Tue, 03/19/2024 - 06:25

FLN Spotlight Kyle Mayers

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Kyle Mayers, co-founder and CEO of WheelPrice, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Mayers in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

Kyle Mayers: Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

KM: Helping to shape and improve it for future automotive enthusiasts.   

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

KM: I can be found washing and detailing my cars. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

KM: I conduct as much research on the people and organizations I plan to meet with. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  

KM: McKeel Hagerty of Hagerty Insurance. He's bringing innovation to an otherwise non-sexy industry (automotive insurance) through creating a lifestyle brand and marketplaces [as] the core business. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.  

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 11:43

Chalmers University of Technology truck front concept

By SEMA News Editors

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a new commercial truck front concept designed to significantly reduce fatal crashes in car-truck collisions. The concept features design principles that manufacturers can interpret and adapt.

"The internal design of the new truck front is aluminum honeycomb. This is a structure composed of repeating hexagonal tubes made from aluminum foil. This is ideal for a lightweight, energy-absorbing structure since around 97% of its volume is air. Aluminum honeycomb is used in many crash-test barriers to provide a distributed force and absorb energy. By changing the foil thickness, we can change the force and deformation characteristics. It also has the manufacturing flexibility needed to create 'one-of' prototypes and demonstrate 'proof-of-concept,'" said Professor Robert Thomson, division of vehicle safety at Chalmers University of Technology.

Chalmers University of Technology truck front concept crash testing

Crash tests on the new truck front were carried out by the Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket, and show that better truck designs can reduce passenger-car compartment deformations by 30%-60%, which reduces the risk of injury and possible death for the car occupants. Fatal crashes between heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and passenger cars account for between 14%-16% of all car occupant fatalities in both the European Union and the United States. In more than 90% of traffic accidents involving HGVs, it is the other party who dies, usually in a passenger car, according to research. The most common accident types in these collisions are head-on crashes on rural roads and rear-end crashes on highways (the HGV drives into the rear of the car in front).

For the complete details, visit the Chalmers release here or chalmers.se/en/.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 11:16

By SEMA News Editors

Legendary Companies

Legendary Companies Relocates Manufacturing, Distribution Operations

Legendary Companies has announced the relocation of manufacturing and distribution operations from its West Coast wheel manufacturing facility and distribution center, which has operated in the City of Industry, California, since 2013. 

Legendary Companies' facilities in Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia and Germany will absorb the relocated manufacturing and distribution operations.  

The announcement comes as Legendary Companies evolves its wheel company operations with plans for product line expansion, improved inventory and better customer service, the company stated.

Legendary Companies will continue to offer original and custom steel wheels for classic cars, musclecars and hot rods to its customer network, which includes domestic and international distributors, dealers and individuals, as it has for more than 25 years. It will also service the needs of the end user customer through its well-known brands Coker Tire, Wheel Vintiques and Roadster Wire Wheel. 

For more information, visit cokertire.com.

Kahn Media Adds to Team, Client Roster

Kahn Media, the Moorpark, California, public relations and marketing agency, has added to its client roster and hired three new specialists to support the company's efforts.

OE Wheels, a wheel distributor, BluePrint Engines, the Nebraska-based crate engine manufacturer, and Griot's Motors, a seller of restored and collectible cars, have all joined Kahn Media's client lineup and will have access to its array of marketing services.

Additionally, the company has hired three new employees to fill new and existing roles at the agency. Cory Sellers, a marketing and media firm veteran, has been hired into the role of business development and operations manager, while Mallorie Hendrix will oversee a team of graphic artists, photographers and videographers in the newly formed position of creative director. Daniel Ingraham, an experienced public relations and product communications professional, also joins the company as an account manager.

For more information, visit kahnmedia.com.


Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 11:11

SEMA Show Global Tire Expo

By SEMA News Editors 

Collaboration is the engine that drives innovation in the specialty-equipment market, and SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) are a prime example. The duo is leveraging their 25-year relationship to propel growth in the tire segment with SEMA Show's Global Tire Expo--Powered by TIA, one of the biggest gatherings of tire manufacturers that can only be found at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 5-8.  

"SEMA's tire manufacturers are a cherished mainstay and attendee favorite of the SEMA Show each year, and we're committed to working hand-in-hand with TIA to ensure the 2024 Global Tire Expo is one of our best to date," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO.    

"By joining the forces of our two dynamic associations, we're addressing existing barriers and developing programs and opportunities to assist with tire manufacturers' sales and marketing plans," like participating in the SEMA Show Global Tire Expo --Powered by TIA, said Dick Gust, TIA president.   

Now more than ever, the SEMA Show Global Tire Expo--Powered by TIA is the place to be if you use, sell or service automotive tires, especially as the segment recovers from a global shortage during the pandemic followed by sharp economic inflation.    

"We're cautiously optimistic for 2024; supply-chain woes appear to be coming under control and the effect of inflation and higher tire prices caused the industry to adjust to varying inventory levels," said Gust. "For tire dealers and repair shops, the short-term good news is that the age of vehicles on the road is increasing--the average is [more than] 12 years--so the demand for replacement tires and maintenance will increase.   

"We also suspect that tire prices may decline slightly as raw material prices decline. And [additional factors show] consumers are still traveling more miles by car, and electric vehicles are wearing out tires much faster [than ICE counterparts]," Gust said.    

Tire manufacturers are encouraged to reserve their spot in the 2024 SEMA Show Global Tire Expo--Powered by TIA now, as exhibitor booth space agreements are increasing. Attendees and media members can expect the usual lineup of respected and emerging tire brands.  

"Toyo Tires is proud to be well represented in the SEMA Show Global Tire Expo--Powered by TIA. It's the best place to connect with our worldwide customer base in just a few days," said Tim Chaney, vice president, marketing, Toyo Tires U.S.A. Corp. "And our Toyo Treadpass, the must-see showcase of one-of-a-kind vehicles from top builders around the country, is an excellent addition to the SEMA Show experience. We can't wait to see everyone in Vegas this year!" 

SEMA Show Global Tire Expo

"Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has many accolades to hang our hat on to legitimize our status in the motorsports and automotive aftermarket industries, but one of our boldest claims is the seniority we have earned by being one of SEMA's longest-participating partners. We are proud to say we have stood by the industry through decades of ups and downs and have grown alongside it," said Heather Tausch, senior director of marketing, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels.   

To reserve booth space for the SEMA Show, visit hereFor more information on the SEMA Show, the premier automotive trade show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, visit semashow.com. SEMA also offers members research, training, education, manufacturing support services, legislative advocacy, group-buying discounts, networking events and more at sema.org.   

For more information on TIA, the international non-profit association representing all segments of the tire industry established in 1921, visit tireindustry.org

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 09:48

By Ashley Reyes

ETTN GMM

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. EST.

Automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers are invited to attend the event to hear new updates from the network. Attendees will learn about upcoming education opportunities focused on emerging vehicle trends and new technology, discover open volunteer positions in the industry and hear the network's plans for the 2024 SEMA Show. There will also be an open discussion connecting ETTN select committee leaders and members-at-large.

ETTN membership is free to automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers employed by a SEMA-member company. All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to tap into career and business resources.

Secure your spot here.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 09:08

By SEMA News Editors

Melanie White

SEMA Chair-Elect Melanie White of Hellwig Products has been chosen as one of this year's Women MAKE Award winners. The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced the 130 recipients of the 2024 award on March 8, International Women's Day.

Honorees are peer-selected based on their contributions to their companies and communities and the development of the next generation of talent. The Women MAKE Awards celebrate women at all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-Suite. 

"It's an incredible honor to have someone like Melanie recognized for her work and to have our industry represented in such a prominent way within the larger manufacturing," said Mike Spagnola, president and CEO of SEMA.

White and her fellow honorees will be recognized at a formal event in Washington, D.C., next month. Click here for the full press release and the full list of this year's honorees.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 07:49

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA WTSBC Coffee and Conversation

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) invites its members to attend its online Coffee and Conversation networking event on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. PDT.

The event will bring together automotive aftermarket professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the wheel, tire, suspension and brake markets. Attendees will expand their professional network, learn about business leaders' expertise and backgrounds and exchange ideas for business growth.

"The WTSBC Coffee and Conversation events bring together some of the industry's most insightful and informed professionals," said past event participant Moses Ludel of 4WD Mechanix magazine. "The group is welcoming and always open to new ideas."

Discussion topics will be available to start the conversation; however, attendees are encouraged to also bring a topic that impacts their business. Past topics have included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), legislative changes, new vehicle technology and more. 

Register for the event here.

If you have topics that you would like to have covered, email them to WTSBC Council Director Nicole Bradle at Nicoleb@sema.org.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 07:39

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Scholarship program is seeking passionate individuals to volunteer as a SEMA Scholarship judge. Signups are open now at this link and close on March 22.

The SEMA Scholarship program supports career development and access in the automotive industry, offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to students preparing for careers in the automotive field.

Scholarship Judges

Sign up by March 22 to review scholarship applications and assist with selecting award winners.

Volunteer judges play a crucial role, reviewing scholarship applications and assisting with selecting deserving award winners. In addition to making a meaningful impact, volunteers get the opportunity to read inspiring stories from passionate students who are eager to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket.

Volunteer hours are flexible and can be performed around the volunteer's schedule. Judging begins on April 3 and continues until May 13. Learn more and apply to volunteer here. To learn more about the SEMA Scholarship program, visit sema.org/scholarships.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 07:26

By Ashley Reyes

SBN Mixer Moore Expo

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting a networking mixer at the MOORE Overlanding and Off-Road Expo on April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. CDT. The event will take place in booth 225.

SBN members are invited to attend the mixer, where they can grow their professional network and learn about career-building resources for women in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Attendees will meet the SBN select committee, discover ways to get involved in the industry through volunteering and forge valuable connections with influential women that can propel their careers forward. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Prospective members are invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what SBN membership has to offer. RSVP here.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 07:11

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Hall of Fame Nominations

The last chance to submit a nomination for the SEMA Hall of Fame, the association's highest honor, is March 15 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Nominate here.

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly enhanced the growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Inductees include visionaries, innovators and leaders who have positively impacted the industry in extraordinary ways.

Nominee criteria include: 

  • The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level. 
  • The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred. 
  • The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. 
  • The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. 
  • The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous. 

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements or relationships.  

The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders and Legends Gala in July.  

Don't miss your chance to bring an outstanding person's contributions to the forefront! Nominate by Friday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m. PDT at sema.org/hof. 

Questions can be directed to SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org