The SEMA Launch Pad is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to jump-start their businesses. Hear from 2018 Launch Pad finalist George Shafer, as he shares details about his new product.

By Kyle Cheng

The March “SEMA Industry Indicators Report” is now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

Where is the U.S. economy heading? The answer to that question remains difficult and unclear.

In February, gains were a feeble 20,000 new jobs, after averaging 226,000 new jobs per month over the last year; however, this may have been driven by adverse weather and random volatility. In addition, auto sales sank lower in February, and existing home sales hit their slowest pace since 2015 as tight inventories and rising interest rates weighed against sales.

On the other hand, despite the weak job gains last month, the underlying labor market remains strong, and the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%. Likewise, wage growth continues to accelerate. At 3.4% year-over-year growth, wages are growing faster than they have in a decade. Job openings are also at a record high, which should provide support for both hiring and wage growth in the coming months.

Overall, economic growth will moderate over the next two years. However, there continues to be significant debate about how quickly growth will slow or return in the long term.

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

By Kyle Cheng

The March “SEMA Industry Indicators Report” is now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

Where is the U.S. economy heading? The answer to that question remains difficult and unclear.

In February, gains were a feeble 20,000 new jobs, after averaging 226,000 new jobs per month over the last year; however, this may have been driven by adverse weather and random volatility. In addition, auto sales sank lower in February, and existing home sales hit their slowest pace since 2015 as tight inventories and rising interest rates weighed against sales.

On the other hand, despite the weak job gains last month, the underlying labor market remains strong, and the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%. Likewise, wage growth continues to accelerate. At 3.4% year-over-year growth, wages are growing faster than they have in a decade. Job openings are also at a record high, which should provide support for both hiring and wage growth in the coming months.

Overall, economic growth will moderate over the next two years. However, there continues to be significant debate about how quickly growth will slow or return in the long term.

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

By Kyle Cheng

The March “SEMA Industry Indicators Report” is now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

Where is the U.S. economy heading? The answer to that question remains difficult and unclear.

In February, gains were a feeble 20,000 new jobs, after averaging 226,000 new jobs per month over the last year; however, this may have been driven by adverse weather and random volatility. In addition, auto sales sank lower in February, and existing home sales hit their slowest pace since 2015 as tight inventories and rising interest rates weighed against sales.

On the other hand, despite the weak job gains last month, the underlying labor market remains strong, and the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%. Likewise, wage growth continues to accelerate. At 3.4% year-over-year growth, wages are growing faster than they have in a decade. Job openings are also at a record high, which should provide support for both hiring and wage growth in the coming months.

Overall, economic growth will moderate over the next two years. However, there continues to be significant debate about how quickly growth will slow or return in the long term.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

OMAX Plans to Join Forces With Hypertherm

OMAX Corp. plans to join forces with Hypertherm, following the signing of a definitive merger agreement that establishes OMAX as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hypertherm. Upon the closing of the transaction, expected on or around April 9, OMAX’s direct-drive pumps, software and applications technologies will combine with Hypertherm’s complementary portfolio of intensifier-based pumps and abrasive recycling systems. Hypertherm does not plan to make significant changes to OMAX’s operations, management structure or distribution channels. The company’s current offices and manufacturing operations in Kent, Washington, where the majority of its 367 associates are located, will remain intact, with no consolidations or reductions planned. Hypertherm also anticipates continuing both the Hypertherm and OMAX waterjet product offerings and brands.

Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery’s “Fast N’ Loud” reality show, joined world-class Hot Wheels designers to cast their votes for the cars that will be turned into a Hot Wheels Legend.

Hot Wheels Legends Nationwide Search for Next Die-Cast Car Kicked Off Last Weekend

Last weekend, car enthusiasts competed for a chance to have their custom cars immortalized into a Hot Wheels die-cast during the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in Miami. The second annual Hot Wheels Legends Tour is expanding with 18 stops to give more fans a shot at seeing their custom creations become an iconic 1:64 die-cast toy car. The winning vehicle will again be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, a collection of one-of-a-kind cars that embody the brand’s challenger spirit and legendary design. Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery’s “Fast N’ Loud” reality show, joined world-class Hot Wheels designers to cast their votes for the cars that will be turned into a Hot Wheels Legend. Last year, the 2018 inaugural Hot Wheels Legends Tour, in honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary, brought together more than 65,000 car fans of all ages from across the country and more than 3,600 cars.

Darwin Moen

Darwin Moen Joins Brake Parts Inc.

Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) has named Darwin Moen vice president of sales, OE and OES. Before joining BPI, Moen most recently served as vice president of sales for Remy Power Products North America where he was responsible for sales strategy and operations, program and team development, customer relations, category management, pricing and product placement, technical support and training.

Moen began his career with the Maytag Company and was promoted to regional positions in Chicago, Los Angeles and Indianapolis before moving to the company’s corporate headquarters in Newton, Iowa, in 2004. When the Maytag Company was acquired by Whirlpool Corp. in 2006, he relocated to its world headquarters in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Heraeus Announces New Name for Its Sensor Business

Heraeus has announced plans for expanding its sensor business. As part of its commitment and to reposition itself for tomorrow’s key markets, including mobility and power electronics, its sensor business will operate under a new name: Heraeus Nexensos, which will focus more on developing sensor solutions for e-mobility, and cater to the areas of power electronics, batteries, e-motors and charging systems. In addition, the company is intensifying its collaboration with start-ups and investigating potential acquisitions.

Standard Motor Products was named Outstanding Vendor of the Year by the Automotive Parts Service Group.

'The Group' Honors Top Suppliers

The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) recognized supplier partners with special awards during its annual combined member meeting held March 12-15.

The Group presented awards for exceptional support in key categories important to its membership as well as the Outstanding Vendor of the Year. Members of Federated Auto Parts and National Pronto Association cast votes for the top supplier in each category. The winners were: Outstanding Vendor of the Year, Standard Motor Products (SMP); Sales Support Vendor of the Year, APC Automotive Technologies; Marketing Excellence Vendor of the Year, Dorman; Excellence in Education & Training Vendor of the Year, SMP; Service Level Excellence Vendor of the Year, Hastings; and Catalog & Product Data Excellence, Bosch.

More than 750 members, vendors and associates participated in The Group meeting, attending a series of general sessions and informational meetings as well as participating in a lively vendor expo.

ROXOR Off Road Launching Top Five Sweepstakes During NCAA Basketball Tournament

Mahindra Automotive North America will be part of the college basketball tournament with the ROXOR Top Five Sweepstakes. Fans can win a ROXOR off-road vehicle outfitted with their favorite accessories. ROXOR recently celebrated its first year as a brand, and the tournament takeover on cbssports.com will generate greater awareness going into year two. Beginning March 26, fans can enter at www.roxortopfive.com and the winning fan’s ROXOR will be hand-built in the Mahindra Automotive North America factory in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and delivered via a local ROXOR dealer. 

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Here’s the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, including exclusive photos of the production taillights, a new rear wing and a look at the front fascia, thanks to some camo being blown off (note that the front fascia seen looks identical to the leaked photo from the Corvette factory back in October 2017).

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. An white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, with a first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette, with taillight elements featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver’s side, and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today.

An official debut is expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, including exclusive photos of the production taillights, a new rear wing and a look at the front fascia, thanks to some camo being blown off (note that the front fascia seen looks identical to the leaked photo from the Corvette factory back in October 2017).

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. An white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, with a first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette, with taillight elements featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver’s side, and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today.

An official debut is expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, including exclusive photos of the production taillights, a new rear wing and a look at the front fascia, thanks to some camo being blown off (note that the front fascia seen looks identical to the leaked photo from the Corvette factory back in October 2017).

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. An white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, with a first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette, with taillight elements featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver’s side, and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today.

An official debut is expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, including exclusive photos of the production taillights, a new rear wing and a look at the front fascia, thanks to some camo being blown off (note that the front fascia seen looks identical to the leaked photo from the Corvette factory back in October 2017).

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. An white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, with a first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette, with taillight elements featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver’s side, and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today.

An official debut is expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, including exclusive photos of the production taillights, a new rear wing and a look at the front fascia, thanks to some camo being blown off (note that the front fascia seen looks identical to the leaked photo from the Corvette factory back in October 2017).

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. An white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, with a first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette, with taillight elements featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver’s side, and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today.

An official debut is expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde