By Ashley Reyes

Nikolas Wolgamott of PMAS Technologies is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company has pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

PMAS Technologies manufactures high-performance mass airflow sensors, intakes and exhausts for the automotive market.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Nikolas Wolgamott: Supply-chain issues have caused us to really rethink how we keep inventory. We’ve dramatically increased the amount of components we keep on hand.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?   

NW: As always, the SEMA Garage and SEMA Tech Transfer program have been immensely helpful during the design phase of new products. Recently, new technology in additive manufacturing and 3-D scanning has simplified the process and reduced our costs.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

NW: The grassroots approach has been very effective for us. Directly engaging with customers on social media and with YouTube videos, etc. has driven up sales both directly and to our distributors. It seems that more people are spending time at home and online.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

NW: I think more companies will move away from just-in-time style production and inventory. Nothing is more frustrating than having a massive surge in orders without the components to produce and ship product.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By SEMA Editors

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Chairman-elect (one open seat)

• Kyle Fickler – (Incumbent) Director, Driven Racing Oil
• Les Rudd – (Incumbent) President, Bob Cook Sales

Distributors/Retailers (two open seats):

• Larry Montante – Vice President, Keystone Automotive Operations
• Brian Rowland – GM, Parts & Accessories, Walmart
• Steve Whipple – (Incumbent) Director, Jegs High Performance

Manufacturers (two open seats):

• Ian Lehn – Founder, BOOSTane
• Kim Pendergast – (Incumbent) CEO/Owner, Magnuson Superchargers
• Brian Reese – President/CEO, The Retrofit Source

Service (one open seat):

• Lindsay Hubley – Managing Partner, Lodestone Events
• Jim Liaw – President/Co-Founder, Formula Drift Holdings

Voting will take place online between May 11–25, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 28.

Get to know the candidates.

By SEMA Editors

The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

  By SEMA Editors

Submit your company’s application and deposit by May 7 to be eligible to participate in the 2021 SEMA Show Space Selection process. Taking place June 7–23, companies will select the best locations for their SEMA Show display needs based on exhibitor seniority.

The 2021 SEMA Show will mark nearly two years since members of the automotive specialty-equipment market have seen one another, together. Reunite with your customers and colleagues at the Show, and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the 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.

To participate in the Priority Space Selection process, reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

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

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.

By Stephanie Martinez

In partnership with Nissan, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a Measuring Session for the all-new ’22 Nissan Frontier, May 17–21.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the newly designed Frontier ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

Two different trim levels will be featured: SV and PRO-4X, equipped with the following:

• A standard 310hp 3.8L direct-injection V6 engine.
• A 4WD, nine-speed automatic transmission.
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 ADAS features.

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. All attendees will be required to sign an NDA upon arrival. No photography will be allowed during this event.

Register now.

*All registered attendees will be required to an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment.

By Della Domingo

Hundreds of members joined the SEMA Virtual Town Hall Meeting earlier this week, which provided updated information from SEMA leadership on top industry programs.

During the 30-minute meeting, SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso shared positive news about the status of the 2021 SEMA Show taking place in November, while PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer gave viewers updated information about several exciting initiatives, including the PRI Trade Show, a new PRI Membership Program and the PRI Road Tour.

SEMA Director of Emissions Compliance addressed resources available to help manufacturers meet CARB and EPA compliance, while SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development Mike Spagnola reported a new purchase of a 45,000-square-foot building in Michigan which will be used as a second SEMA Garage.

Members are invited to view a recording of the meeting, which also included SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin answering questions from viewers.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA, the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and 17 other organizations representing live recreation and amusement venues sent a letter asking the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to expand the Shuttered Venues Operator Grant (SVOG) program to include motorsports, horse racing, recreation events and mobile amusement. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated attendance restrictions have posed significant challenges for racetracks and other live entertainment operators, as many states have placed restrictions on the sizes of gatherings that continue to impact the operations of entertainment businesses. SEMA and PRI are focused on helping racetracks, as they play an important role in providing entertainment and a sense of community across the United States.

Congress created the $16.25 billion SVOG program to assist live entertainment and performing arts venues that have experienced significant revenue declines as a result of COVID-19 attendance restrictions. However, the SBA did not include racetracks and many other forms of live entertainment in the list of groups that are eligible to apply for grants.

The Coalition is asking the SBA Administrator to reconsider its eligibility guidance for the SVOG program. SEMA and PRI are also working with Congress to amend the SVOG through legislation to include recreation, sports and amusement live venues. It is important that members of Congress hear from SEMA members about providing financial support to racetracks. To send a letter to your lawmakers in Washington, D.C., please click here.

For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Biden Administration finalized a new rule to withdraw the independent contractor regulation issued in the closing days of the Trump Administration. While the issue may be revisited in the future, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is currently reverting to previous guidance on distinguishing whether an individual should be classified as an independent contractor or employee. Specifically, the DOL is deferring to the seven-factor “economic realities” guidance test issued in 2008 and based on court cases. Factors to be considered include:

• The extent to which the services rendered are an integral part of the principal's business.
• The permanency of the relationship.
• The amount of the alleged contractor's investment in facilities and equipment.
• The nature and degree of control by the principal.
• The alleged contractor's opportunities for profit and loss.
• The amount of initiative, judgment or foresight in open market competition with others required for the success of the claimed independent contractor.
• The degree of independent business organization and operation.

The increase in independent contractors in recent years who perform on-demand services, such as drivers and other gig workers, has placed a focus on the definition. Company employees have protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), such as minimum wage and overtime compensation that do not apply to independent contractors.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. 

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

Fuelab
H/E Series Twin Screw Brushless Pumps

Fuelab upgrades its H/E Series 474xx, 617xx and 939xx twin screw brushless pumps to offer 600-lph options capable of supporting 1,500 hp on gas and 1,000 hp on E85 in a single pump configuration.

H/E pumps provide extremely low current draw, superior priming capabilities and greater resistance to cavitation.

www.fuelab.com
PN: 47404, 61704, 61714, 93904

Roll N Lock RNL
M Series

The M-Series retractable truck bed cover provides you the security of a hard cover, smooth appearance of a soft cover, and convenience of a retractable cover. Its durable vinyl-over-aluminum hybrid design is dedicated to four season protection and optimal bed security.

It tackles durability while remaining exceptionally easy to operate with its unique frictionless construction and insulated grip lever. Simply use its key to unlock and begin to open towards the cab as it retracts into its compact canister.

The M-Series locks in multiple open positions along the truck bed and can open, lock and close without even opening the truck’s tailgate. Roll-N-Lock’s M-Series retractable truck bed cover has a quick and easy install, are made in the USA, and backed by a three-year warranty.

www.rollnlock.com

Truck Covers USA
American Roll Cover

The American Roll Cover manufactured by Truck Covers USA is considered the toughest, most durable, and best-looking, retractable aluminum cover available on the market. Built on customer feedback and experience, it has superior style, is easy to operate, and versatile. Add our unique toolbox-cover combo, the American Work Cover, or our one-of-a-kind Work Cover Junior with a toolbox that takes up no more bed space than that of a canister.

With the addition of the American Rack System, the most sophisticated rack system available, your truck cover becomes next level! When work is done, bike those mountains, ski those slopes, camp, and more without compromising the functionality of your American Roll Cover.

www.truckcoversusa.com
PN: CR305MT

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.

E3 Spark Plugs
Lithium Powersports Batteries

E3 Spark Plugs, the makers of the patented DiamondFIRE Technology spark plug, announces the introduction of a new line of lithium phosphate powersports batteries. Born from cutting edge nano-scale materials, E3 Lithium promises to redefine power delivery in the powersports world.

Initially the product line features eight offerings, ranging in power output from 140 to 760 Cold Cranking Amps and covering a wide range of applications, including motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and more.

Some of the performance benefits of the E3 Lithium line of powersports batteries include:

• 80% lighter than traditional batteries.
• 3x longer life than traditional batteries.
• Charges much faster than traditional batteries.
• Delivers much quicker starts than traditional batteries.
• IP 66 Environmental Rating (pressure washer friendly).
• Mounts in any position.
• Environmentally friendly.

E3 Lithium Batteries feature an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) that maintains constant cell balancing to ensure that the output of the individual lithium packs inside the battery maintain equal output and charge levels at all times. In addition, the BMS offers the following model specific attributes to ensure years of trouble-free power delivery from your E3 Lithium Battery.

• Overcharge Protection.
• Over-Discharge Protection.
• Short Circuit Protection.
• Excessive Cranking Protection.
• Built-In Cell Balancing Technology.
• LED Battery Fault Light Indicator (select models only).

www.e3sparkplugs.com

General Tire 
All-Weather AltiMAX 365 AW

General Tire has entered the all-weather tire market with its newly released AltiMAX365 AW, a versatile all-weather touring tire for passenger cars and crossovers. At launch, this new passenger tire is available in 52 sizes, ranging from 15-in. to 20-in. rim diameter, all with Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe winter service.

The AltiMAX365 AW is targeted toward drivers who want a versatile tire providing best-in-class all-around performance. and optimal traction in deep snow compared to typical all-season tires. With balanced performance on dry and wet roads, this new offering allows drivers the freedom to drive on one set of tires year-round, saving them the cost and inconvenience of tire changes twice a year.

General Tire’s Visual Alignment Indicators in both sides of the tread wear off evenly, ensuring the driver of proper alignment, or wear off unevenly, alerting the driver to check the wheel alignment. Additionally, a symmetric tread pattern allows for the tire to be rotated, promoting long, even tread life. It also features a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and is backed by the 45-day customer satisfaction trial.

www.generaltire.com

REKUDO
Lower Control Arms for ’72–’93 Dodge D100/D150 3-in. Drop

Improve the appearance and stance of your 1/2-ton 2WD Dodge D100, D150, Ramcharger or Plymouth Trail Duster by lowering the front 3 in., while maintaining the factory ride quality.

Each control arm includes new bushings, ball joint with castle nut and retaining clip. The black E-coated finish looks great and prevents corrosion. Sold in pairs.

www.holley.com/brands/rekudo

KBS Coatings
Exhaust Coatings Available in 10 Colors

KBS Coatings offers XTC Silicone Zinc Primer and XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating to provide great looking, durable, and long-lasting finishes on exhaust manifolds, headers, and exhaust systems. Both are available in aerosol spray can form, and quart, gallon and 5-gallon containers for brushing, rolling, or spray equipment.

XTC Silicone Zinc Primer can withstand temperatures over 1,200° F and provides incredible rust protection even in high humidity, high condensation, and salty air conditions. The primer functions much like galvanization and locks itself to bare metal surfaces leaving a matte gray finish that can be used as the finish paint, or as a perfect primed surface for top coating with XTC.

XTC is a high-temperature and heat-resistant coating that protects metal surfaces operating at 500° F to 1,200° F. With proper preparation, XTC provides outstanding adhesion, film integrity, weathering, thermal shock-resistance and is guaranteed not to burn off. XTC will not peel, flake or chalk and is resistant to scratching or marring.

XTC is available in 10 unique and great colors, and XTC Clear is available as final coating for any XTC matte color when a gloss finish is desired. If rust protection is not needed, XTC can be applied directly to metal without need for XTC Primer.

www.kbs-coatings.com

Metra Electronics
Amber LED Side Marker Lights for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

Metra Electronics has added even more aftermarket products to their growing line of Jeep accessories. These new products provide stylish yet functional upgrades for the latest Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator models.

Amber LED Side Marker Lights for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator (JP-SML2) replace factory side-marker lights with an easy-to-install solution that is plug-and-play with all of the ’18-up Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT trim levels. It includes an integrated anti-flicker feature with a smoked crystalline lens for a stylish upgrade. The amber LEDs provide better visibility with 13.5 watts and an internal reflector for an even brighter output than the factory marker lights.

JP-SML2 Product Specifications:

• (27) 0.5-watt LEDs
• Smoked crystalline lens
• Amber LED
• Multi-angle internal reflector
• Integrated anti-flicker
• Plug-n-play factory connector
• IP67
• Sold as a pair

www.metraonline.com
PN: P-SML2

Motul
Classic Line Oils for Collector Cars From '50-'99

Motul has introduced a new Classic Line of lubricants that are specifically formulated to meet the needs of both established and emerging collector car markets. With vintage vehicles in mind, Motul’s Classic Line combines oils, detergents, and additives engineered to enhance the performance of older powertrains while offering improved protection.

All Motul Classic Line lubricants feature an additive package with high-zinc (ZDDP) and molybdenum (moly) for reduced friction and increased power. The synthetic base oils and adapted detergent levels of each Classic Line formula are further suited to the metals and gasket materials common to each era of vehicle manufacturing; advanced additives ensure that all Motul Classic Line lubricants meet or exceed API standards. The high-adhesion properties unique to the Classic Line also provide for excellent cold flow properties to prevent engine wear during start-ups and to coat and protect engine internals and running gear during the periods of prolonged storage that collector vehicles often experience.

www.motul.com/us/en-us