By SEMA News Editors

CTech Manufacturing Breaks Ground on New Expansion

CTech Manufacturing has officially broken ground on its second major expansion in less than five years. The Weston, Wisconsin-based storage manufacturer is adding an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space to an existing location within the same business park as the current headquarters. This effort closely follows an 80,000-sq.-ft. expansion that was completed in 2019. 

Rendering of CTech Manufacturing's second major expansion and proposed final results.

The new building will house an additional powdercoat line, plus automated fabrication and assembly equipment to support all of CTech's current product lines. 

"We continue to thank our customers for putting their trust in CTech for delivering high-quality aluminum storage solutions. This expansion will help support the rapid growth we have been experiencing and continue to prioritize our industry-leading delivery times," said Mike Greenheck, vice president of CTech.

Completion of the new expansion is targeted for early 2025, with additional manufacturing capacity coming online immediately thereafter. Progress will be well documented across the company's social-media platforms for those eager to stay up-to-date with the project. 

For more information, visit ctechmanufacturing.com.

Gunnar Smith, R&R Marketing, Named Bolt Lock Sales Representative of the Year for Second Time

BOLT Lock has selected Gunnar Smith of R&R Marketing as the company's "2023 Sales Representative of the Year." This is the second time Smith has received this award, having also earned the distinction from BOLT Lock in 2019. Smith was presented with a trophy at the BOLT Lock booth during the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 31-November 3.

(left to right) Jason Buckles of BOLT Lock honored Gunnar Smith of R&R Marketing as the BOLT Lock "2023 Sales Representative of the Year" at the SEMA Show.

"Gunnar always goes above and beyond in his efforts to market our family of BOLT Lock products. He is always proactive, persistent and has superior dedication to serving his customers, both manufacturers and the distributors," said Jason Buckles, BOLT Lock sales account manager. 

Smith covers the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida for automotive aftermarket manufacturers' representative firm R & R Marketing. He is based in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Smith is a member of SEMA and SEMA's Young Executive Network (YEN). He is also a member of the Custom Automotive Network (CAN).

For more information, visit boltlock.com. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is calling on its member companies to take action and oppose proposed changes to Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on products containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.

The proposed changes, recently announced by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), would significantly impact businesses in the specialty automotive market, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers and out-of-state companies selling products in California.

OEHHA is holding a public hearing on the proposed rules on December 13, 2023. The public comment deadline is December 20, 2023. Click here to submit comments to OEHHA in opposition to the proposed changes.

Key Changes to Proposition 65:

• Short-form warnings would be required to include at least one chemical on the label. This is a significant change from the current regulations, which allow businesses to use a generic short-form warning that does not identify any specific chemicals.
• The size and shape restrictions for short-form warnings would be removed. This means that businesses would have more flexibility in labeling their products.
• Short-form warnings would be allowed to be used on the internet and catalog sales. This is a welcome change for businesses that sell products online.
• Businesses would be required to sell through existing inventory with current short-form warnings for two years after the new rules go into effect. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is calling on its member companies to take action and oppose proposed changes to Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on products containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.

The proposed changes, recently announced by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), would significantly impact businesses in the specialty automotive market, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers and out-of-state companies selling products in California.

OEHHA is holding a public hearing on the proposed rules on December 13, 2023. The public comment deadline is December 20, 2023. Click here to submit comments to OEHHA in opposition to the proposed changes.

Key Changes to Proposition 65:

• Short-form warnings would be required to include at least one chemical on the label. This is a significant change from the current regulations, which allow businesses to use a generic short-form warning that does not identify any specific chemicals.
• The size and shape restrictions for short-form warnings would be removed. This means that businesses would have more flexibility in labeling their products.
• Short-form warnings would be allowed to be used on the internet and catalog sales. This is a welcome change for businesses that sell products online.
• Businesses would be required to sell through existing inventory with current short-form warnings for two years after the new rules go into effect. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Ohio House of Representatives passed SEMA-supported legislation prohibiting any state or local government unit from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including internal combustion engines (ICEs).

The bill, H.B. 201, is now awaiting consideration by the Ohio Senate. Click here to send a letter to your local lawmaker requesting their support for the bill.

The enactment of this bill would be a major victory for proponents of consumer choice. SEMA believes Ohioans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Ohio House of Representatives passed SEMA-supported legislation prohibiting any state or local government unit from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including internal combustion engines (ICEs).

The bill, H.B. 201, is now awaiting consideration by the Ohio Senate. Click here to send a letter to your local lawmaker requesting their support for the bill.

The enactment of this bill would be a major victory for proponents of consumer choice. SEMA believes Ohioans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Organizers have announced that sponsorship opportunities are filling up for the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, January 30-February 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in Southern California.

This unique event brings together editors, reporters, creators and editorial teams from all over the world with manufacturers of racing and performance parts and accessories. Unlike a traditional trade show where exhibitors are focused on meeting with buyers and resellers, the Media Trade Conference is focused on media and manufacturer relationships.

The event is held in a hotel, which allows manufacturers to set up products in their suites for 30-minute meetings with media members. Up to 42 private and dedicated sessions are possible over the course of three days. MPMC organizes these meetings and provides lunch, break rooms and a happy hour event.

Sponsorship opportunities, at press time, include the following:

• Wednesday Lunch Sponsor: $2,500: This sponsorship will receive a reserved table(s) at the event, logo inclusion on the website, email marketing to manufacturers, inclusion in the welcome kit, a speaking opportunity at a group event, plus sponsor signage at the Wednesday Lunch and throughout the conference.
• Thursday Lunch Sponsor (In-N-Out truck): $3,500: This sponsorship receives recognition at the In-N-Out Burger truck, one of the most popular features at the conference, priority service at the truck and a sponsor thank you gift.
• All Days Break Room Sponsorship: $1,000: The conference break room is open throughout the day with snacks and drinks for attendees. Each sponsor will have a day that highlights their company with SEMA-provided signage. The sponsor can also leave their company information in the break room for the day.

For more information, including how to sponsor and support the next generation of motorsports professionals, contact MPMC Council Director Marcy at 909-978-6690 or marcy@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

New images from SEMA News sources have offered a preview of updates to the Volkswagen Golf R for 2024.

Spotted testing in Germany, camouflage hides the '24 Volkswagen Golf R's revamped front air intakes and updated taillight graphics.

Spotted testing at the German Nürburgring, the Golf R features revamped front air intakes, disguised with plastic cladding to resemble the previous model. At the rear, strategic camouflage hides updated taillight graphics.

Inside, the R model will adopt the fresh dashboard design that premiered in the new Volkswagen Passat and Tiguan. The update is expected to include a larger customizable digital instrument panel and a high-resolution touchscreen integrated into the center console.

The Golf R will retain its 320hp engine until the Golf lineup is replaced with an all-electric model in 2028 or 2029.

The Volkswagen Golf R will retain its 320hp engine, according to sources, remaining unchanged until the entire Golf lineup is replaced with an all-electric ID.Golf that is expected to debut in 2028 or 2029.

By SEMA News Editors

During the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, a panel of esteemed international journalists recognized dozens of top industry companies for their innovative products as part of the 2024 Global Media Awards Program. 

A total of 19 judges from 14 countries participated in the program, carefully reviewing and evaluating the products on display in the SEMA Show New Product Showcase to select the products that would resonate with customers in their home regions.

Below, in alphabetical order by country, publication and participating journalist, are the winning exhibitors and products from the 2023 Global Media Awards Program.

SEMA congratulates the list of innovative and envelope-pushing companies recognized this year.

Argentina 

Judge: Luis Zschocke
Media Outlet: New Tune Up

• Engineered New Product, Interior Accessory: Vintage Air Inc., '79-'93 Fox Body Mustang Surefit Kit 
• Engineered New Product, Performance-Racing: ProCharger Supercharger, '24 Mustang GT & Dark Horse Stage II Supercharger Kit 
• Engineered New Product, Performance-Racing: TRAC/Tire Rotation Assistance Cart-Tire Jack, TRAC TireJack/Roller Accessory Plate 
• Performance-Street Product: Design Engineering, Inc., RFI Shield Mesh Tape 
• Performance-Street Product: Holley, 1964-66 Mustang Front Speed Kit 2 
• Performance-Street Product: McLeod Racing/Silver Sport Transmissions/FTI Performance, McLeod '24 Mustang RXT Twin Disc Clutch Kit 
• Performance-Street Product: Speedmaster, Ford 5.0L Coyote 2pc Fabricated High Ram Air Intake Manifold 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: American Autowire, 4, 6 and 8 Position Relay Panels 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: FiTech Fuel Injection, FiTech Go Port Offenhauser Edition 
• Tools and Equipment Product: Speedway Motors, Inc., SoloSwap Ford Coyote 5.0L Mock-Up Engine Block 

 

AUSTRALIA

Judge: Simon Christie
Media Outlet: 4WD

• Interior Accessory Product: Scosche Industries, Inc., MagicMount Pro2 HD Heavy Duty Phone Mount XL 
• Electric Vehicle Product: JackRabbit Mobility, JackRabbit XG Mini Motorbike 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Inspired Overland, Ultra Lightweight Carbon Fiber Roof Top Tent 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Westin/Superwinch, Mesa Roof Rack- Half Rack 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: ARB 4x4 Accessories, MT64 Suspension 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: SeaSucker, Universal Off-Road Mount 
• Tire and Related Product: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail 
• Tire and Related Product: Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels, Baja Boss XS 
• Tools and Equipment Product: BendPak/Cool Boss/JackPak, Coolee CL-50R 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: Auxbeam Lighting Co. Ltd., AC-1200 Wireless Remote Control Switch Panel 

 

Judge: Peter Ronis
Media Outlet: All Torque Podcast

• Featured Product, Collision Repair & Refinish Product: IGL Coatings, INDUSTRIAL SOLUTION AEGIS 
• Featured Product, Tools and Equipment: Adenna, LLC, ProWorks A5 Blue Tektreme Luxfoam Coated Gloves 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Griot's Garage, Plastic All-in-One 
• Electric Vehicle Product: Design Engineering, Inc., EV Charge Cord Protector 
• Exterior Accessory Product: 3D Products/Hi-Tech Industries, 3D GLW Series Headlight Restore 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Hatchlift Products, Stake Hand 
• Exterior Accessory Product: SeaSucker, Magnetic Antenna Mount 
• Tools and Equipment Product: Red Kap, Cooling Short Sleeve Pocket Tee 
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product: Air Lift Company, Air Lift Tow Camera with Versatile Mount 
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product: Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start XP-20-HD Lithium Jump Starter 

 

BRAZIL

Judge: Eduardo Bernasconi 
Media Outlet: Revista FullPower

• Interior Accessory Product: Fanttik, Fanttik DynamicClean V10 Apex Pivoting Car Vacuum Cordless 
• Interior Accessory Product: Lippert Curt Luverne Ranch Hand Aries UWS, CURT Discovery NEXT Time-Delay Brake Controller 
• Exterior Accessory Product: FLATED, FLATED Air-Carrier 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Rigid Industries, Radiance Plus Pod RGBW 
• Merchandising Display, Exterior Accessory: Diode Dynamics, HitchMount LED Pod Display 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: SeaSucker, Universal Recovery Mount 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: CVF Racing, Billet Universal Full Window Crank 
• Tools and Equipment Product: Diagnostic Network, AiDN 
• Tools and Equipment Product: GUNIWHEEL LLC, GUNI X Series 
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product: TowSmart Custom, Adjustable Dual Ball Mount 

 

Judge: Ludmilla Kruppa
Media Outlet: Revista Garagem Old School

• Engineered New Product, Exterior Accessory: Ford Performance Parts & Accessories, Ford Performance Differential Cover - fits Ranger, Bronco & Super Duty 
• Engineered New Product, Street Rod/Custom Car: Under Dash Hydraulics/Malwood USA, Mopar-E-Body Under Dash Hydraulic Clutch Pedal Kit 
• Featured Product, Interior Accessory: Retro Manufacturing, RetroSound Universal DIN Repair Kit 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: Wilwood Disc Brakes, '21+ RAM TRX TX6R Front Big Brake Kit 
• Performance-Racing Product: ProCharger Supercharger: BBC Serpentine Accessory Drive  
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: Auto Meter, Chrono Chrome 5-Gauge Kit With Chrome Bezel and 3-D Dial 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: CVF Racing, All-Inclusive Wraptor Compact Serpentine System for Ford Coyote 5.0L - AC, Alt & PS 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: CVF Racing, Billet Universal Quarter Window Crank 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: FiTech Fuel Injection, FiTech Ultimate Sync 48x for SBC/BBC 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: ProCharger Supercharger: SBC Serpentine Accessory Drive 

 

CANADA

Judge: Darren Greenwood
Media Outlet: GarageShots Magazine

• Exterior Accessory Product: FLATED, FLATED Air-Carrier 
• Interior Accessory Product: Fanttik, Fanttik DynamicClean V10 Apex Pivoting Car Vacuum Cordless 
• Merchandising Display, Tire and Related Product: Swisstrax, The 12 Series Swisstrax Garage Flooring Tile 
• Powersports Product: Boxo USA, 5 Drawer Hand Carry Tool Box Loaded with 1/4-in., 3/8-in. and 1/2-in. Metric and Standard Tools 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: Bangin Headlights, 5.75-in. Cold Air Intake Headlight Conversion Kit 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: Design Engineering, Inc., ATAC - Advanced Thermal Acoustic Coating 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: Flaming River Industries, Inc., Next Generation Touch Start Tilt Column 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: KNS/Grand General Accessories, Classic Glass Lens Watermelon Style Light with LED Base 
• Tools and Equipment Product: TRAC/Tire Rotation Assistance Cart-Tire Jack, TRAC TireJack/Roller Accessory Plate 
• Tools and Equipment Product: TRULERS, Trulers T-Rulers 

 

Judge: Allison Rogers
Media Outlet: Media Matters

• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, 3M Skills Development Center Instructor-Led-Training Services 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: BASF Corporation, Glasurit 100 Line Extreme 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing, Tru-Cure Portable Infrared Unit 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Eagle Abrasives, Inc., Tolecutter 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Goliath Carts, Goliath Test Weld Stand 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: KECO Body Repair Products, KECO GPR+ System 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Repairify, asTech Rules Engine 
• Electric Vehicle Product: Opus IVS, Copilot Management Suite: Remote, Mobile, and Calibration 
• Tools and Equipment Product: SATA SPRAY EQUIPMENT, SATAjet X 5500 universe 
• Tools and Equipment Product: SATA SPRAY EQUIPMENT, SATA QMR - Quick Material Regulator 

 

CHILE

Judge: Felipe Joui
Media Outlet: UHP Magazine

• Performance-Street Product: Auto Meter, COBB Tuning Accessport for Subaru WRX 2022+ 
• Performance-Street Product: K&N Engineering, Inc., C.A.S. Subaru WRX H4-2.4L F/I Turbo; '22-'23 
• Performance-Street Product: K&N Engineering, Inc., Catch Can, Oil Separator for Ford F-150 
• Performance-Street Product: QA1, '15-'20 Ford F-150 Lowering Kits 
• Performance-Street Product: RestorFX, RestorFX Paintless Clear Coat Repair 
• Performance-Street Product: TAROX Brakes, GR Corolla Two-Piece Floating Rotors 
• Performance-Racing Product: Kooks Headers & Exhaust, 1-7/8-in. '24 Mustang GT 5.0L Coyote Headers
• Performance-Racing Product: TEIN USA, Inc., TEIN EDFC5 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: Icon Vehicle Dynamics, '22-'23 Toyota Tundra 6-in Stage 9 Suspension System Billet with Subframe Kit 
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product: ProCharger Supercharger, '21-'23 Ford F-150 5.0L Supercharger System 

 

FINLAND

Judge: Tomi Eronen
Media Outlet: Amerikan Rauta

• Featured Product, Interior Accessory: Retro Manufacturing, RetroSound Universal DIN Repair Kit 
• Featured Product, Street Rod/Custom Car: CFR Performance, Hemi Kit Assembly 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc., Chrome Delete By Body-Liner 
• Interior Accessory Product: Intellitronix, '88-'91 RGB LED Chevy Truck Gauge Cluster with IQ Signal Installation Module 
• Performance-Street Product: Edelbrock Group, Edelbrock Performer RPM 6-Bolt Cylinder Heads for Dodge Gen III Hemi Engines, P/N 61135 
• Performance-Street Product: Holley, Hooker BlackHeart LS Swap Polished Stainless Steel Exhaust Manifolds 
• Performance-Street Product: Speedmaster, Chevy GM LS1 Downdraft EFI Stack Intake Manifold System 
• Performance-Street Product: Speedway Motors Inc., Headlight Air Intake, 4-in. 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: KNS/Grand General Accessories, Classic Glass Lens Watermelon Style Light with LED Base 
• Tire and Related Product: Kontio Tyres & Boyd Coddington Wheels, Kontio WhitePaw Classic 

 

FRANCE

Judge: Jerome Andre
Media Outlet: Generation 4x4 Magazine

• Featured Product, Performance-Street: Associated Electrics, SR7 Hoonicorn RTR 
• Featured Product, Tools and Equipment: NextLED, NT-6926-M Remote Control, Rechargeable Aluminum Heavy Duty Tripod Work Light 
• Electric Vehicle Product: JackRabbit Mobility, JackRabbit XG Mini Motorbike 
• Electric Vehicle Product: Legacy EV, Fellten UBP55E 55kWh Battery Pack 
• Electric Vehicle Product: Redline Detection, BCLD Battery and Coolant Leak Detector 
• Electric Vehicle Product: Scorpion EV, Venom EV Conversion Kit 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: SeaSucker, Universal Off-Road Mount 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: Öhlins Racing AB, Öhlins ÖRX 2-Way PDS-Equipped Shock System for JL Jeep Wrangler 
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product: Universal Air Suspension, Ford Lightning Air Suspension System 
• Wheel and Related Product: Ford Performance Parts & Accessories, Ford Performance Parts by Method Race 17-in. Oxford White Wheel and Ford Performance Center Cap 

 

HONDURAS

Judge: Juan Carlos Cuellar 
Media Outlet: Sobre Ruedas

• Engineered New Product, Performance-Racing: Techflex, F6 Battle Wrap 
• Engineered New Product, Powersports: OPTIMA Batteries, Digital 200+ Charger and Maintainer 
• Electric Vehicle Product: WD-40 Brand, WD-40 Specialist Electric Parts Cleaner 
• Performance-Street Product: LIQUI MOLY, Top Tec ATF 1850
• Tire and Related Product: TRAC/Tire Rotation Assistance Cart-Tire Jack, TRAC TireJack/Roller Accessory Plate 
• Tools and Equipment Product: Adenna, LLC, Shiny Glass Microfiber Cloth 
• Tools and Equipment Product: CAROSS USA, 12V Portable 150psi Air Compressor 
• Tools and Equipment Product: CAROSS USA, 12V Smart Connect Patented Technology Jump Starter and Power Bank 
• Tools and Equipment Product: Luma III, Inc., SunPro 
• Tools and Equipment Product: NextLED, NT-6615 Multi-Function, Rechargeable Spot, Flood & UV Pen Light 

 

Judge: Edmundo Pazzetti
Media Outlet: Piloto y Maquina

• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Stoner Car Care, Iron Remover and Wheel Cleaner 
• Exterior Accessory Product: FLATED, FLATED Air-Topper 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Lippert/Curt/Luverne/Ranch Hand/Aries/UWS, ARIES Jeep Wrangler JL Black Aluminum Front Fender Flares with LED Lights 
• Interior Accessory Product: Fanttik, Fanttik DynamicClean V10 Apex Pivoting Car Vacuum Cordless 
• Interior Accessory Product: Speed Dawg Shift Knobs, Speed Dawg County Prison Shift Pattern Shift Knob 
• Merchandising Display, Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility: Timbren Industries, Timbren SES Counter Display 
• Mobile Electronics Product: Horizon Brands, AI Dash Cam 4K + 1080p 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: Body Armor 4x4/Tuff Stuff Overland, '14+ 4Runner Rear Bumper with Tire Swings 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: Ironman 4x4, Powered Watertank 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: SeaSucker, Universal Recovery Mount 

 

MEXICO

Judge: Angel Gonzalez
Media Outlet: Mass Motor

• Engineered New Product, Exterior Accessory: ORACLE Lighting, Oculus ColorSHIFT Bi-LED Modular Headlight System for '21+ Ford Bronco 
• Featured Product, Performance-Street: Associated Electrics, SR7 Hoonicorn RTR
• Exterior Accessory Product: AlphaRex, '21-'23 Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ NOVA-Series LED Projector Headlights 
• Mobile Electronics Product: AAMP Global, ENLIGHT10 
• Mobile Electronics Product: Horizon Brands, Ultra-Sonic Solar Back Up Camera 
• Mobile Electronics Product: IROAD, IROAD X30 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: Traxxas, Traxxas TRX-4M 1979 Chevrolet K10 High Trail (1:18 Scale) 
• Performance-Racing Product: Spyder Auto, ALT-YD-TGR86-LED-BK 
• Performance-Street Product:Green Filter, Green Filter Honda Civic Type R 23 #7484 
• Wheel and Related Product: Design Infini, Fittipaldi Off Road FA17 

 

Judge: Cesar Velasco
Media Outlet: Kar Automotive

• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Griot's Garage, Stinky Be Gone Air Freshener 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc., Chrome Delete By Body-Liner 
• Exterior Accessory Product: American Modified, Jeep JL Tomahawke Grille With LED Eyebrow 
• Exterior Accessory Product: ORACLE Lighting, Jeep Gladiator Racetrack Tailgate Tail Light System with Animated Sequences 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Spec-D Tuning, '08-'13 Infiniti G37/'14-'15 Q60 Coupe/Convertible Sequential Projector Headlight 
• Interior Accessory Product: Horizon Brands, Type S LED Lighted Floor Mats 
• Interior Accessory Product: Papp Plastics & Distributing, '24 Subaru 2 Color Inserts
• Performance-Street Product: TEIN USA, Inc., ENDURAPRO PLUS Adjustable Shock Absorbers 
• Tire and Related Product: TRAC/Tire Rotation Assistance Cart-Tire Jack, TRAC TireJack/Roller Accessory Plate 
• Tools and Equipment Product: Speedway Motors, Inc., WheelWise Wheel Fitment Tool, Tire Fit Size Measuring Mockup, 4-Lug 

 

NEW ZEALAND

Judge: Andy Bighetti
Media Outlet: Musclecars Universe 

• Engineered New Product, Performance-Racing: Holley, Holley Sniper EFI 2 
• Engineered New Product, Performance-Racing: The Aeromotive Group/PerTronix, Aeromotive Fluid Delivery, Small Block Chevy Water Pump 
• Engineered New Product, Performance-Racing: Turbosmart USA, BoostGate50 
• Engineered New Product, Performance-Racing: Turbosmart USA, Electronic StraightGate eSG76 External Wastegate 
• Performance-Street Product: Holley, '64-'66 Mustang Front Speed Kit 2 
• Performance-Street Product: DeatschWerks, DW810 Brushless, 810LPH @40psi Brushless In-Tank Fuel Pump 
• Performance-Racing Product: ProCharger Supercharger, '23 Camaro Stage II Supercharger Kit 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: FiTech Fuel Injection, Ultimate Rebel LS 1000 HP EFI System with Short Cathedral Intake and Transmission Control 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product: FiTech Fuel Injection, FiTech Go Spark Distributor, Chevy V8 RTR 
• Performance-Street Product: Speedmaster, 6-71 Polished Blower Roots Supercharger Three Lobe Twisted Rotors 

 

SOUTH AFRICA 

Judge: Victor Pardal
Media Outlet: Ignition TV

• Electric Vehicle Product: JackRabbit Mobility, JackRabbit XG Mini Motorbike 
• Performance-Racing Product: Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start XP-20-HD Lithium Jump Starter 
• Performance-Racing Product: ETL Performance Products, Inc., '15 -'21 VW Golf GTI MK7 / MK7.5 Front Mount Intercooler Kit 
• Performance-Racing Product: FuelTech ECU, FuelTech FT700 
• Performance-Racing Product: Race Winning Brands, Boostline S58 Connecting Rods 
• Performance-Racing Product: Race Winning Brands, JE Ultra Series B58 Pistons 
• Performance-Racing Product: Race Winning Brands, Dart Machinery Toyota 2JZ Engine Block 
• Performance-Street Product: AST/MOTON Suspension , Adjustable Lowering Spring kit BMW G42 M240i 
• Performance-Street Product: Öhlins Racing AB, Öhlins Road & Track Suspension System for BMW G8X M2, M3 and M4 Models 
• Tools and Equipment Product: GUNIWHEEL, LLC, GUNI X Series 

 

SOUTH KOREA

Judge: Young Jun Yu
Media Outlet: Car and Tech 

• Featured Product, Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Adenna, TASKBrand Final Tack Cloth 
• Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Product: Hunter Engineering, Company Ultimate ADAS 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, 3M Skills Development Center Instructor-Led-Training Services 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: I-CAR, Collision Careers 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: JTAPE, Perforated+ Trim Lifting Tape 
• Exterior Accessory Product: All-Fit Automotive, RIMiQ PROTECTiQ Pro 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Klymit, Timber Creek Annex 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product: TRAC/Tire Rotation Assistance Cart-Tire Jack, TRAC TireJack/Roller Accessory Plate 
• Tools and Equipment Product: Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start XP-20-HD Lithium Jump Starter 
• Tools and Equipment Product: BendPak/Cool Boss/JackPak, Coolee CL-240 Blue/Gray 

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Judge: Nabil Moustafa
Media Outlet: Strive Middle East

• Exterior Accessory Product: Caliber Inc., Apex Skytop by Caliber 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Klymit, Timber Creek Annex 
• Exterior Accessory Product: ORACLE Lighting, Jeep Gladiator Racetrack Tailgate Tail Light System with Animated Sequences 
• Mobile Electronics Product: Wet Sounds Inc., AR-5 Defender Roof 
• Performance-Racing Product: Race Winning Brands, Dart Machinery Toyota 2JZ Engine Block 
• Performance-Racing Product: Team Plus, Team Plus Wheel Turtle Pro 
• Performance-Street Product: United Engine & Machine, Hyperformance Pistons 
• Tire and Related Product: Kontio Tyres & Boyd Coddington Wheels, Kontio WhitePaw Classic 
• Tire and Related Product: Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels, Baja Boss XS 
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product: Rock Slide Engineering, R-Step 

 

VENEZUELA

Judge: Henry Pierini
Media Outlet: Autozulia International

• Engineered New Product, Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Luma III, Inc., SunPro 
• Engineered New Product, Mobile Electronics: REDARC, Smart Battery Monitor 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: GUNIWHEEL, LLC, GUNI X Series 
• Collision Repair & Refinish Product: Stoner Car Care, Iron Remover and Wheel Cleaner 
• Exterior Accessory Product: Ford Performance Parts & Accessories, Canopy Bed Products 
• Interior Accessory Product: Fanttik, Fanttik DynamicClean V10 Apex Pivoting Car Vacuum Cordless 
• Mobile Electronics Product: BendPak/Cool Boss/JackPak, JackPak Ultra2500A 
• Mobile Electronics Product: Horizon Brands, AI Dash Cam 4K + 1080p 
• Powersports Product: Boxo USA, Karting Box 
• Tire and Related Product: Lippert/Curt/Luverne/Ranch Hand/Aries/UWS, CURT Tire Linc Auto Trailer Advanced TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's' Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Denver, Colorado-based Berg Performance as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know its story in the SEMA News interview with Bryan Eisenberger, Berg Performance's vice president of sales and e-commerce, below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your company. How did your company start?

Bryan Eisenberger: Named for the German word for mountain, Berg Performance was established in 2011 as an Audi/Volkswagen/Porsche specialty shop that's all about the people we're lucky enough to call our customers. We started out of a barn and have grown into a world-class operation. Owner Aaron Marshall delivers next-level service by taking a personal interest in ensuring every vehicle is functioning at its very best. From routine maintenance to special requests, start to finish, the customer is central at Berg Performance, a shop built to exceed Audi, VW and Porsche owners' expectations with a new standard of quality. We launched Berg Peaks, our off-road division, in 2020. We focus on building the most capable off-road vehicles possible on Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg and Audi Q7 platforms. Our first off-road Cayenne, titled Warthog, is now our shop car and our do-everything off-roader. We have since continued to build some of the most capable off-roaders out there. We recently launched our Berg Peaks off-road parts division to help everyone from everyday drivers to extreme off-roaders be able to take their platforms anywhere.

SN: What was your company's breakthrough moment?

BE: I think our breakthrough moment comes in two parts. The first was when we transitioned to our new shop. This was made possible because of our intense attention to detail and how we service our customers. We built a name for high-quality work and a passion for the customer. 

The second is when we decided to build out our off-road practice. We really saw an evolution in our business and a need for high-quality off-road builds utilizing the Cayenne, Touareg and Q7 platforms. We quickly built a name for ourselves, becoming the go-to shop in the West for this type of work. This all culminated with our most in-depth and biggest build yet, the Project Pumbaa, which we featured at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This Cayenne was not just a show car either; we built it to be used and taken off-road. We took it on a number of off-road trips, most notably to Moab, where it completed Top of the World Trail with no winching and no assistance.

SN: Tell us about your business now in 2023. 

BE: We are currently building and fine-tuning four of our Cayennes to take on five of the Jeep "Badge of Honor" trails near Telluride, Colorado. If we haven't yet, this trip with only Cayennes, Touaregs and Q7s will cement these platforms as top off-roading vehicles on the market. In addition to that, we just launched our e-commerce site (bergpeaks.com), in which we have made available parts that we have developed in-house and opened up to the market to address some of the fault areas from the cars at stock, including adjustable upper control arms, air suspension lift kits which we affectionately call our OEV+ lift kits, and a number of other parts that are coming later in the year, including high-angle axles, off-road front/rear bumpers, skids, rock rails and other off-road accessories.

SN: Tell us about a product that you are proud of. 

BE: That would have to be our OEV+ air suspension lift kits that I just discussed. The lift kits on the market right now are mostly body lifts with subframe drops. While that solution achieves the desired results by ultimately creating more clearance, it has a few unintended consequences. The drive and feel of the car lose that Porsche and Audi feel. Part of the reason people buy a Cayenne or Q7 is for that unique feeling while driving. You still feel like you are driving a sports car even though it is an SUV. 

One of the benefits of our lift is you don't lose that driving heritage, while still gaining that much-needed clearance for off-road trails. Our goal was simple, make the car as fun to drive on road as it is off-road, and our lift does that where others don't. You still have that planted, responsive handling that you've come to expect in the Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen names. Pair that with our adjustable upper control arms and you have a fantastic platform.

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

BE: I think my biggest advice is to really make sure you love the industry. This career is difficult and the industry itself is a hard one. However, if you have a love for the industry, a love for the platforms, and a love for the customers, that will make even the hardest days so rewarding. For us, it really is a labor of love and passion and that is what has brought us to the point where we are today. 

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Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

Robert Cavanagh--senior product manager at AP Emissions Technologies LLC--is the latest Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on technology trends that he is utilizing and seeing in the automotive aftermarket industry.  

Read more in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?

Robert Cavanagh: I am a huge proponent of using Excel to manipulate data. It might seem like an older tool, and sometimes it may not be the best tool for a very specific task, but it's a jack of all trades and can handle just about anything reasonably well. Its versatility is a strong point, especially as Microsoft continues to add features.

SN: What new trends have you noticed within the industry?

RC: As a catalytic converter manufacturer, we have noticed a significant trend of OEs using larger and more complex converter systems as emissions regulations become stricter. This has led to more intricate pipe routing and bending, as well as an increase in catalyst material used. There are also more sensors to integrate the emissions control systems with the ECU, becoming an active part of the system rather than a passive one.

SN: What is the single best career advice you've been given?

RC: I always think of a quote from a past mentor when I see this question: "Don't be afraid to take action because not choosing a path forward is the wrong choice. If you don't make a decision, the decision will make you (or break you). If you need more information to make your decision, don't wait; go out and get it."

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Fill out an ETTN Member Insight form to share your latest breakthroughs with new technology and share your tips with other members. Selected candidates will be featured on ETTN's social media, SEMA News and future ETTN Member Updates.