By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Supreme Court will not consider an appeal to permit the year-round sale of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol. Biofuel producers had asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow year-round sales of E15 for many years, and the Trump Administration issued a rule in 2019 to permit such sales. However, the Biden Administration rescinded the rule in 2021, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia agreed that the EPA had overstepped its legal authority when issuing the 2019 rule. The Appeals Court upheld the summertime restriction for certain E15 sales.

Prior to 2019, 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. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 gasoline as there may not be enough protections to guard against misfuelling.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the nonprofit organization Friends of Oceano Dunes, allowing a “quiet title” lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission (CCC), California State Parks and other government groups to move forward. The suit contends that off-roading and camping access to Oceano Dunes is protected by an “implied-by-law dedication” since OHV enthusiasts and campers recreated on the land for decades before the government entities acquired the properties. A quiet title lawsuit is usually brought against a private landowner in a dispute over who owns the land. Friends of Oceano Dunes, however, is not disputing who owns the land but rather that the land was specifically designated for use for beach driving and camping. The case is set for trial in March 2023.

This action is separate from a lawsuit filed by SEMA and Ecologic Partners Inc., a nonprofit group comprised of the Off-Road Business Association, the American Sand Association, and the American Motorcyclist Association District 37. The SEMA/Ecologic Partners suit challenges the CCC’s claim that there are environmental concerns requiring the closure of the dunes to OHV use. Friends of Oceano Dunes filed a similar suit. The suits have been joined and are in pretrial discovery with a hearing set for March in Superior Court.

Since 1974, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) has been a state-designated OHV park managed and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. It is the only opportunity for motorized recreation at a state park along California’s Pacific coast but has been under threat of closure for many years. Opposition to OHV use at the dunes is largely based on environmental arguments—airborne particulate matter (dust) and/or threatened plants and animals. For years, SEMA has joined with many other OHV groups in challenging the scientific basis for the claims and in citing the importance of the area for the enthusiast community. However, in March 2021, the CCC voted to shut down OHV access within three years, along with additional restrictions before the three-year deadline, which has triggered the lawsuits by pro-OHV groups.

In December, the CCC reached an agreement with Friends of Oceano Dunes and SEMA/Ecologic Partners not to pursue several of the projects it had announced in March 2021 until the ongoing litigation is resolved. Specifically, some camping will be permitted immediately and the Pier Avenue vehicle entrance to Oceano Dunes will not be closing in July 2022.  Further, Arroyo Grande Creek will no longer be closed when the ocean touches the lagoon, rather, the creek crossing will only be closed when the creek water reaches a depth of 12 in.  

Outside of the court proceedings, the CCC continues to assert its authority to reduce OHV access to Oceano Dunes. At a December 17 administrative hearing, the CCC voted unanimously to approve the State Parks’ proposal to remove 108 acres of OHV access and 22 acres of camping areas as part of the ongoing dust control mitigation and dune habitat restoration effort. SEMA and the other OHV groups have opposed the State Parks proposal.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By Mike Imlay

Nationwide tool and equipment retailer Harbor Freight Tools has announced a donation of $100,000 to SEMA Cares and the SEMA Scholarship Fund. The donation is intended to support SEMA’s outreach to youth in need on a variety of levels.

“SEMA wishes to thank the Harbor Freight Tools Foundation LLC for their incredible generosity,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This is a unique and significant gift that will benefit the many young people served by our association’s charity and scholarship programs. We greatly appreciate the support to the association and the industry that this donation represents.”

Harbor Freight Tools, a national tool store chain owned and led by Eric Smidt, has more than 1,200 locations across the United States. Through The Smidt Foundation, Smidt launched the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which awards more than $1 million annually to 18 outstanding U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs. The prize is just one part of a broader aim to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools.

“We are thrilled to support the important work of SEMA Cares,” said Smidt. “The SEMA Scholarship Fund provides much needed support for the education journey of young people working in the automotive industry. We especially applaud the ways these scholarships help recognize and nurture talent and open doors of opportunity.”

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares seeks to mobilize the aftermarket to improve the lives of children in need by supporting such charities as the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and illnesses. In addition, the SEMA Scholarship Fund and Loan Forgiveness programs offer students from all academic and technical disciplines within the automotive industry help with college tuition and student loans.

By Kyle Cheng

The ongoing supply-chain disruption has had ripple effects throughout the global economy, including the specialty-equipment industry. More than 80% of industry companies reported having severe or moderate impacts in 2021 because of it, including production delays, shipping issues and higher prices. However, this year should be better.

According to the latest “SEMA Future Trends” report, more than 80% of industry companies reported having severe or moderate impacts in 2021 because of supply-chain disruptions, including production delays, shipping issues and higher prices.

By the end of 2022, SEMA Market Research projects that the most pressing issues with the global supply chain should improve in the second half of 2022. However, prices may remain elevated for longer and likely into 2023.

Want to learn more? Interested in seeing what the forecast is for the specialty-equipment industry moving forward? Download the new “SEMA Future Trends – January 2022” report. In it, you’ll find:

• Outlook for the specialty-equipment industry in 2022 and beyond.
• Projections for the U.S. economy, including consumer spending, inflation and employment
• Outlook on the global supply chain and input prices.
• A look at changing demographics of consumers, and what that means for the industry in the future.

Download this report today at www.sema.org/research.

Join the SEMA Market Research team as they discuss this report and the overall outlook for the future in an upcoming webinar: “Outlook for 2022: Industry Forecast, Supply Chain Projections and Changing Consumer Demographics.” This webinar will take place on Wednesday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m (PST).

Register now!

Hyundai’s Prophecy concept car will morph into the Ioniq 6 when it finally hits dealers in production form in 2023. As expected, spy shots now prove that the radical design of the Prophecy has been toned down considerably for the Ioniq 6. The interior will still be a stunning place to sit, but the exterior has undergone work and now becomes much more conservative.

The images clearly show that the suicide doors of the concept are certainly not making their way to production and that both the front and rear overhangs have increased in size, presumably because a production car needs more space for things like battery packs and trunk space. These changes likely mean it won’t have the same svelte curves as the concept.

Other details we’ve gleaned from previous spy shots include the fact that the Ioniq 6 will feature flush door handles and possibly the retention of the concept’s rear wing, which may or may not house a third brake light. As for performance, there will be two powerplants with both single- and dual-motor variants to be offered, the latter of which is likely to produce more than 300 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Hyundai’s Prophecy concept car will morph into the Ioniq 6 when it finally hits dealers in production form in 2023. As expected, spy shots now prove that the radical design of the Prophecy has been toned down considerably for the Ioniq 6. The interior will still be a stunning place to sit, but the exterior has undergone work and now becomes much more conservative.

The images clearly show that the suicide doors of the concept are certainly not making their way to production and that both the front and rear overhangs have increased in size, presumably because a production car needs more space for things like battery packs and trunk space. These changes likely mean it won’t have the same svelte curves as the concept.

Other details we’ve gleaned from previous spy shots include the fact that the Ioniq 6 will feature flush door handles and possibly the retention of the concept’s rear wing, which may or may not house a third brake light. As for performance, there will be two powerplants with both single- and dual-motor variants to be offered, the latter of which is likely to produce more than 300 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Each year, SEMA helps employees of member businesses pay off student loans as part of the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program. The 2022 application period is now open and will run through March 1, 2022.

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program?

The Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds to help selected current employees of SEMA-member businesses pay off education loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. Unlike the SEMA Scholarship Program, which assists current students, the Loan Forgiveness Program focuses on recent graduates who are actively working for SEMA-member companies to help lessen the burden of education loans post-graduation.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
• Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States.
• Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

What are the benefits of being selected?

Beyond the impact the monetary awards provide, the SEMA Loan Forgiveness program is a passion-driven program aimed to help SEMA members further their career in the automotive and performance parts industries. SEMA members and program recipients also have access to resources through SEMA Education and the SEMA Career Center, and in-person networking opportunities at the SEMA Show.

What is the application process?

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships before the March 1, 2022, deadline. If you have children, friends or know someone who may qualify, we invite you to share this opportunity with them.

By Ashley Reyes

All participants of the 2022 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference are invited to a free webinar on January 20, where organizers will give a sneak peek at the virtual event space and provide tips for navigating the site.

Taking place 100% online from January 25–27, the conference provides manufacturers and media with an opportunity to connect with one another for quality meetings. Personalized schedules are created based on individual needs.

While last year’s conference was also held virtually, this year’s online event space has a brand-new look.

Register now for the webinar. 

Turn 14 Distribution Awards KW Automotive Supplier of the Year, MBRP Collaborative Supplier

KW Automotive received Turn 14 Distribution’s Supplier of the Year Award for 2021.

Turn 14 Distribution has awarded KW Automotive its Supplier of the Year Award for 2021. Turn 14 Distribution presents the Supplier of the Year Award annually to its leading supplier to recognize its value in the industry and role in the supply chain. All aspects of the supplier-distributor relationship are taken into consideration, including supply-chain support, product innovation and collaboration.

KW Automotive has been at the forefront of premium automotive tuning and refinement products for more than 25 years. The company’s product selection contains a wide range of suspension components and coilover kits with an assortment of damping variants. KW Automotive’s brand portfolio includes ST Suspensions and Belltech, both offered by Turn 14 Distribution.

MBRP was honored with Turn 14 Distribution’s Collaborative Supplier Award for 2021.

In addition, Turn 14 Distribution has awarded MBRP with its Collaborative Supplier Award for 2021, which is presented to Turn 14 Distribution’s most collaborative supplier over the past 12 months and is influenced by growth, depth of partnership, support and relationship strength.

Holley Acquires Four Enthusiast Brands

Holley has acquired substantially all of the assets of Arizona Desert Shocks (ADS), Baer Brakes, Brothers Trucks and Rocket Racing Wheels. Holley completed the acquisitions for approximately $56 million during the fourth quarter of 2021. For 2022, Holley expects these acquisitions to contribute net sales of approximately $30 million, the company stated. For more information, visit holley.com.

Covercraft Acquires Lloyd Mats

Covercraft has announced the acquisition of Lloyd Mats—a manufacturer of custom-fit carpeted floor and cargo mats for cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and RVs. Since 1978, Lloyd Mats has developed a comprehensive library of vehicle application-specific patterns in the custom floor mat category. The company offers multiple branded, licensed and personalized versions of its floor mats across dozens of colors and carpet styles. 

Premium Guard Inc. Successfully Completes Acquisition of IPC Global Solutions

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) has completed the acquisition of IPC Global Solutions (IPC), a major private-label filter supplier and the creator of the ECOGARD brand of filtration products. As part of the transaction, PGI also partnered with Trive Capital, the Dallas-based private equity firm. The deal was finalized on December 30. The new combined company will employ more than 600 people and operate approximately 1,000,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space throughout North America. This merger, along with the acquisition of Interfil in Mexico in November 2020, will expand PGI’s global sourcing platform to deliver a full suite of automotive filtration products and aftermarket solutions.

Speedway Motorsports Announces Promotions

Two industry veterans recently received promotions at Speedway Motorsports, as Mike Burch has been named the company’s chief operating officer, while Jerry Caldwell was promoted to president of Bristol Motor Speedway. The promotions were announced by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. Burch, who joined Speedway Motorsports in 2003, most recently served as chief strategy officer, and previously held positions of senior vice president of national sales and marketing and manager of business development. Caldwell, who began working full-time at Bristol Motor Speedway in its sales and marketing department in 1997, has been the executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway since 2010.

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.

By Ashley Reyes

How are regulated emissions formed within a gasoline engine? What should be considered when failing an emissions test?

Automotive engineers, programmers, and product developers will be introduced to the formation and aftertreatment for gasoline engines during a webinar on January 18, at 1:00 p.m. (PST).

Featuring Robert Prucka, associate and Kulwicki professor of motorsports engineering at Clemson University, the webinar will discuss common issues associated with the test cycle and provide insight based on Prucka’s technical expertise and real-world experiences. To-date, Prucka’s research and teaching interests span from design, control, calibration and performance, to emissions of advanced powertrain systems. He is also a select committee member for the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Combustion Committee and an associate editor for the International Journal of Powertrains.

A Q&A with the audience will follow Prucka’s webinar presentation. Register here.