By SEMA Editors

Nominations are now open for aftermarket professionals to volunteer to serve on any one of SEMA’s nine council or network select committees at www.sema.org/volunteer.

Select Committees are critical to helping SEMA staff direct, guide and lead its efforts. SEMA’s elected leaders work alongside other automotive professionals to identify common challenges and opportunities, create awareness to their industry niche and influence industry progress. The ideal candidate will have strong strategic planning skills, significant aftermarket knowledge, a passion for giving back to the industry, and be willing to serve a minimum of a two-year term.

Learn more about the benefits of volunteering below.

Community Building: Volunteers build connections among other council and network members. In the past year alone, select committee volunteers have spearheaded and created some of SEMA’s most robust events and programs, including but not limited to, in-person and virtual networking events, SEMA-member spotlight programs, education opportunities and more.

Connect with Industry Leaders: When members raise their hand to volunteer, they are connected with industry peers who are passionate about the advancement of the industry as a whole. They work together to strategically align initiatives with current and member and industry needs, share new ideas and grow their network.

Recognition Opportunities: Volunteers are recognized regularly on SEMA communication channels, such as SEMA eNews, social media and council and network member updates.

If you would like to nominate yourself or someone who has the skills and character to influence industry progress, fill out the nomination form by Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

By Kyle Cheng

Economic activity has improved significantly over the last month. The rate of vaccinations is accelerating and the number of COVID-19 cases, while still high, is improving. Additionally, the COVID relief bill likely will push economic growth above forecasts for the back half of 2021 and through much of 2022. All of this paints a much better economic outlook for the economy as we move past the pandemic.

While the outlook is optimistic, there are some potential risks. Inflation is a possibility, and prices in some segments of the economy are already moving higher. Supply chains are constrained because of the disruption from the virus. Additionally, over the past year, consumers spent more money on goods as many services were closed. Consumers stayed at home and bought items such as electronics and auto parts. As the country opens up and restrictions lift, consumers will likely divert more money to things they haven’t been able to do, potentially slowing growth for certain segments of the economy.

For more information, download the new March “SEMA Industry Indicators” report today at www.sema.org/research.

For a more in-depth look at the path of recovery for our industry and the economy, as well as potential scenarios for the next few years, check out the “SEMA Future Trends – January 2021” report at www.sema.org/research. 

By Jay Carpio, Fredy Ramirez & Carr Winn

“Carr Parts” is dedicated to builders. It's about quick tips and tricks and the newest must-have products. It's about visiting with a fellow builder, walking around their project and getting an up-close look at their handy work. It's also about our industry sharing their passion for turning a wrench and taking time to give advice to fellow gearheads. Episode six features the Throttle Thrashers Garage's Cole Marten, talking about taking care of the rods and the bearings, to keep your engine running stronger, longer.

For more information about other talented young builders visit SEMA's Young Guns www.semayoungguns.com.

SEMA’s video team is currently in production on future episodes of ”Carr Parts“ and we’d love to hear from you. Do you have a tip, trick or advice you can share with our audience? Drop us a note at marketing@semaignited.com and we’ll connect with you.

We can't wait to find the next guest for “Carr Parts.” And finally...keep building.

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.

KC HiLites
Universal Wire Hider

The KC Universal Wire Hider featuring 3M VHB double-sided adhesive is as simple as it sounds. It is a 3.3-ft. strip of rubber extrusion that has an internal channel to help you hide your wires for a clean install of off-road lights and other accessories. This automotive wire management is perfect for those who are sick of having exposed wires running up their windshield, roof rack, along the frame, or anywhere else on the vehicle.

Features

• Rubber extrusion to hide your wires
• Maintains an OEM look for a clean and professional install
• Includes 3M VHB tape to securely route wiring
• Conceals wires up to 8mm in diameter

Website: www.kchilites.com
PN: 6300-Main/6300-Styled

ORACLE Lighting
Oculus 7-inch Bi-LED Projector Headlights  

The market leader in high-quality and innovative LED solutions for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets, is proud to announce the launch of its new Oculus 7-in. bi-LED projector. Now available for pre-order and scheduled to ship in April 2021, the new headlights are designed for ’07–‘18 Jeep Wrangler JK, ’97–‘06 Jeep Wrangler TJ (w/ H4 wiring adapter) and classic cars/trucks (with H4 wiring adapter and some modification).

Website: www.oraclelights.com
PN: 5876-001

The deadline for SEMA-member companies to submit project overviews to participate in the 2021 Jeep, Ram and Dodge Project Vehicle Program is 11:59 p.m. (EDT), April 8, 2021.

Companies are invited to submit proposals based on the criteria outlined below. Applicants need to meet all of the requirements outlined or the submission will be removed from consideration.

Chosen companies will be selected by Stellantis from the total number of eligible submissions to take part in the program.

Interested companies must submit a detailed marketing plan as part of the submission process. If selected, each participant must actively promote, at its sole expense, the project vehicle according to the Stellantis-approved marketing plan.

The Stellantis/Mopar booth at the 2021 SEMA Show will highlight the following

vehicles in addition to other vehicles from its existing lineup:

• Wagoneer
• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
• Jeep Gladiator
• Ram 1500 Rebel
• Ram 1500 TRX
• Ram 2500 Mega Cab
• Ram 2500 Power Wagon
• Ram 3500 Chassis Cab
• Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody

Information on Jeep, Ram and Dodge Vehicles can be found at:

• www.jeep.com
• www.ramtrucks.com
• www.dodge.com

Stellantis/Jeep, Ram and Dodge Project Vehicle Program Criteria

• Open to SEMA-member company manufacturers, designers, customizers and/or retailers.
• Submissions for multiple vehicles will be permitted, but does not increase odds of being selected.
• Submissions must be submitted to: submissions@moparbuilds.com and must be received by 11:59 PM, April 8, 2021.

Each company requesting vehicles must be willing to enter into an agreement with FCA US LLC requiring the company to:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2021 Las Vegas SEMA Show.
• Register and keep the vehicle in the participant’s name for the duration of the agreement.
• Use the provided Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts accessory products as specified and provided by Stellantis.
• Purchase and maintain $5 million in general liability insurance, $5 million in automotive liability insurance, $1 million employer liability and demonstrate workers’ compensation coverage; an umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Enter into an agreement with FCA US LLC agreeing to dispose of the vehicle at the end of the agreement, and provide proof of such disposal.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Jeep, Ram, or Dodge logo intact and visible.
• Make vehicles available to Stellantis or its Dealers for display.

Companies must submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, detailing:

• Modifications to the vehicle.
• Events (including dates, location and type of event).
• Media exposure (originals or color copies).
• Company print and digital advertising featuring the vehicle.
• Social media exposure with statistics.
• A copy of the project vehicle registration.

Submission Requirements

Step 1: Project Overview/Summary—Must be Received by 11:59 p.m. (EDT), April 8, 2021.

E-mail a one-page project summary with the following information to submissions@moparbuilds.com

• Vehicle/theme.
• Vehicle modifications.
• Promotional plan, including the events at which the vehicle would be displayed (in addition to the SEMA Show); social media plan (please include your potential exposure/reach with your followers).
• Your proposed vehicle-display location at the 2021 SEMA Show. Please also include what other vehicles will be featured within that display.

Step 2: Email Detailed Project Proposal to submissions@moparbuilds.com by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) April 30, 2021.
Include: all details that support the one-page project summary on company letterhead, color rendering(s) and past project vehicles examples. If the interior is to be significantly modified, an interior sketch should also be included.

Selection Criteria:
Stellantis will determine the number of participants in its sole discretion. The participants will be selected from the total number of submissions received. Participants will be selected according to the above-mentioned and following criteria:

• Originality.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the vehicle’s position in the market, and complementing that position.
• The proposed marketing plan.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learnings through new and engaging webinars.

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Tuesday, March 23—Asserting Yourself in the Workplace  

Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, Powered by SBN

Learn how to be assertive in difficult work situations, best practices for dealing with situations in public and how to follow up after an uncomfortable encounter. You’ll hear from a panel of industry professionals as they share personal stories, and you will have an opportunity to participate in a breakout that will allow you to put what you learned into action.

Register here.

Wednesday, March 24—Turning Great Ideas into Strategies to Produce Real Results

Track: Business Management

Ideas are great, but without a well thought-out strategy and plan, the results will be dismal. A comprehensive strategy, however, can be time-consuming. Find out what the 30-Minute Strategy is all about and how it can turn your ideas into real results during this webinar.

Register here.

Wednesday, March 31—Wheel Knowledge 201: Wheel Testing Methodology

Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC

Knowing the variation of tests needed to be conducted on modern aftermarket wheels is vital for wheel and tire aftermarket professionals to assure proper adherence to motor vehicle safety guidelines and the safe application of wheels to their customers’ vehicles. This 30-minute webinar will cover critical information that is not often provided in training or learned.

Register here.

Thursday, April 8—Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?

Track: Trends & Research

Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series  

Learn more about the current vehicle landscape and emerging trends and opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry in this upcoming webinar. The SEMA Market Research team will provide an overview of what vehicles are currently on the road, how new vehicle sales and trends are shifting, and identify the hottest car and truck models for customization in the industry—followed by a live Q&A with the webinar speakers.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Knowing what vehicles are on the road helps members develop and stock the products that consumers demand most. But with 281 million vehicles on the road, and new models introduced regularly, it can be challenging.

Find out what vehicles are currently on the road, where the trends are headed, and what to expect in the future during the live webinar, “Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?,” April 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by the SEMA Market Research team, participants will discover what the current vehicle landscape is, the most popular models on the road today, what the top trending and growing models are, and which vehicles top the chart for customization. As a live webinar, participants will also be able to ask questions and engage with the presenters during the event.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Knowing about safety guidelines and tests involved with aftermarket wheels is critical to understanding the differences between product brands and will ultimately help wheel professionals sell more products.

Industry experts will outline the different tests and guidelines available for wheels, what the tests mean and why they matter during the “Wheel Knowledge 201: Wheel Testing Methodology” webinar on March 31, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

As the fifth session of the “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC” webinar series, the March 31 event will feature wheel experts Steve Swanson and George Finch of The Carlstar Group, and Ryan Fuller of Standards Testing Labs, as they provide critical information that wheel and tire manufactures, importers, dealers and service providers need to know that is not often provided in training or learned. Specific topics that will be addressed include:

• FARO Wheel Scanning
• FEA Analysis
• Redial Load Tests
• Cornering Fatigue Tests
• Curb Impact Tests
• CASS & Salt Spray Tests
• Federal and Private Regulating Organizations

Attendees will benefit from attending this event live and have the opportunity to get their questions answered from the speakers in real time.

Register now.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Based on recommendations from local health officials, SEMA is unable to host its traditional in-person Washington Rally event on May 12. While we’re disappointed that we won’t be able to gather in Washington, SEMA members still have the opportunity to connect with their lawmakers in our nation’s capital to impact the issues that matter most to the industry.

SEMA invites members to virtually meet with your elected representatives this spring. Unlike at the single day in-person event, meetings will be scheduled over the course of several weeks, allowing SEMA Government Affairs to make arrangements with your schedule in-mind. There are no registration fees to participate.

Whether it’s standing up for motorsports, combating zero-emissions vehicle mandates, or ensuring vehicle data access for the specialty aftermarket industry, there are many issues facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get engaged with your elected officials.

If you are interested in virtually meeting with your Congressional representatives, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Biden Administration intends to withdraw the independent contractor rule issued in the closing days of the Trump Administration. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule to rescind the rule, questioning whether the rule fully aligned with the Fair Labor Standards Act, court rulings and application of the economic realities test.

The deadline for public comments is April 12. The DOL will then have a chance to issue a new rule or simply withdraw the rule for an indefinite time-period (with a return to the standards existing before the Trump rule took effect).

The rule published in January concludes that an individual is an independent contractor, as distinguished from an “employee,” if the individual is in business for him or herself as a matter of economic reality. The rule then identifies five factors for defining economic dependence, including the nature and degree of the worker’s control over the work and the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss.

Find out more information about the independent contractor rule subject to withdrawal.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.