By 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.

• AnzoUSA
• Billy Boat Performance Exhaust
• Cometic Gasket
• Edelbrock
• Granatelli Motorsports
• Insane Audio
• N-Fab
• Royal Purple
• StopTech
• UnderCover

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

By Kyle Cheng

According to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, the U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%.

The U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%. Yet, the economy maintains underlying strength and momentum remains. While further slowing is likely next year, recession is not as big of a fear as it once was. Consumer sentiment remains relatively high, and at least for now, consumers appear to be more focused on income and job growth than on global economic uncertainly. The labor market likewise remains solid.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:

• Overall economic outlook.
• New vehicle sales and statistics on auto parts production.
• Consumer sentiment and spending.
• Economic growth and unemployment.
• Other important industry insights.

To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

According to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, the U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%.

The U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%. Yet, the economy maintains underlying strength and momentum remains. While further slowing is likely next year, recession is not as big of a fear as it once was. Consumer sentiment remains relatively high, and at least for now, consumers appear to be more focused on income and job growth than on global economic uncertainly. The labor market likewise remains solid.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:

• Overall economic outlook.
• New vehicle sales and statistics on auto parts production.
• Consumer sentiment and spending.
• Economic growth and unemployment.
• Other important industry insights.

To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Juan Torres

Mike and Jim Ring of the Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The Ringbrothers were crowned the 2019 winner during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the Show's builders and exhibitors, and to highlight the latest products and technology the specialty-equipment industry has to offer.

For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat more than 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that unfolds during SEMA Show. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rods), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet Truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10.  Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.

The four finalists of this year's competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January. (Time and date to be announced.)

The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winner.

For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By Juan Torres

Mike and Jim Ring of the Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The Ringbrothers were crowned the 2019 winner during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the Show's builders and exhibitors, and to highlight the latest products and technology the specialty-equipment industry has to offer.

For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat more than 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that unfolds during SEMA Show. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rods), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet Truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10.  Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.

The four finalists of this year's competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January. (Time and date to be announced.)

The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winner.

For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By Lindsay Bianco

The SEMA Cares Committee was especially busy during SEMA Show week. Donations continued to pour in during council events, receptions and even from the Show floor.

To open the week, PSKB was presented with the Industry Cup Challenge trophy. Now in its third year, the Industry Cup Challenge features five divisions where sponsoring companies race child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. The industry challengers each have a limited number of entrants in the following divisions: warehouse distributors, manufacturers, media groups, rep agencies and service providers.

The champion can display the trophy for a year with its company name engraved among the winners. PSKB wasted no time in hoisting the trophy in the air and declaring they had every intention of defending their title in 2020. The trophy must be returned, in a Stanley Cup-style tradition, as it will be up for grabs again at the next Pinewood Drag Races, where the company will have a chance to defend its title. The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. During the last year, the Industry Cup Challenge raised $34,000.

Meanwhile on the SEMA Show floor, Hypertech had a special opportunity for some of its biggest customers to step into a cash cube, and try and grab a little extra cash to enjoy in Vegas. A majority of those customers decided not to gamble, and instead bet on SEMA Cares by offering up their prize to SEMA Care Chairman Melanie White. After stepping into the cash cube for her own turn, Vice President of Hypertech Lori Ramsey presented White with a $1,000 donation.

At the TORA reception, the off-road market was ready to race and council members opened their hearts and their wallets to sponsor vehicles for the annual friendly Pinewood competition. During the Pinewood race, there were certainly winners and losers and the SEMA Cares Committee enjoyed watching TORA trade paint for a good cause. More than $3,000 was collected during the reception. TORA also donated an additional $4,500 through their feature vehicle spot sales.  

All donations will ultimately benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize each child’s quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship.

While the SEMA Show has officially ended, SEMA Cares accepts donations throughout the year. Simply visit SEMA.org/semacares and click the donation tab. Your generosity is great appreciated and please share the news and the donation link with your community.

By Lindsay Bianco

The SEMA Cares Committee was especially busy during SEMA Show week. Donations continued to pour in during council events, receptions and even from the Show floor.

To open the week, PSKB was presented with the Industry Cup Challenge trophy. Now in its third year, the Industry Cup Challenge features five divisions where sponsoring companies race child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. The industry challengers each have a limited number of entrants in the following divisions: warehouse distributors, manufacturers, media groups, rep agencies and service providers.

The champion can display the trophy for a year with its company name engraved among the winners. PSKB wasted no time in hoisting the trophy in the air and declaring they had every intention of defending their title in 2020. The trophy must be returned, in a Stanley Cup-style tradition, as it will be up for grabs again at the next Pinewood Drag Races, where the company will have a chance to defend its title. The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. During the last year, the Industry Cup Challenge raised $34,000.

Meanwhile on the SEMA Show floor, Hypertech had a special opportunity for some of its biggest customers to step into a cash cube, and try and grab a little extra cash to enjoy in Vegas. A majority of those customers decided not to gamble, and instead bet on SEMA Cares by offering up their prize to SEMA Care Chairman Melanie White. After stepping into the cash cube for her own turn, Vice President of Hypertech Lori Ramsey presented White with a $1,000 donation.

At the TORA reception, the off-road market was ready to race and council members opened their hearts and their wallets to sponsor vehicles for the annual friendly Pinewood competition. During the Pinewood race, there were certainly winners and losers and the SEMA Cares Committee enjoyed watching TORA trade paint for a good cause. More than $3,000 was collected during the reception. TORA also donated an additional $4,500 through their feature vehicle spot sales.  

All donations will ultimately benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize each child’s quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship.

While the SEMA Show has officially ended, SEMA Cares accepts donations throughout the year. Simply visit SEMA.org/semacares and click the donation tab. Your generosity is great appreciated and please share the news and the donation link with your community.

By SEMA Editors

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is presenting three free seminars covering mobile source certification and compliance fee regulation in the month of November.

The dates and workshop topics are:

Date: November 21, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Details: Public Workshop to Discuss Proposed Adoption of a Schedule of Fees for Off-Road Vehicles/Engines and Equipment Certification
Location: California Air Resources Board, Annex 4 Auditorium, 9530 Telstar Avenue,  El Monte, California 91731

Date: November 21, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Details: Public Workshop to Discuss Proposed Adoption of a Schedule of Fees for Aftermarket Parts, Retrofit and Component Certification
Location: Location: California Air Resources Board, Annex 4 Auditorium, 9530 Telstar Avenue,  El Monte, California 91731

Date: November 22, 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Details: Public Workshop To Discuss Proposed Adoption of a Schedule of Fees for On-Road Vehicles/Engines and Used Direct Import Emissions Testing Laboratories.
Location: California Air Resources Board, Annex 4 Auditorium, 9530 Telstar Avenue,  El Monte, California 91731

Register for the workshops.

By Rachel Tatum

More than 172 companies were recognized by a panel of esteemed international journalists for having a product that would resonate with consumers in their home countries. Nearly 30 judges from 22 countries participated in the 2020 Global Media Awards Program that took place during the 2019 SEMA Show.

The judges carefully reviewed and evaluated the items on display in the New Products Showcase to select the award winners. Winning exhibitors received their awards and spoke with the journalists who selected their products at the International Happy Hour (Wednesday, November 6).

Below, in alphabetical order by country, publication and participating journalist, are the winning exhibitors and products from the 2020 Global Media Awards Program.

To learn more about the Global Media Awards Program, visit www.sema.org/gmawinner.