By SEMA News Editors

Fresh off the release of its inaugural EV, the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai's N performance division is expanding its lineup with the N edition of the Ioniq 6 sedan. SEMA News sources recently caught a glimpse of the first test mule of the sedan at Hyundai's test center near the Nürburgring in Germany.

While official confirmation of an Ioniq 6 N is pending, a recent report from Australia suggests that the model could hit the market in 2025, potentially offering even greater performance than the Ioniq 5 N.

According to sources, the Ioniq 6 is expected to draw inspiration from Hyundai's RN22e 'rolling lab' prototype, which showcased many of the technologies now featured in the Ioniq 5 N.

The upcoming Hyundai EV is likely to share many components with the Ioniq 5 N, according to insiders, including the same 84-kWh battery pack and upgraded front and rear electric motors. These components combine to produce 641 hp in its performance mode or 601 hp in regular driving modes. It's probable that the Ioniq 6 N will also feature the same driver-focused modes as the Ioniq 5 N, possibly including the synthetic eight-speed dual-clutch transmission function and the N Active Sound mode, which can replicate the sound of the N division's current 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder models.

By SEMA News Editors

Real Deal Revolution Announces 'Women, Wheels & Wine' Fundraiser Event, Workshops in Temecula Valley, Saturday, April 13

Automotive specialty-equipment market professionals are invited to Doffo Winery, a premier winery in Temecula Valley, California, on Saturday, April 13. The "Women, Wheels & Wine" charity event is presented by Real Deal Revolution, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras with a goal to revolutionize the perception of skilled trades and women's roles in them, and MotoDoffo, a division of the family-owned winery.

The event will include hands-on, women-led workshops in welding, pinstriping and leatherwork, award-winning wine, local food and vendors, vineyard views, vintage motorcycles, a silent auction, prizes and presentations. The event is open to the public for the suggested donation of $10 per ticket. Workshop participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration may be completed on-site, but advanced tickets at the suggested donation of $10 per person are highly recommended via Eventbrite.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to motorcycle skilled-trade educational programs for women, including internship and apprenticeship opportunities, scholarships and partner sponsorships through Real Deal Revolution. 

For more information, visit realdealrevolution.org.

Jason Smith Appointed President of USAC

The United States Auto Club (USAC), the Speedway, Indiana-based sanctioning body, has appointed Jason Smith as president of the organization.

The newly formed president position of USAC Racing will report to USAC CEO Kevin Miller and work alongside the executive team reporting to the USAC Board of Directors.

In his new position, Smith will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of USAC Racing, working closely with stakeholders to ensure the continued success and growth of the organization, the sanctioning body said. His vision for USAC includes enhancing the fan experience, fostering innovation in racing technology and cultivating a diverse and inclusive racing community.

For more information, visit usacracing.com.

Holley Appoints Chet Baker SVP of Sales, Expands Sales Team

Holley Performance Brands, based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has named Chet Baker as its new senior vice president of sales as part of an overall expansion of its sales team.

In his new role, Baker will lead the company’s sales team, developing and executing strategies to drive growth across Holley’s portfolio of brands, the company said, and will work closely with Holley’s business and marketing teams to cultivate relationships with key distribution partners.

In addition to Baker’s new role, Holley Performance Brands has named four new sales leaders who will be responsible for overseeing sales for the company’s target consumer vertical groupings:

• Dan Waters has joined the organization as senior sales director for safety and racing.
• Scott McLaughlin, previously director of sales, has been promoted to the role of senior sales director for domestic muscle. In this new position, he will have sales accountability for classic truck, classic muscle and modern muscle.
• Mae Salehi recently joined Holley Performance Brands as sales director for national retailers. She will also be responsible for sales in the modern truck and off-road, and Euro and import verticals.
• Brent Morgulec joined Holley in late 2023 as sales director for the OE and export business.

For more information, visit holley.com.

Total Seal Piston Rings Achieves ISO Certification

Total Seal Piston Rings, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has conformed to the Quality Management System Standard ISO 9001:2015 for design, machining, fabrication and assembly of piston rings.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification establishes credibility and trust among consumers, clients and other business partners, according to the organization, and validates that an organization adheres to global standards of quality assurance, manufacturing and business.

"Congratulations to the team at Total Seal for their hard work and dedication in achieving this significant ISO milestone," said Matt Hartford, CEO of Total Seal. "It is a testament to their skills and commitment to quality, and it reflects the high standards upheld by the employees, managers and workers at the company. This accomplishment will surely bring about continued success and growth for Total Seal in the future."

For more information, visit totalseal.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The first step to achieving your goals is knowing your purpose and your "why." Once your purpose and "why" are defined, you will be able to prioritize your life to accomplish your goals, get through obstacles and live a happier life.

SEMA members are invited to attend the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) webinar "Going Beyond Potential" on April 16, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PDT, to learn how to turn their thoughts and goals into actionable plans. Moderated by educator, author and wellness specialist Jenna Sage, and featuring speaker Jackie Martin, chief purpose and inclusion officer at FOX Factory, the session will teach attendees strategies for seeking support and creating a roadmap for success.

Martin is a certified life and executive coach who has implemented multiple workshops focused on knowing your purpose. Her expertise in individual development planning and peer accountability measures will inspire attendees to overcome their unique challenges and go beyond their potential. Register today!

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting a networking mixer at the MOORE Overlanding and Off-Road Expo on April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. CT. The event will take place in Booth 225.

SBN members are invited to attend the mixer, where they grow their professional network and learn about career-building resources for women in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Attendees will meet the SBN select committee, discover ways to get involved in the industry through volunteering and forge valuable connections with influential women who can propel their careers forward. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Prospective members are invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what SBN membership has to offer. 

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Justin Coulter, director of sales at SuperSprings International, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Coulter in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry? 

Justin Coulter: I've been an enthusiast in this industry since 2010 when I bought my first Jeep. I was hooked! Getting deeper and deeper into the sport, I dreamed of aligning my passion with my career. It took some time to break into the industry, but when I found an opportunity with SuperSprings International, I knew I had to jump on it.  

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

JC: I want to be a contributor to the industry that has given so much opportunity and enjoyment to me.  

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

JC: Never settle. My father taught me from a young age not to get complacent. If you are not living your dream, do something about it. Only you can make that change for yourself.  

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?  

JC: I'd like to think my dream off-road vehicle is sitting in my garage now. My one-ton stretched Jeep TJ was a dream come true. My daily driver is a '17 Ford F-350 SRW King Ranch with a 3.5-in. Carli Suspension lift, 37-in. BFG HD-Terrains wrapped around bronze Raceline wheels.  

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 the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SEMA-supported "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act), H.R. 6492, by a voice vote.

The comprehensive public lands bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands, and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

The EXPLORE Act, which has a broad range of support from more than 30 organizations, now advances to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee. The strongly bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who drafted the bill in coordination with Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). The EXPLORE Act expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), and includes key, SEMA-supported provisions from the bill. The Senate ENR Committee passed S. 873 in 2023.  

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for their continued advocacy for the EXPLORE Act, which was critical in getting the House to pass the bill with such strong bipartisan support," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. "The EXPLORE Act is critical to the motorized recreation community. The bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate." 

The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SEMA-supported "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act), H.R. 6492, by a voice vote.

The comprehensive public lands bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands, and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

The EXPLORE Act, which has a broad range of support from more than 30 organizations, now advances to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee. The strongly bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who drafted the bill in coordination with Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). The EXPLORE Act expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), and includes key, SEMA-supported provisions from the bill. The Senate ENR Committee passed S. 873 in 2023.  

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for their continued advocacy for the EXPLORE Act, which was critical in getting the House to pass the bill with such strong bipartisan support," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. "The EXPLORE Act is critical to the motorized recreation community. The bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate." 

The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments and information to assist in the potential development of regulations for the manufacturing, importing, processing, recycling and distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 

EPA is seeking comments and information on specific issues regarding potential exposure to lead in wheel weights and information on substitutes for lead wheel weights. This information will help inform the agency's determinations regarding potential unreasonable risk to human health and the environment from exposure to lead wheel weights. You can read the full ANPRM, "Lead Wheel Weights, Regulatory Investigation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)," to determine if you have quantitative information, data and/or case examples the agency is requesting.  

While the EPA is currently information-gathering, the agency may initiate a proposed rulemaking if it finds lead wheel weights pose a danger to public health. SEMA encourages industry businesses that produce, import or sell lead wheel weights to provide comment to the EPA. The deadline for comments is Friday, May 3, 2024. You can submit your comments here.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments and information to assist in the potential development of regulations for the manufacturing, importing, processing, recycling and distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 

EPA is seeking comments and information on specific issues regarding potential exposure to lead in wheel weights and information on substitutes for lead wheel weights. This information will help inform the agency's determinations regarding potential unreasonable risk to human health and the environment from exposure to lead wheel weights. You can read the full ANPRM, "Lead Wheel Weights, Regulatory Investigation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)," to determine if you have quantitative information, data and/or case examples the agency is requesting.  

While the EPA is currently information-gathering, the agency may initiate a proposed rulemaking if it finds lead wheel weights pose a danger to public health. SEMA encourages industry businesses that produce, import or sell lead wheel weights to provide comment to the EPA. The deadline for comments is Friday, May 3, 2024. You can submit your comments here.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.  

By SEMA News Editors

Great exhibit space remains--but is selling quickly--for the SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Leading brands from across the nation and globe have signed on to exhibit for this year's event, which is on track to return to historic exhibitor levels with growth across all Halls and product categories. Reserve your booth here.

"The SEMA Show is shaping up to be the best to date. It will, once again, be the best place to make new domestic and international contacts and help expand your brand's distribution," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "Of course, exhibitors are also keen to stay up-to-date with the latest trends through the SEMA New Products Showcase, the world-class SEMA Education tracks and more events and activations like the SEMA Battle of the Builders. Don't miss out on securing exhibit space now, as available space won't last long."

Indeed, the SEMA Show will once again serve as the best opportunity of the year to connect in person with existing customers, discuss new ideas and challenges, and strengthen business relationships--all with the backdrop of a global platform to engage with specialty-automotive market professionals, media members, influencers, buyers and more coming from more than 100 countries and regions.

In addition to helping boost a business's bottom line, the SEMA Show also provides the unique opportunity for exhibitors to assemble their team of employees to learn new skills, make new connections and develop their professional careers--all in one location across four days. 

"At SEMA, exhibitors can see who the breakout stars on your staff are and who might need further development, perhaps through one of the dedicated SEMA Education tracks," said Tompkins.  

Of course, supporting the SEMA Show not only empowers businesses to progress their goals but also helps to power SEMA's mission to serve the industry by protecting and preserving the automotive lifestyle for generations to come.

"SEMA works year-round to protect consumers' rights to drive accessorized, customized and vintage vehicles. Our members, as well as exhibitors and attendees, are always at the forefront of everything SEMA does, whether through our advocacy team in Washington, D.C., SEMA Garage, SEMA Data, SEMA Membership, SEMA Councils & Networks or the SEMA Show," concluded Tompkins. 

Reserve your booth here. SEMA Show organizers will conduct the booth plotting process from April 29 through May 15, after which the first iteration of the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan will be released.

For more information on exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit semashow.com/exhibitor. Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.