By Juliet Marshall

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators.

SEMA is offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to qualified college students who are pursuing careers in the automotive industry, and to employees of SEMA-member companies who still have outstanding student loans.

Scholarships are available to those who have earned or are pursuing academic degrees and skilled trades certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to accounting, automotive technology, business management, collision repair, engineering, graphic design, information technology, journalism, marketing and welding.

Along with the great benefit of tuition assistance, SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness award winners will get the chance to participate in invaluable networking opportunities and receive SEMA industry recognition and spotlight, along with an exclusive invitation to the 2020 SEMA Show.*

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CST, Thursday, March 5, 2020, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Share this opportunity with a student or friend who should apply or download the eligibility requirements and application checklist.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

*Includes two (2) SEMA Show credentials good for the week. If under 21, you must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. If attending with your school, please consult with your school official.

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.

CAD Designer
Truck Hero is hiring a senior CAD designer responsible for product design of pickup bed covers and related components. This position requires strong knowledge and experience in automotive exterior design (Class A surfaces, injection molding, etc.), and includes conceptual development through start of production, as well as advanced concept engineering. Projects mainly target aftermarket product lines, with growth potential into OEM product lines also available. A minimum two-year associate of applied science degree in CAD/design or equivalent and at least three years of hands-on, professional automotive product design experience working in OEM or Tier 1 body/exterior/sealing/mechanisms or equivalent are required.

IT Tech Assistant
Power Automedia is hiring a part-time or full-time IT support tech/web development assistant experienced in troubleshooting computer issues, networking, peripheral setup and common software applications. This individual would also work as part of the company’s bug and quality-control team, as well as assist with web development projects. Successful candidates should have experience troubleshooting issues with operating systems and an in-depth understanding of Google apps for business.

Mechanical Engineer
Mahle Motorsport is hiring a mechanical engineer responsible for all aspects of application and/or sales duties for the assigned customer accounts and motorsports product lines. It includes interface with customers, teams and individuals on various different subjects and in coordination with the company’s tech centers in Detroit and Germany, and with various MAHLE production facilities. A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited four-year college or university and two to four years’ related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience are required.

SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Bob Chandler (right) addresses the audience at the 2019 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

By Lindsay Bianco

SEMA Hall of Fame inductees have inspired innovation, fostered collaboration and, most importantly, created opportunities for others. The association is seeking your help in identifying nominees for this year’s class. Members have until March 16, to submit their nominations for the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame at www.sema.org/hof.

Established as SEMA’s highest recognition, the award is reserved exclusively to those whose leadership and dedication have benefited the industry through their professionalism, innovation and success through creating opportunities for others.

“SEMA is proud to celebrate automotive professionals who make up our industry while highlighting their unique paths to success,” said SEMA Senior Manager, Membership Projects Lindsay Bianco. “Nominees should represent industry icons who, through their passion and contributions, will continue to benefit the industry for a long time to come.”  

Nomination criteria include having been involved in the industry or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, having achieved national or international industry significance beyond the local level, and being at least 50 years or age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction.

Members should provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves the prestigious honor to help the Hall of Fame Nomination Committee choose the most deserving nominees.

Learn more about SEMA Hall of Fame and previous inductees at www.SEMAHOF.com.

SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Bob Chandler (right) addresses the audience at the 2019 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

By Lindsay Bianco

SEMA Hall of Fame inductees have inspired innovation, fostered collaboration and, most importantly, created opportunities for others. The association is seeking your help in identifying nominees for this year’s class. Members have until March 16, to submit their nominations for the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame at www.sema.org/hof.

Established as SEMA’s highest recognition, the award is reserved exclusively to those whose leadership and dedication have benefited the industry through their professionalism, innovation and success through creating opportunities for others.

“SEMA is proud to celebrate automotive professionals who make up our industry while highlighting their unique paths to success,” said SEMA Senior Manager, Membership Projects Lindsay Bianco. “Nominees should represent industry icons who, through their passion and contributions, will continue to benefit the industry for a long time to come.”  

Nomination criteria include having been involved in the industry or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, having achieved national or international industry significance beyond the local level, and being at least 50 years or age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction.

Members should provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves the prestigious honor to help the Hall of Fame Nomination Committee choose the most deserving nominees.

Learn more about SEMA Hall of Fame and previous inductees at www.SEMAHOF.com.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• YEN Live Chat with Tate Morgan, March 4, 2020, YEN Facebook Page
• TORA Meet-up, March 7, 2020, Adventure Expo, Costa Mesa, California
• The BIG Show, March 27–28, 2020, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas
• SBN Meet-up at the BIG Show, March 27, 2020, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas
• 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 7, 2020, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• YEN General Membership Call, April 15, 2020
• WTC Ambassador (WTCA) Call, May 6, 2020
• SEMA Washington Rally, May 13, 2020, Washington, D.C.
• 2020 Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 10, 2020
• 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 24–25, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• SEMA Nordic Business Development Conference, August 29–September 2, 2020, Stockholm, Sweden
• 2020 SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2020, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRI Trade Show, December 10–12, 2020, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

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.

• Air Lift
• BluePrint Engines
• Crown Automotive Jeep Replacement
• Doug’s Headers
• Exedy
• Gate King
• Husky Towing
• Lunati
• MSN Autos
• Northern Radiator

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The new “SEMA Industry Perspectives” report is the latest resource for SEMA members to gain insight into the industry’s health on a wide range of business metrics.

Independent retailers in the automotive aftermarket remain the most-used sales channel for getting parts to consumers, according to the new “SEMA Industry Perspectives” report—the latest resource for SEMA members to gain insight into the industry’s health on a wide range of business metrics.

While manufacturers and distributors sell into a variety of channels, including direct-to-consumer, more than 80% of manufacturers report that their products sell through independent specialty retailers. While many retailers and installers report selling some of their inventory through online auction sites and marketplaces, these only account for 7% of sales.

More than 70% of smaller manufacturers, with less than $1 million in annual sales, sell directly to consumers, while less than 30% have their parts stocked by dealerships or chain stores.

“The new report is based directly on industry feedback and will help companies understand the state of the specialty-equipment industry and the outlook of other businesses in the industry,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “In addition to providing metrics on the health of the market, this wave of the report also looks at sales trends among key business types and effects of the current regulatory climate.”

Other findings in the report include:

• More than 70% of businesses (76% of manufacturers, 69% of distributors, and 72% of retailers and installers) expect their sales to grow over the next year.
• Nearly 50% of manufacturers and distributors expect the industry as a whole to grow in 2020.
• Only 15% of businesses reported a decline in sales over the past year while roughly 60% reported growth.

Uncertainty about trade policies and regulatory changes is also creating ambiguity heading into 2020.

Manufacturers, retailers and installers estimate the potentially unfavorable changes in America’s legal and regulatory environment, which may represent a key issue for the industry over the next five years.

Manufacturers and distributors are also voicing a concern about the potential for ongoing tariff and trade policy disputes to harm the industry in the near term.

To learn more about current industry perspectives on key issues and trends facing the $44.6 billion aftermarket industry, download the report for free today from SEMA Market Research.