By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is kicking off the 2021 car show season at the annual Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market, Corral & Auction in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where more than 100,000 enthusiasts are expected to gather in person on April 21–25.

In addition to bringing the industry together and viewing amazing vehicles, the annual event is also home to the ARMO Hot Products Showcase—a member-only council benefit that provides automotive restoration professionals with an exclusive no-cost opportunity to display and promote their products to a worldwide audience.

New to this year’s Hot Products Showcase is an online gallery in which all submissions are automatically included. As in previous years, all submissions will still qualify for the New Products Awards (with the exception of the People’s Choice Award), with the winners recognized at the SEMA Show in November. ARMO members may now register their product and enter the Hot Products Showcase.  

After registering online, companies are also able and encouraged to send or bring their registered products to Spring Carlisle for display at the in-person event. Benefits of having the product included at the event in Pennsylvania include:

• Onsite product exposure to an estimated 100,000+ attendees.
• Increased visitors to company or dealer booth if exhibiting at Spring Carlisle in person.
• A chance to win a New Product or People’s Choice Award.

A free industry mixer will take place Thursday, April 22, at 5:00 p.m., for all manufacturers and ARMO-member companies. This annual event is a great opportunity to strengthen networking and build new relationships with other ARMO members. Questions can be directed to ARMO Council Liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Holley to Become Public Company After Merger

Holley, the performance automotive aftermarket company based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, will become a public company as part of a definitive merger agreement with Empower Ltd.—a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company. As a result of the agreement, Holley will become a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the new ticker symbol “HLLY.” Holley President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Tomlinson and the current management team will continue to lead the combined company. Empower’s management team is led by Chief Executive Officer Matt Rubel and President Graham Clempson. Rubel is expected to serve as chairman of the Board of Directors. Holley is controlled by Sentinel Capital Partners, L.L.C.—a midmarket private equity firm that will remain Holley’s largest shareholder upon closing.

NASCAR Hires Eric Ryan as Vice President of Communications

NASCAR has announced that Eric Ryan has been named to the position of vice president of communications. Ryan will provide leadership across strategic initiatives, and day-to-day operations of the sanctioning body’s communications and public relations work in his new role. Based out of the company’s headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida, Ryan will report to Chief Communications and Social Responsibility Officer Eric Nyquist. With two decades of communications experience, Ryan has served in leadership roles at the New York Stock Exchange, AT&T, and most recently, at Nike. Working across Fortune 100 companies and some of the world’s most respected brands, Ryan managed teams responsible for integrated internal and external communication initiatives across numerous corporate functions.

Goodyear Makes Leadership Changes After Cooper Tire Acquisition

Following the company’s recent announcement of its acquisition of Cooper Tire, Goodyear has announced that Ryan Patterson, currently president of its Asia Pacific business unit, will lead the integration effort as senior vice president, business integration. Nathaniel Madarang, currently managing director of Goodyear China, will succeed Patterson as president of Goodyear Asia Pacific. Prior to his role in Asia Pacific, Patterson was president of Goodyear’s North America Consumer business, where he developed the company’s consumer strategy and its focus on high-value segments. Goodyear says he led the creation and implementation of the company’s aligned distribution model in North America, and launched goodyear.com, driving e-commerce sales for distributors and dealers.

Prior to his work in North America, Patterson worked in several roles of increasing responsibility in Latin America since joining the company in 2002. Madarang has been with Goodyear since 2008. Prior to his role as managing director of Goodyear China, he was vice president of finance for Goodyear’s Asia Pacific business, and prior to that, vice president of Goodyear’s China Consumer business and finance director for Goodyear China. Prior to joining Goodyear, he served in several leadership roles for Procter & Gamble in China and ASEAN.

Dynabrade CEO and President Hardy Hamann Retires

Dynabrade Inc. has announced the retirement of President and CEO Hardy Hamann, effective March 31. Hamann had served as the 98th president of the Industrial Supply Manufacturers Association (now part of ISA), representing 550 North American Manufacturers in ’02–‘03. Dynabrade will announce its new company president at a later date.

Meyer Distributing Announces Bear, Delaware, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Bear, Delaware, location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer’s East Hanover, New Jersey-based distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, exhaust and related parts in the region.

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 SEMA Editors

With more than 9.4 million pre-’90 vehicles estimated on the road today, more consumers and businesses report that they are modifying classic cars with modern parts and technology. While a significant number of consumers and businesses continue to restore classic cars to their original factory specifications, a growing number are customizing the vehicles to include upgraded engines with enhanced performance, increased efficiency, and modern-day comforts (a practice often referred to as “restomodding”).

The “Classic Cars, Modern Markets” report from SEMA Market Research reveals new data on market sizing, purchasing habits, and vehicle usage of classic car vehicle owners and explores how modern consumers feel about, work on, and engage with their fellow enthusiasts about classic vehicles.

“Classic cars and trucks have been a key part of the specialty automotive aftermarket since it began, and for many people who own older vehicles, fixing them up or modifying them into something new is a passion project that can span decades,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “This report will help businesses understand this unique customer base, how to reach them, and where the current and future opportunities are for the vintage and automotive restoration aftermarket.”

The report, which researched classic car owners and businesses, found:

• A growing number of businesses (62%) see restomodding on the rise and, on average, say that half the work they do on classics is part of a restomod job.
• Younger classic car owners are more likely to seek a restomod build, with 38% of owners under 45 going for a restomod, compared to 22% of older owners.
• Owners tend to view a classic as a long-term investment, with 44% saying they want to keep the vehicle forever.
• While 50% of owners use their classic vehicles for running errands, classic vehicles are much less likely to be used as commuter vehicles with 15% of classic car owners doing so (compared to 64% of the general population).
• 80% percent of classic owners are comfortable doing at least some of the work on their vehicle on their own.
• Unrestored ‘60s musclecars and pony cars remain popular barn finds among collectors, but the emerging market for ‘70s and ‘80s vehicles represent an important opportunity.
• Despite loving old-school cars, classic owners are not shy about going online to learn and shop for parts—especially younger owners.

To learn more about the current state of the classic vehicle market and where the opportunity is for your business, download the “Classic Cars, Modern Markets” report for free today at www.sema.org/market-research.

By SEMA Editors

Businesses in the racing industry can now secure their booth space for the 2021 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, in what promises to be a can’t-miss event for the motorsports industry. The level of excitement continues to grow, as racers, manufacturers, and buyers look forward to getting back together in Indianapolis, December 9–11, 2021.

“We know there is a lot of demand for the PRI Trade Show. And while many in the motorsports industry have done well these past 12 months, they still very much need this face-to-face interaction that’s so important to doing business," said Karin Davidson, PRI Trade Show Director. “PRI is fully committed to an in-person Show in 2021, one that may very well be the best and most important PRI Show ever."

Working closely with the city of Indianapolis and local officials, PRI is committed to ensuring that the 2021 PRI Show is as safe and successful as possible. 

“Being in front of our customers and dealers with the ability to talk with them face to face at the PRI Show has always been extremely important,” said Brian Cox, Vortech Superchargers content and brand marketing manager. “It not only allows Vortech Superchargers to form new relationships with those attending the Trade Show, it also enables us to grow and strengthen existing relationships.”

The PRI Show provides exhibitors with unprecedented access to thousands of attendees—professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, e-commerce sites, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media—in the market for the hottest parts, equipment and services for all types of auto racing.

“The 2021 PRI Show is where pent-up customer demand will meet a year’s worth of new product innovation, all in one building,” said Bob Davis of Sunnen Products Co. global communications manager. “The business and networking Sunnen conducts at the Show and the media exposure our products receive is unparalleled, and it will help set us up for more success in 2022.”

For the first time ever, exhibitors in 2021 will be able to help PRI build, promote, and protect the racing community by becoming a PRI Business Member. In addition to receiving a suite of benefits, including discounted booth space, Business Members will actively support PRI’s Government Affairs team in Washington, D.C., as it works to safeguard the industry’s interests at the federal, state and local levels. Exhibiting companies can join PRI Business Membership seamlessly while reserving their booth. Visit PerformanceRacing.com/Membership for more information.

“For years, the racing industry has relied on the PRI Trade Show to build their businesses, and now PRI Membership will provide the industry with year-round support through legal resources, education programs, market research reports, and more,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “By coming together and joining forces, we will have a stronger collective voice and be able to better protect the racing community.”

Now in its 33rd year, the PRI Show returns to Indianapolis following last year’s postponement. Since then, the city of Indianapolis has been a nationwide leader in the safe reopening of in-person gatherings, with the entire NCAA basketball tournament taking place in Indiana for the first time ever this month.

“As a city dedicated to motorsports racing, Indianapolis’ team of experts and professionals is committed to welcoming participants at the 2021 PRI Trade Show,” said Leonard Hoops, Visit Indy president and CEO. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made by installing hospital-grade filtration systems throughout the Indiana Convention Center, safely hosting more than 50 live events and more than 130,000 visitors to the city since July 2020, and being awarded both the GBAC STAR Accreditation and the NAFA Clean Air Award.” 

Specific safety guidelines and recommendations for the 2021 PRI Trade Show will be announced at a later date.

To apply for booth space to the 2021 PRI Trade Show, visit PerformanceRacing.com/Exhibit or call 949-499-5413. Companies that apply before May 28 will be included in the initial floor plan.

By SEMA Show Management

SEMA is on track to deliver an exciting in-person SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) November 2-5, 2021. With exhibits included in the LVCC’s newly constructed West Hall, the entire SEMA Show floorplan will be optimized and offers room for new features and enhancements for an improved overall attendee experience.

“The industry is eager to reconnect,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The return to an in-person SEMA Show gives resellers a chance to engage with an amazing gathering of suppliers, new products, stunning vehicle builds and networking opportunities. We are excited to provide our industry with a world-class marketplace that will help them grow and expand their businesses.”

This year’s Show will include exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million square feet facility completed in January during the COVID-19 shutdown. The new facility will house exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections. The realignment is one element of a comprehensive plan to enhance the entire attendee experience, connecting exhibitors with buyers throughout the four-day event with engaging and interactive features and activities. Details on additional resources, including a new online component that focuses on manufacturers, new products, feature vehicles, and educational resources, will be announced as they are finalized in the coming weeks.

With eight months to go until the event, nearly 1,000 exhibitors have already confirmed their participation in the 2021 SEMA Show. Buyers will begin to secure credentials as registration opens in May. SEMA also continues to work closely with the convention center authorities and the state of Nevada, where large-scale events are opening up.

“Demand from the industry to connect in a trade show environment is very strong,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention Center are on a great path to hosting live events, and we are steadfast in connecting it all to deliver the best SEMA Show ever.”

Reserve booth space for the 2021 SEMA Show at www.SEMAshow.com/exhibitor.

For complete information about the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Scott Lowe, president of High Xpectations, is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company has pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

Find out how High Xpectations, an automotive restyling and custom build shop, is assisting its community during the pandemic while generating a yearly cost savings, and what technology tools the company has leaned on to service its customers virtually.  

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?    

Scott Lowe: We had seen a downward trend in the custom space over the last few years and have been branching out in a new direction. Due to the pandemic, folks have been hit hard with a lack of income and are struggling to keep food on the table or lights on in their homes.

We have found ourselves in a situation where we can help others by offering a lower-cost alternative to standard maintenance and repairs. We have partnered with a few local shops to offer these low-cost repairs in different areas around Metro Detroit, making it easier for the folks in need to get in and have the necessary repairs done at their convenience. While restyling and custom work will always be our focal point, we are happy to assist those in our community with whatever life throws at them.

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

SL: Our day-to-day interaction had to change a bit as our community was forced to stay at home and limit exposure the best they can. While we are an essential business, we needed to adapt to less face-to-face interaction. We found ourselves utilizing Zoom, MS Teams and even Google Meet with our customers when possible.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?    

SL: Sales and marketing trends have been geared toward the work-from-home workforce. While not everyone can do so, everything is moving in that direction.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?    

SL: Our business will always be an in-person, hands-on requirement. However, our support and clerical workers will continue to work from home. This will generate a yearly cost savings allowing us to bring in more technicians who can do the work.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You will also have the opportunity to be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By Ashley Reyes

Which industry pioneer deserves to be recognized? Countless leaders, innovators, creators and enthusiasts have contributed greatly to the automotive aftermarket—many who are already recognized in the SEMA Hall of Fame.

The SEMA Hall of Fame is seeking recommendations on who to honor and induct into the established group. SEMA members are asked to nominate individuals for the SEMA Hall of Fame by providing details at www.sema.org/hof before the deadline, Friday, March 19, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).  

For a complete list of current SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named BedWood as the council’s latest member spotlight company. Company director of business development Bradley Boocher shares what inspired BedWood’s founder and CEO Jeff Major to launch a product that would ultimately set a new standard across the restoration marketplace, and what projects the company is working on in 2021.  

SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?

Bradley Boocher: When company CEO and founder Jeff Major was building his own project truck, it was difficult for him to find the quality bed parts necessary to restore the wood bed and achieve the desired appearance. Major quickly realized that, like him, many other enthusiasts were also seeking the same products. It was then that BedWood was launched, providing a choice in woods coupled with genuine quality standards and customer service for which the southern United States is known.

SEMA: What was the company’s breakthrough moment?

BB: When shopping around for alternatives, Major was told he had to buy what was available at the time. That night, laying in bed, he realized that you could customize every square inch of a classic truck except the largest flattest surface. He then set out on a mission to bring choices to the bed of classic trucks. By using nothing but premium materials, BedWood began to set a new standard across the restoration marketplace.

SEMA: Tell us about the business now in 2021 and what projects the company is working on.

BB: Business is booming in 2021. BedWood continues to innovate the bed of classic trucks by focusing on the RetroLiner. This product allows the customization to any factory metal bed floor by giving it the classic look of wood, without the cutting and drilling into the bed itself.

SEMA: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.

BB: BedWood is very proud to announce our vertical integration by making the highest-quality metal parts in-house, to complement our wide range of premium wood species.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket, particularly in the restoration segment?

BB: Find and follow your passion then hold on and enjoy the ride.

Fill out an ARMO member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on ARMO’s and media, SEMA eNews and future ARMO member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

As planning continues for the 2021 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, organizers are accepting speaker proposals for the motorsports trade event taking place on December 9–11, 2021, in Indianapolis. Now in its 33rd year, the PRI Show is the world’s premier racing and performance trade event, attracting race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, e-commerce sites, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media throughout the industry.

With education as a cornerstone of the event, the PRI education program provides thought-provoking, forward-thinking sessions that help participants take their businesses and careers to the next level. They are designed to provide best practices in motorsports business and technical education for professionals and grassroots operators alike. Topics of greatest interest for 2021 include, but are not limited to:

• Sales and Marketing
• Business Operations
• Digital Communications
• Race Track Management
• Brand Building
• Hiring/Employee Relations
• Engine Technology
• Suspension/Setup
• Machining
• Tuning

Speaker proposals for the 2021 PRI Trade Show must be submitted by April 4. Suggestions for topics and/or speakers are also encouraged and can be submitted here. For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738; or Dan Schechner at dans@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9228.

By Juan Torres

The fifth annual “FOX Sports SEMA Special” TV show will premiere on FOX Sports 2 (FS2), Thursday, March 18, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

Produced by the High Impact Television (HIT) crew, the program includes a visit to the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, where host Tore Dietrich went behind the scenes to discover what the SEMA Garage is all about. Dietreich talked to SEMA Vice President of OEM & Product Development Mike Spagnola about the different SEMA Garage services available to SEMA members, and to SEMA Board Member/4 Wheel Parts Senior Marketing Manager Kathryn Reinhardt about her company’s use of the SEMA Garage to develop products.

“We appreciate the opportunity to share with the FOX Sports viewers how the industry develops the great products that allow them to improve and enhance their cars, trucks and SUVs,” said Spagnola. “The High Impact crew did great job highlighting the tools and resources that are available at the SEMA Garage, and how manufacturers use the tools to develop products more efficiently, effectively and at a lower cost.”

“We have a great show for FOX Sports viewers, as we visited SEMA‘s SoCal headquarters and testing facility to see what’s new in the automotive aftermarket," said Dietrich, president of HIT. “We are proud to be able to give the viewer a look at some awesome companies, brands, products, vehicles and trends.”

The SEMA special premieres Thursday, March 18, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT). Viewers are advised to check their local listings for details and re-airings.