Compiled by SEMA Editors

Edelbrock Moving HQ to Mississippi, Announces Expansion

Edelbrock is closing its Torrance, California, headquarters and manufacturing plant and shifting its operations to separate facilities in-state and across the country. Edelbrock’s administrative offices will be moved to a 300,000-sq.-ft. facility in Olive Branch, Mississippi, while most manufacturing processes will be transferred to its San Jacinto, California, plant, located about 95 miles east of Torrance.   

When asked about the move, Edelbrock Group Chief Commercial Officer Chris Douglas cited the company’s merger with COMP Performance Group in early 2020 as a primary factor. “We had seven campuses between us across the country,” he explained, “so it made a lot of business sense to sit down and ask, ‘What skill sets do we have at these various locations, and where can we make our organization stronger and combine efficiency?’

“Unfortunately, the decision-making process did impact Torrance, but it’s part of building a foundation and future expansion for our company,” he continued. “It’s bittersweet. Torrance has been the home for Edelbrock for many, many years, and we fully acknowledge that it may be difficult for the market to understand. But it is critical to fuel future growth.”     

With the news, the company announced the expansion of its San Jacinto facility, which currently houses foundry and casting processes for its aluminum products. Douglas also revealed plans to open a new technical center in Cerritos, California, which is set to be fully operational by the time the Torrance facility officially shuts down on March 31. The Edelbrock Southern California Tech Center will house approximately 15 engineering and compliance employees to oversee some development and testing efforts, he said. Edelbrock has offered to relocate many of its 270 Torrance-based employees to either Olive Branch, Cerritos or San Jacinto. The shift in operations is not expected to affect production or shipping times for most of its core products.

VP Racing Fuels Makes Business Development Move

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the appointment of James McVey to business development to focus on the OEM business. McVey earned a bachelor of multidisciplinary science degree at Texas Tech University. He served as vice president of sales and marketing at GreenStar LED, where he led the conversion of high-pressure sodium street lights to smart city LEDs in San Antonio, Texas, and other cities in North America and overseas.

Air Flow Research Adds to Marketing Team

Air Flow Research (AFR) has announced that Alex George has joined its team. George will be responsible for growing the company’s online presence and overall customer engagement in his new position. He brings more than six years of automotive aftermarket experience, holding positions in sales, marketing and operations. George will also play an instrumental role in AFR’s marketing communication strategy.

MAHLE Completes Keihin Acquisition

MAHLE has taken over the air conditioning business in Japan, Thailand and the United States from the former Keihin Corp. (now Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.). The antitrust authorities have given their approval. Four production sites and one development center are now being integrated into the MAHLE Group. With this acquisition, MAHLE is strengthening its position in the field of air conditioning systems. This is one of the strategic future fields of the group. A total of around 1,700 people are employed at the new locations.

Competition Specialties to Host 2021 Mega Show in Virtual Format

The 49th consecutive jobber-only MEGA SHOW brought to you by Westin and Superwinch will be a virtual extravaganza of new products, special virtual deals, and familiar cash drawings and prizes over one full week: March 3-10.

Plus, tradition prevails with Profit Paks, Plan-O-Grams, Counter Displays, and of course unlimited opportunities to earn drawing tickets for the chance to win Thousands of Dollars in Cash! Logging into Competition Specialties Inc.’s (CSI) new secure MEGA SHOW website, customers’ virtual experience may include the opportunity of extended terms up to 120 days. CSI will offer the year’s best pricing and deepest discounts available making MEGA SHOW 2021 the must attend virtual event for every successful jobber.

For further information and virtual MEGA SHOW registration, visit www.compspecialties.com.

Keystone Automotive Operations to Host Big Show in Texas

Keystone Automotive Operations will host the 2021 BIG Show in Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, March 5-6, followed by a virtual event from March 15-19, 2021. The world-class facilities of Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center hosted the 2019 BIG Show and attendees will once again be treated to special programs and events, show vehicles, product education, significant show-only sales and promotions along with the opportunity to network over the course of the two-day event.

The BIG Show will be limited to a specific number of customers, exhibitors and staff in order to facilitate the recommended spacing and other protocols that will be in place in this special year.  The event will however, host the major manufactures that our customer partners have come to expect, as well as the other key show elements that have helped the BIG Show become a major industry attraction.

For more information, visit www.keystonebigshow.com.

Sonoma Names Nick Bublitz as Drag Strip Manager

Nick Bublitz has been named Sonoma Raceway’s drag strip manager, and will manage the raceway’s 1/4-mile drag strip and drag-racing programs. In his new role, Bublitz will be responsible for the drag strip’s day-to-day operations, including the weekly Wednesday Night Drags program, which is set to kick off on March 17. Bublitz takes over for Kyle Seipel, who has been the drag-racing manager at Sonoma Raceway since 2017, after stepping in for his mother, Georgia, upon her retirement after 30 years at the raceway. Bublitz, 29, began drag racing at the Northern California track 10 years ago when he attended Sonoma State University. He has earned six Wally trophies from Summit ET Series bracket drag-racing events and was the 2015 Division 7 ET Challenge Sportsman Champion. Bublitz is also currently the track announcer and race director at Redding Drag Strip.

Jason Bowling Promoted at Speedway Motorsports

Speedway Motorsports has promoted Jason Bowling to the position of senior vice president of ticket and marketing Information. In his new role, Bowling will oversee all consumer experience platforms for the company, including CRM, ticketing, email and mobile applications for Speedway Motorsports facilities. Bowling holds more than two decades of experience with Speedway Motorsports, having joined its facility Texas Motor Speedway as its credential coordinator in 1999. He later spent a decade as the director of tickets at the race track before being named Speedway Motorsports’ vice president of ticket and marketing information in 2014.

Cloyes Gear & Products Hires Troy Angst as CFO

Cloyes Gear & Products Inc., backed by Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, has hired Troy Angst as chief financial officer. Angst brings 30 years of experience to his new position, joining Cloyes most recently from Sharp Tooling Solutions in Romeo, Michigan, where he served as chief financial officer. Before this, Angst served as chief financial officer for Tritec Performance Solutions in Fenton, Michigan.

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

By Ashley Reyes

Industry experts will share insight and tips to help wheel and tire distributors and retailers precision-tune their inventory strategies during Part Four of the Wheel & Tire Councils (WTC) Webinar Series “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by the WTC.”

Taking place February 17, at 12:00 p.m. (PST), the webinar, entitled “Shop & Financial Management: Stocking Strategies,” will feature WTC Chair Tyson Boyer as he moderates a live discussion with Mark Smith, owner/operator of five Midas Auto Service & Tires; Josh Baughman, owner/operator of eight Van’s Tire Pros; and John Healey, managing director of equity research analyst at North Coast Research.  

During this 45-minute session, Smith, Baughman and Healey will discuss and answer questions about tuning your inventory strategies and harnessing creativity in order to conquer today’s extraordinary challenges.

Discussion topics:

• Rules to managing and maintaining a successful inventory.
• Fundamental guiding factors when selecting tire distribution partners or sources.
• What functionality is vital for inventorying tires and wheels.
• Updates on supply-chain innovation.
• Supply-chain strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The webinar is the fourth installment of the WTC’s Webinar Series “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by the WTC.” The first three sessions can be viewed on-demand by visiting www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Register now for “Shop & Financial Management: Stocking Strategies,” taking place February 17.

When Ford switched to aluminum body panels with the ’15 F-150, it brought along an unwanted side effect of the new material: owners were no longer able to place magnetic signs on the truck. It now appears that Ford will change that.

We spotted a series of Ford prototypes wearing placeholder signage on the front doors as well as the tailgate. It’s unclear how the signs are placed on the prototype, but it’s possible that the automaker is using magnetic paint on its new truck to make the magnetic signs “stick.”

From the looks of it, the project could be nearing completion, and Ford will likely announce it as a feature any day now.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

When Ford switched to aluminum body panels with the ’15 F-150, it brought along an unwanted side effect of the new material: owners were no longer able to place magnetic signs on the truck. It now appears that Ford will change that.

We spotted a series of Ford prototypes wearing placeholder signage on the front doors as well as the tailgate. It’s unclear how the signs are placed on the prototype, but it’s possible that the automaker is using magnetic paint on its new truck to make the magnetic signs “stick.”

From the looks of it, the project could be nearing completion, and Ford will likely announce it as a feature any day now.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show to shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the specialty automotive market has to offer.

In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social media influencers, ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.

Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.

Reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Important SEMA Show Dates

• Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Friday, May 7
• Early Space Selection: Monday, June 7–Wednesday, June 23
• Full Refund Cancellation Deadline: Wednesday, September 1
• Show Dates: Tuesday, November 2–Friday, November 5

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.

By Kyle Cheng

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:

• Overall Economic Outlook
• New Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
• Consumer Sentiment and Spending
• Economic Growth and Unemployment
• Other Important Industry Insights

Now that 2021 is here, what’s the path moving forward? How does recovery look for the country, the economy and our industry? In the new “SEMA Future Trends” report, SEMA Market Research explores what the most likely scenarios are for the pandemic, overall economy and our industry so that you have the information you need to have more success in 2021 and beyond.

Download the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report and the new “SEMA Future Trends” report today at www.sema.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

Note: Red Rock 4-Wheelers released an update February 4 regarding the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari.

The Red Rock 4 Wheelers have announced the cancellation of the traditional Easter Jeep Safari for 2021. This includes all of the trail rides and other related activities associated with the Safari.

This action has been taken as a result of the State of Utah’s Health order in relation to COVID-19, which at the present time does not allow any group assembly in excess of 250 people.

This is the high-risk portion of the health order. If the statistics show a downward trend in the spread of COVID-19, the county could move to the moderate level. Under the moderate level, the limit for a group activity is 1,000.

Under the Grand County special event permit requirements, the state limits must be followed.

In a meeting with the Grand County administrator and Grand County Attorney to review the ordinance, it was determined that there was no wiggle room to the limits.

Because of the uncertainty of the risk level at Safari time, Red Rock 4 Wheelers determined that the prudent course of action was to cancel the event.

For more information, visit the Red Rock 4 Wheelers website.

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.

Dana
Expanded TM4 SUMO HP Motor and Inverter Series

Dana Inc. unveiled an expanded family of Dana TM4 SUMO HP electric motors and inverters, including the HV1000 and HV2500. The TM4 SUMO family is specifically designed for battery-electric, range-extended, and fuel-cell vehicles. These high-performance motors and inverters are engineered to offer maximum flexibility, enabling direct-drive, series-hybrid, or parallel-hybrid applications. The technologies are currently available to original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for testing and are scheduled for production in the first half of 2021.

The product is designed to allow OEMs to replace internal combustion-based components with a compact, highly efficient package that does not require major modifications. It can therefore be coupled to diesel engines, natural gas engines, and multi-speed transmissions, as well as integrated as part of an e-Axle in heavy-duty and off-highway applications.

Website: www.dana.com

Automotive Lift Institute
New Lifting Points Guide

A crucial step when raising a vehicle on a frame-engaging car lift like a two-post lift is properly spotting the vehicle. In order to keep the vehicle stable while lifting and to prevent damage, it should be positioned so the lift is making contact only at the lifting points recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The 2021 edition of Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts from the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) includes OEM lifting points for cars, SUVs, vans and light-duty trucks from model years 2000 through 2021.

The Lifting Points Guide is available in ALI’s online store, www.autolift.org/ali-store/alilp-guide and comes with a bonus free Safety Tips Card.

Brass Knuckle
SmartCut BKCR303 Gloves

Brass Knuckle SmartCut BKCR303 gloves succeed on three fronts by providing dexterity, grip and ANSI cut level A2 protection. This triple threat is accomplished with a glass fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) shell — a composite yarn that has a strength-to-weight ratio eight to 15 times greater than steel — and polyurethane coating. The thinner, 13-gauge material delivers deftness without trading away its inherent cut-resistance.

The non-sticky polyurethane coating on the palm and fingers features excellent grip, even against oils, fats, and greases, and can deliver enhanced puncture protection and abrasion resistance, all without adding bulk or reducing touch sensitivity.

Brass Knuckle designed the BKCR303 to provide enhanced flexibility and deliver the right balance of mechanical protection, performance, and comfort.

Website: www.brassknuckleprotection.com/products/BKCR303

Hifonics
Hifonics HFEQ-2 Processor

Hifonics HFEQ-2 Processor utilizes higher sound quality with upgraded components. With 1⁄2 DIN ISO mount included, this perfect system upgrade can be installed right in the dash of your vehicle. At your fingertips, you’ll receive a 9-volt line driver offering a 4-band equalizer with a +18dB variable plus master volume, subwoofer volume control, and front to rear dual-amp fader.

Contact: 847-540-7700
Website: www.hifonics.com

Metra Electronics
Lights, Camera Kit, and Brackets for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

Metra Electronics has added even more aftermarket products to its growing line of Jeep accessories with the addition of new side marker lights, a third brake light, a replacement camera kit, and a fog light adapter bracket set.

Amber LED Side Marker Lights for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator: The JP-SML2 replaces factory side marker lights with an easy to install solution that is plug-n-play with all of the 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT trim levels. It includes an integrated anti-flicker feature with a smoked crystalline lens for a stylish upgrade. The amber LEDs provide better visibility with 13.5 watts and an internal reflector for an even brighter output than the factory marker lights.

Third Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler: The JP-TTL3T upgrades the third brake light to a brighter, modern LED light with 2.5 watts and a durable polycarbonate lens. Installation is easy with a plug-n-play factory connector that will work with any trim level for 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL models.

Replacement Camera Kit for Jeep Wrangler: This JP-JLKT kit is designed to replace the factory LVDS camera on 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler models to provide an RCA output for aftermarket radios or monitors. The rear video feed may be viewed while driving and there is an optional feature for selectable parking lines. This camera is a direct OE replacement and features 550 TV lines resolution, an improved power circuit, and a 160-degree viewing angle. The rear tire mounting bracket is included in the kit so that installers have everything needed.

Fog Light Brackets for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Sport: With a different design for the 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT Sport models, the JP-JFOG2 will convert any of Metra’s 4-inch JP-XXX series fog lights to fit and bolt on directly to the vehicle. The brackets are sold as a pair and mount with the factory hardware.

By SEMA Editors

Platinum status represents SDC manufacturers that have achieved the pinnacle of product data by putting in the extra effort to provide resellers with the most complete data sets available.

AeroExhaust
TR/AR

The TR and AR resonator lines are designed to meet every enthusiast's needs. It boils down to functionality, quality, and performance. Commencing with the material, in order to prevent surface rust and corrosion we elected to only offer our resonators in 304-grade stainless steel. We also recognized that some enthusiasts prefer a satin finish over a polished finish, therefore, we offer them in both styles.

Another challenge with certain applications is the space limitations. With this in mind, we had to broaden our line and offer a variety of body dimensions/profiles. Lastly, sound and performance are two of the most important elements. All AERO resonators are tuned and designed to effectively reduce interior resonance along with the high-pitched exterior sound frequencies. Perfect for all applications!

Website: www.aeroexhaust.com
PN: TR/AR

AutoMeter
InVision Digital Dash for '82-'87 Monte Carlo, El Camino and Malibu

The InVision Direct Fit Digital Dash System for '82-'87 Monte Carlo/El Camino/Malibu (Model #7005) is a one model solution for your entire dash. Monitor the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, water temperature, and volts all in one place. The InVision Digital Dash features a 12.3” LCD with three user-selectable screens. The InVision Digital Dash will help protect your car with visual or audible alarms for low fuel level, low oil pressure, high water temperature, and low voltage. All kits include a wiring harness and sending units for water temperature and oil pressure. This dash features an adjustable RPM range and displays in imperial or metric units. Upgrade your dash with the latest, modern LCD direct fit offering from AutoMeter.

Website: www.autometer.com
PN: 7005

JMS
PedalMax Terrain

Designed for the off-road market, from trucks to UTVs, the JMS PedalMAX Terrain can increase or decrease the throttle sensitivity to match any driving conditions on-the-fly.

Throttle response and acceleration are improved, turbo applications see a big lag reduction, all leading to more power and torque. Quick and easy installation, this plug-and-play product utilizes a control knob to "save" your throttle setting into the unit. PedalMAX Terrain units are fully waterproof, made with high-quality ruggedized components backed by a lifetime warranty, and made in the USA.

Website: www.jmschip.com
PN: RC1

Oracle Lighting
Polaris Dynamic ColorSHIFT DRL Signature Light

The Dynamic ColorSHIFT fits all 2019-plus Polaris RZR 1000 and Turbo (except Pro). The Dynamic FLOW Turn Signals (an Oracle Lighting exclusive) has a sequential indicator which sends the LEDs in a wave towards the direction you are turning. This unique feature is built into the control box but is optional and does not need to be connected if you choose not to. The connection is easy…just connect the LH and RH input cables to the + turn signal wire leads. Note: if your vehicle is not equipped with a turn signal kit you will need to add that to use this feature.

The Dynamic DRL Startup Sequence (an Oracle Lighting exclusive) is the latest advancement in Oracle Lighting’s Dynamic LED line. This feature creates an exciting motion effect when you start up the vehicle, giving the appearance of the DRL lights "waking up". It is easy to install by simply connecting the integrated DRL wire to ignition + power.

The Smartphone App Control can easily make standard white colors as well as any static colors using the LED color wheel. What makes these DYNAMIC halos more unique is that you can also display a variety of moving patterns within the app. With more than 200 different patterns there is something to fit every color scheme imaginable.

Website: www.oraclelights.com
PN: 1447-332

Retrax
RetraxPRO XR

The RetraxPRO XR, Retrax's premium Aluminum Series cover, combines industrial strength aluminum construction with an incredibly resilient matte finish. It optimizes cargo capacity with the cover open or closed, providing the ultimate versatility in cargo management. The cover's Trax Rail System will work with most T-slot accessories from Yakima, Thule, Rhino Rack and many more offering endless possibilities. Pairing this unique system with accessories offers double the cargo capacity and frees up the hitch with the ability to mount bikes, coolers, outdoor gear and more on top of the bed cover by combining with the t-slot accessories.

Website: www.retrax.com
PN: T-80336

Truck Covers USA
American Roll Cover

The American Roll Cover manufactured by Truck Covers USA is considered the toughest, most durable, and best-looking, retractable aluminum cover available on the market. Built on customer feedback and experience, it has superior style, is easy to operate, and versatile.  Add our unique toolbox-cover combo, the American Work Cover, or our one-of-a-kind Work Cover Junior with a toolbox that takes up no more bed space than that of a canister!  With the addition of the American Rack System, the most sophisticated rack system available, your truck cover becomes next level! When work is done, bike those mountains, ski those slopes, camp, and more without compromising the functionality of your American Roll Cover.

Website: www.truckcoversusa.com
PN: CR305MT

  SEMA News—February 2021

REQUIRED READING

By Juan Torres

The Best of the Best

The seventh annual SEMA Battle of the Builders contest featured more than 330 submissions from a talented pool of builders who were looking to win the prestigious competition in 2020. The Top 40 and the Top 12 finalists were selected by a panel of industry experts before the 12 finalists performed the judging duties and rated their peers to name a winner in each category (Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact, and Young Guns) and one overall Top Builder. Brady Ranweiler (Hot Rod), Mark Giambalvo (Truck/Off-Road), Chip Foose (Sport Compact), and Cody Medeisis (Young Guns) won their respective categories before Ranweiler was named the overall winner. Below are some of the media that followed the competition.

“Tech Life Today”

Editor Scott Messenger did a profile piece on builder Matteo Medoro, a 20-year-old Canadian builder who has competed in the Young Guns category the last two years. Medoro posted a Top 40 finish in 2020 with his ’47 Dodge 3/4-ton W250, which features hand-painted door signs and an interior lined with potato sacks.

“DUB”

DUB kept its readers informed on the results of the 2020 competition, featuring winner Brady Ranweiler’s ’63 Chevrolet two-door wagon prominently in its coverage. The editors noted how the pandemic couldn’t stop the creative flow of custom-car builders in 2020 nor prevent SEMA from “coming through for the aftermarket with a virtual [Show] in SEMA360.”

“GM Authority”

Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts’ ’64 Corvette caught the attention of editor Sam McEachern when it was named a Top 12 finalist. McEachern praised the builder’s craftsmanship and attention to detail and described the car as being extremely high quality and jam-packed with impressive performance parts.
​

Heard In The News

“This gorgeous Mustang restomod was a hit at SEMA, earning Top 40 Battle of the Builders status.”—Ford Authority, via Facebook

“For the first time in the history of the @SEMASHOW Battle of the Builders, a wagon has won the top award!”—Autosphere, via Twitter

“So #SEMA360 is going strong, and one of the biggest highlights of the day was the announcement of the 2020 #BattleoftheBuilders Top 40.”—Automotive Videos, via Twitter

“Join me as I talk to SEMA VP-Marketing Ira Gabriel and SEMA Battle of the Builder/SEMA Young Guns Director Mike Robleto about the newest details, opportunities and looming deadlines for SEMA360 Battle of the Builders/SEMA Young Guns.”—The Aftermarket Insider, via Facebook