By Ashley Reyes

The automotive aftermarket industry is highly competitive, and without the right tools and technology to streamline product development, businesses risk adding time and inefficiency to their processes, which can lead to delays in bringing products to market.

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) N.E.R.D. Symposium--taking place August 16-18 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan--will provide automotive aftermarket engineers with the solutions they need to boost productivity, stay ahead of the competition and get their products to market faster.  

Engineers should secure their spots and register now to receive the following:

One-On-One Quality Meetings  

Unlike a traditional conference where vendors set up booths to connect with customers, the N.E.R.D. Symposium consists of private meetings between engineers and product and service providers. Engineers will hear directly from businesses about their technologies, why they are relevant to their projects and be able to discuss collaboration opportunities.   

Access to Cutting-Edge Tools and Technologies  

By meeting with products and service providers, engineers will discover cutting-edge tools and technologies specifically designed to enhance and optimize their product development process. By knowing what tools to invest in, engineers can drive their operations more efficiently and identify areas of opportunity.   

High-Powered Education Sessions 

The N.E.R.D. Symposium offers in-depth education sessions designed to help engineers stay up-to-date on the latest advancements on alternative internal combustion-engine (ICE) technology, vehicle communication standards, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and more. Leveraging these insights can help engineers identify new market niches and develop more innovative products.   

Networking Opportunities  

Engineers and product vendors will take part in focused networking sessions where they can further exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations. Engaging in these conversations will help attendees establish valuable partnerships that can benefit their projects in the long run. 

View the entire program schedule here. To learn more about the N.E.R.D. Symposium and to sign up, visit sema.org/nerd.

By Ashley Reyes

Women have been breaking barriers and making significant strides in the traditionally male-dominated automotive aftermarket industry; however, achieving true equality and inclusivity in the field still requires a collective effort from both men and women.

SEMA members are invited to the first session of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Male Ally Webinar Series, "What Does a Male Ally Look Like?" on Tuesday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m. PDT to learn what a male ally is, why it's important and how it's accomplished.

Wade Kawasaki, partner at Legendary Companies, Frank Vasquez of KW Suspensions, Tara Thompson of Dixie 4 Wheel Drive and Rachel Speir of RS Marqueting will share their experiences with male allyship, resources to help raise male allyship awareness, and facilitation and ways to empower more people to be allies for females in the industry.

Attendees will walk away knowing the general definition of what a male ally is and key characteristics that could be helpful when encountering a situation that requires one. Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Electric vehicles (EVs) are part of a rapidly growing segment in the performance aftermarket. To ensure efficient product development, engineers, programmers and developers must know how to accurately assess modifications' influence on EV performance--and they can do so with an upcoming online program.

During the webinar EV Dyno Testing on Wednesday, July 13, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, attendees will learn how to properly dyno test an EV chassis. Participants will hear from Michael Caldwell, the sales manager at Mustang Advanced Engineering, and walk away knowing: 

• The difference between dyno testing an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
• How to prepare an EV for accurate chassis dyno testing. 
• How to evaluate the results from an EV chassis dyno test. 
• How to report accurate performance increases. 

Caldwell has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive testing business. Connect with him live on Wednesday, July 13, and register for the webinar today.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for its 2023 council & network awards to honor the unwavering passion, dedication and innovative spirit that drives the automotive aftermarket industry.

The awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of council and network members and honor leading companies and individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective industry segments.

"Among the nine SEMA communities in the council and network program are members who volunteer their time and expertise to protect, promote and advance the automotive aftermarket," said Zane Clark, SEMA vice president of membership, education, research and councils. "Participating in the nomination process helps ensure that SEMA is aware of all of the remarkable contributions that drive our industry forward and that no company or individual who deserves to be recognized goes unnoticed."  

Nominations are open in the following categories:  

• Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO): Business of the Year, Person of the Year.
• Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN): Engineer of the Year.
• Future Leaders Network (FLN): Vanguard Award, Professional of the Year Award.
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA): Hall of Fame, Industry Recognition Award, Business of the Year, Design & Engineering Award, Evolution of Hot Rodding Award.  
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC): Hall of Fame (awarded at the Performance Racing Industry Show). 
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO): Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year, Restyler of the Year, Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award. 
• Truck & Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA): Hall of Fame, Retailer of the Year, Jessi Combs Ambassador of the Year. 
• Wheel & Tire Council (WTC): Hall of Fame. 

Award winners will be announced at each council and network's respective SEMA Show reception, which brings together influential industry leaders and members within each segment of the automotive aftermarket. Nominate today!

By Ashley Reyes

The 2023 National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, will allow visitors to participate in high-powered education sessions led by top manufacturers in the hot-rod and automotive restoration segments.

Through the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days, August 3-4, at the NSRA Nationals, hot-rod builders and enthusiasts will join manufacturers as they share valuable insights and tips about their products and systems. Attendees will gain insight into new hot rod trends and innovations, connect directly with the manufacturers and learn about essential processes for modifying or upgrading their own hot-rod projects.

With 12 seminars--six seminars per day--and each presented by a different manufacturer, the HRIA Education Days program provides a one-stop educational opportunity to learn about relevant processes that benefit a hot-rod business. Click here to view the seminar schedule and session descriptions.

This year's presenting manufacturers and sessions are:

• BluePrint Engines: How to Modernize Your Hot-Rod Engine  
• Bowler Performance Transmissions: Transmission Decisions: Is More Gears the Way to Go?  
• Classic Instruments: Providing Your "Finishing Touch"
• Driven Racing Oil: Let's Talk About Oil: All Your Oil Questions Answered With the Expert  
• Edelbrock Superchargers: Modern Supercharges for Street or Race Use 
• Heidts: How to Choose the Best Suspension for Your Hot Rod 
• Painless Wiring: Automotive Electrical Basics  
• QA1: Optimizing Ride Quality and Driveablilty of Your Classic Car  
• Steele Rubber Products: Where the Rubber Meets the Ride  
• Vintage Air: Keeping Your Cool: The Basics of Performance Automotive Air  
• Watson's StreetWorks: Modern Security for Classic Rides 
• Willwood Discbrakes: Brake System Basics  

Also taking place at the Kentucky Expo Center is an HRIA open meeting and social gathering on August 2, at 3:30 p.m. EDT in room B101. The meeting is open to current and prospective HRIA members and will include a chance to network and learn about industry resources for hot-rod business. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Register for education sessions and the open meeting here.

By SEMA Editors

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is open at SEMAShow.com/register. Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information to plan their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event.

This year's SEMA Show will offer an attendee and buyer experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. The event is the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and tailor a professional development plan with best-in-class education programs led by subject-matter experts, thought leaders and industry leaders.

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

International Buyers and Attendees

International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State's handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CDT.

By SEMA Editors

Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, have the exclusive opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) certified as part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.

Electric Vehicles 101 Presented by Legacy EV is a full-day program set for Monday, October 30, allowing early arrivals and exhibitors to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains in an intimate, hands-on session capped at 20 participants.

Subject-matter expert Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems will join curriculum specialists Baily Soto and Tom Santilli of Legacy EV to demonstrate how to observe, describe and predict the relationship between volts, ohms and amperes in a variety of electrical circuits; apply principles of Watt's Law; identify tools and equipment required to maintain an electrical system safely; perform a manufacturer high-voltage disconnect procedure; and much more. And attendees will work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches.

At the end of the course--broken into two sessions named "Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory" and "Applications with EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety"--attendees will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV, a study guide and an at-home assessment which will grant attendees seven hours of continuing education credits toward achieving and/or maintaining Legacy EV’s certification.

The cost to attend Electric Vehicles 101 presented by Legacy EV is $600 per attendee. Legacy EV will allow participants to apply the session cost ($600) toward a full Legacy EV Certified Technician certification course. 

Stay tuned for more details on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, including the announcement of partner education tracks and the overall keynote speaker program.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee's Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Minerals Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1435, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," a bill designed to protect Americans' right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. Meantime, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435. SEMA strongly supports both bills, which prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) by 2035. The bills are essential to stopping California's plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for the mandate to go into effect.

"SEMA believes that vehicle owners should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle that best serves them," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The automotive aftermarket has a forward-looking vision that embraces new technology to make vehicles cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, electric, alternative fuels and continuing to improve the internal-combustion engine (ICE). SEMA thanks Sen. Mullin for introducing this important bill and is encouraged to see the Energy and Commerce Committee conduct a hearing on the legislation."

Restricting the EPA's waiver to California's ICE ban is important because if the regulation is allowed to take effect, it could lead to 17 other states that follow all or part of California's previous clean-car rules to do the same. California requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. In 2022, zero-emissions vehicles made up about 16% of new cars sold in California. The rule also sets durability, warranty and other provisions on zero-emissions vehicles. However, the rule does not impact the sale or use of used diesel- or gas-powered vehicles already on the road. 

Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Senator that asks them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by cosponsoring the bill. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.  

By the SEMA D.C. office

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee's Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Minerals Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1435, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," a bill designed to protect Americans' right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. Meantime, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435. SEMA strongly supports both bills, which prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) by 2035. The bills are essential to stopping California's plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for the mandate to go into effect.

"SEMA believes that vehicle owners should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle that best serves them," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The automotive aftermarket has a forward-looking vision that embraces new technology to make vehicles cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, electric, alternative fuels and continuing to improve the internal-combustion engine (ICE). SEMA thanks Sen. Mullin for introducing this important bill and is encouraged to see the Energy and Commerce Committee conduct a hearing on the legislation."

Restricting the EPA's waiver to California's ICE ban is important because if the regulation is allowed to take effect, it could lead to 17 other states that follow all or part of California's previous clean-car rules to do the same. California requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. In 2022, zero-emissions vehicles made up about 16% of new cars sold in California. The rule also sets durability, warranty and other provisions on zero-emissions vehicles. However, the rule does not impact the sale or use of used diesel- or gas-powered vehicles already on the road. 

Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Senator that asks them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by cosponsoring the bill. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.  

By the SEMA D.C. office

In a show of support for the specialty-equipment aftermarket, West Virginia state lawmaker and SEMA-member Gary Howell (R-WV) has penned a powerful op-ed piece for the Cumberland, Maryland Times-News. Read it here.

Howell touches on his experience as the owner of Howell Automotive in Keyser, West Virginia, and how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to restrict emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles will affect his business and the industry.

As a reminder, the EPA has proposed rules requiring light-duty vehicles to meet increasingly stringent emissions reductions for model-year '27-'32 model year. As a result, the EPA estimates that two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States would be electric vehicles (EV) by 2032 under its proposed standards. SEMA opposes the proposed rule as currently written.

"In terms of our economy, small businesses will be the most vulnerable to the disruptions caused by a government-regulated seismic shift to battery-electric vehicles. The automotive industry plays a significant role in West Virginia's economic vitality. In our state alone, the auto industry supports $1.3 billion in labor income and more than 27,000 jobs. The state also benefits from sales taxes on auto parts and services, which would be severely limited if these regulations shift the balance to EVs," Howell said in the article. 

Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's proposal, which provides an opportunity to personalize the text and explain how the agency's push to an all-electric future will impact your business.

Click here to read "EPA Emissions Proposal Aren't a Fit for West Virginians" by Gary Howell on the Times-News.com.