SEMA News—January 2023

MARKET RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

The State of the Specialty-Equipment Industry

By SEMA Market Research

More than 90% of companies are reporting a rise in supplier and production costs, but demand and revenue remain strong. Companies are passing these costs to customers.

The specialty-equipment industry saw record-high sales over the past two years, as consumers continued to work on their vehicles during the pandemic. Although this record growth is beginning to level off and subside, sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels. The industry is also optimistic for the future. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues and rising costs, most companies within the industry expect sales, revenue and demand to stay the same or grow in 2023.

The record-high growth seen over the past two years is leveling off or subsiding for businesses. However, sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.

Companies remain optimistic for the near future, with most companies expecting sales to stay the same or grow in 2023.

To learn more, download the new “2022 SEMA Market Report” today at www.sema.org/research.

SEMA News—January 2023

BUSINESS

Industry Market Trends, Sector by Sector

SEMA Council and Network Leaders Share Their Insights Into What Lies Ahead in 2023 (Part II)

By Mike Imlay

What trends, challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the aftermarket in 2023 and beyond? SEMA News turned to council and network leaders representing our major industry sectors for answers.

The automotive industry—and consequently the aftermarket—has entered a period of unprecedented change. Emerging technologies; new ways of doing business; and market, social and governmental forces are creating a barrage of opportunities and challenges for our industry. As a trade organization, SEMA is committed to helping members navigate industry trends so they can future-proof their businesses, succeed and prosper.

SEMA councils and networks play a vital role in this mission. They offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment. They also serve as “think-tanks” to help identify segment needs and priorities.

This article is the second in a two-part series in which SEMA News queried the leaders of each SEMA council and network for a SWOT analysis of their industry segments. We also asked about council and network initiatives targeting their industry segments. (The first part appeared in our December 2022 issue.) What follows are insights into the hot-rod, performance motorsports and truck and off-roading categories, as well as trends relating to emerging technologies. The statements below are edited for clarity and conciseness.

Emergent Tech and Product-Development Trends

Kelleigh Ash
Select Committee Member,
Emerging Trends & Technologies Network (ETTN)

Our industry has experienced rapid innovation and development over the past year. Going into 2023 those trends will only continue their increase in velocity. We’ve witnessed unprecedented advances in such key areas as autonomous driving; electric and hybrid vehicles; artificial intelligence; revolutionary and improved biofuels; new and advanced safety features; the most efficient and powerful internal combustion engines (ICEs) ever produced; an increase in availability and choices for sustainable materials; and more.

The aftermarket has the unique distinction of being the ground floor for these exciting new and emerging technology opportunities—and the challenge of keeping up with it all while navigating the ever-evolving regulations that accompany them. ETTN is here to serve our industry’s engineering and product-development professionals by providing resources and solutions to address these emerging vehicle trends and technologies.

One of our larger initiatives—the ETTN Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium—was launched in 2022. The symposium is designed to benefit small, medium and large SEMA-member companies by connecting their engineers with service providers in one-to-one meetings—allowing them to attend in-depth education sessions led by industry experts, providing networking opportunities with other engineers with similar needs, and addressing shared topics of challenge and concern. Make sure to watch for the 2023 N.E.R.D. Symposium!

Trends in the Hot-Rod Market

Amy Fitzgerald
Select Committee Member,
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

Hot rods continue to be staples of the aftermarket industry. The most positive market trend that we have seen is more vehicles on the road. Enthusiasts are participating in more cruises and driving to events, as opposed to simply hauling trailer queens. This has meant a positive influx in the need for restoration parts and upgrade components. A drivable vehicle is a much different beast than the trailer queen.

As for current challenges, like the rest of the segments in the automotive industry, our member companies are struggling with raw-material availability, shipping delays, and employee-retention issues—not to mention finding employees, period.

The hot-rod segment is always evolving. As a younger generation becomes more involved in the industry, we are finding they are modifying and “hot rodding” a totally different kind of vehicle than what we were 20–30, or even 5–10, years ago. The availability of modern upgrades and components has changed the definition of “hot rod” to encompass a much wider range of vehicle years and styles.

We are hoping to present some education events in which members can learn from industry peers about what has and hasn’t worked in their businesses. We are asking membership to let us know what they want to discuss and learn about. This will allow the HRIA select committee to address the issues, questions and problems the membership is seeking guidance on.

“We are Hot Rod!” HRIA is an incredible group of small businesses with the same goal. We all want to keep pushing the limits to go faster, look cooler and produce amazing parts and products to keep the aftermarket going and see our hobby continue for generations to come.

HRIA is dedicated to assisting our membership with resources for daily operations as well as long-term planning and everything in between. HRIA is a community that works together to help each other grow each of our businesses. We are each other’s best resource for business success.

Motorsports and Performance Parts Trends

Melissa Scoles
Chair, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

Racing is being enjoyed by more and more individuals, and it’s fun to see younger generations becoming more engaged. With many people renewing their focus on hobbies, and more automotive conversations due to the electric-vehicle (EV) evolution, there seems to be a renewed energy around motorsports. We’re hopeful that these positive activities and reactions will overcome any setbacks from the economy.

Passing the RPM Act would increase our segment’s opportunities. The EPA is taking a stance against many in the motorsports industry, and it’s important that we stand together to keep our industry strong.

A plethora of changes in vehicle technologies is creating opportunities for new and existing motorsports manufacturers to create new products and solutions for racers and enthusiasts. For example, EVs have a lot of performance potential. We can see a future where the hot rodders and racers of tomorrow are upgrading their EVs with more power and larger battery packs to make their economy cars fast—just like past generations did with motor swaps and power adders! The new technology will be a challenge, but that’s part of the excitement of pushing forward.

MPMC is best known for the Media Trade Conference held each year in January. This conference provides the opportunity for motorsports parts manufacturers to meet individually with different media partners to discuss a variety of topics, including the changing motorsports and aftermarket environments, new-vehicle technologies, challenges and more. Additionally, we provide several learning opportunities throughout the year dedicated to helping motorsports parts manufacturers. We’re also working to create more meaningful networking opportunities so that, as manufacturers, we can work with and learn from each other in our evolving markets.

Our segment of the automotive aftermarket is full of innovative and passionate people and companies. They are fantastic problem-solvers. These are the companies and people who can be ideal partners for products from design to release, and any step in between, if you’re looking for partners.

SEMA is a very powerful association that has thousands of members with countless ideas of where to focus the association’s attention. The MPMC is a voice to ensure that your best interests are represented to SEMA leadership. The MPMC is led by industry professionals who are continually donating their time and efforts to deliver information, events and opportunities that benefit you and your business. We welcome you to visit www.sema.org/mpmc for more information, to join MPMC or to contact us directly.

Truck and Off-Roading Issues and Trends

Troy Wirtz
Chair, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

The Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s mission statement is “to serve, engage and unite the truck and off-road community through networking, education and outreach initiatives to provide value and help our members succeed.” The TORA select committee meets on a regular basis, and we are always working toward adding value to our members. We are an excellent voice within the SEMA association for sharing issues you may have in your business. Our goal is to help industry folks thrive in the ever-challenging
marketplace.

The off-road community is currently facing—and will continue to face—challenges focused on regulatory issues. There are groups that want to close trails, as they perceive damage is taking place by off-roaders. Land abuse from vehicles and trash are the main concerns. TORA realizes that keeping our trails open is a top priority as this impacts so many people throughout the industry. We are partnering with organizations like the Off Road Business Association (ORBA) and Tread Lightly! to unify our approach promoting healthy land-use awareness. Many people are unaware of the efforts SEMA and its councils put forth promoting and supporting our industry. SEMA has staff at our nation’s capital focusing year-round on our industry needs.

The TORA council generally holds six regional events per year as a “thank you” to our members. These events are held in conjunction with other industry and enthusiast events. In the past we have held these at King of the Hammers, Easter Jeep Safari and the Keystone Big Show. If you haven’t attended one yet, you really need to! It’s a great place to network with other people in the industry and discuss what is new and exciting.

Every year at the SEMA Show, TORA also holds a happy hour and reception. We also place six to 10 featured vehicles to represent the various parts of our off-road and truck segment. I would encourage members to submit their builds early for 2023 since it is becoming more and more competitive to get your ride featured.

If you’re not a TORA member yet, I would strongly suggest you sign up soon to get the latest notifications and stay up-to-date in our industry.

Editor’s Note: The viewpoints expressed in this article are those of our council and network sources and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of SEMA or its Board of Directors.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for the MPMC Robert E. Petersen Media Award, now through January 2, 2023.

Presented by the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), the award honors a member of the print, online or broadcast media who has made a substantial contribution to the industry within the past year and maintains an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports industry.

“Our industry thrives on innovation and passion for motorsports. Telling the stories behind these events, vehicles, owners and drivers is increasingly important”, said MPMC Chair Melissa Scoles. “We’re excited to recognize those integral in this process and encourage our industry members to nominate their favorite storyteller.”

To be considered for the award, the nominee must be an automotive or motorsports journalist with work published in print or online and must actively support the motorsports industry with positive content.

The winner will be announced and recognized during the MPMC reception at the 2023 Media Trade Conference, which takes place January 24–26 at the Embassy Suites in Anaheim, California.

Submit your nomination today.

By Ashley Reyes

Since 2018, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has raised awareness of successful women in the automotive aftermarket through its ‘She Is SEMA’ campaign. Every month features a new and exciting feature spotlighting what these women do, how they landed their careers and how they continue to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

This month’s She Is SEMA spotlight is raising awareness of the 11 women who led the SBN All-Female Bronco Build to success. Coming from various industry careers, these women put in countless hours of organizing and planning to ensure each of the 127 total SBN build volunteers had a hand in the build.  

Read about each SBN build lead below to learn about who ‘She Is’:

SBN Build Leads

Cathy Clark

Clark is the president of Bob Cook Sales, SBN chair and a 14-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry.
 

Sara Morosan

Morosan is the SBN chair-elect, president of BAJA Forged and SEMA’s 2021 Person of the Year. Raised in an automotive family, Morosan has been building cars since she was 13 years old and currently volunteers with several SEMA committees and initiatives including SBN, SEMA Cares, TORA and SEMA Education.

Build Week Leads

Jennifer Petraitis

Petraitis is employed at Driven Lighting Group. Petraitis takes pride working in the automotive aftermarket, focused on being the best in automotive lighting. When she is not at work or home, you can find her at the dragstrip with a camera or lending a hand helping a radial tire car.

Kathryn Reinhardt

Reinhardt is the senior vice president of marketing and events at Hemmings, a SEMA Board member and an automotive industry veteran with a passion for marketing aftermarket parts. Reinhardt’s dedication to the automotive aftermarket includes memberships with SBN, TORA, FLN and SEMA Cares.

Parts and Sponsorship Leads

Cora Jokinen

Jokinen is the president of Toq-Masters Industries Inc. With a design, engineering and project management background, Jokinen offers consulting services for business strategy, marketing and branding in the automotive and offroad industry.

Rebeca Olavarrieta

Olavarrieta is the CEO of Roxo 4x4. Olavarrieta got involved in the automotive industry when she was 16 years old by racing 1/4-mile with her supercharged Mustang Cobra. Her company is now present in Miami, Honduras and Spain, but even her busy business schedule can’t keep her off the wheel, as she has also competed in international off-road events in Venezuela, Honduras, Panama and Germany representing her business.

Events Leads

Tiffanie Hartenstein

Hartenstein is the CEO of Oracle Lighting. Hartenstein’s approach to business includes a heavy importance on culture and people. She enjoys infusing fun into the workplace while providing new and exciting products into the industry.
 
Aliceje Keyburn

Keyburn is a senior graphic designer at Race Winning Brands. She has been involved in the powersports and automotive industry for almost 10 years and has been a passionate fan all her life. Uniting her passion for creativity with her love for powersports and automotive is her dream come true.

Marketing Leads
 

Charlene Bower

Bower is the owner of Bower Motorsports Media. Bower has worked in the off-road industry for more than 27 years between multi-line motorcycle dealerships, the magazine industry, offroad education and event and media management. Her most recent project is Ladies Offroad Network that offers education for women in the off-road space.
 
Mandee Bradshaw

Bradshaw is senior marketing manager for Aftermarket for Vehlo. She has spent most of her career in the automotive industry and is focused on helping shop owners get access to the technology and knowledge they need to obtain success.
 
Beth Brennan

Brennan is the general manager of TREAD Agency, a part of Kahn Media. Brennan has a brand marketing background and has worked in outdoor and aftermarket automotive industries. She has been involved with SEMA for more than five years and volunteers for the SBN select committee.

Volunteer Leads
 

Haley Keelin

Keelin is in social sales at Driven Lighting Group. Keelin is passionate about all things automotive and started her career young as her father's professional flashlight holder. She now works with the largest brands in automotive lighting and focuses on bringing the best products available to the industry.
 
Melissa Parker-Boudreaux

Parker-Boudreaux is a national sales manager at ORACLE Lighting. She recently celebrated 11 years with ORACLE Lighting, where she rose through administration and sales to land the position she has today. She oversees a dynamic sales and customer service team and creates relationships with distribution accounts.

Project Manager
 

Sherry Kollien

Kollien is a program manager at Motor City Solutions. Prior to her current role, Kollien worked at Ford Motor Company for 30 years where she worked in the Dyno Lab performing powertrain testing and managed the SEMA Project Vehicle program and Ford/SEMA Tech transfer program. Kollien has served on the SBN and TORA select committees.

To learn more about the SBN All-Female Bronco Build, and to view a list of all 127 volunteers, visit www.sema.org/sbn-build.

 By Douglas McColloch

Mike and Jim Ring of Spring Green, Wisconsin, garnered top honors at the ninth annual SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polishes competition at the 2022 SEMA Show, held November 1–4 in Las Vegas. The announcement was made at the start of SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.

The Ringbrothers celebrated their win at 2022 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polishes.

The four class winners of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and History’s Drive block Saturday, January 28, at 9:00 a.m. (EST). Check your local station listings for additional broadcast details.

For 2022, the Battle of the Builders competition was fine-tuned to reflect changes in the customization space and to encourage greater diversity in the field of entrants. The Hot Rod category was modified to include street trucks for the first time, and the Truck/Off-Road category was altered to Four-Wheel Drive/Off-Road. The Sport-Compact category was expanded to include Import Performance, Luxury and Exotic vehicles, and the age limit for the The Young Guns competition was bumped up from 27 to 29 years old.

A panel of industry experts assessed all the entrants and narrowed down the field of more than 200 entries to a Top 40 (10 in each category) before selecting the top 12 builds overall.

The top 12 finalists are listed in the sidebar to the right.

BOTB finalists’ vehicles were on display throughout SEMA Show week inside North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Top 12 Finalists:

Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

• Mike Ring/Ringbrothers–’48 Chevrolet Loadmaster pickup
• Tim Devlin–’34 Chevrolet roadster
• Tyler Nelson–’58 Ford F100

Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury and Exotic

• CJ Pullman–’77 Ford Pinto
• Shawn Bassett–’91 Nissan Skyline GT-R
• TJ Russell–’91 Porsche 911 Baja

4-Wheel Drive/Off-Road

• Cody Dabney–’70 Ford F-250
• Greg Ward–’71 Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser
• Jim Ring/Ringbrothers–’72 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

Young Guns

• Austin Phipps–’66 Chevrolet Nova
• Cameron Cocalis–’15 Scion FR-S
• Josh Michels–’66 Chevrolet Corvette

The Top 12 finalists for the 2022 Battle of the Builders prepared to make their presentations on the competition’s concluding day. The competition will be aired on A+E Network’s FYI and History Channel’s Drive block in January 2023.

The 12 finalists themselves then took over judging duties for the competition and named Ringbrothers the overall winner. Besides the Ringbrothers, whose vehicles were both class winners, other notables include TJ Russell, who captured the Sport Compact class with his ’91 Porsche 911 Baja, and 21-year-old Josh Michels, who took the Young Guns category with his ’66 Chevy Corvette.

We’ll have full-length features on each of the Top 12 BOTB finalists in the March issue of SEMA News.

For more information about the 2022 competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA’s YouTube channel.

NHRA and JEGS Partner on Long-Term Extension, JEGS Allstars to Take Place at Texas NHRA Fallnationals at Texas Motorplex

NHRA officials have announced that JEGS will continue as a partner of NHRA as part of a multi-year extension. The long-term partnership includes the continuation of the longtime JEGS Allstars and JEGS SPORTSnationals, two events for racers on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series circuit. It was also announced that the JEGS Allstars will move to the Texas Motorplex for the first time as part of the track’s Stampede for Speed and the Texas NHRA FallNationals, October 12–15 in Dallas. The JEGS SPORTSnationals will again take place at National Trail Raceway in Columbus on July 12–13.

Ralph Sheheen Among Inductees for 2023 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame

The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 inductees, who will be honored on Saturday, June 3, for the 33rd induction ceremonies in Knoxville, Iowa. Among the names is SPEED SPORT’s Ralph Sheheen, who also serves as the host of PRI’s Grand Opening Breakfast.

Ken Hamilton, Chad Kemenah, Cory Kruseman, Bobby Marshall, and Joey Saldana have been selected in the Drivers category. Johnny Capels, Paul Hazen, and Tommy Sanders have been selected in the Owners-Mechanics-Builders-Manufacturers-Car Builders category. Sheheen, Max Dolder, Alan Kreitzer, and Johnny Vance will be inducted into the Promoters-Officials-Media Members-Event/Series Sponsors category. The only inductee in the Pre-1970 category is Joie Ray, a decorated 17-year career driver.

For the inductees' biographies, visit the announcement here. For more information, visit sprintcarhof.com.

Eldora to Host Richest Sprint Car Race in History With ‘Eldora Million’

Tony Stewart—famed motorsports driver and track owner of Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio—has announced the half-mile dirt oval will host its third version of the “Eldora Million” on July 12–13. The unsanctioned event, which features a winner’s purse of $1,002,023 from a total purse of $1.4 million, is a cooperative effort with the speedway’s official livestream partner, FloSports. Combined with the $175,000-to-win 40th Kings Royal that takes place July 14–15, following the Eldora Million, overall posted prize money for the four-day stretch will exceed $2 million.

Eldora Speedway is known for its mammoth payouts for its mega-events. While it’s the first sprint car race to pay seven figures, it will become the 17th sprint car race at Eldora to pay at least six figures (12 Historical Big Ones, 3 King Royals, 1 Mopar Million). It will be the 48th overall race at Eldora to pay at least six figures when including late-model events.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

The California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) will hold its annual CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon at Geezers Restaurant on January 26, 2023, in Santa Fe Springs, California.

SEMA Wheel & Tire Council Select Committee member Steve Swanson of The Carlstar Group and Tire Industry Association (TIA) CEO Dick Gust will headline the event. Newly elected CTDA President Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) will serve as emcee.

(LR): Chris Barry, Dick Gust and Steve Swanson.

CTDA urges early RSVPs as an overflow crowd is likely. The event is open to the wheel and tire industry and is complimentary to retailers. Sponsorships are still being accepted as are door prizes and table favors.

Sponsors to date include:

• Host – 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels
• Diamond Sponsor – Federated Insurance

Gold Sponsors

• Yokohama
• Advance Auto Parts
• Snap Finance
• Mighty Auto Parts
• RoboTire
• TireTutor
• Wholesale Tire Distributors (WTD)

Silver Sponsors

• Optimize Social Media
• Net Driven
• ShopMonkey

To RSVP or to sponsor, visit the CTDA luncheon registration page. Contact CTDA Executive Director Marc Connerly for questions at (916) 214-6495 or mconnerly@connerlyandassociates.com

Wes Wise Joins AACF Board of Trustees

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the election of Wes Wise to its board of trustees. Wise is vice president, professional sales, for O’Reilly Auto Parts. He joined O’Reilly in 1991 as a merchandising specialist at store 4039-Springfield, Missouri. He held many different management positions within the organization and after completing his master’s degree, he relocated to corporate headquarters and was promoted to his present position in January 2022.

Legendary Companies Acquires Zip Products

Legendary Companies has announced the acquisition of Zip Products. The Virginia-based Corvette parts manufacturer and supplier significantly expands Legendary Companies’ Corvette-focused product offering and is consistent with the company’s growth strategy of
expanding its portfolio of authentic components to comprehensively serve classic vehicle enthusiasts. Together with Coker Tire, Paragon Corvette and Corvette Central, the acquisition of Zip represents the fourth family-owned business to be added to Legendary Companies’ portfolio of brands since partnering with Irving Place Capital in 2018.

Founded in 1977, Zip maintains a broad product offering for C1 through C8 Chevrolet Corvettes. The company, which has been owned by David Walker and his family since its inception, offers more than 45,000 unique parts. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

All-New Mustang Dark Horse Delivers 500 HP

Ford is adding more horses across every engine offering for the all-new, seventh-generation ’24 Mustang, including 500 hp with the Mustang Dark Horse. For the pinnacle of 5.0L V8 performance and track capability, the Mustang Dark Horse features an engineered fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine with 500 hp and 418 lb.-ft. of torque to set a new benchmark for Mustang street and track performance, and the most powerful non-Shelby edition ever.

The Mustang Dark Horse features an engineered fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine with 500 hp and 418 lb.-ft. of torque to set a new benchmark for Mustang street and track performance, and the most powerful non-Shelby edition ever.

The Coyote engine was upgraded even further to produce 500 hp, delivering its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 yet. These upgrades include a uniquely balanced crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods—the latter first introduced in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500—to handle higher cylinder pressures and piston speeds. Mustang Dark Horse also sports strengthened camshafts for track-durability needs, including extended operation closer to its 7,500-rpm redline.

Those opting for the standard Mustang GT still enjoy 480 hp. In addition, the engine delivers 415 lb.-ft. of torque for the most standard torque ever. The fourth-generation Coyote V8 features a segment-first, dual intake and dual throttle body induction system that’s matched with structural improvements and upgraded oil pan. This helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates. For Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse, horsepower and torque ratings are the same for automatic and manual transmissions.

The all-new ’24 Mustang EcoBoost features an all-new 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 315 hp—the most standard power in a four- or six-cylinder Mustang ever. In addition, the engine delivers 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Mustang EcoBoost coupe and convertible feature a new engine from the ground up that incorporates Ford’s new Modular Power Cylinder (MPC) engine architecture, driving prowess in design and function, and is targeted to have improved EPA-estimated fuel economy over the outgoing model year.

The all-new 2024 Mustang coupe and convertible models go on sale in the United States starting in the summer of 2023.

Superformance LLC and SAFIR GT40 Select HYPERFUELS as U.S. GT40 Motor Oil and Coolant Supplier

HYPERFUELS has announced that it is the preferred supplier of Gulf-branded lubricants and fluids for the Superformance GT40 rollers. All five models of the Superformance GT40 line will have the GulfTec motor oil and Gulf Gold antifreeze available. Superformance and Hyperfuels will continue the legacy of Gulf and GT40 being hand in hand.

GM Introduces First-Ever ’24 Sierra EV

GMC’s introduction of the first-ever Sierra EV marks a turning point for the truck brand, as it expands its portfolio of all-electric trucks. Led by the ’24 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, it offers pickup capability, a GM-estimated 400 miles of range on a full charge and features made possible by its dedicated EV truck platform.

Led by the ’24 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, it offers pickup capability, a GM-estimated 400 miles of range on a full charge.

“This is the Denali of EVs—and a truck that is every bit a GMC,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “That means it leaves nothing on the table when it comes to hauling, towing and overall power while unlocking even more possibilities around what a GMC pickup can offer.”

GMC will be the only brand to offer three all-electric trucks, with the Sierra EV joining the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV2. Underpinning these three trucks is GM’s Ultium Platform, which enables versatility and performance in an all-electric truck.

The ’24 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be available at launch in early 2024. GMC will introduce the Sierra EV AT4 and Elevation trims in the ’25 model year.

“The ’24 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 is just the beginning,” said Aldred. “It will offer customers our very latest in technology, capability and luxury delivered in a way only GMC can do—with much more to come. From the HUMMER EV supertruck to the first-ever Sierra EV, GMC continues to write the next chapter in its future as a premium truck and SUV brand.”

Micky Hale Joins SPA Performance

SPA Performance has appointed Micky Hale as its new national sales manager. SPA Performance has a U.S.-based facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. Hale’s prior experience includes time with Cometic Gasket in Painesville, Ohio, where he most recently served as the technical sales department manager. Prior to Cometic Gasket, Hale held a position in the sales/tech capacity with Flaming River Industries in Berea, Ohio.

’23 Wagoneer Wins Four Wheeler 2023 SUV of the Year

The ’23 Wagoneer, equipped with the all-new Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 and Advanced All Terrain Group, is the Four Wheeler 2023 SUV of the Year. During the competition’s 50-year tenure, the Jeep brand’s award-winning SUV lineup has secured the most awards overall, including last year’s award recipient, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392.

The ’23 Wagoneer, equipped with the all-new Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 and Advanced All Terrain Group, is the Four Wheeler 2023 SUV of the Year.

Four Wheeler’s SUV of the Year competition, open to all-new or significantly revised SUVs for the upcoming model year, culminates in the annual award judged by the editors of the 4x4 enthusiast publication. Four Wheeler’s weeklong testing regimen includes track testing, including 0–60 and quarter-mile acceleration times, and 60–0 braking distance; and on- and off-road evaluation in the mountains and deserts of Southern California. Vehicles are subjected to a variety of off-road conditions, including sand, rocky trails, loose-surface trails, rutted backroads, loose dirt hill climbs, mud, snow and ice. Night driving was also integrated into the competition to gauge the performance of each vehicle’s lighting equipment. According to Four Wheeler editors, the 2023 Wagoneer earned its place as this year’s SUV of the year.

”You might not look at the luxurious and plus-sized Wagoneer and realize all the capability that is lurking beneath its contemporary sheet metal, but it's there,” said Sean P. Holman, Four Wheeler content director. “The big Wagoneer is going to get the family down the road in comfort and style and right past the trailhead. The traction control is exceptional, the suspension supple, and that new I-6 engine is a powerhouse of torque and refinement. We didn't go into the test thinking the Wagoneer would win, but it earned every vote thanks to how well it did everything we asked of it.”  

Judges included the full MotorTrend Truck & Off-Road Group staff, who have decades of experience working on various truck and 4x4 brands, including Four Wheeler, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Diesel Power and Truck Trend. 

ITDG’s Chris Barry Elected New California Tire Dealers Association President

Chris Barry (center) was elected president of the California Tire Dealers Association.

During a recent meeting at Turbo Wholesale Tires in Irwindale, California, the California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) introduced newly elected President Chris Barry of Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG). Barry replaces Billy Eordekian, president of 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels. The Area Meeting was hosted by Turbo, Federated Insurance and 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels, featuring presentations by Falken Tire, Federated, RoboTire and TireTutor. The California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) represents more than 150 independent tire dealers, wholesale tire distributors and vendors statewide.

NGK Spark Plugs Adds Jeffrey Schlenker as GM of Purchasing

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.)—the Wixom, Michigan-based manufacturer of ignition parts and sensors—has announced Jeffrey Schlenker has joined the company as general manager of Purchasing. Schlenker will serve as a leadership team member and be responsible for the efficacy of all sourcing activities across the organization. He has more than 20 years of experience in purchasing, holding positions of increasing responsibility. 

MAHLE Aftermarket Opens Automated Warehouse in Olive Branch

MAHLE Aftermarket has opened a highly automated warehouse in Olive Branch, Mississippi. The facility is designed to speed up deliveries to workshops and distributors, reduce the frequency of returns and enable an order to be commissioned within 30 minutes. The system MAHLE chose uses only about one-quarter of the area of a conventional warehouse, the company said. This reduces costs and decreases the amount of land needed for logistics locations. In addition, automated warehouses are extremely efficient: 10 of the robotic shuttles use only as much electricity as a vacuum cleaner. MAHLE has invested approximately $6.4 million in the fully automated facility and has plans to outfit its additional warehouse locations in Europe with similar technology in 2023, starting with Décines in France.

Holley Announces Jesse Weaver as Chief Financial Officer

Holley has announced the appointment of Jesse Weaver as CFO. Weaver will succeed Stephen Trussell, who has served as the company’s interim CFO since September 30. Trussell will continue as the company’s vice president of finance, a role he has held since 2009. Weaver, who has nearly 20 years of experience in finance, strategy and data analytics, will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report directly to President and CEO Tom Tomlinson.

Most recently, Weaver served as senior vice president of Finance at SmileDirectClub, a teledentistry company and direct-to-consumer provider of dental and orthodontics products. Prior, he was vice president of financial planning and analysis at Dollar General and before then, he held multiple leadership positions in finance at Yum! Brands U.S. Pizza Hut division.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Here’s a first look at the RHD Corvette E-Ray while testing outside of GMs Milford Proving Grounds.

Back in 2021, GM confirmed that they would offer the Z06 in right hand drive following the reveal of the C8 Corvette. The Z06 is expected to be offered in the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other RHD markets. That being said, GM has been pretty quiet when it comes to the E-Ray, but our shots confirm that it will be available in the aforementioned markets.

The Corvette E-Ray is expected to mate the 6.2L V8 from the Stingray with a hybrid configuration, adding a new model to the Corvette family. Expect an official debut in early 2023 with an on-sale date in Q2 as a 2024 model.

  The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola

Dear SEMA Member:

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chairman-elect (one open seat)
• Distributor/Retailer (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO