By SEMA Editors

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2021 SEMA Show is July 30. Exhibitors planning a feature vehicle for the Show are encouraged to mark their calendars now to allow ample time to choose the best car to represent their brand and promote its appearance appropriately.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the car has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Each qualified exhibiting company is guaranteed placement for one feature vehicle. Additional vehicles will be prioritized by the exhibitors, using an electronic form that will be provided by SEMA Show management after July 30.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers booking through onPeak—the SEMA Show housing partner—receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

onPeak not only offers discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants, but also offers reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.

SEMA has negotiated exclusive, discounted nightly rates at the best hotels in Las Vegas, but you can only get the discounted rates when you book through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider, onPeak. Save more than 50% per night at the following properties:

• Encore
• Excalibur
• Luxor
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Vdara
• Wynn

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak—the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Matt Jones Takes Operations Helm at Art Morrison Enterprises

With the untimely passing of Art Morrison Enterprises (AME) Vice President Craig Morrison, long-time AME employee Matt Jones will take over a number of responsibilities he had shared with Morrison since 2019 as operations manager. Jones joined AME in 2005. He worked hand-in-hand with company founder Art Morrison, and as the company grew, Jones ascended to the roll of lead engineer, ultimately supervising a trio of other chassis and suspension experts. Jones was the prime motivator in the development of the AME Multi-Link I.R.S.

An automotive enthusiast all his life, Jones’ silver ’69 Camaro became the development “mule” for many of AME’s suspension components. Jones participated in several “suspension shootouts” held by leading enthusiast publications and scored high marks. Prior to the Camaro, Jones road raced a Mazda Miata. Jones and his wife, Lisa, live in nearby Auburn, Washington, and have two daughters, Ashlynn, 12, and Cailee, 7.

Motul Named Official Partner of RADwood

Motul has joined RADwood as an official partner for the 2021 show season. RADwood events highlight cars from the post-emissions, pre-digital decades and celebrate the lifestyles and fashions of the ’80s and ’90s. Motul helped kick off RADwood’s 2021 return at RADwood NorCal, held at the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, California, on July 10.

XLerate Group Acquires Liquid Motors

The XLerate Group has added Liquid Motors to its offerings serving consignors and buyers, both digitally and in-lane. Liquid Motors is a critical service provider to independent auctions, dealers, marketplaces and key industry participants.

LSI Chemical Announces China-Based Distributor

LSI Chemical has announced Anna ChemTech Co. Ltd. (Shanghai) as its international distributor to sell and market LSI Chemical and Hot Shot’s Secret oil and fuel additives in China. As part of the agreement, LSI Chemical’s state-of-the-art R&D facility in Ohio will be used to develop custom formulations for the Chinese market. Anna ChemTech is an international trading company with a product portfolio that includes lubricants, coatings, metalworking fluids and more. In addition to the full line of LSI Chemical fuel and oil additives, Anna ChemTech will market and sell Hot Shot’s Secret complete line of fuel and oil additives and specialty oils for gas and diesel-powered vehicles.

QA1 to Host First Open House at New Lakeville, Minnesota, Facility

QA1 has announced the company will host its first open house event since the completion of its state-of-the-art facility in 2020. The company’s space will be available to visitors from 7:00 a.m.–9 a.m. local time, Friday, July 16. Guided tours of the facility will be followed by a #goDRIVEit cruise to the Street Machine Summer Nationals at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The open house will allow enthusiasts to see QA1’s development center, manufacturing floor and more. Attendees will see how QA1’s products are designed and manufactured in the Lakeville, Minnesota facility and will be able to explore the 100,000-plus-sq.-ft. building. QA1’s upcoming open house marks the return of the company’s annual event after a two-year hiatus due to the transition to the new building in 2019 and COVID-19 precautions in 2020. To take part in the free cruise from QA1 to Street Machine Summer Nationals, drivers can register via QA1’s Eventbrite page.

Acme Manufacturing Unveils New Logo and Branding

Acme Manufacturing has unveiled its new logo to symbolize its modern focus. With the new logo, Acme wanted to preserve its legacy by retaining similar elements of their past designs. The globe shape stands out from the text, serving as a modern representation of Acme’s expanding global footprint. During the past year, Acme made many internal process changes that led to increased efficiency and more innovative solutions. This forward motion instigated the need for a new logo and branding to reflect the focus on perpetual innovation in a global market.

Kian Capital’s The Eastwood Company Completes Add-on Acquisition of Yost Vises

The Eastwood Company completed the acquisition of Yost Vises, a specialized provider of high-quality vises. The Yost Vises brand has a 100-year-old history as an industry-leading provider of rugged, durable and dependable workholding tools sold at DIY price points. It offers a range of bench vises, drill press vises, woodworking vises and clamps and accessories sold via e-commerce to automotive enthusiasts, metalworkers, woodworkers and other DIYers and hobbyists.

“Like Eastwood, Yost Vises is a storied company with a loyal following and we are excited to welcome the brand into the Eastwood family,” commented Brian Huck, CEO of Eastwood. “Vises are an essential device in the arsenal of tools that our customers need to finish their DIY project and do the job right. The Yost Vises acquisition offers us another high-quality product line that complements our existing capabilities and enables us to continue providing a broader set of solutions to our customers.”

Yost Vises has been owned by the Nelis family for more than four decades, over which time they have grown the brand, innovated within the category and built a strong reputation for quality and customer service. “Yost Vises has been owned by our family since 1979, and we were very selective with potential buyers during this process,” said Pat Nelis, Co-Owner at Yost Vises. “Eastwood was the ideal fit for Yost Vises, and we are confident that Brian and his team will uphold its high standards of quality and service and be great stewards of its legacy.”

Kian’s continued progress with buy-and-build strategies at its three automotive aftermarket platform investments reinforces the firm’s focus on investing in branded/enthusiast DTC companies with a differentiated strategy, a robust e-commerce presence and superior product lines that result in a highly engaged customer base. NuVescor Group acted as financial advisor to Yost Vises. Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. acted as legal advisor to Eastwood.

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.

By Jason Catullo

The 2021 SEMA Space Allocation process was completed in late-June, with more than 1,700 companies selecting their booth locations at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The LVCC's halls are nearly full of exhibits, but booth space is still being reserved, and more exhibitors are expected to secure space until the Show opens on November 2.

Attendees planning on joining the industry at the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where through the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.

For 2021, the Show will include exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January. The new facility includes exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections.

Earlier in June, the visitors of the World of Concrete convention were the first to use the new hall, and the event marked the first large-scale convention and tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in 15 months.

In addition to the new hall, the newly constructed Loop—a high-speed, people-mover system that runs 40 ft. under the LVCC—will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World of Concrete successfully used the system to shuttle visitors through the 200-acre convention center.

For more information on the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The 2021 SEMA Show Space Allocation process wrapped up earlier this week, and more than more than 1,700 companies are confirmed to exhibit, and many more are expected before the event takes place in November.

The SEMA Show floorplan is live, and buyers are currently examining the event's layout to see who will be there for 2021.

Companies that would like to exhibit at this year's SEMA Show to reconnect with customers and generate new business, can get started at www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. This year's Show offers even more opportunities for exhibitors reach new buyers. SEMA Show management recently announced that buyer registration for the Show has started at the fastest pace they have seen in the event's 54-year history.  

SEMA Show exhibitor Cometic Gaskets is ready to reunite with customers in person, and reach out to more buyers outside of the company's local region.

“We are most looking forward to face-to-face conversations and reconnecting with our customers old and new. Cometic is located in the midwest, and exhibiting at SEMA allows us to connect with our West Coast customers and industry segments, such as desert racing.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

Reserve your booth now!

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• AIRAID
• CRP Automotive
• DTE Systems
• HBK
• PartsPitStop
• Pertronix
• Rollmaster
• Supreme Suspensions
• TI Automotive
• Vision X Lighting

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Sourcing Specialist
Original Parts Group is hiring a sourcing specialist responsible for introducing new products into the company’s integrated supply chain while also working closely with marketing on product development and expansion. Candidate’s primary function is to research and acquire new products relevant to Original Parts Group’s business model. Automotive aftermarket/auto parts experience is required.

B2B Sales Representative
Keystone Automotive Operations is hiring a B2B sales representative with exceptional customer service skills to provide potential and current customers a world-class experience through outstanding customer service skills and knowledge of the company’s business systems. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Strong time management and organizational skill are required.

Compliance Center Project Coordinator
SEMA is hiring a compliance center project coordinator to aid the director of emissions compliance and/or emissions compliance supervisor in matters related to obtaining California Air Resources Board Executive Orders (CARB E.O.s) for aftermarket automotive products and automotive emissions lab functions. This primarily includes assistance in the preparation of all documents and supporting information that is required for assisting member companies in achieving Executive Orders. This position nterfaces with the SEMA Emissions Lab and other labs during the execution of CARB EOs testing, related to both R&D and certification efforts.  

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

HushMat
’64–’67 Chevrolet El Camino Complete Kit

HushMat’s ’64–’67 Chevrolet El Camino Complete Kit sound deadening, and thermal insulation material is designed to make every type of vehicle cool, quiet and comfortable to drive and enjoy! HushMat is an easy to install, U.S.-made material that molds, forms and adheres to your vehicle’s surface. No tools, glues and or special equipment needed to install HushMat. Simply peel and stick. HushMat has invested thousands of hours over the past 15 years measuring vehicles to create a year-, make- and model-specific portfolio of 365,000 part numbers. HushMat insulates firewall, floor pan, tunnel, doors, roof and trunk. HushMat even provides installation templates to show where each piece is placed.    

www.hushmat.com

TI Automotive
GSL396

Introducing the new TI Automotive GSL396. This pump is the latest addition to our series of the most trusted and reliable in-line, high pressure pumps on the market. With a lightweight, compact design, the TI Automotive GSL396 high-pressure in-line fuel pump fits most EFI applications, including turbo and supercharged systems. GSL396 is the essential upgrade for the 255lph GSL392 high pressure in-line fuel pump since it is identical in size and shape with output on average of 350lph. The GSL392 features upgraded internal componentry, an internal check valve, and aluminum construction to resist rust. As always, these high-pressure performance pumps are manufactured in the Caro, Michigan, facility.

aftermarket.tiautomotive.com
PN: GSL396

ZyBar
4-oz. Cast Finish

ZyBar 4-oz. cast finish high-temperature heat-dissipation coating is designed to reduce radiant heat, reduce underhood temperatures, offer outstanding corrosion resistance, provide lasting color stability under the most extreme engine conditions and extend the life of your components. ZyBar is rated to internal temperatures well in excess of 2,000 °F. ZyBar is a single component, durable polymer coating that far outperforms ceramic paints, wraps and heat tapes. ZyBar is spray-applied inside and outside the component. ZyBar treats manifolds, headers, turbo housings, exhaust, brakes and intakes. ZyBar is a thin .001-.0025 film coating that is either oven cured (2 hours @ 450 °F) or air cured (120 hours).   

www.zycoat.com
PN: 13004

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

S.U.R.&R.
CT500 Universal Clamp Making Tool Kit

S.U.R.&R., the vehicle fluid line repair division of Husky Corporation, is rolling out the CT500 Universal Clamp Making Tool Kit, which will quickly create 360-degree wire seals that hold a wide variety of objects securely together. The CT500 kit includes the clamp-making tool engineered and manufactured at Husky Corporation facilities, 18-gauge stainless steel wire, a wire nut and mini diagonal cutters. The potential uses for the CT500 kit are limited only by the imagination.

Automotive: Repair CV boots, coolant hoses, air hoses and more.
Home: Everyday repairs, including garden hoses, rakes or broken shovel handles.
Farm: Great for mending fences or joining different kinds of materials (metal to wood).
Marine: Quick and cost-effective fuel line repairs.
Industrial: Repair hose connections in minutes.

Many clamp assemblies, like the common worm-gear clamp, don’t result in a uniform seal around the objects that need to be held tightly together. Wire clamps made with the CT500, however, are true 360-degree seals with long-lasting connections thanks to durable stainless steel wire.

www.surrauto.com

American Powertrain
GEN III HEMI 6-Speed Transmission Package

American Powertrain now offers a new T-56 Magnum package designed for GEN III Hemi, Hellcat, Hellcrate and Hellephant engines up to 1,100 hp. The Stage 2 upgrade takes high-horsepower Tremec Magnum six-speeds to a new level with increased torque capacity up to 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque. The package includes transmission backed up with a proven DYAD dual disc clutch by Centerforce Clutches, rated for a holding capacity of 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque at the crank. The kit also includes a QuickTime steel scattershield bellhousing, Hydramax hydraulic conversion bearing, four quarts of transmission fluid and all the hardware needed for installation.

The Magnum six-speed package is designed for enthusiasts planning a GEN-III swap into a classic Mopar musclecar. American Powertrain is the one-stop shop for all installation parts for a complete swap, including the crossmember and correct shifter location.

www.americanpowertrain.com

CTEK
Portable Battery Charger With Adaptive Boost Technology

CTEK’s new CS FREE is a portable battery charger and maintainer with Adaptive Boost technology. Within 15 minutes, the CS FREE can take your car from a dead battery to back on the road without being tied to a power outlet. Now available in North America, the CS FREE keeps 12V lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries charged wherever you go.

The multi-functional CS FREE is four cutting-edge products in one portable unit: Adaptive Boost safe start, battery charger, smart maintainer and hi-tech power bank.

Adaptive Boost: Jumper cables and regular boosters are designed to shock your battery by pouring in a lot of electricity in a very short time, a process that can be dangerous for your battery and your vehicle’s electronic systems. CTEK’s Adaptive Boost technology analyzes a battery to give it the correct power it needs to safely and quickly charge your battery while protecting sensitive vehicle tech.

Adaptive Boost technology makes the CS FREE the ideal charger to use if your vehicle battery fails when you’re away from home. Don’t rely on expensive roadside assistance services or jumper cables. With the CS FREE 15-minute start time, dead batteries go from a major hassle to a minor inconvenience.

Battery Charger: The CS FREE can be used as a regular battery charger and maintainer. Use it as a portable charger to top up your battery, especially handy for vehicles stored for longer periods of time away from power. Available accessories allow the CS FREE to enable maintenance charging via solar panels or a 12V service battery for complete charging freedom wherever you go, perfect for campers or adventurers heading off-grid.

Smart Maintainer: The smart maintainer allows you to keep your battery in peak condition. Regularly maintaining batteries prolongs their lifespan as much as three times, saving you from costly replacements.

Hi-Tech Power Bank: With USB-C and USB-A outputs for charging laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other devices, the CS FREE is more than a portable vehicle charger, it’s the ultimate 12V power bank. Charge your tech while camping, traveling or during power outages at home.

With CTEK’s CS FREE, you can charge it, take it with you, and use it anywhere. Suitable for cars, motorcycles, leisure vehicles, and boats, the smart and simple Swedish design features no buttons or modes, only clear, easy-to-read displays—just connect and the CS FREE will do the rest.

With USB-C connectivity, you can fully recharge your CS FREE quickly and easily. Once you've charged it, the CS FREE will hold its charge for up to a year.

In addition to charging the CS FREE via a power outlet via the supplied PD travel charger and USB-C cable, the CS FREE also can be charged via:

• 12V service battery using optional USB-C charger cable clamps
• Solar panels using CTEK's optional solar panel charge kit
• 12V accessory plug

www.smartercharger.com

Milwaukee Tool
M12 Heated Toughshell and Quietshell Jackets

Milwaukee Tool introduced a new generation in the company’s lineup of Heated Gear with the redesigned M12 Heated Toughshell and Quietshell jackets. Both jackets feature an advanced heat technology system, designed to outlast and exceed the wearer’s experience in cold climate conditions.

The next generation of M12 Heated Toughshell jackets deliver heat built to last with re-engineered Toughshell Stretch Polyester that offers 80% more stretch and 5X longer life. The jackets offer better mobility and flexibility while being lightweight and comfortable. The next-generation M12 Heated Quietshell Jacket delivers heat built for silent movement with Quietshell Stretch Polyester that reduces noise from movement and provides wind and water resistance. The jacket combines durable and lightweight carbon-fiber heating elements with Realtree Edge camouflage pattern for use in wooded environments. With three times faster heat, the next-generation heated Toughshell and Quietshell jackets fully heat-up in 2.5 minutes and are designed with new inner lining material that optimizes heat transfer to the user. Both jackets feature the unique new battery pass-through that allows for battery placement in the front or back pocket. The pass-through provides improved comfort by allowing users to relocate the battery to a more optimal location based on the situation. Both heated jackets are powered by an M12 Redlithium 3.0 battery, allowing for 50% more run-time over the previous generations, and feature an advanced heat technology system.

www.milwaukeetool.com/heated-gear

Steele Rubber Products
’68–’73 Nisan/Datsun 510

www.steelerubber.com