By Juan Torres

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, scheduled for November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is available here.

The premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November. Exhibitors include major automakers and small businesses, as well as iconic aftermarket manufacturers who are enhancing their booths to heighten their presence at what will be the first industry-wide in-person gathering for the $46.2 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry in nearly two years.

“Given the restrictions our industry has endured the last year, pent-up demand for the SEMA Show is at an all-time high,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “More so than other years, the 2021 SEMA Show will be fundamental in helping industry professionals grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward.”

Attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show will witness firsthand nearly two year's worth of innovation, technology and new products from manufacturers, as they showcase products, debut vehicles, conduct demonstrations and prepare to do business throughout all four halls of the 3.2-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.

“We are ready to get back to SEMA and connect with our customers this fall,” said Michael Hamrick, Wilwood Disc Brakes events and promotions manager. “Everyone at Wilwood Disc Brakes is putting their best foot forward to have a great event and catch up with our customers. We have quite a few new products to unveil, and SEMA is the place to do it.”

With the entire Convention Center in use, the SEMA Show floor will be designed to improve traffic flow and make navigating the event simple and easy. The 2021 SEMA Show floorplan will begin to take shape during the annual Priority Space Selection process, June 7–23. Companies that submit booth space applications before May 7 will participate in the weeks-long process to determine their booth location in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to sign up for educational seminars featuring industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together.

“We’re excited to already be working with the more than 1,500 companies that have committed to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show, and we expect hundreds more to reserve booth space before May 7,” said Gattuso. “We encourage attendees to register early so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from what will be an amazing event.”

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.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2021 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Support for the bipartisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act), H.R. 3281, continues to expand each day, as members of Congress continue to hear an outpouring of support for the bill from racers and the motorsports parts industry.

Earlier this week, seven House members agreed to co-sponsor the bill, including U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Jason Smith (R-MO), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Van Taylor (R-TX) and Ron Kind (D-WI)

The RPM Act must be enacted into law to guarantee your right to modify street cars, trucks and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles, and ensure that industry can offer parts that enable racers to compete. It is imperative that lawmakers continue to be reminded of the importance of passing the RPM Act. Currently, 65 members of the House have co-sponsored the bill.

Click here to see the current list of RPM Act co-sponsors, and don’t forget to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support the bill and fight for it to become law.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our shooter in Germany has caught the very first shots of the successor to the current Ford Mondeo in Europe and Fusion in the United States. Despite Ford’s constant affirmation, the current midsize sedan will not get a replacement.

According to Ford PR Mike Levine, the new Evos crossover—which was long thought to be the “new Mondeo/Fusion”—is only intended for China. There would be no plans to offer the Evos in other markets. When the Fusion/Mondeo expire in spring 2022, Ford buyers would have to switch to the Escape or the Mustang Mach-E.

However, judging from the refined design of the Evos and the fact it got intensively tested in Europe and the United States, the media was long guessing the car could make it to North America and the Old Continent. Despite Levine’s rejection, our new spy shots of an additional sedan variant of the Evos will fire up discussions about a worthy successor to the current Fusion (in the United States) and Mondeo (in Europe).

While the whole car sits a lot lower, the front end of the prototype is identical to the Evos—but the rest of the car is completely different from the B-pillar to the rear. It’s got a sloping, Fusion-Mondeo-like roofline with a notchback and an overall more passenger car-like appearance. While the registration plate seems to be located in the same place as with the Evos, the third brake light of the “Fusion/Mondeo” peeps through the disguise of the hatch while it is mounted atop the rear window at the Evos.

It’s unclear when the car will come, or what its name(s) will be, but we are pretty convinced the current Fusion/Mondeo will in fact get a successor.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

The interview seemed to go well, and you left feeling good about the prospect of getting an offer. After not hearing back within a couple of days, you follow up but get no response. What could have gone wrong?

Get answers to all your job-search questions during the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) one-hour interactive webinar “Everything but the Kitchen Sink of Job Hunting,” June 22, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Featuring Maru Trevizo, vice president of human resources at SEMA, the live session will include job hunting tips and techniques, as well as candid insights about mistakes that may be costing you the job. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with other peers and apply what they’ve learned through interactive breakouts and a question-and-answer session following the webinar presentation.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Get the latest updates about emissions compliance, testing and requirements by joining a Facebook live chat on Wednesday, June 16, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT), where participants will learn about potential new changes and how they impact SEMA-member companies. Since emissions compliance applies to nearly all performance and engine products, it’s imperative for manufacturers of engine-related products to understand emissions laws and testing evolution. 

Facebook Live Chats are open Q&As where participants have a chance to communicate directly with the featured guest. This live chat features SEMA General Counsel David Goch, who represents SEMA and the industry on various issues, including emissions compliance.

Location: SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Facebook page. 

By Ashley Reyes

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, June 16 – ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems & Trends
Series: ADAS Webinar Series  

As part 1 of the SEMA ADAS webinar series, this webinar will feature top industry experts as they provide a high-level look at current ADAS systems' function, technology and trends. Participants will learn the basics of how these systems work, and how they are affected by various vehicle modifications or repairs.  

Register here.

Newly Added: Wednesday, June 16 – ETTN Live Chat featuring David Goch
Track: Industry Talks

Political and environmental policies continue to influence change in the automotive aftermarket, particularly in emissions compliance. Tune into this live chat to get information that will help manufacturers better understand current emissions testing and policies, where the future is headed, and how aftermarket companies can adapt their products to meet new and existing standards.

Location: ETTN Facebook page

Tuesday, June 22 – Everything but the Kitchen Sink of Job Hunting
Series: Perfecting Your Job Search Series, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Learn how to stand out as a well-rounded candidate beyond your resume and interview. Featuring Maru Trevizo, vice president of human resources at SEMA, this webinar will cover how to successfully leverage attire, follow up, recommendations and networking to land a desired job position. Participants will have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned through interactive breakouts.

Register here.

Newly Added: Wednesday, June 23 – Wheel Knowledge 301: Did You Know?
Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights Series, Powered by WTC
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Join wheel and tire technical experts as they explain simple yet confusing topics surrounding wheels and tires that are often misunderstood. Participants will engage in a live Q&A and learn everything there is to know about wheel width and its effect handling, contact patch sizes, P-metric vs LT fitment, DOT codes, slope of road on dualies and wheel evolution.

Register here.

Wednesday, June 30 – ADAS Technologies: Making Sense of Simulation, Testing and Calibration
Series: ADAS Webinar Series

As part 2 of the SEMA ADAS webinar series, this webinar will feature top service providers in the ADAS simulation, testing and calibration spaces. Participants will learn what resources are available in the marketplace to help SEMA members develop and install parts safely while maintaining OEM functionality of the ADAS system.  

Register here.

Newly Added: Wednesday, July 14 – ADAS Technologies: How to Navigate Product Development
Series: ADAS Webinar Series

During the last session of the three-part ADAS Webinar Series, attendees will hear case studies from leading aftermarket manufacturers that have successfully developed and launched products for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Participants will learn the steps they took to understand the systems, design compatible parts, and validate the functionality of all OEM features.

Register here.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show’s official housing partner, onPeak, has added several new hotels for this year. Showgoers are guaranteed low rates with no hidden fees when booking through onPeak.

Take advantage of door-to-door service and air conditioning by riding the complimentary shuttle buses to get to and from SEMA Show. All official hotels not within walking distance (more than ½ mile away), will run shuttles to the Las Vegas Convention Center each day of the Show.

The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features a real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2021 SEMA Show, November 2–5, in Las Vegas.

Nightly Rate		Hotel Name
$308		Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World
$278		Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
$289		OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas

There are a number of non-casino properties that are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests. Check these out and book with onPeak today:

Nightly Rate		Hotel Name
$270		Courtyard Las Vegas Convention Center
$281		Hilton Grand Vacations on Paradise (Convention Center)
$289		Las Vegas Marriott
$309		Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
$259		Residence Inn Las Vegas Convention Center by Marriott
$285		SpringHill Suites Las Vegas Convention Center
$164		Vdara
$215		Westin

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Phoenix to Host 100% Capacity for NASCAR Championship Weekend

When NASCAR returns to Phoenix Raceway for NASCAR Championship Weekend, November 5–7, there will be no restrictions on the number of fans allowed on the grandstands and hillside. The three-day celebration features championship events for the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series West. In addition, camping restrictions will also be lifted, and fans will have the option to upgrade to the INfield Experience, which includes access to the garage walkways, pre-race festivities, victory lane and post-race championship celebrations. Both NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway will work closely with local and state government and health officials on any necessary health and safety protocols. In addition, NASCAR officials have confirmed that NASCAR Championship Weekend will remain at Phoenix Raceway in 2022.

QA1 Hosts Special Mopar Event at Company HQ

QA1 has hosted Mopar enthusiasts from around the country during a special open house event at its facility in Lakeville, Minnesota, last week. The event featured a wide range of classic and modern Mopar vehicles, including QA1’s newest project vehicles: a ’69 Dodge D100 pickup known as “Project Corkscrew” and a ’66 Dodge Charger called “Silver Bullet.”   

The event featured an open house of QA1’s state-of-the-art research and development center where attendees could see the technology used to design, manufacture, and test new suspension products. Guests were also able to learn more about the development process of QA1’s Mopar product lineup, which includes tubular components designed to maximize the performance of factory torsion bars and Gerst-designed front coil-over conversion systems for classic Mopar pickups and cars, as well as rear coil-over conversion systems for classic A, B, and E body chassis. For more information, visit qa1.net/mopar.

Motor State Announces 13th Annual Pro-Touring Challenge

Motor State Distributing has announced the 13th Annual Motor State Challenge will take place July 15–17, centered around GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan. The three-day Pro-Touring event brings together drivers from across the United States and Canada to compete in several classes, including: Late Model, standard and manufacturer vintage classes, the unscored/untimed touring class, and the new QA1 #goDRIVEit class where participants drive their car to the event, race it, then drive it home. The event kicks off Thursday, July 15, with a more than 50-mile cruise through Southwest Michigan led by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Motorcycle Unit.

On Friday, July 16, drivers hit the track at GingerMan for timed lap sessions. The 1.88-mile-long road course provides drivers with long straights, short sprints, sweeping curves, tight apexes, and changing elevations, all with open run-off areas. On Saturday, July 17, the Challenge continues at GingerMan with the Track Sprint, where drivers will experience a start-stop course on the most technical area of the track. Each group is given six runs on the timed, single-lap sprint, with the fastest course time counting towards their overall points. The day concludes with an awards ceremony. For more information and to register, visit motorstatechallenge.com.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Matt Kennedy

Nearly one-third of all Ford F-Series trucks are modified in a typical year and about 2.3 million Toyota Tacomas are expected to be sold between 2021 and 2028, according to new SEMA Market Research.

With so many pickups on the road, the vehicle platform offers the biggest opportunity for the specialty-equipment industry. It is important for SEMA members to stay up-to-date on how pickups are changing, and how those changes may affect their business.  

SEMA’s new “Light-Truck Snapshot Report” dives into the market for pickups, both in terms of vehicle sales and products their owners install. In the report, readers will find information and insight that can help them refine their business strategy for the dynamic and evolving pickup market.  

Smaller pickups are making a comeback, with 21% of new pickups sold in 2020 being midsize or smaller, nearly double their share of sales in 2014, and 13% percent of all light-duty pickups on the road have diesel engines, according to the new report.

For more insight on what’s driving the pickup market trends, download the “Light-Truck Snapshot Report” for free today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members that manufacture or install products for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)-equipped vehicles are invited to join the SEMA Garage as it kicks off a new three-part ADAS webinar series.

Ideal for businesses that manufacturer or install parts that alter a vehicle’s body, suspension, or wheels and tires, the series will cover ADAS technology, resources, case studies, information on how ADAS systems work and how they are affected by various vehicle modifications or repairs.

During Part 1 “ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems & Trends,” taking place June 16, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), attendees will hear and learn from top industry experts as they provide a high-level look at current ADAS systems' function, technology and trends.

Register for Part 1 – ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems & Trends.