All feature vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting
company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the
SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show's Feature Vehicle Program.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying; vehicle image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.
When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.
John McLeod was inducted
into the Darryl Starbird Rod
and Custom Hall of Fame.
Classic Instruments’ Owner John McLeod Inducted to the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame
Classic Instruments owner John McLeod attended the 57th Annual Darryl Starbird National Rod and Custom Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. McLeod received the award for the impact that Classic Instruments has had on the hot-rod industry, continuously being the go-to company for top builders seeking one-off custom dashes.
LSI Chemical Signs New UK Distributor—GreenGlove Ltd.
LSI Chemical has announced a new European distributor—GreenGlove Ltd. GreenGlove is now the official United Kingdom and Ireland distributor for LSI Chemical, offering solutions to customers in the lubrication and fuel industries to help companies bring an improved, market-ready product to end-users. Additionally, GreenGlove is now an official distributor of the full line of Hot Shot’s Secret products available for retail throughout western Europe.
The Wheel Group Hires Gerry Geronimo as Marketing Manager
The Wheel Group (TWG) has announced Gerry Geronimo as its new marketing manager. Geronimo brings with him a great deal of experience in the field of marketing, brand management, sports marketing and more. His past positions were most recently leading the marketing efforts at Vision Wheel, and prior to that, he spent nearly a decade in multiple marketing functions at Wheel Pros as well as other companies outside of the industry. Geronimo will lead the marketing efforts for all 17 proprietary brands in The Wheel Group’s portfolio. As a key member of the management team, he’ll drive and expand on the current brands strategy and deliver on all growth initiatives for the company.
Matthew Gamble
Matthew Gamble to Lead Banks Power Engine Program
Banks Power has announced Matthew Gamble as its design, assembly and testing manager for its DMAX engine programs. Gamble will help design, develop and launch the high-performance, turnkey variants of the Banks D866T engine in his new position. Engineered and developed in-house at the company’s Azusa, California, campus, the engines will feature Banks components, many integrated during an initial assembly at GM’s DMAX Ltd. plant in Moraine, Ohio. Gamble will also lead performance and durability demonstration events both in-house and remote, among other duties. He arrives at Banks from Edelbrock, where he managed the company’s cylinder head and water pump lines. Previously, the mechanical engineer managed 15 successful launch campaigns of Delta IV rockets at Rocketdyne and oversaw the health monitoring systems at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.
NHRA Appoints Lonnie Grim National Tech Director
The NHRA Technical Department has announced the addition of Lonnie Grim as the new national tech director. He began his role on April 12, and will help continue toward the department’s goal of innovation and safety. Grim comes to the NHRA with more than 15 years of experience within the sport of drag racing. He most recently served as the competition/series tech director at the Professional Drag Racing Association. Grim joins the technical department led by NHRA Vice President of Competition Ned Walliser.
Daryn And Mandy Pittman Purchase Ultra Shield Race Products
Robert and Donna Bass have announced that Daryn and Mandy Pittman have purchased Ultra Shield Race Products, the manufacturer of race seats, harnesses, arm restraints, window nets, and more racing safety products in Flint, Texas. Robert and Donna Bass had founded Ultra Shield Race Products in 1987 by manufacturing tear-offs before the business progressed to include seats, belts, nets and more safety equipment.
Peter MacGillivray Joins MotorTrend Group Sales Team
Peter MacGillivray
MotorTrend Group has hired automotive aftermarket industry veteran Peter MacGillivray as a senior member to its sales team. MacGillivray’s focus will be representing the combined portfolio of brands such as MotorTrend, HOT ROD, and Four Wheeler, and original content across multiple media and events channels. MacGillivary returns to his roots at MotorTrend Group after 20 years to help expand and grow aftermarket partnerships.
Prior to joining MotorTrend Group, MacGillivray worked as vice president of events and business development for SEMA, and an executive with the Performance Racing Industry Show and Performance Racing Industry magazine. MacGillivray will maintain his current role as the marketing committee chairman and on the Revenue Growth Committee for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.
Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Celebrates Donald Schlenger
Donald Schlenger (left) and Automotive
Aftermarket Charitable Foundation board
member Andy Dudash.
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation honored one of its original founders, Donald Schlenger, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
On May 3, Schlenger was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for serving and supporting the AACF for more than 40 years. Board member Andy Dudash was there to deliver the award and join Schlenger for lunch. Today, as an accomplished Bridge player, he enjoys reminiscing with his legion of friends and family and continues to play competitive bridge, often beating players half his age. Read more at about Schlenger www.facebook.com/AftermarketCharity.
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.
Participating in the New Products Showcase is a great way to
generate media coverage for new and featured products.
As the premier automotive trade event in the world, the SEMA Show attracts thousands of media to the annual event each year. Journalists at the SEMA Show are looking for news and information that they can share with their readers, viewers and listeners. The following programs are available to help exhibitors get their news in front of SEMA Show media.
Online Media Center: Editors from nationwide media outlets, as well as SEMA publications and social-media outlets, use the releases from the SEMA Show Online Media Center to fill their publications with Show-related news. Exhibitors are invited to post releases in the Online Media Center by using the online form here.
Enter the New Products Showcase: In addition to showcasing products in a high-traffic area of the SEMA Show, participating in the New Products Showcase is a great way to generate media coverage for new and featured products. All exhibitors can enter a qualified product for free and have the product professionally photographed. The photos are used in SEMA publications and sent to media, who use the images in their coverage promoting the best new products from the SEMA Show. Enter the New Products Showcase.
Press Conferences: While private media briefings and individual meetings are ideal for connecting journalists, press conferences may be idea for announcements that appeal to a large number of media. Exhibitors should be aware that press conferences do require a considerable amount of planning and effort, and media are not obligated to attend the press conferences. However, newsworthy announcements with strong interview opportunities and visuals will increase the likelihood of media attending. Exhibitors are invited to submit applications for press conferences here.
Exhibitors can learn more about public relations resources available at the SEMA Show by visiting the Exhibitor Services Manual, and contacting pr@sema.org to receive ongoing PR tips and updates for SEMA Show exhibitors.
While GMC has already introduced the Hummer EV pickup, we have yet to see the 4 Wheel Steer in action on public roads, and also have had a limited look at accessories.
These shots show the Hummer EV pickup making a left-hand turn into GM’s Milford proving grounds while utilizing the 4 Wheel Steer system, which was only teased in a dimly lit video. We also get our first look at the Hummer EV pickup wearing a roof rack along with a bed rack, which both appear to be beefier than the Rivian R1T.
While GMC has already introduced the Hummer EV pickup, we have yet to see the 4 Wheel Steer in action on public roads, and also have had a limited look at accessories.
These shots show the Hummer EV pickup making a left-hand turn into GM’s Milford proving grounds while utilizing the 4 Wheel Steer system, which was only teased in a dimly lit video. We also get our first look at the Hummer EV pickup wearing a roof rack along with a bed rack, which both appear to be beefier than the Rivian R1T.
Truck and off-road vehicle builders are invited to apply to showcase their vehicle in a premium spot at the 2021 SEMA Show through the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle program.
Designed to generate awareness and give exposure to builders and the manufacturers whose parts are installed on each vehicle, the program is now accepting applications from builds in the areas of Jeep/Bronco, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland and off-road.
Six vehicles will be selected to participate this year, with one vehicle featured in the TORA booth, and the other five displayed in a premier locations outside of the new Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Natalie Simon the latest #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member. Simon is an SBN select committee volunteer and a marketing manager at Ford Motor Co.
Having been with the company for seven years, Simon enjoys working with a diverse team of people on exciting and cutting-edge products. Each day presents its challenges that enable her to think outside the box and non-traditionally.
SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?
NS: I’m currently in a new role as marketing manager. As I sink my teeth into this new position, I’m learning more and more about what I don’t know and how much I have to still learn. Every day presents its challenges, but as I continue to navigate this role, I’m impressed with that I was able to utilize from the day before and build upon.
SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
NS: I’ve been in the auto industry since 2006. I’ve bounced around many jobs —mostly agency, and now with Ford. My first job in the industry was working for an agency of record for General Motors as the purchasing coordinator for GM Events. I was able to move into an event-planning role shortly thereafter. Events have always been my first love.
SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?
NS: One: The willingness to learn from those around me. Surround yourself with people who you’re able to learn from every single day. Listen to them and take as much as you can from their experiences. The good, bad and ugly. Two: The ability to take changes. You’ll never realize how far you can get when you take a chance and step a little outside of center. Get a little uncomfortable! Three: Humility. It’s incredibly important to be humble. Know when you’re rocking it, and understand when you need help. Being humble means reaching out for assistance, even if you don't want to. Sometimes it’s a hard pill to swallow, but the benefits you get when you are able to ask for help will pay off big time.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?
NS: My first boss when I was working for the agency for GM was my first “real boss” and gave me the confidence to go outside of my comfort zone. She allowed me to ask a lot of questions. (Sometimes even what I thought were “dumb” questions!) She taught me that even the silliest of questions could be the same ones that other people could be thinking about. In short, don’t be shy.
SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
NS: Instead of saying something about one person, I’d have to say that the women I surround myself with are influential and teach me something every single day. My girls bring me up each day because I get to work with them and take what I’ve learned from them into life and the workplace.
Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.
Through the SEMA Launch Pad, entrepreneurs with a functioning
automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market
are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a
chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.
SEMA is seeking entrepreneurs and inventors who have the next big automotive-related product or accessory. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.
Since 2013, the program has helped entrepreneurs launch their products into the marketplace, providing them with cash prizes, next-level marketing opportunities, access to business tools and resources and more.
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 also 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.
”Before going through the Launch Pad program, I wasn”t even a blip on the industry's radar,” recalls Jonathan Mill, who won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad competition for this product the E-Stopp Emergency Brake. “After winning it, my product, career and network skyrocketed. All because I chose to get involved with SEMA.”
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, functioning concept or currently for sale. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2021.
The new Light-Truck Market Snapshot from SEMA
Market Research shows that in 2020 more than 90%
of U.S. Ford, GM and Stellantis vehicles sold were
light trucks.
Following SEMA’s recent market research on the changing vehicle landscape, SEMA released a research report dedicated solely to the light-truck market. The 99-page study includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.
The new Light-Truck Market Snapshot from SEMA Market Research shows that in 2020 more than 90% of U.S. Ford, GM and Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles sold were light trucks. Pickups remain a large part of the specialty automotive aftermarket and accounted for more than 30% of specialty-equipment part sales in 2019.
CUVs have not been fully embraced by specialty-equipment consumers and businesses, but remain a big part of the overall light-truck market. They have become the fastest-selling vehicle segment in the United States, and also a very fragmented one with more than 170 CUV models projected to be sold from 2021–2028.
The report helps businesses understand the overall truck market and includes a snapshot of trends for the light-truck, off-road, overland, outdoor recreation, powertrain and technology segments.
“Light trucks are used for a wide variety of activities and continue to be shaped by trends in vehicle sales, technology and consumer behavior,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “We anticipate this growth to continue over the next decade as vehicle manufacturers prioritize their light-truck models.”
Trends in powertrains and vehicle technology are also shaping the light-truck market:
Engines are getting smaller overall: 52% of pre-’90 light trucks have a 5L or larger engine, compared with 22% of 2010 and newer trucks.
Forced induction is becoming more common, especially on smaller engines. Less than 1% of pre-’90 light trucks have a turbocharger or supercharger but 22% of 2010 and newer trucks come with some sort of forced induction.
Alternative fuels, such as hybrid or electric powertrains, have been slower to catch on with trucks than with cars, but they are coming—several electric trucks have been announced in recent years, including an all-electric Jeep Wrangler and several electric pickups.
New-vehicle technologies, such as ADAS, are also becoming more common, and may affect how specialty truck parts are designed, produced and installed.
To learn more about the evolving diversity of the light truck market and find insights that can help your business succeed, download the “SEMA Light-Truck Market Snapshot” for free today at www.sema.org/research.
The Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang and Toyota TRD
Camry were debuted to the public as part of what NASCAR calls a
“new era of the rebirth of stock.”
Next Gen Cars Unveiled for 2022 Cup Series
The Next Gen models for NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2022 have been unveiled at The Park Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang and Toyota TRD Camry were debuted to the public as part of what NASCAR calls a “new era of the rebirth of stock.” All three OEMs worked with competition officials to design the new models with bigger wheels, a musclecar coupe-style appearance and the potential for the transition to hybrid power in the future. The Next Gen vehicles are also highlighted by a symmetrical body, which removes the skew and tail offset from the centerline that is used to create a right-side side force. This will help decrease aerodynamic dependence and “increase the emphasis on car setup in the hands of teams and drivers,” NASCAR said.
Officials anticipate two different rules packages for 2022—a low-downforce, low-drag, high-horsepower one for short tracks and road courses, along with a high-downforce, lower horsepower package for intermediate-sized tracks (1.5 miles) and longer. Target horsepower figures for the rules packages are still being determined. The unveiling comes after NASCAR had previously pushed the planned 2021 debut of the Next Gen car to 2022. The NASCAR Next Gen cars will make their competition debut on February 20, 2022, at Daytona International Speedway for the 64th annual Daytona 500. For more information and specifications, visit here or nascar.com.
Aaron Coalwell has been appointed the new technical director for the
Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda and the
Formula Regional Americas Championship powered by Honda.
New Technical Director Announced for F4 US, FR Americas
Parella Motorsports Holdings, in conjunction with SCCA Pro Racing, has appointed Aaron Coalwell as the new technical director for the Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda and the Formula Regional Americas Championship powered by Honda. Buddy Fey, who has served in the position for the two junior formula series for three full seasons, had previously announced his retirement earlier this year. Coalwell has supported Fey in the decision-making process for the last month and will officially assume the position full-time after the combined Brainerd International Raceway event, July 16–18. Coalwell has officiated in the SCCA since the late ’90s, serving in several technical leadership positions, including operating as the World Challenge technical manager for six seasons (2002–2008). He has also served as a tech official for two F4 U.S. events in 2017 before taking on his full-time role as the technical series director for the Trans Am Series. He will continue his responsibilities with Trans Am. F4 U.S. and FR Americas return to action for a tripleheader weekend at Road America, May 14–17, joining the Road America Vintage Racing Festival.
CRC Industries, Pocono Raceway Announce Camping World Truck Series Entitlement Partnership
CRC Industries has announced its entitlement partnership with Pocono Raceway, as the track will host the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the CRC Brakleen 150. The partnership will come together for the Pocono Raceway Doubleheader Weekend, featuring five NASCAR and ARCA races over three days. The green flag will wave for the CRC Brakleen 150 at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 26. Operating at full capacity, Pocono Raceway’s Doubleheader Weekend schedule will include an ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, June 25, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 and a NASCAR Cup Series race on Saturday, June 26, followed by the NASCAR XFINITY Series and the second of two NASCAR Cup Series races on Sunday, June 27. For tickets, visit www.poconoraceway.com.
New Scholarship Available for Female Minorities in Motorsports
The STEAM Sports Foundation has launched a new scholarship for minority women seeking careers in the automotive industry with an emphasis on engineering, alternative energy, or autonomous vehicle development. The $5,000 scholarship, applicable for the 2021–2022 academic year, is designed to spur greater involvement by women in the auto and motorsports industries. Eligible students include high school seniors, university and technical college students who have at least one year remaining before graduation. The application deadline is June 15. Interested students can apply here. For more information, visit www.dickinsonpg.com/scholarship-instructions.
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