By Kristopher Porter

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a meetup, Friday, June 7, for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the various sectors of the automotive industry.

Held in conjunction with Formula DRIFT Round 4: The Gauntlet at Wall Speedway in Wall Township, New Jersey, the Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a meetup, Friday, June 7, for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the various sectors of the automotive industry. The event will occur from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., with Formula DRIFT tickets free to use all day. The meetup location will be given when attendees pick up their wristbands at will call.

All YEN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to get involved with SEMA and build industry connections are encouraged to attend. YEN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives and volunteer opportunities.

YEN members who RSVP by June 5 will receive a complimentary, single-day pass to attend the Formula DRIFT event on Friday, June 7.

For those who live in the Wall Township area or will be in town for the Formula DRIFT competition, stop by and enjoy an evening with fellow YEN colleagues.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison or 909-978-6691.

Reserve your tickets.

By Kristopher Porter

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a meetup, Friday, June 7, for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the various sectors of the automotive industry.

Held in conjunction with Formula DRIFT Round 4: The Gauntlet at Wall Speedway in Wall Township, New Jersey, the Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a meetup, Friday, June 7, for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the various sectors of the automotive industry. The event will occur from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., with Formula DRIFT tickets free to use all day. The meetup location will be given when attendees pick up their wristbands at will call.

All YEN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to get involved with SEMA and build industry connections are encouraged to attend. YEN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives and volunteer opportunities.

YEN members who RSVP by June 5 will receive a complimentary, single-day pass to attend the Formula DRIFT event on Friday, June 7.

For those who live in the Wall Township area or will be in town for the Formula DRIFT competition, stop by and enjoy an evening with fellow YEN colleagues.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison or 909-978-6691.

Reserve your tickets.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rulemaking to allow gas stations around the country to sell E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol) year-round. Previously, the EPA prohibited the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. It is unclear if the EPA’s rulemaking will be implemented immediately since it will likely face court challenges. 

The Renewable Fuels Association anticipates that E15 sales will increase from 300 million gallons in 2018 to 700 million gallons or more this year as a result of this rule. At present, roughly 1,800 gas stations sell E15, although this number is likely to increase as a result of the EPA’s actions. The EPA’s rulemaking is part of an effort to increase the availability of E15, as ethanol supporters maintain that few gas stations sell the fuel since E15 could only be legally sold for part of the year.

SEMA opposes this rulemaking and the expansion of the sale of E15. The EPA has turned to sales of E15 to achieve the Renewable Fuel Standard’s artificial mandates to blend large volumes of ethanol into gasoline sold in the United States. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause damage to high-performance parts and vehicles manufactured prior to 2001.  

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rulemaking to allow gas stations around the country to sell E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol) year-round. Previously, the EPA prohibited the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. It is unclear if the EPA’s rulemaking will be implemented immediately since it will likely face court challenges. 

The Renewable Fuels Association anticipates that E15 sales will increase from 300 million gallons in 2018 to 700 million gallons or more this year as a result of this rule. At present, roughly 1,800 gas stations sell E15, although this number is likely to increase as a result of the EPA’s actions. The EPA’s rulemaking is part of an effort to increase the availability of E15, as ethanol supporters maintain that few gas stations sell the fuel since E15 could only be legally sold for part of the year.

SEMA opposes this rulemaking and the expansion of the sale of E15. The EPA has turned to sales of E15 to achieve the Renewable Fuel Standard’s artificial mandates to blend large volumes of ethanol into gasoline sold in the United States. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause damage to high-performance parts and vehicles manufactured prior to 2001.  

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rulemaking to allow gas stations around the country to sell E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol) year-round. Previously, the EPA prohibited the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. It is unclear if the EPA’s rulemaking will be implemented immediately since it will likely face court challenges. 

The Renewable Fuels Association anticipates that E15 sales will increase from 300 million gallons in 2018 to 700 million gallons or more this year as a result of this rule. At present, roughly 1,800 gas stations sell E15, although this number is likely to increase as a result of the EPA’s actions. The EPA’s rulemaking is part of an effort to increase the availability of E15, as ethanol supporters maintain that few gas stations sell the fuel since E15 could only be legally sold for part of the year.

SEMA opposes this rulemaking and the expansion of the sale of E15. The EPA has turned to sales of E15 to achieve the Renewable Fuel Standard’s artificial mandates to blend large volumes of ethanol into gasoline sold in the United States. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause damage to high-performance parts and vehicles manufactured prior to 2001.  

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

By Kyle Cheng

American consumers spent more than ever modifying their vehicles, pushing retail spending on specialty-equipment parts to $44.6 billion.

The new 2019 SEMA Market Report is now available for free from SEMA Market Research. SEMA estimates that pickups make up the largest share of specialty-equipment spending, accounting for approximately 27% of the market. Consumers spent more than $12 billion on aftermarket upgrades and accessories for their pickups last year. Likewise, approximately 67% of manufacturers report sales growth within this category. Nearly 60% of the dollars spent on aftermarket pickup parts were done at brick-and-mortar locations. Key product categories for pickups include exterior utility accessories, wheels and tires, and suspension upgrades.

To learn more about the pickup category and get a detailed look at the rest of the $44.6 billion specialty-equipment industry, download the 2019 SEMA Market Report for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

American consumers spent more than ever modifying their vehicles, pushing retail spending on specialty-equipment parts to $44.6 billion.

The new 2019 SEMA Market Report is now available for free from SEMA Market Research. SEMA estimates that pickups make up the largest share of specialty-equipment spending, accounting for approximately 27% of the market. Consumers spent more than $12 billion on aftermarket upgrades and accessories for their pickups last year. Likewise, approximately 67% of manufacturers report sales growth within this category. Nearly 60% of the dollars spent on aftermarket pickup parts were done at brick-and-mortar locations. Key product categories for pickups include exterior utility accessories, wheels and tires, and suspension upgrades.

To learn more about the pickup category and get a detailed look at the rest of the $44.6 billion specialty-equipment industry, download the 2019 SEMA Market Report for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

American consumers spent more than ever modifying their vehicles, pushing retail spending on specialty-equipment parts to $44.6 billion.

The new 2019 SEMA Market Report is now available for free from SEMA Market Research. SEMA estimates that pickups make up the largest share of specialty-equipment spending, accounting for approximately 27% of the market. Consumers spent more than $12 billion on aftermarket upgrades and accessories for their pickups last year. Likewise, approximately 67% of manufacturers report sales growth within this category. Nearly 60% of the dollars spent on aftermarket pickup parts were done at brick-and-mortar locations. Key product categories for pickups include exterior utility accessories, wheels and tires, and suspension upgrades.

To learn more about the pickup category and get a detailed look at the rest of the $44.6 billion specialty-equipment industry, download the 2019 SEMA Market Report for free at www.sema.org/research.

Here’s a prototype for the Charger Widebody, though this one appears to be the Scat Pack variant.

Back in March, Dodge brought a “design concept” for the Charger widebody to Spring Fest (SF14) in Pomona, California. Since then there have been a few prototypes, but they’ve all seemed identical to the concept shown at SF14, that is until now. This prototype looks identical to the concept shown but features the original multi-spoke wheel design featured on the SRT392 and R/T Scat Pack with the Dynamics Package. The “design concept” shown at Spring Fest featured a unique dual five-spoke design.

After catching this prototype, Dodge is expected to offer a similar approach to that of the Challanger widebody (multi-trim application). It’s rumored that the Charger Widebody will make its official debut at The Woodward Dream Cruise in August.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a prototype for the Charger Widebody, though this one appears to be the Scat Pack variant.

Back in March, Dodge brought a “design concept” for the Charger widebody to Spring Fest (SF14) in Pomona, California. Since then there have been a few prototypes, but they’ve all seemed identical to the concept shown at SF14, that is until now. This prototype looks identical to the concept shown but features the original multi-spoke wheel design featured on the SRT392 and R/T Scat Pack with the Dynamics Package. The “design concept” shown at Spring Fest featured a unique dual five-spoke design.

After catching this prototype, Dodge is expected to offer a similar approach to that of the Challanger widebody (multi-trim application). It’s rumored that the Charger Widebody will make its official debut at The Woodward Dream Cruise in August.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde