The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued a final decision that passenger and light-truck tires imported from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are being sold in the United States at less than fair value (“dumping”), and that Vietnamese tire producers have received unfair subsidies associated with the country’s “undervalued currency” (countervailing duties).
The dumping margins were revised from the preliminary calculations made last December although not significantly. The new margins range from 14.72% to 27.05% for South Korea, 20.04% 101.84% for Taiwan, 14.62% to 21.09% for Thailand, and 0% to 22.30% percent for Vietnam. The subsidy rates range from 6.23% to 7.89% for Vietnam. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will adjust the cash deposits from tire importers based on the final rates.
For the duties to take effect, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) must determine that U.S. industry is being harmed or threatened with harm from the unfair trading activity. The ITC has already issued a preliminary affirmative decision. The agency is scheduled to issue its final determination by June 28, 2021.
During his time in Congress, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) has proven himself to be a defender of motorsports. Rep. Hudson is the lead Republican co-sponsor of H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act), and is a passionate racing fan. As the hometown Congressman for the Charlotte Motor Speedway and much of the race parts industry, Rep. Hudson is the only member of Congress who prominently displays the hood of a racecar in his Washington, D.C., office.
Rep. Hudson is a leading voice on the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee for the RPM Act and has questioned the two past EPA administrators during public hearings about their position on the conversion of motor vehicles for racing.
Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. Hudson and then send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act. Click here to see the current list of RPM Act co-sponsors.
This is what has been called the “Bronco Warthog,” that is until now, as a source close to the blue oval has confirmed that we’re actually looking at the Ford Bronco Raptor.
The vehicle looks fresh, as if it just finished being built, and now features the infamous FORD grille.
All the expected workings of a Raptor are present and accounted for, including a significantly higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches, and a wider, more aggressive stance. The significant amount of thick camouflage covers up the majority of the vehicle, but the camo can only do so much to disguise what are clearly wider flares.
The prototype rides on a set of BFGoodrich AT All Terrain T/A tires, though we can’t quite make out the size (it appears to be a 17-in. rim). It’s not clear what suspension upgrades are in place, but the Raptor is definitely expected to feature a more rugged and capable chassis.
The latest rumblings pin the Bronco Raptor as launching for the ’23 model year, where it will join the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor.
This is what has been called the “Bronco Warthog,” that is until now, as a source close to the blue oval has confirmed that we’re actually looking at the Ford Bronco Raptor.
The vehicle looks fresh, as if it just finished being built, and now features the infamous FORD grille.
All the expected workings of a Raptor are present and accounted for, including a significantly higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches, and a wider, more aggressive stance. The significant amount of thick camouflage covers up the majority of the vehicle, but the camo can only do so much to disguise what are clearly wider flares.
The prototype rides on a set of BFGoodrich AT All Terrain T/A tires, though we can’t quite make out the size (it appears to be a 17-in. rim). It’s not clear what suspension upgrades are in place, but the Raptor is definitely expected to feature a more rugged and capable chassis.
The latest rumblings pin the Bronco Raptor as launching for the ’23 model year, where it will join the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor.
The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) named Cindy Smith as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Smith is the marketing manager at RimTyme Custom Wheels, a rent-to-own wheel and tire concept that offers wheels and tires for trucks and Jeeps, as well as for custom wheels for passenger vehicles.
SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?
Cindy Smith: It just sort of happened, but I’m ecstatic it did!
SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?
CS: Through WTC events and meetings, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and innovators. This has helped me to expand my ideas and creativity to enhance our brand.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?
CS: The wheel and tire industry is exciting and is always evolving. My advice is to make sure you get involved in the many organizations and groups offered through SEMA. It will definitely keep you informed on the latest trends and technology happening throughout the industry.
SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?
CS: I'm usually on some type of sports field cheering on my kids in their sporting events.
Fill out a WTC spotlight application to share how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates have the opportunity to be featured on SEMA eNews, social media and WTC member updates.
Roland Hence, far right, won last year's SEMA Launch Pad
competition with his Impulse—Emergency Brake Light. The
2021 SEMA Launch Pad competition is open to all qualified
participants over the age of 18 years, and includes a grand-
prize package valued up to $92,000 and promotional support.
Emerging entrepreneurs and inventors have until May 30 to submit their applications for the SEMA Launch Pad. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product or accessory will have the chance to win a prize package valued at $92,000 to help launch their product or service into the marketplace.
Originally created to support emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program does not have an age cap and is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. The prizes have also increased to include a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, cash awarded to the top three finalists and featured video interviews promoting dozens of applicants on SEMA’s social media networks.
Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November, where the top five will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges and be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.
Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.
To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype or concept or currently available for sale.
Pinewood Build Day is an opportunity for the industry to
meet and connect with the children by helping them
decorate and race pinewood race cars.
Members in Southern California are invited to volunteer at the SEMA Cares Pinewood Build Day, Saturday, June 5, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Childhelp Village in Beaumont, California.
As one of the designated charities of SEMA Cares, Childhelp treats as many as 84 abused, neglected and at-risk children at its Southern California residential facility. SEMA Cares Pinewood Build Day is an opportunity for the industry to meet and connect with the children by helping them decorate and race pinewood race cars. For many of the children who have endured great hardship, the event is an entertaining activity that allows them to have fun and brings a smile to their faces. Each child will receive and decorate two pinewoods—one to keep and the other to donate. Donated cars will be available for purchase at the SEMA Installation & Gala, and all proceeds will benefit SEMA Cares charities.
The Pinewood Build Day is ideal for anyone who may have a few hours to help make a difference in the lives of children in need. SEMA members are encouraged to bring their families to this special day, as it is fun way to get the whole family involved in giving back and helping others.
Lunch will be included. Please RSVP to Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.
Kyle Ficklerof Driven Racing
Oil has been elected
chairman-elect and will help
the SEMA Board of Directors
lead the association over the
next several years.
Kyle Fickler of Driven Racing Oil has been elected chairman-elect and will help the SEMA Board of Directors lead the association over the next several years.
Fickler fills the position held for the past two years by James Lawrence (Power Automedia), who will begin his term as chairman in July, when Tim Martin (Aftermarket Advisors) concludes his term in that position.
Brian Reese (Driven Lighting Group), Larry Montante (Keystone Automotive Operations), and Lindsay Hubley (Lodestone Events) were also voted onto the SEMA Board of Directors, while Kim Pendergast (Magnuson Superchargers) and Steve Whipple (Jegs High Performance) were re-elected and will serve another term.
SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association.
They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, manufacturers' representative, distributors/retailers, and services.
The entire 2021–2022 SEMA Board of Directors will be honored and recognized during the SEMA Installation & Gala on July 30 in Las Vegas. At the same time, outgoing SEMA Immediate Past Chair Wade Kawasaki (Legendary Companies) and board members Donnie Eatherly (P&E Distributors), Dan Kahn (Kahn Media), and Brian Lounsberry (One 6 Motorsports) will conclude their volunteer terms and be honored for their service and contributions.
The event also pays special tribute to 2021 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Jessi Combs, Rick Love, Bob Moore, and Carl Schiefer.
The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala will feature cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating for the event is limited.
The gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las
Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue
where thousands of industry professionals will
congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
The SEMA Installation & Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated.
Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at the SEMA Installation & Gala, Friday, July 30, in Las Vegas, to honor 2021's SEMA Hall of fame Inductees—Jessi Combs, Rick Love, Bob Moore and Carl Schiefer. The gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue where thousands of industry professionals will congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Installation & Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors is sworn in, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also recognized during the event.
The evening will feature cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited. For more information and to register, visit www.sema.org/gala.
