By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Georgia House Motor Vehicles Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a clearer path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified (watch below) in support of the bill in Atlanta on February 16, 2024. The bill now awaits consideration on the House floor. 

With its ambiguous 2-inch suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the current law throws up roadblocks for all businesses involved. Uncertainty plagues vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential. 

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-inch limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement. 

With SEMA's continued support and advocacy, SB 352 has the potential to become a reality. Its passage would solidify Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry. SEMA members can join the advocacy efforts and participate in this positive change. Click here to send a letter to lawmakers in support of SB 352. 

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

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST.

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting will be the ideal time to hear about FLN's current priorities for members, which include upcoming networking events, member resources and their 2024 Professional Development Program. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover volunteer opportunities, and walk away with new ways to grow their network.

FLN membership is open to all SEMA business member employees aged 39 and under at no cost. All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to tap into resources to enhance one's career and business.

Register here.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Motorized recreation vehicles were on display at the West Virginia state capitol as part of the Adventure Travel Day, which SEMA participated in earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Will Price.

The motorized outdoor recreation community descended on Charleston, West Virginia, to participate in Adventure Travel Day hosted in the state capitol on Friday, February 16. West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard and the West Virginia Country Roads Coalition gathered more than 40 national, state and local organizations, businesses and state agencies to discuss the importance of motorized recreation to the state's economy. 

SEMA spent the day engaging on the importance of preserving and expanding access to motorized recreation in West Virginia and its economic impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry around the state, which was backed by "SEMA's 2023 Economic Impact Report," which found our industry adds $1.3 billion and more than 5,000 jobs in the mountain state.

West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard spoke during the Adventure Travel Day at the state capitol earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Perry Bennett.

The event began by covering the capitol grounds with a slice of the motorized community with displays of overland rigs, Jeeps, trucks, UTVs and motorcycles. Participants set up in the capitol's rotunda to discuss their organization or business interest in the adventure economy of the state with lawmakers, and the event wrapped up with a discussion among the participants and representatives from the WV Economic Development Authority, WV Tourism Office, Department of Highways, Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and State Parks. 

In addition to the economic benefit from our industry, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that outdoor recreation generated $1.6 billion and employed over 20,000 people in West Virginia in 2022, with off-roading and motorcycling being in the top three industries in the state. Over the last few years, the state has invested resources into boosting adventure tourism to help lift rural gateway communities across the state that attract people from around the country to enjoy the delights of Appalachia. The event comes after the West Virginia Department of Tourism traveled thousands of miles to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show to help attract the motorized recreation community to the benefits of access to motorized recreation across many miles of country and mountain roads. 

"SEMA thanks Senator Maynard for including us in the Adventure Travel Day and the state legislators for supporting the lifestyle and hobby of the automotive industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. Senator Maynard is a SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and won the 2018 Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year Award.

SEMA and PRI are next heading to the West Virginia Motorsports Day at the Capitol on Friday, February 23, to raise awareness about the importance of racing to the state.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Motorized recreation vehicles were on display at the West Virginia state capitol as part of the Adventure Travel Day, which SEMA participated in earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Will Price.

The motorized outdoor recreation community descended on Charleston, West Virginia, to participate in Adventure Travel Day hosted in the state capitol on Friday, February 16. West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard and the West Virginia Country Roads Coalition gathered more than 40 national, state and local organizations, businesses and state agencies to discuss the importance of motorized recreation to the state's economy. 

SEMA spent the day engaging on the importance of preserving and expanding access to motorized recreation in West Virginia and its economic impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry around the state, which was backed by "SEMA's 2023 Economic Impact Report," which found our industry adds $1.3 billion and more than 5,000 jobs in the mountain state.

West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard spoke during the Adventure Travel Day at the state capitol earlier this month. WV Legislative Photography, photo by Perry Bennett.

The event began by covering the capitol grounds with a slice of the motorized community with displays of overland rigs, Jeeps, trucks, UTVs and motorcycles. Participants set up in the capitol's rotunda to discuss their organization or business interest in the adventure economy of the state with lawmakers, and the event wrapped up with a discussion among the participants and representatives from the WV Economic Development Authority, WV Tourism Office, Department of Highways, Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and State Parks. 

In addition to the economic benefit from our industry, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that outdoor recreation generated $1.6 billion and employed over 20,000 people in West Virginia in 2022, with off-roading and motorcycling being in the top three industries in the state. Over the last few years, the state has invested resources into boosting adventure tourism to help lift rural gateway communities across the state that attract people from around the country to enjoy the delights of Appalachia. The event comes after the West Virginia Department of Tourism traveled thousands of miles to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show to help attract the motorized recreation community to the benefits of access to motorized recreation across many miles of country and mountain roads. 

"SEMA thanks Senator Maynard for including us in the Adventure Travel Day and the state legislators for supporting the lifestyle and hobby of the automotive industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. Senator Maynard is a SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and won the 2018 Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year Award.

SEMA and PRI are next heading to the West Virginia Motorsports Day at the Capitol on Friday, February 23, to raise awareness about the importance of racing to the state.

By Ashley Reyes

Women employed in the automotive aftermarket industry have only one week left to purchase their tickets for the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum, taking place in person, March 5-7, in Austin, Texas. 

Themed "EVOLVE: Advancing the Future of Women in Leadership," the three-day program will offer a variety of seminars that will help attendees grow in their personal and career journeys. Formats will include interactive workshops, panel discussions and keynotes, led by top female executives and experts in the automotive aftermarket field.   

Below is a breakdown of the education format. View the full event schedule at this link. 

• Keynotes: Attendees will hear from expert thought leaders and innovators as they bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help elevate and strengthen leadership skills.
• Executive Leadership Exchange - Fireside Chat: Attendees will be inspired as industry executives share their career journeys, obstacles, roadblocks and successes through storytelling, best practices and insights.
• HR/DEI Panel Discussion: Attendees will learn specific strategies to increase the representation and support of women in their organization. 
• Interactive Workshops: These workshops will enable attendees to discuss critical issues in a smaller, more intimate gathering and to dive deeper into more complex topics.
• Application and Action Planning: Attendees will define specific actions needed to achieve their goals and track their progress. 

In addition to gaining knowledge to advance in their careers, participants will foster invaluable connections with women who understand their industry inside and out. The focused setting will encourage new friendships and the opportunity for attendees to give each other support and advice. 

Watch the video below from Jackie Martin, chief purpose and inclusion officer at Fox Factory, and hear more from her at the Forum! 

The deadline to purchase tickets is February 29, 2024. Register before time runs out at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf. 

By Ashley Reyes

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool for product development, enabling engineers and designers to optimize their design components, speed up product development time and save money on expenses.

Automotive aftermarket engineers and designers are invited to attend the webinar "Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of a Suspension System" on March 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. PST, to learn about new advanced tools available to shorten the product development timeline.

Attendees will learn:

• How to simulate a suspension system.
• How to test and optimize a suspension virtually.
• What can be done on the computer before making prototypes.
• How mechanical simulation can shorten development timelines.

The webinar will include a Q&A with the speaker, MingYao Ding, principal and vice president of engineering at Ozen Engineering. Don't miss your chance to tap into his expertise.

Register for the webinar here.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the newly designed '24 Ford F-150. RSVP here.

SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the Ford truck; take advantage of this exclusive event, Tuesday, February 27, in person at the SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan.

This event will feature two '24 Ford F-150 truck models:  

F-150 4x2 SuperCrew:

• 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology.
• STX Black appearance package.
• Extended range 36-gallon fuel tank.
• Spray-in bedliner.
• Cloth seats.
• 12-in. productivity screen.
• 5.5 ft. pick-up box. 

F-150 4x4 SuperCrew:  

• 5.0L V8 engine with auto start-stop technology.
• XLT with FX package.
• Mobile office and bed utility package.
• BlueCruise package.
• Cloth seats.
• 12-in. productivity screen.
• 5.5 ft. pick-up box. 

Spots are limited for this exclusive event; sign up today. For more information, visit the RSVP link or contact measuringsessions@sema.org. Don't delay; spots are filling up fast. RSVP now.

'24 Ford F-150 Measuring Session

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
SEMA Garage Detroit
14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170
View on Google Maps.
Click here to RSVP.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the association's highest honor, at www.sema.org/hof.  

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly enhanced the growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Inductees include visionaries, innovators and leaders who have positively impacted the industry in extraordinary ways.

Nominee criteria include: 

• The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level. 
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred. 
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry. 
• The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry. 
• The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous. 

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements or relationships.  

The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.  

Don’t miss your chance to bring an outstanding person’s name and contributions to the forefront! Submit your nominations by Friday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m. PST at sema.org/hof. 

Questions can be directed to SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Returning after a brief pause, Toyota has introduced the all-new '24 Land Cruiser.

Staying true to its roots as a capable off-roader, the Land Cruiser boasts a new look, increased technology, the latest off-road features and a balance of performance and efficiency.

The 250 series Land Cruiser was completely reimagined and redesigned for the '24 model year. All Land Cruisers will now exclusively feature a turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain mated to a full-time four-wheel drive system. This premium hybrid powertrain produces 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

A staple of Land Cruiser's heritage is its go-anywhere capability. Engineers embraced this legacy when they included center and rear-locking differentials as standard for all grades. Another new addition to the Land Cruiser is the available front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism (SDM), which increases suspension flex with the push of a button. Multi-Terrain Select, which is now functional in both 4WD High and 4WD Low, offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrains.

Land Cruiser adopts an updated CRAWL Control function that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control with five selectable speeds. Downhill Assist Control is another standard off-road feature. Additional traction aids include vehicle stability control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). Land Cruiser's front overhang was decreased for greater approach, providing up to a 31-degree approach, a 25-degree breakover and 22-degree departure angles.

Additionally, the available Multi-Terrain Monitor system can act like a spotter by leveraging cameras to display the environment around the vehicle on the touchscreen, exposing potential obstacles looming ahead.

Inside the vehicle, the Land Cruiser is equipped with the latest technology and premium accessories. A new 8- or 12.3-in. multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and pairs with an available 14-speaker JBL audio system. Qi wireless charging is available with enhanced power output. Dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and two for second-row passengers. There are two more USB-Cs available and a standard 2,400-watt AC inverter house type plug (120V) in the cargo area. An available 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster with four different styles and customizable widgets is also available.

Standard on all grades is a smart key system with push-button start. With an active trial or subscription on select models, an available digital key connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access and vehicle starting. The digital key can also be remotely shared with others. Additionally, a smart card key is available, which is a credit card-sized smart key that allows the driver to carry their key with them wherever they go.

By SEMA News Editors

Michael Good will join Performance Racing Industry (PRI) as president, effective February 26, 2024. Good will be based at PRI's headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, reporting to SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. 

Good is a strategic and high-achieving executive with over 25 years of experience leading teams and organizations, as well as growing top and bottom-line revenues across a variety of industries both domestically and internationally. He has also served in a variety of executive leadership roles, including president, CEO, vice president of Sales and Marketing and chairman. 

"Michael has both the passion for racing combined with business acumen that makes him perfectly suited to lead PRI," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Under Michael's leadership, PRI is well-positioned for future success both nationally and internationally and to expand on its position as a market leader in the motorsports industry." 

The motorsports industry has experienced steady growth in recent years, fueling increased sponsorship and investment as new technologies and formats, including e-racing, bring new fans into the sport. As President, Good will oversee all areas of PRI's operations, including the annual PRI trade show in Indianapolis, with support from various shared services at SEMA. 

Good joins PRI from Dynamat, Inc., where he served as the president and CEO. Dynamat is an industry leader in producing and delivering high-quality acoustic solutions to the world with speed, quality and accuracy, for better sound everywhere. Under Good's leadership, Dynamat refocused its culture, reinvented its brand and launched into multiple new channels, while expanding its global footprint. 

"The motorsports industry is poised for tremendous growth," said Good. "I'm looking forward to working with the PRI team to build on our foundational pillars, leverage our tremendous brand equity and aggressively advocate for our members while attracting the next generation of enthusiasts into the world of motorsports that we all love." 

Good is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana and Anderson University. A self-described "car nut," he spends his free time at racing events and car shows and serves on the boards of Indianapolis Cars & Coffee and Carmel Artomobilia. He also works with other nonprofits focused on at-risk youth and currently serves on the Purdue Global Advisory Board. Good and his wife of 24 years, Heather, have three children.