nissan Altima while testing in Metro Detroit.
The sixth-generation Altima debuted in 2018 at the New York Auto Show as a ’19 model, since then there have been virtually no changes made to the model other than some appearance packages and Nissan Safety Shield 360.
Looking at the prototype, the changes are only to the front end. The camo would suggest that there will be new head lamps along with a completely revised front end. More aggressive styling is expected up front that lines up with some of the recently debuted concept vehicles.
Power is still expected to come from the 2.5L I4 along with the optional 248hp turbocharged I4, both being mated to a CVT transmission.
Here’s a first look at the ’23 Nissan Altima while testing in Metro Detroit.
The sixth-generation Altima debuted in 2018 at the New York Auto Show as a ’19 model, since then there have been virtually no changes made to the model other than some appearance packages and Nissan Safety Shield 360.
Looking at the prototype, the changes are only to the front end. The camo would suggest that there will be new head lamps along with a completely revised front end. More aggressive styling is expected up front that lines up with some of the recently debuted concept vehicles.
Power is still expected to come from the 2.5L I4 along with the optional 248hp turbocharged I4, both being mated to a CVT transmission.
Members of the Young Executives Network (YEN) have the exclusive offer to apply for the YEN Professional Development Training Program, presented in partnership with Dale Carnegie. A limited number of applicants will be able to take part in the highly acclaimed two-day, in-person leadership program, at 50% off the regular registration fee and free hotel accommodations and meals during the event.
The Dale Carnegie Program is a world-renown program that has been improving individual and business performance around the world for more than a century. Their books and seminars are highly respected and have proven to help individuals and organizations reach new levels of success.
During a Facebook live chat on Wednesday, December 15, at 12:00 p.m. (PST), YEN members will learn about the new YEN Professional Development Training Program. The program will be limited to 25 YEN members and will take place in March 2022 at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.
YEN members are invited to join Brett Campbell, certified Dale Carnegie trainer, as he discusses what participants will learn from the program, how it will enhance their personal and professional development and how to apply.
Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 driven by Erik Jones courtesy of RPM.
Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM)—owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty—has sold a majority interest to GMS Racing owner Maury Gallagher.
A statement from Gallagher and RPM reads: “Richard Petty Motorsports has agreed to sell a majority interest to Maury Gallagher, owner of GMS Racing. Two charters are included in the agreement and will be operated during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. This is a special moment for both organizations as the Next Gen car allows a new chapter to be written.”
GMS Racing had previously announced that it would expand its NASCAR operation into the Cup Series level in 2022. Ty Dillon was revealed as the driver of the brand-new No. 94 Chevrolet. RPM, meantime, confirmed two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Erik Jones will return to the No. 43 Chevy.
RPM began racing in 2000 under a different name, Evernham Motorsports, and took on its current branding in honor of “The King” in 2009 following a merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises. Since 2009, RPM has won five Cup races and two Xfinity Series races. For more information, visit gmsracing.net and richardpettymotorsports.com.
NMCA Introduces Drag & Drive Shootout
The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has introduced Drag & Drive Shootout to bring select long-haul street car participants to three events in 2022.
The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has introduced Drag & Drive Shootout to bring select long-haul street car participants to three events in 2022. The 2022 Gear Vendors Drag & Drive eight-car shootout presented by Sick the Magazine will take place during the NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem at Bradenton Motorsports Park (March 17–20), NMCA All-American Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park (August 25–28) and the NMCA World Finals Presented by Chevrolet Performance at Lucas Oil Raceway (September 22–25). The invitational will feature cars driven by Tom Bailey, the founder of Sick the Magazine, social media influencer Alex Taylor, and two-time Drag Week champion Dave Schroeder. For more information, visit nmcadigital.com.
2022 ASCS National Lineup Revealed
The lineup of events for the 31st season of competition for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) has dropped with 57 dates spread across 30 tracks in 11 states. Putting the primary focus on tracks in the Midwest, new series owner Terry Mattox is entering his first year at the helm with the emphasis on making the national tour more efficient, effective and affordable for teams to be able to travel on a full-time basis. Among the new destinations is Superbowl Speedway in Greenville, Texas, Thursday, March 24. Just down the road, Jackson Motor Speedway in Byram, Mississippi, comes out swinging as Mattox has leased the track for action April 1–2. For the complete schedule, visit the ASCS website.
A rendering of Trim-Lok’s more than 150,000-sq.-ft. facility in Elkhart, Indiana.
Trim-Lok has announced a major expansion in the Midwest, entering into an agreement to occupy a new, state-of-the-art facility on the eastern border of Elkhart, Indiana. This new facility will be 150,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehousing space and an additional 5,500 sq. ft. of office space with the latest technologies to support all facets of their business. Trim-Lok’s expansion will create many additional jobs, including manufacturing and warehouse jobs, as well as office positions to support the investment the company is making in equipment to increase manufacturing capacity and implement new capabilities. This location provides Trim-Lok with shorter transit lanes for raw material and finished goods and will allow better management of freight for both Trim-Lok and its customers.
Edward W. McCormick
Edward W. McCormick Joins Truck Hero Inc. as CFO
Truck Hero Inc. has announced the appointment of Edward “Ted” W. McCormick as CFO. He joins the company’s senior leadership team and reports to William Reminder, president and CEO. McCormick will be responsible for leading all aspects of Truck Hero’s finance and IT organizations, with a focus on key strategic initiatives and functions to support the company’s growth objectives. He has more than 20 years of private and public company experience. Prior to joining Truck Hero, McCormick held CFO roles at The Bountiful Company and Roland Foods. Prior to that, he spent more than 16 years with Unilever, where he held senior finance positions in supply chain, the Pepsi/Lipton Partnership, Ben & Jerry’s and in the Unilever foods business.
Continental Launches New North America Automotive Aftermarket Website
Continental has launched a new website encompasing all of Continental’s OE-quality aftermarket replacement parts, diagnostic equipment and solutions for specialty vehicles. The new website at continentalaftermarket.com serves as a central location for all product information, cataloging, training, news and more, and allows easy access to all of Continental’s brands.
A major component of the new website is the Continental Online Parts Catalog, which offers a year/make/model look-up along with a VIN search, cross reference, buyer’s guide, a where-to-buy feature, and links to product information and specifications, how-to videos and technical document downloads. In addition, the Continental website also features a “Training Central” section that provides a variety of online training programs, webinars and how-to demonstration videos to help users expand their technical knowledge about the products and their specific applications.
SEMA WTC, TIA President, Outgoing TIA CEO to Headline California Tire Dealer Luncheon
Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) will serve as the event’s emcee.
The California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) will hold its luncheon CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon at Geezers in Santa Fe Springs, California, January 20. SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) select committee member Steve Swanson, national sales manager of The Carlstar Group, Tire Industry Association (TIA) President Mason Hess of Purcell Tire and outgoing TIA CEO Roy Littlefield will headline the event. Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) will serve as emcee. CTDA urges early RSVPs as an overflow crowd is likely. The event is open to the tire and wheel industry and free to tire and wheel retailers and CTDA members. Sponsorships are still being accepted, as well as door prizes and table favors. For sponsorship inquiries, contact CTDA Executive Director Marc Connerly at 650-357-0600 or mconnerly@connerlyandassociates.com. Tire and wheel retailers may RSVP with CTDA President Billy Eordekian at 562-351-4840 or Billy@1-800EveryRim.com.
Jim “JK” Kelly
Kelly Tapped to Write About VP Racing Fuels’ First 50 Years
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has commissioned Jim “JK” Kelly to author a book chronicling the company’s first 50 years in business, from 1975–2025. Kelly served in various capacities in his 30-plus years with VP, including regional manager and also as director of sales and marketing. While Kelly retired to write novels, six to date, Kelly continued to work with the company as a marketing consultant. His most recent novel, Deadly Driver, is a fictional thriller about a Formula 1 driver who’s been forced to work for the CIA. That novel has received excellent reviews from world champion racers and the media.
LSI Adds 24,000-sq.-ft. Shipping, Distribution Hub
Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has announced the expansion of its warehouse footprint with the addition of a 24,000-sq.-ft. facility located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. The new distribution and shipping hub will help accommodate the 50-plus SKUs of Hot Shot’s Secret products and LSI Chemical products developed and shipped in bulk for international sales.
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.
While U.S. economic growth was underwhelming in the third quarter, incoming economic data suggests growth is revving up in the fourth quarter, barring any major setbacks from omicron or other major uncertainties.
According to the latest ”SEMA Industry Indicators” report, rising inflation is dampening consumer confidence, with sentiment dropping to a decade low in November.
Consumers look positioned to continue to spend money. Savings rates remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, there continues to be extremely strong demand for workers and wages are rising as a result. However, rising inflation is dampening consumer confidence, with sentiment dropping to a decade low in November. Despite this, expect consumer spending to continue.
The availability of things to buy, however, remains constrained. Inventory levels for new vehicles continue to be constrained. Dealer levels typically cover roughly two and a half months of sales. Today, on average, they can only cover about two weeks. Backlogs at West Coast ports also continues to grow. As a result, pent-up demand continues to build. This will likely fuel solid growth through at least the first half of 2022.
To learn more about the latest trends affecting the economy and the specialty-equipment industry, download the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report today at www.sema.org/research.
Other reports on trends facing the specialty-equipment industry from SEMA Market Research:
SEMA State of the Industry—Fall 2021: This report explores the current state of the specialty-equipment industry—how businesses have fared during the pandemic, how supply-chain disruptions are affecting the industry, current trends and sales performance and outlook for 2022 and beyond.
SEMA Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology: This report examines the current landscape of electrification in the United States, providing a realistic outlook for electric vehicles in the future as well as implications of advancing technology for our industry.
Production Tesla Model S Plaids routinely run 9-second ETs at dragstrips. Electric-powered cars routinely compete at drifting events. Electric SUVs will compete in the 2022 Race of Champions series. Electric powertrains are proving their performance. Although still in its relative infancy, the electric motorsports market is on the rise. Savvy professionals will be able to see key players in the EV racing and performance space, including OEMs, builders and suppliers, by visiting the new EV Performance Zone at the 2021 PRI Trade Show.
The EL1 Pro Drift Camaro and MRE Racing Super Late Model will be among the electric race cars displayed in the new EV Performance Zone at the 2021 PRI Trade Show.
Taking place December 9-11, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, the PRI Trade Show will include for the first time an area dedicated to electric race and performance vehicles, specialty EV builders and EV component suppliers.
“The PRI Trade Show is about embracing new technologies and helping the industry stay ahead of trends,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, PRI president. “Electric vehicles are an important emerging trend in the performance and racing industries, and PRI Trade Show attendees will be able to see firsthand the latest in EV tech and advanced electric-powered vehicles while at the Show in Indianapolis.”
Located in the Wabash Ballrooms 1-3, the EV Performance Zone will feature electric race vehicles and components, as well as experts from leading companies in the performance EV space.
“The EV Performance Zone will showcase a comprehensive collection of electric race vehicles and related products,” said Meyer. “This is going to be the best place to learn about the rising market segment and discover how your company can take advantage of it.”
The 2021 PRI Trade Show marks the motorsports industry’s first and largest in-person business gathering since the pandemic. Exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies, and trailers, for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of motorsports and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media.
