By SEMA Editors

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger.

For the fifth consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2017—whether they’re in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—SEMA News would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They’re also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they’ll have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business successes, contributions to their organizations, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2017 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2017.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to require new-car dealers to provide purchasers a statement declaring it is illegal for manufacturers/dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed died without committee consideration when the legislature adjourned for the year.

Legislation to require new-car dealers to provide purchasers a statement declaring it is illegal for manufacturers/dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed died without committee consideration when the legislature adjourned for the year.    

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act regulates warranties for the protection of consumers and provides that vehicle manufacturers may not deny warranty coverage based on the use of an aftermarket part alone. Consumers are generally unaware of the rights afforded them under the law and many are forced to absorb the costs for repairs that were properly covered under the warranty. S.B. 292 would simply have provided that consumers be made aware in 10-point boldface type of these basic rights.  

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to require new-car dealers to provide purchasers a statement declaring it is illegal for manufacturers/dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed died without committee consideration when the legislature adjourned for the year.

Legislation to require new-car dealers to provide purchasers a statement declaring it is illegal for manufacturers/dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed died without committee consideration when the legislature adjourned for the year.    

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act regulates warranties for the protection of consumers and provides that vehicle manufacturers may not deny warranty coverage based on the use of an aftermarket part alone. Consumers are generally unaware of the rights afforded them under the law and many are forced to absorb the costs for repairs that were properly covered under the warranty. S.B. 292 would simply have provided that consumers be made aware in 10-point boldface type of these basic rights.  

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to require new-car dealers to provide purchasers a statement declaring it is illegal for manufacturers/dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed died without committee consideration when the legislature adjourned for the year.

Legislation to require new-car dealers to provide purchasers a statement declaring it is illegal for manufacturers/dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed died without committee consideration when the legislature adjourned for the year.    

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act regulates warranties for the protection of consumers and provides that vehicle manufacturers may not deny warranty coverage based on the use of an aftermarket part alone. Consumers are generally unaware of the rights afforded them under the law and many are forced to absorb the costs for repairs that were properly covered under the warranty. S.B. 292 would simply have provided that consumers be made aware in 10-point boldface type of these basic rights.  

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Collision Repair Instructor: VeriFacts Automotive is hiring experienced collision repair techs to coach and train techs in its shops. The ideal candidate will have more than 10 years’ hands-on experience with collision repair and I-CAR or ASE certifications. The VeriFacts technical coach is primarily responsible for providing assistance to the shops in understanding, following and establishing proper repair processes and procedures; training and mentoring auto-body technicians via in-shop demonstrations; developing and maintaining relationships with key shop personnel; identifying gaps in shop procedures and making recommendations to improve overall shop performance; and maintaining a minimum standard of continuing education annually to stay abreast of industry and coaching best practices. This is a remote position and all team members set their own hours.

Auto Mechanic/Technician: Advanced Trucks is hiring an auto mechanic/technician responsible for installing suspension systems, repairing steering/suspension components, servicing brake systems, mounting and balancing tires, installing interior and exterior vehicle accessories, electrical and lighting installation, general automotive repairs and maintenance and performing computerized four-wheel alignments. Successful candidates must have at least one year of auto mechanic experience and a valid driver’s license.

Inside Sales Coordinator: US Specialty Vehicles is hiring an inside sales coordinator to assist in acquiring new customers, growing revenues and developing a sustainable pipeline of qualified sales leads. Responsibilities include managing internal sales related activity, handling customer inquiries, following company sales follow-up policy, logging all sales leads, tracking sales orders to ensure that they are scheduled and sent out on time, routing qualified opportunities to the appropriate sales reps if necessary, closing sales and achieving semi-annual quotas.

Supervisor: Vehicle Outfitters is hiring a hands-on supervisor specializing in 12-volt and emergency lighting and van and truck interiors. Lift kits and spray bedliner experience is a bonus. The ideal candidate will be able to work well with the public. Creativity is a must.

Business Development Manager: DriveRightData is hiring a business-development manager responsible for supporting the sales division to deliver customer service through his/her natural ability to effectively understand the customer’s needs and proficiently communicate in order to build long-term relationships. Responsibilities include selling a variety of vehicle business solutions, including vehicle fitment data, web-service consulting and wheel-analysis services, and delivering exceptional customer service support to existing and prospective clients throughout the United States and the Oceanic (Australia and New Zealand) region while building and maintaining relationships with assigned/identified accounts/territories. A minimum of three years of inside/outside sales experience is required.

By Katie Carson

Just as last year, this year’s PRO group will tour Mcity—the world’s first full-scale simulated urban environment designed for testing autonomous and driverless vehicles in real-world situations.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host a general membership meeting, Thursday, June 15, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott in Detroit. The meeting is an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges and trends and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. PRO-member company employees are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, and network with industry friends, select-committee members and SEMA staff.

As an added bonus, attendees will tour the American Center for Mobility. Located on 530-plus acres at the famous Willow Run site, the Center is a designed for testing, education and product development to enable safe validation and self-certification of CAV technology and to accelerate the development of voluntary standards. The U.S. Department of Transportation has designated the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run one of the first national proving grounds in the country.

The day kicks off with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, with the shuttle taking off for the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as “Mcity,” at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Public access to Mcity is limited, but PRO meeting attendees will enjoy a guided private tour.

After the tour, the group will reconvene at the hotel for the meeting. In the evening, meeting attendees will relax at Comerica Park for a Detroit Tigers baseball game.

RSVP now!

For more information, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

Just as last year, this year’s PRO group will tour Mcity—the world’s first full-scale simulated urban environment designed for testing autonomous and driverless vehicles in real-world situations.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host a general membership meeting, Thursday, June 15, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott in Detroit. The meeting is an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges and trends and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. PRO-member company employees are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, and network with industry friends, select-committee members and SEMA staff.

As an added bonus, attendees will tour the American Center for Mobility. Located on 530-plus acres at the famous Willow Run site, the Center is a designed for testing, education and product development to enable safe validation and self-certification of CAV technology and to accelerate the development of voluntary standards. The U.S. Department of Transportation has designated the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run one of the first national proving grounds in the country.

The day kicks off with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, with the shuttle taking off for the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as “Mcity,” at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Public access to Mcity is limited, but PRO meeting attendees will enjoy a guided private tour.

After the tour, the group will reconvene at the hotel for the meeting. In the evening, meeting attendees will relax at Comerica Park for a Detroit Tigers baseball game.

RSVP now!

For more information, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Washington Rally, May 17, 2017, Washington, D.C.

• YEN Regional Networking Event at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, May 19, 2017, Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio

• 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference, May 23–27, 2017, Melbourne, Australia

• SEMA Virtual Career Fair, June 1, 2017, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)

• Jeep Heritage Expo, June 3, 2017, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge Headquarters, Suwanee, Georgia

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, July 6, 2017, Goodguys PPG Nationals, Columbus, Ohio

• TORA General Membership Meeting, June 9, 2017, Ontario Truck & Jeep Fest, Ontario, California

• PRO General Membership Meeting, June 15, 2017, Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, Detroit

• Alex Xydias 95th Birthday Bash, June 17, 2017, Petersen Garage at Fairplex, Pomona, California

• SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 19–20, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, July 11, 2017, Competition Specialties, Auburn, Washington

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Export Fair, July 25–26, 2017, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California

• SEMA Installation Gala, July 28, 2017, Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center, Pomona, California

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, August 24, 2017, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, California

• 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, Shanghai, China

• Manufacturing Day, October 6, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Katie Carson

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting a general membership meeting in conjunction with the Ontario Truck and Jeep Fest. All TORA members and prospective members are encouraged to mix and mingle with fellow industry associates and learn about the latest council initiatives and activities.

The meeting will take place the day before the show opens, Friday, June 9, at 12:00 p.m., at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California. The TORA is dedicated to the advancement of the light-truck aftermarket segment. The general membership meeting is a great opportunity to get involved and make your voice heard.

RSVP now!

For questions regarding the meeting or TORA, please contact Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting a general membership meeting in conjunction with the Ontario Truck and Jeep Fest. All TORA members and prospective members are encouraged to mix and mingle with fellow industry associates and learn about the latest council initiatives and activities.

The meeting will take place the day before the show opens, Friday, June 9, at 12:00 p.m., at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California. The TORA is dedicated to the advancement of the light-truck aftermarket segment. The general membership meeting is a great opportunity to get involved and make your voice heard.

RSVP now!

For questions regarding the meeting or TORA, please contact Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.