By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) recently reached out to members on how they are adapting to new challenges facing the industry during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Get to know what steps Select Committee members Tim Gearhart and Kelleigh Ash are taking as they share their experience and provide automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers with the support they need to help ensure continued success. Additional updates and resources are also available to assist ETTN members and their business at www.sema.org/coronavirus.

Tim Gearhart
Battery and Tire Operations
Sam’s Club

What hobby have you picked up or reignited now that you find yourself socially distanced?

Given the luxury of being able to work from home, I am thankful to my company for allowing me the flexibility to adjust my schedule as needed to help face the challenges of schools being out, pets demanding attention and an increase in the temptation to work on the computer during “off hours.” During my “off hours” and the start of Spring, I have stepped up my yard work. It helps get outside the four walls that seem to close in as the minutes tick by. Not only does this help with physical exercise and the absorption of Vitamin D, but it also gives a sense of accomplishment and improves the aesthetics of my street. With a mind relaxed by heavy lifting in the yard, I am refreshed and ready to do some heavy mental lifting when I “clock-in” for work.

What has been the most challenging aspect for your company and how are you overcoming it?

Working for a retail/wholesale organization, there have been many unique challenges to overcome. Two of the most difficult have been the barrage of constant changes of local and state ordinances directing things from hours of operation, number of consumers allowed in facilities at the same time, etc., for each of the locations in our fleet of facilities. The second issue being that “necessity is the mother of invention,” or in our case innovation. I am blessed to be working for a company that has been investing in technology for some time and that our leaders are nimble while searching for the most viable product. The company has opened multiple communication channels to keep us connected and informed of the rapidly changing landscape.

What advice do you have for businesses to help them stay positive during this pandemic?

While technology helps us stay connected, make advancements and recover quickly, remember it is your people that keep the business running. Take care of them, keep them informed and listen to their ideas. They are on the frontlines and in the trenches daily making incredible sacrifices for your business, the economy and the world.

Kelleigh Ash
Director of Sales, Marketing and Brand Management
KW Automotive North America Inc.

What hobby have you picked up or reignited now that you find yourself socially distanced?

It has given me so much more time to work on all of my garage projects! From all of the small engine projects I had in the works, to large ones like swapping out a rear end, my hands have been busy!

What has been the most challenging aspect for your company and how are you overcoming it?

The most challenging aspect for our company is navigating the legislature. The legislature at a state and federal level is changing by the hour sometimes, and sometimes the legislature is even changing its mind. It is hard to keep up with and keep track of what we should be doing. Navigating through the government stimulus packages is even more confusing. For smaller companies without legal teams to help with clarifying this, I can imagine they are completely lost.

What advice do you have for businesses to help them stay positive during this pandemic?

If you can, keep your doors open. Do whatever is necessary to keep the doors open. The stimulus packages include assistance for small businesses, and more so the business doesn’t lay off employees. Change marketing tactics. Do some LIVE videos or LIVE events to engage with your customers or consumers. Have a virtual car show. Change tactics, but don’t give up.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) recently reached out to members on how they are adapting to new challenges facing the industry during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Get to know what steps Select Committee members Tim Gearhart and Kelleigh Ash are taking as they share their experience and provide automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers with the support they need to help ensure continued success. Additional updates and resources are also available to assist ETTN members and their business at www.sema.org/coronavirus.

Tim Gearhart
Battery and Tire Operations
Sam’s Club

What hobby have you picked up or reignited now that you find yourself socially distanced?

Given the luxury of being able to work from home, I am thankful to my company for allowing me the flexibility to adjust my schedule as needed to help face the challenges of schools being out, pets demanding attention and an increase in the temptation to work on the computer during “off hours.” During my “off hours” and the start of Spring, I have stepped up my yard work. It helps get outside the four walls that seem to close in as the minutes tick by. Not only does this help with physical exercise and the absorption of Vitamin D, but it also gives a sense of accomplishment and improves the aesthetics of my street. With a mind relaxed by heavy lifting in the yard, I am refreshed and ready to do some heavy mental lifting when I “clock-in” for work.

What has been the most challenging aspect for your company and how are you overcoming it?

Working for a retail/wholesale organization, there have been many unique challenges to overcome. Two of the most difficult have been the barrage of constant changes of local and state ordinances directing things from hours of operation, number of consumers allowed in facilities at the same time, etc., for each of the locations in our fleet of facilities. The second issue being that “necessity is the mother of invention,” or in our case innovation. I am blessed to be working for a company that has been investing in technology for some time and that our leaders are nimble while searching for the most viable product. The company has opened multiple communication channels to keep us connected and informed of the rapidly changing landscape.

What advice do you have for businesses to help them stay positive during this pandemic?

While technology helps us stay connected, make advancements and recover quickly, remember it is your people that keep the business running. Take care of them, keep them informed and listen to their ideas. They are on the frontlines and in the trenches daily making incredible sacrifices for your business, the economy and the world.

Kelleigh Ash
Director of Sales, Marketing and Brand Management
KW Automotive North America Inc.

What hobby have you picked up or reignited now that you find yourself socially distanced?

It has given me so much more time to work on all of my garage projects! From all of the small engine projects I had in the works, to large ones like swapping out a rear end, my hands have been busy!

What has been the most challenging aspect for your company and how are you overcoming it?

The most challenging aspect for our company is navigating the legislature. The legislature at a state and federal level is changing by the hour sometimes, and sometimes the legislature is even changing its mind. It is hard to keep up with and keep track of what we should be doing. Navigating through the government stimulus packages is even more confusing. For smaller companies without legal teams to help with clarifying this, I can imagine they are completely lost.

What advice do you have for businesses to help them stay positive during this pandemic?

If you can, keep your doors open. Do whatever is necessary to keep the doors open. The stimulus packages include assistance for small businesses, and more so the business doesn’t lay off employees. Change marketing tactics. Do some LIVE videos or LIVE events to engage with your customers or consumers. Have a virtual car show. Change tactics, but don’t give up.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA has created a new online toolbox bringing together numerous international resources/data in one central location at www.sema.org/international.

Here you can find links to more than 30 online, free export-related webinars to view on demand; updated make and model data for some top international markets; selected countries’ economic indicators, such as population/vehicles on the road and disposable income levels; U.S. Department of Commerce resources; and a listing of SEMA overseas programs.

For more information on SEMA’s International programs contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA has created a new online toolbox bringing together numerous international resources/data in one central location at www.sema.org/international.

Here you can find links to more than 30 online, free export-related webinars to view on demand; updated make and model data for some top international markets; selected countries’ economic indicators, such as population/vehicles on the road and disposable income levels; U.S. Department of Commerce resources; and a listing of SEMA overseas programs.

For more information on SEMA’s International programs contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

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

Distributors/Retailers (one open seat):

• John Evankovich – Director, Sam’s Club
• Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec, Inc.

Voting will take place online between May 12–May 26 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 29 and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation & Gala,  July 24, 2020.

By SEMA Editors

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

Distributors/Retailers (one open seat):

• John Evankovich – Director, Sam’s Club
• Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec, Inc.

Voting will take place online between May 12–May 26 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 29 and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation & Gala,  July 24, 2020.

By SEMA Editors

Reid Lunde, owner and founder of Kaizen Speed, was the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad winner.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) is now accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad Program, a competition for young entrepreneurs who would like to launch their products into the $44.6 billion dollar aftermarket industry. 

Now in its seventh year, the program provides emerging business leaders the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of iconic industry judges and compete for a prize that includes $10,000 to be used for the benefit of their business, and exhibit space at the annual SEMA Show.  

“Our goal is to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive industry,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We hope to identify emerging leaders who have amazing new ideas and products. We want to provide these young businesses with the support and resources to help them succeed.”  

Fifteen applicants will be selected to receive a one-year SEMA membership, as well as one professional Launch Pad video to be hosted on the SEMA YouTube Channel. The 15 Launch Pad participants will learn new business strategies and film a short video that will be used for an online voting competition.

The public will be able to view the 15 videos online and cast their votes for the businesses they would like to advance to the next round. From there, 10 finalists will receive a complimentary kiosk booth at the 2020 SEMA Show, with the Top 5 vote-getters earning a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 2, at the SEMA Show.  

"SEMA Launch Pad competitors represent the most innovative and passionate emerging industry-leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Ridnouer. “As such, the public will be able to play a key role in the voting process and help determine what product or service consumers will find valuable.”    

Applicants do not need to be members of SEMA or YEN to participate but must hold stake within the company. Students who meet the qualifications are invited to apply as well.  

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/launchpad before May 3.  

By SEMA Editors

Reid Lunde, owner and founder of Kaizen Speed, was the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad winner.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) is now accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad Program, a competition for young entrepreneurs who would like to launch their products into the $44.6 billion dollar aftermarket industry. 

Now in its seventh year, the program provides emerging business leaders the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of iconic industry judges and compete for a prize that includes $10,000 to be used for the benefit of their business, and exhibit space at the annual SEMA Show.  

“Our goal is to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive industry,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We hope to identify emerging leaders who have amazing new ideas and products. We want to provide these young businesses with the support and resources to help them succeed.”  

Fifteen applicants will be selected to receive a one-year SEMA membership, as well as one professional Launch Pad video to be hosted on the SEMA YouTube Channel. The 15 Launch Pad participants will learn new business strategies and film a short video that will be used for an online voting competition.

The public will be able to view the 15 videos online and cast their votes for the businesses they would like to advance to the next round. From there, 10 finalists will receive a complimentary kiosk booth at the 2020 SEMA Show, with the Top 5 vote-getters earning a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 2, at the SEMA Show.  

"SEMA Launch Pad competitors represent the most innovative and passionate emerging industry-leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Ridnouer. “As such, the public will be able to play a key role in the voting process and help determine what product or service consumers will find valuable.”    

Applicants do not need to be members of SEMA or YEN to participate but must hold stake within the company. Students who meet the qualifications are invited to apply as well.  

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/launchpad before May 3.  

Jeep is set to get a number of three-row SUVs in the next few years, and the Grand Cherokee three-row seen here looks like it’ll be ready to join the truck-based Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.

This model will likely be similar to the current Durango in size and compete head-on with models such as the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. It's unclear how off-road capability will be compromised by a longer rear overhang, but it’s expected that at least one variant will be “Trail Rated.”

The new three-row will get the new platform being designed for Jeep that’s based on the Giorgio platform used on Alfa Romeo models. It’s set to receive both the current model’s 3.6L Pentastar V6 that will likely be updated and a new 3.0L inline six that will be turbocharged and also receive a mild hybrid system, effectively replacing the 5.7L Hemi V8. A plug-in hybrid and turbodiesel models are expected to follow given they're confirmed for the Grand Cherokee.

Expect to see the Jeep Grand Cherokee three-row sometime in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Jeep is set to get a number of three-row SUVs in the next few years, and the Grand Cherokee three-row seen here looks like it’ll be ready to join the truck-based Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.

This model will likely be similar to the current Durango in size and compete head-on with models such as the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. It's unclear how off-road capability will be compromised by a longer rear overhang, but it’s expected that at least one variant will be “Trail Rated.”

The new three-row will get the new platform being designed for Jeep that’s based on the Giorgio platform used on Alfa Romeo models. It’s set to receive both the current model’s 3.6L Pentastar V6 that will likely be updated and a new 3.0L inline six that will be turbocharged and also receive a mild hybrid system, effectively replacing the 5.7L Hemi V8. A plug-in hybrid and turbodiesel models are expected to follow given they're confirmed for the Grand Cherokee.

Expect to see the Jeep Grand Cherokee three-row sometime in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde