SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.
By Kyle Cheng
![]() According to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, the U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%. |
The U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%. Yet, the economy maintains underlying strength and momentum remains. While further slowing is likely next year, recession is not as big of a fear as it once was. Consumer sentiment remains relatively high, and at least for now, consumers appear to be more focused on income and job growth than on global economic uncertainly. The labor market likewise remains solid.
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.
To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.
By Kyle Cheng
![]() According to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, the U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%. |
The U.S. economy continues to grow, but at a slower rate with GDP growth for the third quarter of 2019 at only 1.9%. Yet, the economy maintains underlying strength and momentum remains. While further slowing is likely next year, recession is not as big of a fear as it once was. Consumer sentiment remains relatively high, and at least for now, consumers appear to be more focused on income and job growth than on global economic uncertainly. The labor market likewise remains solid.
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.
To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.
By Juan Torres
Mike and Jim Ring of the Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. |
Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The Ringbrothers were crowned the 2019 winner during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the Show's builders and exhibitors, and to highlight the latest products and technology the specialty-equipment industry has to offer.
For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat more than 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that unfolds during SEMA Show. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rods), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet Truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10. Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.
The four finalists of this year's competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January. (Time and date to be announced.)
The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.
Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winner.
For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA’s YouTube channel.
By Juan Torres
Mike and Jim Ring of the Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. |
Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers took the top prize at the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The Ringbrothers were crowned the 2019 winner during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the Show's builders and exhibitors, and to highlight the latest products and technology the specialty-equipment industry has to offer.
For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat more than 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that unfolds during SEMA Show. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rods), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet Truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10. Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.
The four finalists of this year's competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January. (Time and date to be announced.)
The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.
Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winner.
For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA’s YouTube channel.
By Lindsay Bianco
The SEMA Cares Committee was especially busy during SEMA Show week. Donations continued to pour in during council events, receptions and even from the Show floor.
To open the week, PSKB was presented with the Industry Cup Challenge trophy. Now in its third year, the Industry Cup Challenge features five divisions where sponsoring companies race child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. The industry challengers each have a limited number of entrants in the following divisions: warehouse distributors, manufacturers, media groups, rep agencies and service providers.
The champion can display the trophy for a year with its company name engraved among the winners. PSKB wasted no time in hoisting the trophy in the air and declaring they had every intention of defending their title in 2020. The trophy must be returned, in a Stanley Cup-style tradition, as it will be up for grabs again at the next Pinewood Drag Races, where the company will have a chance to defend its title. The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. During the last year, the Industry Cup Challenge raised $34,000.
Meanwhile on the SEMA Show floor, Hypertech had a special opportunity for some of its biggest customers to step into a cash cube, and try and grab a little extra cash to enjoy in Vegas. A majority of those customers decided not to gamble, and instead bet on SEMA Cares by offering up their prize to SEMA Care Chairman Melanie White. After stepping into the cash cube for her own turn, Vice President of Hypertech Lori Ramsey presented White with a $1,000 donation.
At the TORA reception, the off-road market was ready to race and council members opened their hearts and their wallets to sponsor vehicles for the annual friendly Pinewood competition. During the Pinewood race, there were certainly winners and losers and the SEMA Cares Committee enjoyed watching TORA trade paint for a good cause. More than $3,000 was collected during the reception. TORA also donated an additional $4,500 through their feature vehicle spot sales.
All donations will ultimately benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize each child’s quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship.
While the SEMA Show has officially ended, SEMA Cares accepts donations throughout the year. Simply visit SEMA.org/semacares and click the donation tab. Your generosity is great appreciated and please share the news and the donation link with your community.
By Lindsay Bianco
The SEMA Cares Committee was especially busy during SEMA Show week. Donations continued to pour in during council events, receptions and even from the Show floor.
To open the week, PSKB was presented with the Industry Cup Challenge trophy. Now in its third year, the Industry Cup Challenge features five divisions where sponsoring companies race child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. The industry challengers each have a limited number of entrants in the following divisions: warehouse distributors, manufacturers, media groups, rep agencies and service providers.
The champion can display the trophy for a year with its company name engraved among the winners. PSKB wasted no time in hoisting the trophy in the air and declaring they had every intention of defending their title in 2020. The trophy must be returned, in a Stanley Cup-style tradition, as it will be up for grabs again at the next Pinewood Drag Races, where the company will have a chance to defend its title. The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. During the last year, the Industry Cup Challenge raised $34,000.
Meanwhile on the SEMA Show floor, Hypertech had a special opportunity for some of its biggest customers to step into a cash cube, and try and grab a little extra cash to enjoy in Vegas. A majority of those customers decided not to gamble, and instead bet on SEMA Cares by offering up their prize to SEMA Care Chairman Melanie White. After stepping into the cash cube for her own turn, Vice President of Hypertech Lori Ramsey presented White with a $1,000 donation.
At the TORA reception, the off-road market was ready to race and council members opened their hearts and their wallets to sponsor vehicles for the annual friendly Pinewood competition. During the Pinewood race, there were certainly winners and losers and the SEMA Cares Committee enjoyed watching TORA trade paint for a good cause. More than $3,000 was collected during the reception. TORA also donated an additional $4,500 through their feature vehicle spot sales.
All donations will ultimately benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize each child’s quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship.
While the SEMA Show has officially ended, SEMA Cares accepts donations throughout the year. Simply visit SEMA.org/semacares and click the donation tab. Your generosity is great appreciated and please share the news and the donation link with your community.
By SEMA Editors
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is presenting three free seminars covering mobile source certification and compliance fee regulation in the month of November.
The dates and workshop topics are:
Date: November 21, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Details: Public Workshop to Discuss Proposed Adoption of a Schedule of Fees for Off-Road Vehicles/Engines and Equipment Certification
Location: California Air Resources Board, Annex 4 Auditorium, 9530 Telstar Avenue, El Monte, California 91731
Date: November 21, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Details: Public Workshop to Discuss Proposed Adoption of a Schedule of Fees for Aftermarket Parts, Retrofit and Component Certification
Location: Location: California Air Resources Board, Annex 4 Auditorium, 9530 Telstar Avenue, El Monte, California 91731
Date: November 22, 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Details: Public Workshop To Discuss Proposed Adoption of a Schedule of Fees for On-Road Vehicles/Engines and Used Direct Import Emissions Testing Laboratories.
Location: California Air Resources Board, Annex 4 Auditorium, 9530 Telstar Avenue, El Monte, California 91731
By Rachel Tatum
More than 172 companies were recognized by a panel of esteemed international journalists for having a product that would resonate with consumers in their home countries. Nearly 30 judges from 22 countries participated in the 2020 Global Media Awards Program that took place during the 2019 SEMA Show.
The judges carefully reviewed and evaluated the items on display in the New Products Showcase to select the award winners. Winning exhibitors received their awards and spoke with the journalists who selected their products at the International Happy Hour (Wednesday, November 6).
Below, in alphabetical order by country, publication and participating journalist, are the winning exhibitors and products from the 2020 Global Media Awards Program.
To learn more about the Global Media Awards Program, visit www.sema.org/gmawinner.
| Argentina Judge: Luis Zschocke Publication: New Tune Up |
American Autowire - Highway 22 Plus Universal Wiring System |
| Australia Judge: Simon Christie Publication: 4WD TV |
ARB 4x4 Accessories - TRED HD Recovery Boards |
| Australia Judge: Ben Davidson Publication: Jeep Action Magazine |
Bestop Premium Accessories Group - Core Doors |
| Australia Judge: Matt Raudonikis Publication: 4x4 Australia |
ADVANCE ADAPTERS - Atlas Transfer Case for Jeep JL and JT |
| Brazil Judge: Eduardo Bernasconi Publication: Revista Fullpower |
Aeromotive Inc. - Aeromotive Variable Speed 5.0gpm Brushless Fuel Pump |
| Canada Judge: Perry Mack Publication: 4WDrive Magazine |
Bubba Rope - NexGen Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackle |
| Canada Judge: Darren Greenwood Publication: GarageShots Magazine |
AERO Detail Products - AERO SHIELD FLIGHT LINE |
| Canada Judge: Greg MacPherson Publication: Inside Track Motorsports News |
AutoRing.Com - AutoRing |
| Chile Judge: Felipe Joui Publication: UHP Magazine |
GFB Go Fast Bits - SV52 Blow Off Valve |
| China Judge: Baokun Lyu Publication: FB Life |
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. - Mastercraft Courser AXT2 |
| Costa Rica Judge: Beatriz Nunez Publication: Puro Motor/Media Group/Automotive Industry and Motorsport |
Antigravity Lithium Batteries - Antigravity Batteries Lithium-Ion Auto Battery |
| Finland Judge: Tomi Eronen Publication: Amerikan Rauta |
AutoMeter - InVision Digital Dash |
| France Judge: Jerome Andre Publication: Generation 4x4 Magazine |
Bestop Premium Accessories Group - Supertop Ultra |
| Honduras Judge: Juan Carlos Cuellar Publication: Sobre Ruedas |
AAMP Globa - Ford Third Brake Light Camera with Cargo and Side Blind Spot Views |
| Mexico Judge: Daniel Garcia Solis Publication: Trocas/V8 Muscle Cars |
Dobinsons Spring & Suspension USA LLC - Dobinsons Zenith Air Compressor |
| New Zealand Judge: Andy Bighetti Publication: Musclecars Universe |
Antigravity Lithium Batteries - Antigravity Batteries Lithium-Ion Auto Battery |
| New Zealand Judge: Alastair Ritchie Publication: NZ Hot Rod Magazine |
| Aeromotive Inc. - Aeromotive Variable Speed 5.0gpm Brushless Fuel Pump AutoMeter - InVision Digital Dash CURT Group: Curt, Aries, Luverne, UWS - BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale w/ TowSense Technology Dakota Digital - DCC-4000 HDX/RTX Climate Controls FACTOR 55 - Rope Retention Pulley Lokar Inc. - LS Classic Engine Package RSI SmartCap - SmartCap EVO Turbosmart - Gen-V IWG BorgWarner EFR Twin Port Sensor Cap Turbosmart - Gen-V eWG60 Power-Gate 60 Electronic Wheel Vintiques - Wheel Vintiques Aluminum Series "Grand Sport" Wheel |
| Norway Judge: Chet Kjetil Sveistrup Publication: AMCAR Magazine |
| Distinctive Industries - Early Bronco Assembled Rear Jump Seat with Storage Compartment Griot's Garage Inc. - Foaming Metal Detailer Hotchkis Sport Suspension - GM A-Body Front Suspension Kit Pareto Point Industries - FilterBooster Speedmaster - Speedmaster Small Block Ford Downdraft EFI Manifold - Black Stoner Car Care - Invisible Glass Clean & Repel Washer Fluid Additive Tire Stickers - Cerebrum Smart Tire Sensor TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart - TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart TSI Products Inc. - Stratos Climate 5" Multi-Fit Under Dash Heater Kit Turbosmart - Gen-V eWG60 Power-Gate 60 Electronic |
| Peru Judge: Kike Perez Publication: Auto TV Peru |
Pilot/RBP/Voodoo - Lunna 3-in-1 Seat Poncho |
| South Africa Judge: Neeresh Harrichand Publication: Speed And Sound |
AutoMeter - InVision Digital Dash |
South Africa |
aFe POWER - '19 BMW M5 Carbon Fiber Intake |
| South Korea Judge: Young Jun Yu Publication: Car and Tech |
3M - 3M Accuspray & PPS Retail Kits |
| Sweden Judge: Christofer Willhans Publication: Bilsport Classic Magazine |
All-Fit Automotive - All-Fit Rim Trim |
| United Arab Emirates Judge: Nabil Moustafa Publication: Strive Middle East |
3D Billet Products - HUB LIGHTS |
| United Arab Emirates Judge: Zlatko Mulabegovic Publication: Top Performance |
FiTech - Ultimate LS 2x4 EFI System |
| United Kingdom Judge: Mike Rysiecki Publication: Auto Italia Magazine |
Chevrolet - '20 Corvette High Wing Spoiler |
| United Kingdom Judge: Tony Tobias Publication: Autosport Engineering |
ARP Inc. - ARP Ford 5.2L Voodoo Head Stud Kit |
| Venezuela Judge: Henry Pierini Publication: AutoZulia International |
Aeromotive Inc. - Aeromotive Variable Speed 5.0gpm Brushless Fuel Pump |
By Rachel Tatum
More than 172 companies were recognized by a panel of esteemed international journalists for having a product that would resonate with consumers in their home countries. Nearly 30 judges from 22 countries participated in the 2020 Global Media Awards Program that took place during the 2019 SEMA Show.
The judges carefully reviewed and evaluated the items on display in the New Products Showcase to select the award winners. Winning exhibitors received their awards and spoke with the journalists who selected their products at the International Happy Hour (Wednesday, November 6).
Below, in alphabetical order by country, publication and participating journalist, are the winning exhibitors and products from the 2020 Global Media Awards Program.
To learn more about the Global Media Awards Program, visit www.sema.org/gmawinner.
| Argentina Judge: Luis Zschocke Publication: New Tune Up |
American Autowire - Highway 22 Plus Universal Wiring System |
| Australia Judge: Simon Christie Publication: 4WD TV |
ARB 4x4 Accessories - TRED HD Recovery Boards |
| Australia Judge: Ben Davidson Publication: Jeep Action Magazine |
Bestop Premium Accessories Group - Core Doors |
| Australia Judge: Matt Raudonikis Publication: 4x4 Australia |
ADVANCE ADAPTERS - Atlas Transfer Case for Jeep JL and JT |
| Brazil Judge: Eduardo Bernasconi Publication: Revista Fullpower |
Aeromotive Inc. - Aeromotive Variable Speed 5.0gpm Brushless Fuel Pump |
| Canada Judge: Perry Mack Publication: 4WDrive Magazine |
Bubba Rope - NexGen Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackle |
| Canada Judge: Darren Greenwood Publication: GarageShots Magazine |
AERO Detail Products - AERO SHIELD FLIGHT LINE |
| Canada Judge: Greg MacPherson Publication: Inside Track Motorsports News |
AutoRing.Com - AutoRing |
| Chile Judge: Felipe Joui Publication: UHP Magazine |
GFB Go Fast Bits - SV52 Blow Off Valve |
| China Judge: Baokun Lyu Publication: FB Life |
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. - Mastercraft Courser AXT2 |
| Costa Rica Judge: Beatriz Nunez Publication: Puro Motor/Media Group/Automotive Industry and Motorsport |
Antigravity Lithium Batteries - Antigravity Batteries Lithium-Ion Auto Battery |
| Finland Judge: Tomi Eronen Publication: Amerikan Rauta |
AutoMeter - InVision Digital Dash |
| France Judge: Jerome Andre Publication: Generation 4x4 Magazine |
Bestop Premium Accessories Group - Supertop Ultra |
| Honduras Judge: Juan Carlos Cuellar Publication: Sobre Ruedas |
AAMP Globa - Ford Third Brake Light Camera with Cargo and Side Blind Spot Views |
| Mexico Judge: Daniel Garcia Solis Publication: Trocas/V8 Muscle Cars |
Dobinsons Spring & Suspension USA LLC - Dobinsons Zenith Air Compressor |
| New Zealand Judge: Andy Bighetti Publication: Musclecars Universe |
Antigravity Lithium Batteries - Antigravity Batteries Lithium-Ion Auto Battery |
| New Zealand Judge: Alastair Ritchie Publication: NZ Hot Rod Magazine |
| Aeromotive Inc. - Aeromotive Variable Speed 5.0gpm Brushless Fuel Pump AutoMeter - InVision Digital Dash CURT Group: Curt, Aries, Luverne, UWS - BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale w/ TowSense Technology Dakota Digital - DCC-4000 HDX/RTX Climate Controls FACTOR 55 - Rope Retention Pulley Lokar Inc. - LS Classic Engine Package RSI SmartCap - SmartCap EVO Turbosmart - Gen-V IWG BorgWarner EFR Twin Port Sensor Cap Turbosmart - Gen-V eWG60 Power-Gate 60 Electronic Wheel Vintiques - Wheel Vintiques Aluminum Series "Grand Sport" Wheel |
| Norway Judge: Chet Kjetil Sveistrup Publication: AMCAR Magazine |
| Distinctive Industries - Early Bronco Assembled Rear Jump Seat with Storage Compartment Griot's Garage Inc. - Foaming Metal Detailer Hotchkis Sport Suspension - GM A-Body Front Suspension Kit Pareto Point Industries - FilterBooster Speedmaster - Speedmaster Small Block Ford Downdraft EFI Manifold - Black Stoner Car Care - Invisible Glass Clean & Repel Washer Fluid Additive Tire Stickers - Cerebrum Smart Tire Sensor TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart - TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart TSI Products Inc. - Stratos Climate 5" Multi-Fit Under Dash Heater Kit Turbosmart - Gen-V eWG60 Power-Gate 60 Electronic |
| Peru Judge: Kike Perez Publication: Auto TV Peru |
Pilot/RBP/Voodoo - Lunna 3-in-1 Seat Poncho |
| South Africa Judge: Neeresh Harrichand Publication: Speed And Sound |
AutoMeter - InVision Digital Dash |
South Africa |
aFe POWER - '19 BMW M5 Carbon Fiber Intake |
| South Korea Judge: Young Jun Yu Publication: Car and Tech |
3M - 3M Accuspray & PPS Retail Kits |
| Sweden Judge: Christofer Willhans Publication: Bilsport Classic Magazine |
All-Fit Automotive - All-Fit Rim Trim |
| United Arab Emirates Judge: Nabil Moustafa Publication: Strive Middle East |
3D Billet Products - HUB LIGHTS |
| United Arab Emirates Judge: Zlatko Mulabegovic Publication: Top Performance |
FiTech - Ultimate LS 2x4 EFI System |
| United Kingdom Judge: Mike Rysiecki Publication: Auto Italia Magazine |
Chevrolet - '20 Corvette High Wing Spoiler |
| United Kingdom Judge: Tony Tobias Publication: Autosport Engineering |
ARP Inc. - ARP Ford 5.2L Voodoo Head Stud Kit |
| Venezuela Judge: Henry Pierini Publication: AutoZulia International |
Aeromotive Inc. - Aeromotive Variable Speed 5.0gpm Brushless Fuel Pump |

