SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to its proposed rule to modify or remove the current E15 warning label requirement for gasoline that contains 15% ethanol.
Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations, such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. In 2011, the EPA prohibited the use of E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, along with motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.
The EPA’s proposed new label would weaken the warning message and be smaller in size. SEMA argued that these changes would increase the likelihood of E15 gasoline being used in incompatible vehicles.
SEMA also opposed the EPA proposal to remove the E15 warning label requirement all together. Such removal would place the responsibility to know if their vehicle is compatible solely on the consumer, which would lead to much more misfuelling. Instead of removing or limiting the warning label, SEMA suggested in its comments that the label should be strengthened by expanding it to include the words “WARNING” and “Check your owner’s manual”; be 5x7 inches or larger; and include pictograms depicting a boat, a lawnmower, a chainsaw, a motorcycle and a snowmobile.
SEMA also recommended that the EPA take this opportunity to establish a uniform national labeling standard for gasoline that contains 10% ethanol or less. The labels are currently subject to state law and some states do not require that consumers be informed that the gasoline being purchased contains ethanol.
For additional information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
The Reverse Trade Mission enables attendees to meet one on one
with global distributors and resellers and participate in numerous
networking receptions and special events with top international
buyers.
Meet key global trade buyers of automotive specialty-equipment products here in the United States. Since buyers will travel to multiple states for the Reverse Trade Mission (RTM), attendees will choose the most convenient location from the list of stops below.
The RTM enables attendees to meet one on one with global distributors and resellers and participate in numerous networking receptions and special events with top international buyers. The day-and-a half program (per location) will create opportunities for visiting international resellers and for U.S.-based suppliers to establish or enhance relationships and hopefully lead to increased business. Space is limited.
Locations (select one):
California: July 19-20
Michigan: July 22-23
North Carolina: July 26–27
The registration fees is $300, which includes the opportunity to meet one on one with visiting buyers and all meals during this day-and-a-half program, starting with a dinner the first night followed by one-on-one meetings and a closing reception.
A special promotion package of $2,700 is available, which includes a half-page ad in the SEMA Buyer’s Guide, to be distributed at the RTM, in SEMA News and in the Center for International Commerce (CIC) at the 2021 SEMA Show and a one-month digital ad on www.sema.org.
A $1,200 grant is available from the U.S. federal government for qualified companies with an additional $1,650 from the State of California for qualified California-based companies resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package ($3,000 value for $150).
Eligible Michigan companies participating in the RTM and taking advantage of the $2,700 Special Promotion Package (SPP) can receive $1,200 from the federal MDCP grant and $1,050 through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program to cover a maximum 75% reimbursement of all eligible export expenses. For more information or to apply, contact export@michigan.org to get connected with your international trade manager.
In addition to the $1,200 MDCP award, an additional $1,650 from the State of North Carolina for qualified North Carolina-based companies is available, resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package. For more information or to apply, contact Jen Vogelsberg at jen.vogelsberg@edpnc.com.
Many other states also have grants. Contact Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org for more information.
For more information on the Reverse Trade Mission or other SEMA International programs and resources, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.
SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin, President and CEO Chris Kersting and other SEMA/PRI executive staff will share updates about the industry’s top initiatives during the Virtual Town Hall, Tuesday, May 4, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Recognizing the changes that have taken place in the industry during the past year, the association has many new, enhanced and modified programs focused on current needs. During the 45-minute Virtual Town Hall, members will get updates about resources for emissions compliance, programs uniting the motorsports community and reconnecting the industry at in-person trade events this year.
SEMA/PRI executive staff will talk about the status of current programs and events available to members, and answer questions live during the Virtual Town Hall.
By participating in the event, members can make their voices heard and provide feedback on how SEMA can better serve the industry and membership.
SEMA volunteers played a key role in many of the programs, services
and events that were introduced this past year, including
reintroducing in-person events such as the industry happy hour at the
recent Keystone BIG Show in Grapevine, Texas. With safety guidelines
in place, volunteers from TORA, SBN, and YEN guided SEMA staff on
the promotion, planning and execution of the event.
Volunteers are essential to SEMA and the industry throughout the year, even more so during the past year as businesses struggled to keep their doors open and contend with confusing federal and state regulations impacting their day-to-day operations.
It’s during this challenging time, however, that SEMA volunteers stepped outside the box to dedicate their time, knowledge and expertise to helping the industry. Volunteers worked with SEMA staff to develop new business resources and modify existing programs to ensure that they would meet the industry’s needs.
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18–24), SEMA is recognizing the contributions of the volunteer groups and individuals who have given so much to the industry.
“Amidst a trying year, hundreds of volunteers continued to donate their time and efforts to helping the industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Councils and Membership Nathan Ridnouer. “By providing creative solutions to solve unprecedented situations, the industry continued to flourish and succeed.”
Many of the new ideas that resulted during the pandemic were developed from volunteers. For example:
After a full year of being unable to gather in-person, volunteers from the Truck and Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA) partnered with volunteers from the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) to host an in-person networking event at the Keystone Big Show in Grapevine, Texas. The event was followed by a trail-run and networking event at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, allowing truck and off-road professionals to connect for the first time in months.
SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) volunteers are working to provide aspiring young professionals with high-quality leadership training. The select committee recently hosted a focus group, where the accredited training association Dale Carnegie shared “Five Drivers of Success” with YEN members and SEMA Board members.
Earlier this year, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) volunteers held the first ever Virtual Media Trade Conference. The event connected motorsports journalists with leading motorsports manufacturers and offered them the opportunity to gather content and conduct interviews to use in stories and posts that will reach consumers from all over the world.
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) volunteers fully embraced virtual education and community building by hosting 10 virtual education sessions and three virtual networking/community building events within four months, and more scheduled throughout the year. Through four different virtual education series, the SBN continues to be a resource for women in the industry to advance their careers while also creating community through interactive breakout groups.
Both the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have been hosting virtual general membership meetings since mid-2020, making it easier than ever for members across the country to participate. The volunteers have found such value in holding meetings in this new format that they will continue to do so even as in-person events return.
Additional programs that also resulted from volunteers include the launch of the seven-part “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights” webinar series, powered by the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC); the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Member Insight program, which provided an outlet for ETTN members to share technology tips for overcoming the pandemic; the SEMA Cares #MotorsoundChallenge on social media; and the “Industry Talks: Back to Business—Rebuilding Partnerships and Operations, Powered by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)” virtual panel discussion.
“During the pandemic, SEMA volunteers showed passion and commitment to build a stronger community for our members,” said SEMA Council and Network Director Nicole Bradle. “Through their leadership, SEMA councils and networks created and implemented resources over the past year to provide professional education and create networking outlets and opportunities for members to engage with their peers.”
Holley has announced the acquisition of AEM Performance Electronics. AEM joins the Holley portfolio of brands, including Holley EFI, APR, Earl’s Performance Plumbing, Flowmaster, GearFX Driveline, HANS, Hooker, Hilborn Fuel Injection, MSD, Nitrous Oxide Systems, Racepak, Simpson, Stilo, STS Turbo, Tremec and more. The move aligns with AEM’s recent launch of EV conversion products, or electronic control systems that support the conversion of vehicles originally equipped with internal combustion engines to electric power. There will be no changes in leadership or the operation of AEM, as everything is “business as usual” for the company.
Roland Smith
Caliber Announces the Addition of Roland Smith to Its Board of Directors
Caliber, parent company to Caliber Collision, Caliber Auto Glass and Caliber Auto Care, has announced that Roland Smith has joined its board of directors, effective April 19. Smith brings more than 30 years of experience in consumer brands and multi-unit operations spanning the hospitality, entertainment, supermarket and office product industries. Smith currently serves as the chairman of the board of directors of Jack’s Family Restaurants and previously served as chairman of the board of 24-Hour Fitness, Office Depot and Carmike Cinemas and a member of the Board of Directors of Dunkin’ Brands and The Wendy’s Company. As a member of Caliber’s Board, Smith will provide strategic guidance to support Caliber’s operations, teammates, partners and customers.
Chris Dilbeck Promoted to PFC Director of Motorsports
Chris Dilbeck.
PFC promoted Chris Dilbeck to director of motorsports, where his new responsibilities will include managing the PFC Brakes race department, as well as strategically growing the PFC brand and market share across new SportsCar, open wheel and other professional motorsports series. In addition to the new segments of racing under the PFC banner, Dilbeck will still be responsible for the management of our current NASCAR and vastly increasing Circle Track client base.
Dilbeck's’ tenure at PFC Brakes began in 2012 when he was hired on as the short-track technical sales representative. He was promoted to the NASCAR and short-track sales manager in 2015 to better chart the path for those market segments.
Vintage Air Names Rick Love President, Promotes Three Key Team Members
Rick Love.
Vintage Air has announced promotion of multiple members of its senior management team. Effective immediately, founder Jack Chisenhall will take on the role of CEO, Executive Vice President Rick Love will become president, Allison Chisenhall-Harding will take on the new role of COO, and Ryan Zwicker will become the chief innovation officer.
The new senior management roles will place founder and former president Chisenhall as the CEO, where he will continue to oversee the organization. Long-time company leader Love will become the president, overseeing day-to-day operations at the facility and continue working closely with all teams. Chisenhall-Harding formerly held the position of special projects manager. In her new role as COO, Chisenhall-Harding will oversee the manufacturing and production side of the business. Additionally, she will work closely with the engineers and production supervisors to enhance production flow and managerial techniques.
Zwicker has been with the company for more than two decades and was formerly vice president of engineering and technology. In his new role, he will continue to oversee product and manufacturing engineering as part of the product development process.
ZEV Adds Rick Kreifeldt to Advisory Board
Rick Kreifeldt.
ZEV announced the addition of Rick Kreifeldt to its Advisory Board. Kreifeldt has more than 30 years of technology experience. He serves as the head of American R&D for LG electronics, where his team specializes in AI, IoT, UX and next-gen automotive platforms. His responsibilities include advanced technology development, new business incubation, and open innovation. Previously, Kreifeldt was president of Motoforza Inc., a strategy and technology consultancy, where his work included connected car strategy and RFQs for an OEM, M&A strategy for a large $1B+ Tier1, and product development for a medical startup.
Old World Industries Names New CEO
Old World Industries has announced the appointment of automotive industry veteran Greg Noethlich as its new CEO. He will be responsible for accelerating the growth of Old World Industries with its PEAK, BlueDEF and Final Charge brands. Noethlich joins Old World Industries after leading several major automotive aftermarket businesses, including FRAM Oil Filters, Prestone Products and, most recently, Champion Laboratories.
Tom Kundrik
Boninfante Group, ProTorque Add Tom Kundrik
The Boninfante Group has hired Tom Kundrik as ProTorque’s director of motorsports and sales. In addition to fielding customer service calls and offering technical support over the phone for ProTorque, Kundrik will also travel the country to attend drag-racing events and provide on-site service and support for customers. He will also facilitate the launch of several new product lines, including supercharger-specific torque converters for ProTorque. Kundrik comes from Mickey Thompson Performance Wheels & Tires as the motorsports manager. Joining the company in 2006, Kundrik was part of a team that spearheaded the development and advancement of radial tire performance. His duties included product development and deployment. In February 2020, Rivera and ProTorque had announced an agreement with the Boninfante Group and moved to its state-of-the-art facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
ATI Announces First Chief Transmission Technology Officer
ATI Performance Products has announced the appointment of Vince Fourcade as chief transmission technology Officer (CTTO). Fourcade brings three decades of performance racing and automatic transmission building expertise to this new position. Fourcade has raced in the Pro Stock, Pro Rear Wheel Drive, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster categories in the ’80s. Later in that decade, Fourcade joined Montgomery Transmissions, where he worked with Bobby Edwards and Jim Beattie. Later, he went on to win the Bracket Finals at Maple Grove while using an ATI transmission and converter. Fourcade opened his own transmission shop in 1998 and continued racing. He later joined ATI in a part-time capacity, working with the team to advance the science of high-performance automatic transmissions. Five years later, he joined ATI in a full-time capacity.
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 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.
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.
Design Engineer Holley is hiring a design engineerto take a leadership role in wheel and other new-product development programs, including product design, development, cost constraints, manufacturability working with vendors and commercialization of the finished product. This position is also responsible for projecting status reporting on a regular basis to keep management informed of progress of assigned duties and programs.
Welder/Fabricator AAM Competition Inc. is hiring a welder/fabricatorto fabricate and TIG weld high-performance automotive parts using equipment to clean, prepare, bend, cut, burn and weld pieces; and set up and measure assemblies. Candidates must have strong TIG welding experience and the ability to read drawings and blueprints.
Portfolio Manager APG is hiring a portfolio manager to be the liaison between APG business units, purchasing and its brands/vendors responsible for growth and profitability for the organization. This position will have direct contact with vendors to develop a profitable growth strategy across APG businesses and collaborate with the sales/marketing and purchasing teams to develop the tools required to execute strategy. This position has a high level of independent judgment and reports operationally to the director of portfolio management.
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.
Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.
Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.
The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
Dates for the SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7-23
Erica Enders picked up her 30th career win by going 6.656 seconds
at 205.88 mph in the final round in her Melling Performance/Elite
Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro.
Enders, S. Torrence, Tasca III and Oehler Pick Up Wins at DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas
Back-to-back world champ Erica Enders went from nearly not qualifying to collecting her first victory of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, grabbing the Pro Stock win on Sunday at the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car) and Ryan Oehler (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the second race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
In her 300th career start, Enders, a four-time world champ, picked up her 30th career win by going 6.656 seconds at 205.88 mph in the final round in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to beat teammate Aaron Stanfield, Deric Kramer and Mason McGaha.
In Top Fuel, Torrence capped off a memorable stretch with his fifth four-wide victory, going 3.823 at 321.73 in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round to beat Doug Kalitta, Clay Millican and Antron Brown. It gives Torrence his first victory of 2021 and 41st in his career.
Tasca III picked up his first Funny Car victory in nearly two years and his seventh overall thanks to a run of 3.938 at 328.46 in his 11,000 hp Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang in the finals. In a loaded Funny Car final, Tasca outlasted defending world champ Matt Hagan, Tim Wilkerson and Ron Capps, narrowly slipping past Hagan at the finish line.
Oehler earned his second career Pro Stock Motorcycle victory on his Flyin’ Ryan Racing EBR, going 6.911 at 194.83 in the final round to beat Cory Reed, Steve Johnson and a red-lighting Scotty Pollacheck.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action April 30-May 2, with the Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, marking the final event at the facility.
Permatex will be a primary sponsor for the Permatex StarCom 00
Camaro, helmed for the second straight year by driver Quin Houff.
Permatex Kicks off 2021 NASCAR Season with StarCom Racing Sponsorship
Permatex has announced that the company will continue its sponsorship of the StarCom Racing Team for two key races during the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series. This marks the third consecutive season that Permatex will be a primary sponsor for the Permatex StarCom 00 Camaro, helmed for the second straight year by driver Quin Houff. Permatex will sponsor the StarCom Racing team for the first race of the year during the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25. The second fight for the checkered flag will be during the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 18. The race at New Hampshire represents a special milestone in the track’s history, serving as the 50th visit by NASCAR’s premier series to “The Magic Mile.”
F1 Announces 2022 Miami Grand Prix
Formula 1 has announced that the brand-new Miami Grand Prix will join the F1 calendar in 2022. The race—set to be the first one hosted in Florida since 1959 —will be held on a new layout at the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins franchise. The 2022 event date, the first race in a 10-year deal, will be announced later. Miami will be the 11th location Formula 1 has raced at in the United States since the Championship began in 1950, following Indianapolis, Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix and Circuit of The Americas in Austin.
SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin, President and CEO Chris Kersting and other SEMA/PRI executive staff will share updates about the industry’s top initiatives during the Virtual Town Hall, Tuesday, May 4, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
“During the pandemic, SEMA volunteers showed passion and commitment to build a stronger community for our members,” said SEMA Council and Network Director Nicole Bradle. “Through their leadership, SEMA councils and networks created and implemented resources over the past year to provide professional education and create networking outlets and opportunities for members to engage with their peers.”
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
F1 Announces 2022 Miami Grand Prix