By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Diablosport Sprint Auto Stop/Start

Diablosport announces the release of its Sprint Auto/Stop Start disabler on late-model Ford F150 trucks. The 3.5L Ecoboost, the 5.0L V8 and the 3.0L Diesel are supported. Plug in the disabler into the OBD-II port and it should stop the Auto Start/Stop feature indefinitely as long as it remains plugged into the vehicle. To revert to stock, simply unplug the disabler.

866-404-614
www.diablosport.com
PN: S1000A

Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back Exhaust System

Flowmaster introduces its FlowFX cat-back exhaust system for the ‘07–‘14 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The system is manufactured using 409 stainless-steel throughout and features 2.50-in. mandrel bent pipes for better exhaust gas flow, and a FlowFX "straight-through" muffler designed for better sound and maximum performance. The system is finished off with a 3.50-in.-diameter black ceramic-coated 304S stainless-steel tip. The system uses all the existing factory hanger locations and includes installation instructions and all necessary hardware for an easy installation.

866-464-6553
www.holley.com
PN: 717433

Aluminum Swivel Water Necks For Mopar Gen III Hemi Engines

Holley launches its swivel water necks for Mopar Gen III Hemi engines. Since the swivel allows adjustment to accommodate custom radiator hoses, the necks are designed to be ideal for use in engine swaps. The billet aluminum with a black anodized finish is manufactured to prevent corrosion. Choose from outlets with a 45-degree or 90-degree angle (both swivel 360 degrees before bolts are tightened up).

866-464-6553
www.holley.com
PN: Vary

Curt Quick Pin Trailer Coupler

Curt Manufacturing introduces its QuickPin trailer coupler. The coupler is engineered to answer the problem of complicated hinging components on a traditional latch-style coupler. The coupler uses a single hitch pin designed to secure the coupler onto the ball. The simple pin design is constructed to provide a secure vehicle-trailer connection.

877-287-8634
www.curtmfg.com
PN: Vary

Oracle GT-R ColorSHIFT

Oracle Lighting announces the launch of the new GT-R ColorSHIFT “Lightning Bolt” RGB+W headlight DRL upgrade for the ‘15–’21 Nissan GT-R. The boards feature a “True White LED” which is designed to create pure white tones, giving the user a crisp white DRL and the ability to instantly switch over for 100%-legal road driving. The kit includes: ColorSHIFT RGB+W DRL PCBs for driver- and passenger-side headlights, constant current LED driver hubs with DRL trigger wires and heavy-duty IP67 wiring adapters.

800-407-5776
www.oraclelights.com
PN: Vary

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program. Scholarships are available to students pursuing a degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive industry, and loan forgiveness is available to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“It’s no secret that this past year has had its challenges. Now more than ever, SEMA is available to help support future industry innovators by providing financial assistance to current students and recent graduates who have outstanding student debt,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “There are thousands of talented, hard-working individuals seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket. The SEMA Scholarship is designed to support this next generation and allow them to focus on their studies and work, rather than be burdened with tuition costs. The Loan Forgiveness program is intended to provide financial assistance to employees of SEMA-member companies with outstanding student loans.”

Awards of up to $5,000 are available to qualified individuals. Complete details and the online application are available until March 1.  

For more information, contact SEMA Project Manager, Member Services Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

With a focus on providing automotive aftermarket professionals with content designed to improve their careers and businesses, the SEMA Virtual Education Program will help members enhance their professional development and include comprehensive presentations, insightful discussions and short videos that teach, inform, inspire and entertain. The virtual and on-demand offerings provide members with the flexibility to participate remotely and at their convenience.

“We are excited to launch this new initiative that will make it easier than ever for members to participate in top-quality, industry-leading education,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “We’ve heard from our members that education is a top priority for them, and the SEMA program brings the knowledge and information they need to advance their businesses. Introducing a year-round virtual element will make it possible for all members, from builders and engineers, to marketers and sales staff, to participate and prepare for greater success.”

More sessions will be announced throughout the year, and will be placed in tracks, such as professional development, government affairs or market research, to make it easy for members to identify offerings that may be of greatest interest to them. Upcoming sessions include:

SEMA Virtual Education Upcoming Events

*Stay tuned to SEMA eNews as new events are announced weekly.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021 – YEN Live Chat with Jamie Meyer

Track: Industry Talks

Dr. Jamie Meyer joined Performance Racing Industry (PRI) as its president during 2020. He’s since navigated the challenges from the pandemic and introduced a number of new programs and initiatives to help the motorsports industry continue to succeed. Connect with Meyer during the Live Chat to learn how he is able to stay focused amidst the industry’s challenges, what he does to keep his team motivated and why he remains committed to supporting the racing performance industry.

Location: YEN Facebook page

Thursday, January 14, 2021 – Digital Marketing in 2021: What the Winners are Doing

Track: Marketing & Sales

One of the most popular sessions from 2020 will be presented during this simu-live webinar, where presenter and founder of (Un)Common Logic Jim McKinley will participate and answer questions during the event. Find out what companies that are killing it with their digital marketing campaigns have in common, discover what successful digital marketers are doing and get tips for bringing targeted traffic to your website.

Register here.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - Everything You Need to Know About the New PPP Program

Track: Legislative & Regulatory

Last month, the $900 billion federal stimulus law that was enacted included $284 billion for first and second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and a simpler one-page loan forgiveness application form. Learn more about the new law during this informational webinar presented by national columnist and CPA Gene Marks.

Register here.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 – Tire Knowledge 201: Standards for Determining Rim Width and Load Capacity

Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC

Track:  Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Wheel and tire professionals are strongly encouraged to tune in to this webinar, where leading tire technical experts will address the specifics of load index and load ranges, when and where they apply, and how to calculate the correct air pressure for certain applications. This 40-minute session will answer all the basic questions and empower sales staff to be able to communicate and effectively sell to consumers.

Register here.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021 – Navigating Career Advancement Conversations

Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills Series, powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

As the new year begins, it’s time to think about your career. Promotions and job advancements are likely top of mind, but asking for a raise or promotion is not always easy. In “Navigating Career Advancement Conversations," owner of HR Culture Geek Elizabeth Jacobs will help attendees understand the best methods to connect with management to successfully attain salaries, raises and promotions. The one-hour session will address how to avoid what can potentially be an uncomfortable conversation, and how to focus the discussion on their work and not the finances.

Register here.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – What Now? Industry Path in the Wake of Disruption

Series: SEMA Industry Insights Series

Track: Trends & Research

As aftermarket businesses enter the new year, the state of the industry will be closely watched for new sales trends and market planning. Join SEMA Market Research as they introduce potential scenarios for 2021 and explore the industry’s path in the wake of disruption, the economy, and changes in vehicle segment sales and market size.

Register here.

By SEMA Editors

Image

In partnership with Chevrolet, the SEMA Garage has announced a Measuring Session for the ’20 Chevrolet Corvette C8.

This event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with two different trim-level vehicles:

’20 Corvette Stingray Convertible and Coupe:

• 6.2L V8
• Eight-Speed Transmission
• Z51 Performance

Please note, this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will take place over two separate weeks with scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, appointments will be time limited.

• Week 1: January 19–22
• Week 2: January 25–29

All registered attendees will be required to take an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment. The vehicle will be sanitized between each appointment.

Register now!

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Efforts to enact SEMA-supported provisions to provide businesses with liability protection from COVID-19 related lawsuits were successful in 2020 in at least 16 states. Many more states are considering these protections as state legislatures begin to convene their 2021 legislative sessions and consider what additional measures should be put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

States that have already passed liability protection for businesses include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming. These states either enacted legislation or their Governors took executive action in 2020. In Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf vetoed legislation that would have shielded businesses exposure from most COVID related lawsuits.

Looking forward, state legislators and business leaders in Florida, Indiana, Maine, Missouri and other states have expressed their support for passing liability protection in 2021. Most of the provisions that have been enacted to date require companies to have followed certain health protocols for maintaining a safe operation and do not shield a business from a gross negligence claim.

At the federal level, a SEMA-supported measure has not yet been enacted despite attempts to include the provision within the $900 billion coronavirus stimulus plan enacted on December 23, 2020. Lawmakers will continue to pursue a federal approach to the issue as additional legislation is considered to address the pandemic.

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

Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the L.A. Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown in previous spyshots (in October). At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model. This is a first look at a production four-door model in Rubicon duds.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the L.A. Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown in previous spyshots (in October). At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model. This is a first look at a production four-door model in Rubicon duds.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

As part of SEMA’s initiative to provide live and virtual education to the automotive specialty equipment industry, SEMA is issuing a call for speakers for the SEMA Show, the PRI Trade Show and the association’s year-round virtual education program. Available at www.sema.org/speakers, applications are open to innovative thinkers, industry experts and dynamic presenters who can share ideas, technologies and expertise with the industry.

In addition to in-person seminars at the SEMA Show and the PRI Trade Show, efforts have recently been expanded to include a year-round virtual education program. While the focus of the education program is specific to the industry professionals in the automotive aftermarket and its related niche-specific segments, SEMA and PRI strive to provide thought-provoking, forward-thinking seminars that will help participants take their businesses and careers to the next level. Topics of particular interest include:

• Business Management
• Sales & Marketing
• Advanced Vehicle Technology
• Trends & Research
• Sponsorship
• Building Brands/Branding
• Digital Marketing
• Industry Segment Specific Topics

Speaker proposals for the 2021 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 4, and 2021 PRI Trade Show proposals must be submitted by April 4. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time. Submit a proposal today at www.sema.org/speakers.  

Suggestions for topics and/or speakers are also encouraged and can be submitted at www.sema.org/sessiontopics.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest Spotlight member is Cris Payne, owner of Truck Gurus. With more than 200 builds at the SEMA Show, as well as 24 magazine covers and more than 80 features, Payne is a leader in working directly with manufacturers and assisting them on their journey to represent and grow their business and promote exposure of their products and accessories.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Cris Payne: I felt at home here. The community of people and how I am able to assist in the growth of the industry is something that drives me!

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

CP: I joined because I love having an impact in any way I can within the automotive industry. I love seeing others and businesses succeed.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

CP: Communicate. Do what you say always and over-deliver when you can.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

CP: I have built my dream trucks and will continue to do so! You will usually find me in the mountains at the lake.

By SEMA Editors

John Gaines, a member of the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame Class of 2020, passed away at his home surrounded by family on January 3, 2021.

Gaines was an early pioneer in automotive aftermarket warehouse distribution. His company, G&M Performance Parts, was one of the first of its kind in the automotive aftermarket.

Gaines’ company utilized a fleet of vehicles to distribute product direct to local speed shops, truck accessory stores, car dealerships and machine shops, creating a much quicker and more streamlined process from manufacturer to end user. Gaines is credited with forward-thinking early on that helped many manufacturers grow to where they are today.

The success of G&M brought Gaines many achievements, including being awarded the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year and a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors. However, he considered his 2020 induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame to be the highlight of his career.

He is survived by his companion Carlinda Belcher; his son, John Gaines (Kelly); and daughters, Allison Gaines (Daniel) and Kristen Bell (Rob). He is also survived by grandchildren, Madison, John and Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a celebration of life this summer in his hometown of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Memorial contributions can be made to the following charities:

• The Heritage Classic Foundation
• The Hilton Head Humane Association