The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new national strategy for addressing roadway safety, saying it has an “ambitious long-term goal of zero roadway fatalities.” The National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) is a five-pronged approach to safety focused on safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and post-crash care. Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg maintains that the NRSS is a first, noting that it is a “comprehensive plan to significantly reduce injuries and deaths on America’s roadways.” In the first half of 2021, roadway deaths were up 18.4% compared to the first six months of 2020, which was likely integral in DOT’s creation of the NRSS.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency within the DOT, will play a vital role in ensuring the NRSS is successful. To address vehicle safety, the NRSS incorporates safety provisions already required by the infrastructure law passed in 2021. This includes a directive that NHTSA update the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) to include newer safety technologies within the five-star rating program such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. These advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) help prevent or mitigate the impact of crashes. SEMA will continue to monitor these updates and promote consumers’ ability to modify their vehicles that have ADAS equipment installed. The agency is also scheduled to begin a rulemaking by 2024 to require installation of automatic emergency braking systems as standard equipment on new vehicles to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. NHTSA will also consider ways in which alcohol-detection systems, and systems to detect distracted driving may be installed on new motor vehicles. As NHTSA moves forward with these regulatory actions, SEMA will closely participate in the rulemaking process.
For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
As part of the 2022 SEMA Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, MPMC members recently spent three days connecting with 140-plus media outlets, including several social-media influencers who reach millions of enthusiasts and consumers on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok. MPMC recognized the value and benefits that social-media influencers bring to manufacturers, and the council made a concerted effort over the years to open the event up to new media. As a result, the number of social-media influencers at this year’s event reached a record high of 33 SEMA Social Media Correspondents (SMC) taking part in 520 individual meetings.
While these meetings will result in increased awareness, brand exposure and partnerships for many MPMC members, others are just discovering the potential that influencers can bring. To help all manufacturers better understand what social influencers can do, MPMC hosted a webinar for the entire industry prior to the Media Trade Conference.
In the webinar, available here, experts explained the value of working with influencers and how to create successful partnerships. Presented by Driveshop, the webinar included examples of successful partnerships and offered tips for avoiding pitfalls. Driveshop also worked on a pilot initiative to provide select manufacturers at the MPMC Media Trade Conference with a custom campaign dashboard. Participants will be able to review their social partnerships from the event by tracking content posted, get live reporting on content performance and see insights on audience demographics.
“The MPMC Media Trade Conference was developed on the foundation of relationships and collaboration amongst our manufacturers and media partners,” said Melissa Scoles, MPMC chair. “We’re excited we had a solid virtual option to keep the meetings effective and continue the connections with one another.”
To learn more about the SEMA Social Media Correspondent Program or how manufacturers can collaborate with influencers, contact Lisa Cabalquinto from Driveshop at lisa@driveshop.com.
As the vehicle landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for industry members to stay up-to-date on how electric vehicles and alternative power will impact the future. While the new “SEMA Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report includes detailed information about aftermarket EV performance, members will be able to better understand the findings and get their questions answered during a live Facebook and Instagram chat on February 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).
Participants will engage live with Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, as he answers questions from the audience on aftermarket EV performance and what part it might play in advancing EVs into the marketplace. He’ll also share SEMA’s prediction for how the industry will adapt to EV, and what industry members can learn by downloading the report.
AWE has placed Belinda Tschorn as its new head of human resources to support the growth of the organization. As human resources director, Tschorn will oversee all areas of organizational development, training, employee relations, benefits, recruiting and HRIS, as well as building out the HR department at AWE to support future growth. Prior to joining AWE, Tschorn has held executive and management positions at Piramal Pharma Solutions, Omni Cable and Scala. She graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in economics and a certificate in human resources management and services and also participated in strategic human resources leadership at Cornell University. She is also credentialed in SHRM-CP and PHR.
SEMA WTC Select Committee member
Steve Swanson
California Luncheon Features SEMA WTC, TIA, Hall of Fame
The ninth annual CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon on January 20 featured the establishment of the California Tire Dealers Association Hall of Fame and speeches by representatives from SEMA and The Tire Industry Association. (TIA). Two of the inductees were former directors of CTDA-N (North) and CTDA-S (South), with the combined associations becoming the California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) in 2010.
The late Eddie Cohn was a CTDA-S director and had previously operated Cohn Tire Sales in Los Angeles.
Jay Goldberg has been a board member of the CTDA since the ’60s. He operated Anderson Tire, Semperit Pacific and later became a principal at Globe Tire. Goldberg was also heavily involved with the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (NTDRA).
The late Tom Hanlon, a past CTDA-N president, also ran Hanlon’s Tire Service in San Bruno, California.
The late Ed King, who helped establish CTDA-N’s insurance services, was a past executive director of CTDA and prior to that was a CTDA-N board member.
Don Zavattero, former secretary, treasurer, and board member of the CTDA-N and CTDA, is the founder of Tech Supply in Hayward California.
The Hall of Fame inductees were announced by CTDA Executive Director Marc Connerly and CTDA board member Chris Barry of the Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) served as the luncheon’s emcee. Speakers touched on topics important to the industry:
SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) select committee member and former SEMA board member Steve Swanson of The Carlstar Group engaged attendees regarding the benefits of WTC membership.
Retired TIA CEO Roy Littlefield, and now a part time lobbyist for the association, reviewed legislative issues including the infrastructure bill and funding.
TIA President Mason Hess, of Purcell Tire, stressed the continuing impact of the labor shortage and talked about TIA’s role in employee training and the importance of manager engagement with new hires.
Pat Infantino
LEED Brakes Adds Pat Infantino as Wholesale Sales Manager
LEED Brakes is growing its sales team by adding 30+ year industry veteran and Buffalo native Pat Infantino to the position of wholesale sales manager. Infantino’s longtime industry experience includes 15 years as a manufacturer’s rep, 3½ years as national sales manager at Castle Chemical, followed by 8½ years as sales manager at Stainless Steel Brakes. Most recently, he spent 6½ years with Covercraft Industries as eastern director of sales. Infantino brings with him to LEED Brakes a plethora of experience in dealing with a wide variety of types of customers, including wholesale distribution, jobbers, automotive chains, online and big-box retailers and experience with the RV aftermarket
The Media Movers, Shakers and Story Breakers Behind Power Automedia’s Digital Magazines
In celebrating 15 years of digital media, Power Automedia launched its “Media Movers, Shakers, and Story Breakers” campaign. The “Media Movers” campaign features an interview with each member of the editorial division, highlighting the uniquely passionate people which have been the driving force behind Power Automedia’s successful magazines. The Media Movers and Shakers are a dedicated group of unique personalities banded together to bring readers everything from how-to articles, automotive news and event coverage. It is through the words of the magazines’ editors that enthusiasts can find community, achieve their dreams and share in the passions of the automotive hobby.
Power Automedia’s group of Story Breakers encompasses more than just an expert team of writers. Helping to shape both the future of the industry, and the digital content of the company is Chief Operating Officer Scott Parker, Creative Operations Director Andrew Almazan and Managing Editor Amanda Bourne. Each member of editorial leadership contributes to fine-tuning the department’s mission of crafting the most innovative automotive content possible. Watch each Media Movers campaign spotlight here.
SRO Motorsports America Announces Staff Promotions, Additions
SRO Motorsports America has announced staff promotions and additions to strengthen its growth in North America. Effective immediately, Brian Hughes was promoted to vice president, operations. He is recognized as a leading logistics and operations professional within both motorsports and corporate settings. Prior to joining SRO America, Hughes had extensive experience with ChampCar, IMSA, and NZR Consulting. Staci Langham was promoted to general manager, and will oversee Team Relations, GT World Challenge America and GT America. Langham has been a member of the World Challenge organization for over a decade.
Robbie Montinola was promoted to vice president, marketing communications and business development, and will oversee several new hires in his department. Montinola enters his fifth season with SRO after many years in the tech media and entertainment space. Susan Dunklau was promoted to CFO. Dunklau has been with the series since 2011, most recently serving as the senior series administrator. Dean Case, meanwhile, joins as press officer. Case has previously worked for Ford Racing, NISMO, and Mazdaspeed and will lead efforts to tell the multitude of stories from within the SRO paddock.
Natasha Masterson will join as the manager for marketing and business development. Masterson has worked extensively in IndyCar, Formula One, WEC, IMSA and with brands such as McLaren and Lamborghini. Kenzie Manning and Raymond Fong join team relations. Manning has a diverse motorsports background ranging from pit crew work to hospitality. Fong is an experienced sports marketing and events professional having most recently worked for the Golden State Warriors. Mitchell Mefford will join the SRO engineering team. Mefford is well known in the paddock, having served as a part of the weekend SRO technical staff since 2019.
Brian Banks
CRP Automotive Names Brian Banks 2021 Canadian Sales Representative of the Year
CRP Automotive has named Brian Banks as its 2021 Canadian Sales Representative of the Year. Banks is the President of BRB Sales and Marketing Inc., and represents CRP Automotive’s AAE, Ajusa, Pentosin and Rein brands in the Ontario province. 2021 marked Banks’ first full year as a sales representative for CRP Automotive. The award was presented by CRP Automotive Canadian National Sales Manager Patrick Hébert. Banks founded BRB Sales and Marketing Inc. in 2019, as an independent manufacturer’s representative providing sales, marketing and service for the automotive aftermarket, heavy-duty, and industrial channels in Ontario, Canada. Originally the company was a partner agent with Kanmar Inc. until March 2020. Prior to founding BRB, Banks served as a manufacturer’s representative in the Ontario automotive aftermarket for 28 years.
Peter Dobrowolski
Continental Names Peter Dobrowolski as Product Manager for Diagnostics and Services
Continental has named Peter Dobrowolski as the new product manager for diagnostics and services - North America. In his new role, Dobrowolski will be responsible for managing the portfolio of diagnostics products that include the Autodiagnos Pro Automotive Diagnostic System, Autodiagnos TPMS Tools and the Autodiagnos Drive Connected Vehicle Data Solution.
Dobrowolski is a long-time employee of Continental, serving in several capacities during the past 10 years. He was a senior product manager for the Tachographs, Telematics and Services group, where he managed a start-up compliance product for the heavy-duty trucking industry and oversaw the entire product lifecycle from concept through to market deployment in both the United States and Canada. Dobrowolski was also the health, safety and facilities manager for Continental’s Allentown, Pennsylvania, facility. Prior to joining Continental, Dobrowolski was employed by Saab Automotive AB as assistant manager – parts technical services and worked on the operations support staff for Logistics Services at Caterpillar Inc.
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.
SEMA has introduced a new program to make it possible for automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers to meet the legal requirement for emissions compliance under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tampering Policy. The program, called SEMA Certified-Emissions (SC-E), gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria and is therefore legal for sale in 49 states.
The new SEMA Certified-Emissions program gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria for sale in 49 states.
For the first time ever, manufacturers have a clear, accelerated path to compliance and can begin selling products legally in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO), which is still a requirement for selling products in all 50 states.
“It’s now easier than ever for manufacturers to demonstrate emissions compliance,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Certified-Emissions is a major accomplishment in accelerating a manufacturer’s ability to get products to market, and it paves the path to obtaining emissions compliance in all 50 states.”
Since 2014, the SEMA Garage has been instrumental in helping automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers obtain CARB EOs. With state-of-the-art CARB-recognized testing equipment and dedicated expert staff conducting tests and assisting with the process, the SEMA Garage has helped secure more than 500 CARB EOs—more than half of all performance parts EOs issued by CARB.
The new SC-E program is comparable to CARB EO requirements and was developed in response to the EPA’s Tampering Policy. SEMA staff will assess manufacturers’ needs and advise as to the most appropriate path forward, whether that includes applying for a CARB EO or SEMA emissions certification. SC-E may help manufacturers get to market about three months before obtaining a CARB EO. SC-E is also ideal for products that may not have a clear path in the CARB EO process (such as Flex-Fuel modifications, HCT equipped intakes and engine packages).
“SC-E gives manufacturers much greater options and opportunities,” said Peter Treydte, SEMA director of emissions compliance. “This is a significant milestone in the industry’s ability to provide products to consumers. We look forward to working with members and helping them go to market with SEMA Certified-Emissions products.”
A new SEMA Show Education seminar recording featuring leaders at the helm of front-running companies in the automotive aftermarket is now available at www.semashow.com/education.
From managing the challenges of the pandemic to the outlook for the road ahead, viewers will get to hear their lessons learned and how they pivoted, their experiences in dealing with supply-chain issues and current trends they are seeing.
Moderated by recently retired SEMA CEO Chris Kersting, the aftermarket power panel includes Amy Faulk, CEO, Hypertech Inc.; Alex Parker, CMO, Redline Detection LLC; Brian Reese, CEO, T Sportline; Bill Rodgers, president, Keystone Automotive Operations Inc.; and Les Rudd, president, Bob Cook Sales, sharing their thoughts on guiding their companies in times of change.
From managing the challenges of the pandemic to the outlook for the road ahead, viewers will get to hear their lessons learned and how they pivoted, their experiences in dealing with supply-chain issues and current trends they are seeing.
What they are most excited for in the future and the adoption of electric vehicles and EV technology was also discussed.
“When you look at the actual rate of adoption, we have a long runway ahead of us for the internal-combustion engine, boosted vehicles and hydrogens on the horizon,” says Parker. “There is a lot out there; it’s exciting. We’re living in a moment of change; we’re living in a moment of innovation, and it really circles back to what we started this conversation talking about—agility—being willing to adopt new, being willing to innovate.”
New recordings of seminars from the SEMA Show are added weekly at www.semashow.com/education. Other recently added seminars include:
Car Building—More Than Just the Vehicle
Coaching for Improved Performance, Presented by Dale Carnegie
Digital Marketing 101: How to Get Started
Small Businesses Don’t Die, They Just Make Too Many Mistakes
Users of the SEMA Education website will need to create a personal profile upon their first visit, which will then provide access to all recordings in the library.
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named Borgeson Universal Co. Inc. as the council’s latest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, company vice president Alan Zordan shares the company’s breakthrough moment and current projects.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?
Alan Zordan: Borgeson started making ujoints in 1914. The current purchase of the business was in 1982, and soon after we started designing ujoints specifically for the street-rod market. We continued to grow and expand offerings from ujoints to vibration reducers and other linkage components. Over the years, we expanded through acquisition of Mullins Steering Gears, Vintage Chassis Works and the remainder of Saginaw Manual Steering Gear division.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
AZ: We decided to start producing complete power-steering conversions for many applications. This led to more conversions for more applications. We now sell a large range of power conversions, which goes right along with the continuing growth of ujoints and components.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022. What projects are you working on?
AZ: The outlook for 2022 looks very promising; the industry has been going strong. The hardest part is supply chain—everything from raw material to hardware is taking longer to get and requires constant planning. New products in the works will continue to expand our direct-fit steering shaft line.
SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.
AZ: My best build is not about the car itself, but the time spent doing it. I built a ‘32 Roadster and my two children worked by me the whole project—from painting the chassis to installing the drivetrain. My teenage son pretty much wired the car himself. The car is not completely finished, but it is on the road. I let my kids take it whenever they ask. Seeing their smiles driving it—definitely the best build I’ve ever had.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
AZ: Go for it! I grew up in this industry. I feel this is one of the greatest industries out there. The automotive aftermarket is a passion-driven industry; people do not have to modify their cars, they want to.
Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s and media, SEMA eNews and future HRIA-member updates.
As the Jeep brand's all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer offerings are making their way into driveways across the United States and Canada, Jeep engineers are hard at work at an even longer version of their ultra-premium SUVs. This Wagoneer LWB model was caught on Michigan public roads testing in recent days, showing us that Jeep is serious about its Wagoneer offering competing with the likes of Cadillac’s Escalade, Lincoln's Navigator and GMC’s Yukon Denali.
This is the first time we have seen the Wagoneer LWB in public. The LWB model should be very close to the current SWB models in its trim and equipment structure. Design elements will be almost identical between the LWB and SWB models. The LWB models feature a longer rear window and a rear door that does not cut into the wheel opening, unlike the SWB model.
This Wagoneer appears to be a Series III model with the available Advanced All-Terrain Group, judging by the wheel and tire package. The Advanced All-Terrain Group features 20-in. aluminum wheels, Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, 3.92 rear axle, chrome tow hooks, electronic rear limited-slip differential, front-axle skid-plate, fuel-tank skid-plate shield, removable rear tow-hook and transfer-case skid-plate shield.
Like the Wagoneer SWB, the LWB base will feature the 5.7L V-8 with 392 hp and 404 lb.-ft. The eTorque hybrid system replaces the traditional engine-mounted alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit. The motor generator unit works with a 48-volt battery pack to provide quick and seamless engine start/stop, torque addition to the engine crankshaft in certain driving situations and brake energy regeneration, which improves responsiveness and efficiency. The system enables up to 130 lb.-ft. of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in
The eTorque motor generator feeds energy to a 390 watt-hour lithium-ion 12-cell Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)-Graphite battery. The small suitcase-size, air-cooled battery pack mounts to the floor inside the Wagoneer’s cabin.
We can expect the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer LWB models to join the SWB models sometime in Q3 2022. It will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.
The year 2022 marks the 53rd year that automotive aftermarket pioneers will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
Industry members can nominate persons whom they feel deserve the prestigious honor and share how the individual has played a crucial role in the success of the automotive aftermarket by submitting a SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by the March 18 deadline at www.sema.org/hof.
The award is the most prestigious award given by the association and honors outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of or significantly contributed to the industry and/or association’s growth.
Industry members can nominate persons whom they feel deserve the prestigious honor and share how the individual has played a crucial role in the success of the automotive aftermarket by submitting a SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by the March 18 deadline at www.sema.org/hof.
Here are five quick facts about the SEMA Hall of Fame as the nomination deadline quickly approaches:
1. The first inductee was Paul Schiefer.
Paul Schiefer returned from serving in the Navy during World War II, resumed his hobby of working on cars and began experimenting on his flathead Ford V8-powered “T.” He eventually produced the first ribbed-type, lightweight, cast-aluminum flywheel that would not wrap or distort under severe load.
2. The award was once called the “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.”
In honor of being named the association’s first inductee in 1969, subsequent inductees received the Paul Schiefer “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.” In 1986, the award came to be known simply as the Hall of Fame. Though the name changed, the original intent did not. To this day, the award continues to honor and pay tribute to the leaders and legends that help make the automotive specialty-equipment market a thriving $47.89 billion industry.
3. The year with most inductees was 1981.
In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn SEMA Hall of Fame induction. The record for most inductions into the SEMA Hall of Fame in any given year was 1981, when eight great icons were recognized:
John Bartlett, Grant Piston Rings
Sandy Belond, Belond Mufflers
Harvey J. Crane, Crane Cams
Jack Harris, Rush Sales
C.J. Hart, Lion's Drag Strip
Robert E. Petersen, Petersen Publishing
Bob Spar, B&M Automotive
Jim Vaughn, Mr. Phone
4. Donna Imrie Foulger was the first woman to earn Hall of Fame induction.
Donna Imrie Foulger, who began working at SEMA as a young college student and spent countless hours creating a solidly recognized organization alongside then CEO Eric Grant, was the first woman inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1982. She is now joined on the list by Linda Vaughn, Hurst Performance Products; Joan Weiand, Weiand Industries; Amy Faulk, Hypertech Inc.; Charlie Van Cleve, Hedman/TD Performance; GiGi Carleton, Robert E. Petersen Foundation; Marla Moore, Coker Tire; and Jessi Combs, Jessi Combs Foundation.
5. The total number of inductees is 165.
To date, 165 individuals have earned SEMA Hall of Fame induction, representing the industry’s top contributors, leaders and influencers.
For the members who are inducted each year, the SEMA Hall of Fame is a meaningful accolade to recognize their significant contributions. Nominations are currently being accepted at www.sema.org/hof.
The following important exhibitor milestones have been set in preparation for the in-person 2022 SEMA Show.
Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Monday, April 4
Early Space Selection: Monday, May 2–Wednesday, May 18
Show Dates: Tuesday, November 1–Friday, November 4
The SEMA Show is the only place in the world that brings together every segment of the automotive industry to connect the people, products, vehicles and ideas that drive the passion for automobiles. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet in person with customers, new buyers, media and colleagues.
More than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show.
The Media Movers, Shakers and Story Breakers Behind Power Automedia’s Digital Magazines
The new SC-E program is comparable to CARB EO requirements and was developed in response to the EPA’s Tampering Policy. SEMA staff will assess manufacturers’ needs and advise as to the most appropriate path forward, whether that includes applying for a CARB EO or SEMA emissions certification. SC-E may help manufacturers get to market about three months before obtaining a CARB EO. SC-E is also ideal for products that may not have a clear path in the CARB EO process (such as Flex-Fuel modifications, HCT equipped intakes and engine packages).
