SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.
Thu, 02/27/2020 - 09:01
Thu, 02/27/2020 - 08:11
By Ashley Reyes
 The new “SEMA Industry Perspectives” report is the latest resource for SEMA members to gain insight into the industry’s health on a wide range of business metrics. |
Independent retailers in the automotive aftermarket remain the most-used sales channel for getting parts to consumers, according to the new “SEMA Industry Perspectives” report—the latest resource for SEMA members to gain insight into the industry’s health on a wide range of business metrics.
While manufacturers and distributors sell into a variety of channels, including direct-to-consumer, more than 80% of manufacturers report that their products sell through independent specialty retailers. While many retailers and installers report selling some of their inventory through online auction sites and marketplaces, these only account for 7% of sales.
More than 70% of smaller manufacturers, with less than $1 million in annual sales, sell directly to consumers, while less than 30% have their parts stocked by dealerships or chain stores.
“The new report is based directly on industry feedback and will help companies understand the state of the specialty-equipment industry and the outlook of other businesses in the industry,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “In addition to providing metrics on the health of the market, this wave of the report also looks at sales trends among key business types and effects of the current regulatory climate.”
Other findings in the report include:
- More than 70% of businesses (76% of manufacturers, 69% of distributors, and 72% of retailers and installers) expect their sales to grow over the next year.
- Nearly 50% of manufacturers and distributors expect the industry as a whole to grow in 2020.
- Only 15% of businesses reported a decline in sales over the past year while roughly 60% reported growth.
Uncertainty about trade policies and regulatory changes is also creating ambiguity heading into 2020.
Manufacturers, retailers and installers estimate the potentially unfavorable changes in America’s legal and regulatory environment, which may represent a key issue for the industry over the next five years.
Manufacturers and distributors are also voicing a concern about the potential for ongoing tariff and trade policy disputes to harm the industry in the near term.
To learn more about current industry perspectives on key issues and trends facing the $44.6 billion aftermarket industry, download the report for free today from SEMA Market Research.
Thu, 02/27/2020 - 08:11
By Ashley Reyes
The new “SEMA Industry Perspectives” report is the latest resource for SEMA members to gain insight into the industry’s health on a wide range of business metrics. |
Independent retailers in the automotive aftermarket remain the most-used sales channel for getting parts to consumers, according to the new “SEMA Industry Perspectives” report—the latest resource for SEMA members to gain insight into the industry’s health on a wide range of business metrics.
While manufacturers and distributors sell into a variety of channels, including direct-to-consumer, more than 80% of manufacturers report that their products sell through independent specialty retailers. While many retailers and installers report selling some of their inventory through online auction sites and marketplaces, these only account for 7% of sales.
More than 70% of smaller manufacturers, with less than $1 million in annual sales, sell directly to consumers, while less than 30% have their parts stocked by dealerships or chain stores.
“The new report is based directly on industry feedback and will help companies understand the state of the specialty-equipment industry and the outlook of other businesses in the industry,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “In addition to providing metrics on the health of the market, this wave of the report also looks at sales trends among key business types and effects of the current regulatory climate.”
Other findings in the report include:
- More than 70% of businesses (76% of manufacturers, 69% of distributors, and 72% of retailers and installers) expect their sales to grow over the next year.
- Nearly 50% of manufacturers and distributors expect the industry as a whole to grow in 2020.
- Only 15% of businesses reported a decline in sales over the past year while roughly 60% reported growth.
Uncertainty about trade policies and regulatory changes is also creating ambiguity heading into 2020.
Manufacturers, retailers and installers estimate the potentially unfavorable changes in America’s legal and regulatory environment, which may represent a key issue for the industry over the next five years.
Manufacturers and distributors are also voicing a concern about the potential for ongoing tariff and trade policy disputes to harm the industry in the near term.
To learn more about current industry perspectives on key issues and trends facing the $44.6 billion aftermarket industry, download the report for free today from SEMA Market Research.
Wed, 02/26/2020 - 14:15
By Fredy Ramirez
The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.
The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.
SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Hooker BlackHeart Axle-Back Exhaust Hooker BlackHeart introduces its axle-back exhaust system for the ’06–’15 2.0L Mazda MX-5. The axle-back uses an X-merged muffler engineered to deliver a deep, sporty tone from your MX-5. The system is constructed from 304 stainless steel and is designed to provide maximum durability. It uses 2.5-in. tubing, a dual inlet-dual outlet muffler and polished 3.5-in. tips. |  |
MAHLE Motorsport PowerPak Pistons
MAHLE Motorsport has releaset its PowerPak piston kit designed for the 5.0L V10 B50 or S85 BMW engine. The piston is manufactured from 4032 aluminum alloy designed for high temperature strength and low noise. The pistons are dual coated with MAHLE’s dry lubricant phosphate coating and a proprietary gold skirt coating (GRAFAL) engineered to reduce wear and drag. MAHLE Motorsport provides a gas nitrided oil ring set and steel pins with every PowerPak. The pistons are available in the factory compression ratio of 12:2:1 or in a lower compression alternative of 10:1:1. 888-255-1942 |  |
Aeromotive Fuel Lines and Hose Ends Aeromotive announces the release of universal PTFE fuel lines and hose ends to be used in a wide variety of applications. The fuel lines and hose ends are developed to provide resistance to harsh fuels such as gasoline, E-85 ethanol, methanol and other racing fuels. The fuel lines and hose ends are constructed to act as a vapor barrier to prevent fuel odors from permeating and provide protection against static electricity buildup with a built-in carbonized liner. Aeromotive’s PTFE fuel lines come in three diameters and in four lengths, and they are available in braided stainless steel and black-jacketed. 913- 647-7300 |  |
MSD Cable Scissor Cutting Pliers MSD introduces its cable scissor cutting pliers. The pliers are constructed with a thermal plastic handle and is designed to cut up to 1.5-in. cable. 866-464-6553 |  |
NOS Plate Wet Nitrous System NOS has released a nitrous system for the Gen III Hemi 6.2L supercharged Hellcat engine found in the ’15–’20 Dodge Challenger, ’15–’20 Charger SRT8 HellCat and ’18–’20 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The system is designed to add 200+ rear-wheel hp. The system includes a 94mm billet wet plate, mini two-stage nitrous controller, 12-lb. carbon fiber bottle, Pro-Race solenoids, and all the required hardware for installation. 866-464-6553 |  |
Wed, 02/26/2020 - 14:15
By Fredy Ramirez
The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.
The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.
SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Hooker BlackHeart Axle-Back Exhaust Hooker BlackHeart introduces its axle-back exhaust system for the ’06–’15 2.0L Mazda MX-5. The axle-back uses an X-merged muffler engineered to deliver a deep, sporty tone from your MX-5. The system is constructed from 304 stainless steel and is designed to provide maximum durability. It uses 2.5-in. tubing, a dual inlet-dual outlet muffler and polished 3.5-in. tips. | |
MAHLE Motorsport PowerPak Pistons
MAHLE Motorsport has releaset its PowerPak piston kit designed for the 5.0L V10 B50 or S85 BMW engine. The piston is manufactured from 4032 aluminum alloy designed for high temperature strength and low noise. The pistons are dual coated with MAHLE’s dry lubricant phosphate coating and a proprietary gold skirt coating (GRAFAL) engineered to reduce wear and drag. MAHLE Motorsport provides a gas nitrided oil ring set and steel pins with every PowerPak. The pistons are available in the factory compression ratio of 12:2:1 or in a lower compression alternative of 10:1:1. 888-255-1942 | |
Aeromotive Fuel Lines and Hose Ends Aeromotive announces the release of universal PTFE fuel lines and hose ends to be used in a wide variety of applications. The fuel lines and hose ends are developed to provide resistance to harsh fuels such as gasoline, E-85 ethanol, methanol and other racing fuels. The fuel lines and hose ends are constructed to act as a vapor barrier to prevent fuel odors from permeating and provide protection against static electricity buildup with a built-in carbonized liner. Aeromotive’s PTFE fuel lines come in three diameters and in four lengths, and they are available in braided stainless steel and black-jacketed. 913- 647-7300 | |
MSD Cable Scissor Cutting Pliers MSD introduces its cable scissor cutting pliers. The pliers are constructed with a thermal plastic handle and is designed to cut up to 1.5-in. cable. 866-464-6553 | |
NOS Plate Wet Nitrous System NOS has released a nitrous system for the Gen III Hemi 6.2L supercharged Hellcat engine found in the ’15–’20 Dodge Challenger, ’15–’20 Charger SRT8 HellCat and ’18–’20 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The system is designed to add 200+ rear-wheel hp. The system includes a 94mm billet wet plate, mini two-stage nitrous controller, 12-lb. carbon fiber bottle, Pro-Race solenoids, and all the required hardware for installation. 866-464-6553 | |
Thu, 02/20/2020 - 15:03
By Ashley Reyes
 The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) UTV Student Build Pilot Program will showcase the completed 2019 Honda Talon in several cities before being auctioned off at the Mecum Auction to benefit the SEMA Scholarship Fund. |
The UTV Student Build Pilot Program, a program launched by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) to connect young aftermarket professionals with aspiring automotive students, will showcase the completed 2019 Honda Talon in a multi-city tour before being auctioned off at the world’s largest collector car auction, the Mecum Auction, in November. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward benefiting the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.
Sponsored by YEN, the customized Talon was completed by students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), who throughout the course of the semester worked alongside industry mentors to produce a one-of-a-kind UTV using products donated from 16 SEMA member companies. Skills learned include project management, 3-D scanning, CAD, manufacturing, installation, fabrication, suspension, body styling, wiring and testing.
“The purpose of the build was to inspire youth to become automotive hobbyists and to encourage career paths into the automotive aftermarket,” said Kirstin Stone, chairman of the SEMA Young Executives Network. “This UTV build allowed YEN members to introduce the greater scope of the opportunities available in the aftermarket while encouraging trade skills.”
After weeks of mentorship and instruction from YEN members, the students’ labor culminated in a unique build that was displayed at the 2019 SEMA Show. The UTV will now tour at various off-road events throughout 2020, including The Mint 400 in Las Vegas, L.A. County Fair in Los Angeles, and the Off-Road Expo in Pomona, CA.
“SEMA is invested in the future of the automotive industry and is proud to support a program that has offered students a wide variety of professional development and training opportunities,” said Zane Clark, SEMA director of education. “With the proceeds being invested into the SEMA Scholarship Program, we can continue to help automotive students pay for their college tuition and SEMA members pay off their student loans.”
For more information on the UTV Student Build, visit www.sema.org/utv-build. To donate to the SEMA Scholarship Fund, visit bit.ly/394xSUf.
Thu, 02/20/2020 - 14:35
By SEMA Editors
The next-generation Volkswagen Golf R was recently spotted doing some test runs in the snow. While some thought there was no camouflage in sight on this prototype, a good look at the front bumper and the cut-out for exhaust pipes and diffusor at the rear reveals a bit of plastic at the front and a clever paint job on both ends. Even the door sills could be false. Only time will tell.
Specific details in the prototype present clear markings of the Golf R’s DNA: This prototype of the range-topping performance model of the 2020 VW Golf Mk8 sports all the exterior elements typical to the Golf R. Lowered suspension and oversized wheels with low-profile tires, sportier bumpers with big air intakes at the front and a massive diffuser at the rear flanked by quad round exhausts, bigger roof spoiler, side skirts and blue-painted brake calipers on massive brake discs (perforated at the front).
Mated to a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD system, the VW Golf R should be even quicker than its predecessor. Kitted with the Performance Pack, the current Golf R does 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and maxes out at 167 mph.
The all-new VW Golf R is expected to debut in mid-2020, possibly at July’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Thu, 02/20/2020 - 14:27
By Juliet Marshall
 The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. |
SEMA is offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to qualified college students who are pursuing careers in the automotive industry, and to employees of SEMA-member companies who still have outstanding student loans.
Scholarships are available to those who have earned or are pursuing academic degrees and skilled trades certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to accounting, automotive technology, business management, collision repair, engineering, graphic design, information technology, journalism, marketing and welding.
Along with the great benefit of tuition assistance, SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness award winners will get the chance to participate in invaluable networking opportunities and receive SEMA industry recognition and spotlight, along with an exclusive invitation to the 2020 SEMA Show*.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CST, Thursday, March 5, 2020, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
Share this opportunity with a student or friend who should apply or download the eligibility requirements and application checklist.
For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.
*Includes two (2) SEMA Show credentials good for the week. If under 21, you must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. If attending with your school, please consult with your school official.
Thu, 02/20/2020 - 14:27
By Juliet Marshall
| The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. |
SEMA is offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to qualified college students who are pursuing careers in the automotive industry, and to employees of SEMA-member companies who still have outstanding student loans.
Scholarships are available to those who have earned or are pursuing academic degrees and skilled trades certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to accounting, automotive technology, business management, collision repair, engineering, graphic design, information technology, journalism, marketing and welding.
Along with the great benefit of tuition assistance, SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness award winners will get the chance to participate in invaluable networking opportunities and receive SEMA industry recognition and spotlight, along with an exclusive invitation to the 2020 SEMA Show*.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CST, Thursday, March 5, 2020, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
Share this opportunity with a student or friend who should apply or download the eligibility requirements and application checklist.
For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.
*Includes two (2) SEMA Show credentials good for the week. If under 21, you must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. If attending with your school, please consult with your school official.
Thu, 02/20/2020 - 14:16
By Ashley Reyes
 Allison Chisenhall Harding |
This month's #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight goes out to Allison Chisenhall Harding of Vintage Air. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN below:
The best advice I ever received was…
“If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room." Success is not about showing everyone you know everything; it’s about being open to learn from your colleagues and develop new skills over time. It’s important to be open to continual growth and to be in tune with the things that you don't know, so that you can improve yourself constantly.
This keeps me in the industry:
I really enjoy the way the automotive industry intertwines passion and technology. I've worked in other arenas that involve great technology, but the subject matter wasn't that interesting. It is unique to this industry that cutting-edge engineering comes alongside what truly is an industry for people who just love cars of all kinds. It makes it more fun to be a part of something that people care about.
On a Saturday, you can find me…
Attending fitness classes and traveling with my husband. We really love to see the world, and we love to stay active as well!
When going into an important meeting I am always…
Well prepared with an outline of essential points of discussion. I try to make sure meetings include the right people as well. Too many people in meetings all day can really slow down productivity for a company as a whole!
If I could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, it would be…
Tom Medley. My father, Jack Chisenhall, really valued their friendship, and I hear about him often. I really wish I could have had the chance to get to know him better and learn from him. He seems like an unanimously beloved person in the industry. You really can't go to a car show around here without hearing his name at least once that week.
Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.
Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.