By Ashley Reyes

The deadline is approaching for SEMA Education program speaker proposals for this year's SEMA Show. Organizers seek innovative thinkers and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket industry during the 2024 SEMA Show, Las Vegas, November 5-8. Those interested have until Friday, February 16, to submit a speaker proposal here. 

Educational seminars are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals learn new business strategies. 

"The SEMA Education program offers the perfect platform for speakers to raise their profile, share their expertise and connect with an eager-to-learn automotive audience," said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. "Experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise that can motivate industry members to take their businesses and careers to the next level are encouraged to apply."

Topics of focus for 2024 include (but are not limited to):

• Aftermarket updates and future trends.
• Legislative and regulatory.
• Sales and marketing.
• Small-business strategy.
• Vehicle technology and electric vehicles.
• Specific industry segments.

Speaker proposals for the 2024 SEMA Show must be submitted by Friday, February 16. Submit proposals at sema.org/speakers. For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By SEMA News Editors

Toyota Investing $1.3B in Kentucky Plant for EV Production

Toyota is investing $1.3 billion into its Kentucky manufacturing facility to support electric vehicle production, including the assembly of an all-new, three-row SUV for the U. S. market.

The investment will also add a battery pack assembly line to the plant to support the previously announced electric vehicle assembly plans.

According to Toyota, the project brings the total investment to $10 billion at the flagship facility.

For more information, visit toyota.com.

Jostens Racing Appoints Mike Kirks as Director of Motorsports Business Development

Jostens Racing has named Mike Kirks as its new director of motorsports business development. 

Kirks, who previously served as the membership benefits manager at PRI, will be responsible for continuing the growth of the company's motorsports business by expanding outside of the major racing series. He will be based in Indianapolis.

For more information, visit jostens.com.

Falken Tires' Parent Company Promotes Bakari Howard to Manager of Motorsports

Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA), the Rancho Cucamonga, California-based parent company of Falken Tires, has promoted Bakari Howard to manager of motorsports.

Bakari has been with SRNA for 15 years, holding several different positions from sales to product training. Bakari is also the host of Falken Digital TV’s "Tire Tech" episodes.

For more information, visit falkentire.com.

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

The Audi A5 has undergone significant changes, according to recent images captured by SEMA News sources.

The traditional sedan design is gone, replaced by a sportier, curved roofline and a tailgate reminiscent of the current A5 Sportback. The new model also features enlarged radiator grilles with varying honeycomb structures based on the equipment line, and a LED light stripe spanning the entire rear width.

The interior design is a complete overhaul, according to insiders, drawing inspiration from the electric Q6 e-tron. The similarities mean the A5 will likely have a streamlined control and infotainment system centered around a touchscreen, compact digital instruments and a heads-up display. Intelligent voice control, backed by artificial intelligence, recognizes individual preferences, adapting displayed information to habits and driving situations, ultimately aiming to minimize distractions.

Powering the new Audi A5 are the 2.0 TSFI and 2.0 TDI engines, both four-cylinder turbo engines with outputs ranging from 150 to 265 hp (gas) and 136 to 204 hp (diesel). All engines are paired with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission, and the more potent variants will offer Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, sources said.

By Ashley Reyes

Brian Herron--CEO at Opus IVS--is the latest Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on technology trends that he is utilizing and seeing in the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Read more in his interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Brian Herron: In recent times, Opus IVS has been at the forefront of employing state-of-the-art technology tools to address the complexities of modern vehicle diagnostics and solutions. Some of the core technologies we have leaned on include: 

Integrated vehicle diagnostics platforms: Opus IVS has traditionally relied on this technology, offering a blend of advanced diagnostics and expert support. It empowers our team to provide accurate solutions for the modern vehicle repair industry. 

Artificial intelligence (AI): Opus IVS has explored the potential of AI to enhance its diagnostic capabilities and streamline operations. Through AI, we are better positioned to analyze complex data sets, detect patterns and offer predictive solutions that would be too time-consuming or intricate for manual analysis. AI assists in faster decision-making, increasing the efficiency and accuracy of our diagnostic solutions. 

Large language models (LLM): As part of our commitment to staying abreast with cutting-edge technologies, we have been delving into the potential of LLMs. Such models, like GPT-4, have demonstrated immense potential in understanding and processing language. This can be applied in understanding vehicle error messages, technical documentation or even aiding our customer service by providing quick, accurate responses to common queries. 

Cloud computing and data storage solutions: The vast amount of data generated and needed for diagnostics requires robust and secure storage solutions. Cloud platforms enable us to efficiently store, manage and analyze this data, ensuring it's accessible when and where it's needed most. 

Remote diagnostic platforms: Given the growing need for real-time solutions without the constraints of location, we've invested in platforms that allow for remote diagnostics, enabling our experts to assist clients irrespective of geographical barriers. 

Advanced telematics: Understanding the real-time status and health of vehicles is crucial. Telematics tools help us gather, process and interpret vehicle data on the go, ensuring we're always one step ahead in terms of solutions and interventions. 

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration: As vehicles become more integrated with advanced safety and driver-assist features, the calibration of these systems becomes paramount for ensuring they function as intended. Opus IVS has leaned heavily on advanced ADAS calibration tools to align cameras, radars and sensors precisely. Proper calibration is crucial not only for vehicle safety but also for the efficacy of these advanced features. Our commitment to ADAS calibration ensures that vehicles return to the road with their assistance systems operating at optimal levels, safeguarding both the driver and other road users. 

With this addition, you now have a comprehensive list of technological tools and approaches that a company like Opus IVS would likely employ in the contemporary vehicle diagnostics and repair landscape. 

Incorporating these technologies has not only solidified our position as leaders in the automotive diagnostics realm but has also enabled us to offer unparalleled solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the modern repair industry. 

SN: What new trends have you noticed within the industry? 

BH: In the dynamic landscape of vehicle diagnostics and repair, several emerging trends have been noticeably shaping the industry: 

Digital transition in vehicle diagnostics: The diagnostics industry is seeing a rapid shift from traditional, manual methods to advanced digital tools. This transition facilitates a more comprehensive and efficient diagnosis, ensuring timely interventions and more precise solutions. 

Remote diagnostics and over-the-air updates: With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) in automotive tech, vehicles now can communicate diagnostic data in real-time to service centers or manufacturers. This not only allows for predictive maintenance but also enables over-the-air software updates, minimizing the need for physical servicing and expediting the repair process. 

ADAS integration and standardization: As more vehicles incorporate ADAS, there's a growing trend towards not just calibrating these systems but ensuring their seamless integration with other vehicle systems. Furthermore, standardization efforts are underway to ensure a uniform approach to ADAS calibration, enhancing both safety and efficiency. 

Right to Repair evolution: Increasingly, regulation and industry discourse are gravitating toward the Right to Repair movement. This aims to ensure that vehicle owners and independent repair shops have the same access to diagnostic tools and repair information as authorized dealerships. The trend is fostering more transparency and competition in the repair market, ultimately benefiting the consumer. 

Cybersecurity emphasis: With vehicles becoming more connected and reliant on software, there's a growing focus on ensuring these systems are secure from potential cyber threats. This trend is leading to the development of more robust security protocols, especially in remote diagnostic platforms and ADAS systems. 

Holistic vehicle health monitoring: Beyond just diagnostics, there's an increasing trend towards monitoring the holistic health of a vehicle, encompassing everything from engine performance to ADAS functionality. Advanced tools are now capable of providing a complete picture of a vehicle's status, predicting potential issues even before they manifest. 

Regulatory evolution for ADAS and remote technologies: As ADAS and remote diagnostic technologies become ubiquitous, regulators are playing catch-up. There's a clear trend towards developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety, efficacy and ethical use of these technologies, balancing innovation with consumer protection. 

These trends, shaped by technological advancements and shifting regulatory landscapes, underscore an industry in transformation. The focus remains steadfast on enhancing vehicle performance, safety and the overall customer experience. 

SN: What is the single best career advice you've been given? 

BH: Be a leader of change, not a follower. In our rapidly evolving industry, this has reminded me to proactively shape the future rather than react to it. It's been a guiding principle, pushing me to innovate, adapt and ensure our company is always ahead of the curve. 

Fill out an ETTN Member Insight form to share your latest breakthroughs with new technology and share your tips with other members. Selected candidates will be featured on ETTN's social media, SEMA News and future ETTN Member Updates.  

By SEMA News Editors 

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings. 

SEMA

Product Data Specialist in San Diego, California.

The product data specialist is responsible for authoring and maintaining all parts and accessories product and vehicle fitment data in accordance with industry ACES and PIES data standards for manufacturers in the performance automotive aftermarket. The specialist must have experience with data management, strong problem-solving skills and very strong technical skills.

Product Development Technician in Diamond Bar, California.

The new product development technician is responsible for collecting, accumulating, categorizing, entering a database and archiving vehicle technical data within SEMA's Product Development programs. 

RealTruck

Territory Sales Manager in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia or New Jersey.

Territory Sales Manager in Colorado, Wyoming or New Mexico.

This position will be responsible for managing accounts within an assigned territory, achieving targeted goals for assigned sales channels, visiting jobbers, warehouse distributors and events, developing customer relationships and more.

Ridetech

Inside Sales Representative in Jasper, Indiana.

Ridetech, a division of FOX Factory, is seeking an inside sales representative to communicate with and service existing customers, obtain orders, establish new accounts, source new sales opportunities and more.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

FOX Factory

Race Series 3.0 Internal Bypass Shocks for Toyota Tundra

The new FOX Factory Race Series 3.0 Internal Bypass Shocks for the third-generation Toyota Tundra deliver position and velocity-sensitive damping, dual-speed compression adjustment and high-speed-ready performance in a bolt-on kit.

FOX Factory

Race Series 3.0 Internal Bypass Shocks for Polaris RZR PRO R

The shock package features the latest dual-speed compression (DSC EVO) technology. DSC EVO is the next evolution of FOX DSC. FOX Internal Bypass shocks for your PRO R provide the support, adjustment and durability to level up your ride.

ridefox.com.

Hellwig Suspension Products

Sway Bar for '21-'23 Ford Raptor

The new Gen 3 Raptor rear sway bar offers increased stiffness over the factory unit, aiming to alleviate unwanted pitch and body roll. All Hellwig Products sway bars are forged in the United States from 4140 chromoly steel and feature a powdercoated finish. The rear sway bar reuses factory end links and comes with polyurethane bushings and hardware for installation.

By SEMA News Editors

Turn 14 Distribution Opens Indianapolis Distribution Center

Turn 14 Distribution, the Horsham, Pennsylvania-based warehouse distributor, is opening a new distribution center in Whiteland, Indiana, approximately 19 miles south of Indianapolis.

Scheduled to open by the end of first quarter 2024, the 589,852-sq.-ft. facility will serve as the company's Midwest distribution hub. The facility will also create 250 new positions by the end of 2027.

For more information, visit turn14.com.

Yokohama Tire Promotes EVP Stan Chandgie to COO

Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC), the Japanese tire manufacturer with American operations based in Santa Ana, California, has promoted EVP of Sales and Support Stan Chandgie to COO, effective April 1.

In his new role, Chandgie will retain oversight of consumer and commercial sales, and add marketing, tire business planning, and supply chain and logistics to his responsibilities. He will continue to report to Jeff Barna, YTC's president and CEO.

Prior to joining Yokohama in 2019, Chandgie held executive sales, marketing and service roles at Michelin and Exide Technologies.

For more information, visit yokohamatire.com.

Excess Injectors Launches in North America

Excess Injectors, an Australia-based provider of performance fuel injectors, has officially launched its product line in North America through Summit Racing Equipment.

"We are thrilled to launch in North America through Summit Racing Equipment. Not only are we proud of the new standard we've created for the fuel-injector industry, but thrilled to offer the transparency of the data collected on each injector to prove why our sets are the most exact-matched sets on the market," said Simon Richards, principal of Excess Injectors." Excess Injectors wants to make it easy for anyone to get the most performance from their injectors. It says a lot that Summit—known for offering the best performance parts—is where you can go to purchase our injector sets."

For more information, visit excessinjectors.com.

Race Winning Brands Sells K1 Technologies Inventory to Titan Motorsports

Race Winning Brands (RWB), a high-performance parts manufacturer based in Mentor, Ohio, has sold its remaining United States inventory of K1 Technologies products to Titan Motorsports, an Orlando, Florida-based provider of performance components.

K1 Technologies is a brand of performance connecting rods and crankshafts for domestic, European and sport-compact markets. Following the sale, Titan Motorsports will provide service to American and Canadian K1 Technologies customers and all K1 inventory will move to Titan's warehouse and sales operations. RWB Europe will continue servicing its customers under existing operational procedure, the company said.

For more information, visit titanmotorsports.com or k1technologies.com.

Motorbooks Previews New Bronco Book

Motorbooks has offered a preview of its upcoming release: Ford Bronco: The Original SUV by Pete Evanow.

Hitting bookshelves on March 12, the book details the development of the Ford Bronco, beginning with its origins in the mid-'60s and tracing the vehicle's history up to the current generation of the off-roader.  

For more information, visit quartoknows.com/Motorbooks.

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

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) named Dave Johnson, director of technology at AutoSync, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. 

Get to know Johnson in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What do you do for work? 

Dave Johnson: I oversee a team of web developers, graphic designers and 3D artists who create online tools for the automotive aftermarket industry. 

SN: What about the industry keeps you up at night? 

DJ: Both our staff and clientele are spread out across multiple time zones, so now, more and more emails and phone calls come before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. 

SN: What is your favorite podcast or source of business/industry information? 

DJ: 1. "Oil & Whiskey Podcast" from the guys at The Roadster Shop.

 2. SEMA magazine

 3. Modern Tire Dealer website

SN: What is your greatest professional challenge? How did you overcome it? 

DJ: Learning to say no to good opportunities so I could stay laser-focused on the goals I have previously set. It was not until recently that I began to realize that I cannot be the best at something when I have too many distractions or projects going at the same time. 

SN: What is in your briefcase or bag? 

DJ: A Macbook Pro, iPhone, headphones and a traditional notebook. It is much easier for me to remember something if I write it down versus typing it into a device. 

SN: What do you drive now? What do you wish you drove? 

DJ: '81 Chevrolet C-10 and an '82 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. 

SN: What is your most important career goal this year? 

DJ: The deployment of the industry's first tire visualizer. 

SN: Who is a mentor in the aftermarket that has impacted you most? 

DJ: Wayne Williams from Excel Marketing was an amazing mentor up until the day he unexpectedly passed away. Wayne taught me how to listen better, and also showed me how to be grateful for the life I have and the people I share my life with. 

SN: What is the best advice you've received in the aftermarket? 

DJ: Sales cures everything. 

SN: What is your favorite industry event and why? 

DJ: The ACPN event put on by AutoCare has recently overtaken the top spot that was held by the SEMA Show. The Automotive Content Professionals Network has exposed me to the data side of our industry, and it has connected me to some amazing people. 

SN: What industry event do you want to attend but never have? 

DJ: The PRI Show in Indianapolis has been a show I have wanted to attend since it has been around. Hopefully, I will make it a priority to attend it this year! 

Fill out a WTSBC spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on WTSBC's social media, SEMA News and future WTSBC member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Emily Boden, director of events at Emerald X, as its newest spotlight member. Fun fact: Boden previously served as PRI's executive assistant, helping to implement new initiatives with the company.

Get to know Boden in her interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?   

Emily Boden: I have amazing mentors surrounding me, and I am so thankful for that. I have been given so many amazing pieces of advice that I carry with me both professionally and personally. Some of my favorites are to work hard and stay humble, never take the first offer and to be a great leader, you must build a great team.  

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

EB: The passion! Being part of an industry that is so passionate about its people, projects and lifestyle is what truly draws me to this industry.  

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?   

EB: Outside--either running, hiking or preferably riding horses! 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?   

EB: Agendas--I love a good agenda to keep the meeting on task and keep track of action items, and it’s always nice to have the notes to look back on what was discussed and decided.  

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?   

EB: Rick Hendrick--the level at which every single one of his businesses operates is second to none. Everything is top-notch and first-class. To be so successful in so many facets of motorsports and beyond is inspiring. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, with strong bipartisan support. The SEMA-supported bill passed by a margin of  357-70 and now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate's Finance Committee. 

The bipartisan $78 billion tax bill allows for the reinstatement of the expensing of research and development (R&D) and investments in equipment, reduces reporting for small businesses using subcontractors, increases the small business expensing cap by nearly 30% and expands the Child Tax Credit through 2025. 

SEMA member companies can benefit from the following provisions in the bill: 

Restores immediate expensing for R&D for tax years 2021 through 2025: 

• Currently, businesses must deduct R&D expenses for research done in the United States over five years and over 15 years for research outside the United States.
• Allows businesses of all sizes to deduct the cost of their United States-based R&D investments during the year they were made--encouraging American innovation and improving our competitive position versus China and the rest of the world. 
• The provision delays the date when taxpayers must begin deducting their research or experimental costs over five- and 15-year periods until tax year 2026. 

Interest deductibility:

• Provides flexibility for businesses forced to borrow at higher interest rates to meet their payroll obligations and expand their operations. 
• Starting in 2022, employers faced a more restrictive limit on the amount of business interest that they can deduct each year. Instead of using "earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization," companies can deduct interest expenses only up to 30% of their "earnings before interest and taxes" currently.

100% expensing:

• Restores full and immediate expensing for investments in machines, equipment and vehicles. 
• Currently, businesses can only deduct 80% of the cost of equipment, machinery and vehicles, with the rest of the deduction claimed over the life of each asset. 

Expand small business expensing cap:  

• Increases the amount of investment that a small business can immediately write off to $1.29 million, a $290,000 increase above the current $1 million cap.   
• Allows a taxpayer to expense the cost of qualifying property rather than recover such costs through tax depreciation deductions, subject to limitation. Qualifying property is defined as tangible personal property, off-the-shelf computer software and qualified real property that is purchased for use in the active conduct of a trade or business.   

Cut red tape for small businesses:  

• Adjusts the reporting threshold for businesses that use subcontract labor from $600 to $1,000 and indexes it for inflation, making the first update to the threshold since the '50s.  

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act is the product of bipartisan negotiations by House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR). SEMA continues to advocate for legislative measures that benefit our 7,000 member companies that make up the automotive specialty-equipment industry, which supports over 1.3 million jobs across the United States and contributes more than $336 billion to the American economy each year. 

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti, SEMA's manager of federal government affairs, at tiffanyc@sema.org.