I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, marked the official opening of its new Chicago Technical Center (CTC)—the most recent symbol of I-CAR’s neutral, mission-centric work and purpose and commitment to technical leadership on behalf of the industry, explained I-CAR CEO and President John Van Alstyne.

I-CAR marked the official opening of its new Chicago Technical Center (CTC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours for about 80 members of the inter-industry.

“I-CAR’s mission is to deliver increasingly accessible, on-demand and relevant education, knowledge, services and solutions for the collision repair inter-industry, and our new technical center in metro Chicago serves as another beacon of progress and promise that will benefit all industry segments amid one of the most transformative eras of automotive innovation,” he said.

The new 48,000-sq.-ft. facility expands on the foundational technical resources and programming footprint at I-CAR’s Appleton, Wisconsin, Technical Center, which is currently undergoing renovations and updates to position that facility for the future as well. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours for about 80 members of the inter-industry.

“This investment in our industry’s technical infrastructure couldn’t have come at a more critical time, with accelerating repair complexity in areas not previously native to our industry, and we thank the countless individuals from throughout the industry who have provided untold hours of input to help guide us forward to this milestone,” said Van Alstyne.

He further noted that 18 organizations have donated much of the tooling and equipment within the CTC.

Jeff Peevy, I-CAR vice president, technical products, programs and services, described the CTC as a “a purpose-built research and development facility” offering an intentional work-lab approach. “This enables I-CAR’s technical experts to vet and test collision-repair methods, best practices and educational programming for emerging technologies as these continue to accelerate and become increasingly complex,” he said.

“The technical tsunami our industry is facing drives the need for relevant and timely solutions to support new competencies collision repair professionals must possess, and that is why, with the inter-industry’s support, I-CAR is doubling down on its commitment to expand our technical capabilities and capacities,” Peevy added.

With its expanded capabilities, I-CAR, working closely with the OEs, will be able to address new technologies with greater speed and proficiency, Peevy explained. “As technical advances show up on the horizon, we do not have the luxury of waiting to determine if it is going to become mainstream or not. We must go to it, learn it, and be able to educate the industry in a timely manner if needed.”

Kyle Thompson, Chair, I-CAR board of directors, underscored the CTC’s value and benefit:

“The CTC represents a massive collaboration with inter-industry partners to reimagine the future of training solutions. This is an investment by I-CAR in the industry’s future to drive us all forward and I could not be prouder of this effort.”

Donors included:

• 3M
• Air Pro
• As-Tech
• Autel
• Car-O-Liner
• Chief
• DG Technologies
• Fluke
• Hunter
• Keco
• Polyvance
• Prospot
• Saint Gobain
• Snap On/John Bean
• Solidus
• Spanesi Americas
• Stahwille America
• Wiha Tools

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management recently announced that the 2022 Show is on pace to be 25% larger than 2021. When the Show opens November 2, more than 1,850 exhibitors will fill the entire Las Vegas Convention Center with unique custom vehicles, product innovations and lifestyle trends.

Attendees will also connect with nearly 300 companies that are making this their first SEMA Show. Special attractions, industry celebrities, thousands of new products, technical and career-building seminars, driving and drift demos, the SEMA Cruise and more are available to all attendees and only found at the SEMA Show.

Register for the 2022 SEMA Show today to take advantage of early bird pricing and to receive your badge in mail.

By SEMA Editors

The 2022 SEMA Show official press conference schedule is being finalized and will be announced in early September. Exhibitors that submitted applications have been contacted with an assigned spot. Exhibitors must respond to confirm their assignment. Failure to confirm an assignment may result in cancellation of the press conference.

Thousands of media who are credentialed for the SEMA Show attend the annual trade-only event to discover new products, see the latest trends and meet one-on-one with manufacturers and thought leaders. The media are instrumental in helping exhibitors promote their products and build brand awareness.

Exhibitors that submitted a press conference application form but have not received an assigned date/time should contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org. Exhibitors can also contact Domingo to learn more about how to connect with and build brand awareness through the media at the SEMA Show.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA, along with many other trade groups and organizations, has submitted comments to the International Trade Commission (ITC) as it evaluates the impact of Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs on the U.S. economy. The comments laid out how both the steel and aluminum tariffs and tariffs on imports of Chinese goods have negatively impacted SEMA-member businesses. The tariffs were imposed with little advanced notice, have contributed to uncertainty and chaos in the free economic marketplace and have forced companies in the specialty-equipment market industry to absorb the tariff cost or pass it along to their customers. SEMA supports the swift removal of both the Section 232 and 301 tariffs.

The U.S. Congress directed the ITC to conduct the investigation and issue a report by March 2023 on the impact of the tariffs on U.S. industries. In related news, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has begun a formal review process of the Section 301 tariffs on goods imported from China that could lead to the continuation, modification or end to the tariffs. At this time, the review is for only the List 1 and List 2 tariffs, but a review for Lists 3 and 4a will be announced later this year. The review is required when tariffs reach their four-year anniversary.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California legislature passed a SEMA-supported bill (AB 1951) that would provide a full sales and use tax exemption for the purchase of manufacturing and research and development (R&D) equipment not exceeding $200 million. The proposal now awaits final approval or veto by Governor Gavin Newsom. SEMA members are encouraged to register their support for the bill by clicking here.

AB 1951 is authored by Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord). Asm. Grayson is a member of the SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and was the 2019 winner of SEMA’s Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award.

If enacted, the exemption would change the current, narrowly applied exemption, and focuses on improving cost competitiveness to spur investment in California. Accounting for both local and state taxes, California’s ranks among the highest tax rates in the country.

AB 1951 is authored by Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord). Asm. Grayson is a member of the SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and was the 2019 winner of SEMA’s Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award. In addition to being a lawmaker, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his wife Tammy, is also an enthusiast. Included in the Grayson’s collection are two classic Ford Mustangs.

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

This is a first (undisguised) look at the Roush Mustang P51-B. Jack Roush was even on the scene to give the all-new limited-edition Mustang his blessing.

The P51-B was originally launched in 2009 with an aeronautical theme (cues to the legendary World War II fighter plane) and was limited to just 51 serialized units, each with 510 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. The P51-B caught here follows the same formula; we can see P51-B fender badges and a badge on the faux gas cap. The P51-B also features exclusive rims, graphics and a widebody kit. The P51-B exterior will come exclusively in Vapor (silver) color, and inside it will feature maretto Tuscany leather seating.

The ’17 Roush P-51 was powered by a 727hp Roush Eaton TVS supercharged 5.0L V8 engine paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It’s safe to say that the new P51-B will exceed that, but power is currently unknown.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Part of the SEMA Show planning process is securing a hotel that will fit your needs. Location, low price, amenities and ratings are all factors in determining the right place to stay for November.

To make the process quick and affordable, the SEMA Show Block website lists all the hotels available, the prices, distance from Show and more. Hotels booked in the Block are backed by a low-price guarantee. To ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set.

There are more than 45 properties to choose from in the Show Block. As an added benefit, SEMA provides shuttle service to and from the Show for hotels that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2022 SEMA Show takes place November 1–4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To see the current floorplan, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibitors that would like to be part of the 2022 SEMA Show can get started at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Registration for the Show is available www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Auto Body Technician
Canepa

Canepa is looking for an auto-body technician who is quality minded, hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of workmanship in the industry. Candidates must be highly professional and work individually as well as part of a multi-functional team. A minimum of four years’ auto-body experience is required.

Creative Marketing Associate
VIAIR Corp.

VIAIR Corp. is hiring a creative marketing associate to assist in creative and graphic design and implement marketing, branding and advertising plans. Successful candidates should have experience in digital and social-media marketing, graphic design and photography skills and some previous experience in project management. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of the automotive industry.

Content Marketing Strategist
QA1

QA1 is hiring a content marketing strategist responsible for translating business goals into content strategies to be delivered through a wide variety of mediums. Candidates should be a big-picture thinker who leads the strategy and development of messaging to be delivered in all forms of media. This position requires a high level of creativity and ability to facilitate the creation of highly engaging content to the QA1 audience.

  SEMA Show exhibitors planning to host a special appearance in their booth must submit the Celebrity Appearance Notification form by September 1 to be featured in the SEMA Show’s printed material. Whether it’s a driver, industry icon, TV personality or famous vehicle, featuring a familiar face or iconic vehicle in your booth provides buyers with an identifiable, visual connection of the company’s target market.

Featuring a familiar face, such as actor Sung Kang (right), or an iconic vehicle in your booth provides buyers with an identifiable, visual connection of the company’s target market.

Complete the Celebrity Appearance Notification form to have your special attraction publicized with your company name and Show booth number. The information will be included in the Official 2022 SEMA Show Directory.

Exhibitors can learn how to get the most out of their 2022 SEMA Show, as well as additional options to reach buyers, by contacting an account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Information about the 2022 SEMA Show is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 GR Corolla, September 13–14.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

Four ’23 GR Corolla models will be featured, equipped with:

• 300hp/273 lb.-ft. torque, 1.6L turbocharged G16E-GTS engine.
• Exhaust composed of a three-piece muffler.
• Six-speed manual transmission.
• GR-Four all-wheel-drive drivetrain with user-selectable torque split.
• Reinforced chassis for added stiffness and rigidity.
• Available Torsen limited slip differentials (F/R).
• Standard 8-in. touch-screen display.
• Available eight-speaker, JBL premium sound with subwoofer.
• Standard 18-in. wheels and 235/40R18 tires.
• Automatic high beams.
• Dynamic radar cruise control.
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.