By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to tighten the new-car emissions requirements for greenhouse gases. For model-year ’26, the fleetwide average for cars, SUVs and pickups will be 161 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. If expressed in miles per gallon (mpg) in real-world stop-and-go driving, the new rule translates into a fleetwide average of about 40 mpg for MY ’26 vehicles. The Biden administration originally proposed 38 mpg in August, which was a marked increase from the 32-mpg requirement set by the EPA under the Trump administration. The rule takes effect in MY ’23 and increases the requirements each year through 2026.

The EPA faced pressure from environmentalists and other groups that its initial proposal of this rule didn’t go far enough. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents the major OEMs and suppliers, has pushed back on the finalized rule saying the higher fleetwide fuel standards may not be possible without additional supportive government policies like consumer incentives and infrastructure growth in place. The EPA rule anticipates a gradual increase in the number of zero-emission cars and trucks on the road. The administration expects that EVs and plug-in hybrids will represent 7% of all new vehicles sold in 2023, and they are seeking to increase this figure to 17% of vehicles sold in 2026.

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

This is a virtually undisguised Ford Bronco Raptor in Dearborn, Michigan.

The Bronco Raptor features the infamous FORD grille, which has been seen on Raptors since inception, and also gains some aggressive front fender vents—something not previously seen on a Bronco.

All the expected workings of a Raptor are present and accounted for, including a significantly higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches, and a wider, more aggressive stance and of course the FORD grille.

The prototype rides on a set of BF Goodrich AT All Terrain T/A tires, though we can’t quite make out the size (it appears to be a 17-in. rim). Power is expected to come from the 3.0L twin turbo V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic.

The Bronco Raptor will launch for the ’23 model year, where it is expected to join the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor. Expect an official debut in the first quarter of 2022.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a virtually undisguised Ford Bronco Raptor in Dearborn, Michigan.

The Bronco Raptor features the infamous FORD grille, which has been seen on Raptors since inception, and also gains some aggressive front fender vents—something not previously seen on a Bronco.

All the expected workings of a Raptor are present and accounted for, including a significantly higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches, and a wider, more aggressive stance and of course the FORD grille.

The prototype rides on a set of BF Goodrich AT All Terrain T/A tires, though we can’t quite make out the size (it appears to be a 17-in. rim). Power is expected to come from the 3.0L twin turbo V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic.

The Bronco Raptor will launch for the ’23 model year, where it is expected to join the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor. Expect an official debut in the first quarter of 2022.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

For years, individuals and organizations have turned to Dale Carnegie’s books and seminars to help them reach new levels of success. Showgoers at the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas, were treated to a live presentation by Dale Carnegie experts, who shared Carnegie’s methods and principles on how to become a more effective leader.

Showgoers at the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas, were treated to a live presentation by Dale Carnegie experts, who shared Carnegie’s methods and principles on how to become a more effective leader.

A free recording of the SEMA Show session is available now on the new SEMA Education website at www.semashow.com/education. The website includes a collection of educational webinars and resources available to anyone in the industry. Many of the offerings are available at no cost, including recordings of the 2021 SEMA Show seminars that took place live in Las Vegas.

“Leading Across Generations, Presented by Dale Carnegie,” features Steve VerBurg, managing partner at Dale Carnegie. Online users will learn how leading a team of diverse generations can be an incredibly rich and productive experience when leaders have the skills in place to capitalize on the strengths of each generation.

“The more we can understand who they are, the more we can empathize, the more we can motivate them,” says VerBurg. “When we talk about successfully leading across generations, we have to be interested, first of all, in what goes on in those generations. […] Sometimes we have these negative feelings or these assumptions based on the age of that generation, whether they are older or younger than us, that ‘oh I know the way they are going to think’ just because someone else did. We need to have positive feelings towards those generations and focus our intention on thinking feeling and behaving in a way that is conducive of a leader.”

VerBurg shares insights and tools in the video that will help turn the attitudes and skills each generation brings to the table into powerful performance drivers. Viewers will also learn the approaches that will most often help them lead members of each generation, resulting in an engaging and productive work environment for everyone.

New seminars are added weekly at www.semashow.com/education. Other recently added seminars include:

• ChangeMasters: How to Make the Changes You Need Now in Your Business and For the Rest of Your Life (Track: Small-Business Strategy)
• MAP and Resale Price Policies: Everything You Wanted to Know, but Didn't Know Who to Ask (Small-Business Strategy)
• Future-Proofing Classic and Collector Cars (State of Electric Vehicles)
• Seamless Visual Integration of Modern Electronics in Vehicles (Track: Automotive Electronics)

Users of the SEMA Education website will need to create a personal profile upon their first visit, which will then provide access to all recordings in the library.

Tire industry veteran Joe Jordan passed away on December 11 due to a heart complications. Jordan was a major driving force behind the Toyo Tires tuner market and Proxes S/T 20-in. and 22-in. larger-diameter tires for use on pickups and SUVs.

Before the movie “The Fast and Furious,” the import-tuner market was a very different scene. During the late ’90s, tire sizes were limited and products were just not available to enthusiasts. A group of overly passionate, fresh-faced individuals wanted to change the mindset of tire size limitations. Jordan, who worked for Toyo Tires at the time, spearheaded this movement. He understood what the market needed, and was willing to hang his career and future on it. He successfully convinced Toyo Tires Japan to invest significantly in tire sizes that never existed, but ultimately did not have a prior placement for the tires.

Toyo listened to Jordan and produced industry-changing sizes—Proxes FZ4 215/15R18, 225/35R19 and Proxes S/T 305/50R20 and 305/40R22. The risk paid off, as these tire sizes changed how the consumer viewed Toyo Tires and is arguably considered the turning point for the brand in the U.S. market. This major industry breakthrough was accomplished by a handful of people that believed in Jordan’s vision.

Jordan was also considered the father of the cost-effective Toyo Tires RA-1 tire, which excelled in performance and embraced the drivers’ demands.

“Joe Jordan convinced Japan to produce the 20-in. size, Proxis ST, but we had to sell 20,000 units,” said Steve French, former Toyo Tires ultra-high-performance sales manager. "I asked Joe what happens if we do not sell the tires? His response, we will be fired.”

Jordan began his career at Yokohama Tires and soon moved into the ultra-high-performance director role at Toyo Tires. After leaving Toyo, Jordan opened a tire store, The Wheel Store, in San Diego. He returned to Toyo a couple of years later for short spell and later concluded his career in the tire industry at Dealer Tire in Ohio before retiring from the tire industry.

By Ashley Reyes

Priority media registration may have passed, but reporters and journalists who would like to participate in the SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference can still sign up. Taking place entirely online from January 25–27, the event brings media and manufacturers together for private, quality interviews.

Journalists who register today at www.sema.org/mtc still have an opportunity to sit down with up to 42 (14 each day) representatives from the top motorsports parts manufacturers in the industry with more than 80 exhibitors to choose from.

Representatives from these companies are prepared to discuss their newest product lines and important updates within the company. Media participation is free for this event, making this an exclusive and affordable opportunity for journalists to obtain editorial content on the latest industry news and trends that can be shared to their audience throughout the year with the amount of quality interviews that take place throughout the three-day event.

SCAT Enterprises, Air Flow Research Join Forces

SCAT Enterprises has announced that it has been acquired by Taglich Private Equity, which recently acquired Air Flow Research Heads, the manufacturer of cylinder heads and intake manifolds for the high-performance automotive aftermarket. The transaction includes the Procar by SCAT seating division. SCAT’s management team will remain in place along with SCAT’s production facility and employees, located at its headquarters in Redondo Beach, California. SCAT founder Tom Lieb will remain involved in the business going forward and SCAT’s current COO Craig Schenasi will become CFO of the combined companies and an owner in the business. For more information, visit scatcrankshafts.com and airflowresearch.com.

Martin & Company Advertising Announces Randy Martin Memorial Arts Scholarship

Martin & Company has announced that the Randy Martin Memorial Arts Scholarship Fund is halfway toward its goal of $25,000 for 2021. The scholarship was developed in honor of agency co-founder Randy Martin to benefit UT Southern, formerly Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee. Randy Martin, a graduate of Harris School of Art, held numerous positions with Nashville-based advertising agencies as well as art director for CBS Records. He helped form Martin & Company in 1993 with his spouse Zan Martin and served as creative director and CFO until he passed away in May of this year from COVID-19. To make a donation to the Randy Martin Memorial Arts Scholarship Endowment, visit here. The recently named University of Tennessee Southern was originally founded in 1870. The college joined the University of Tennessee System in 2021 as the first new primary campus in the UT System in more than 50 years.

NTPA Awards Hot Shot’s Secret Manufacturer of the Year for 2021

The Manufacturer of the Year award was presented to Josh Steinmetz, Lubrication Specialties Inc.’s e-commerce manager during NTPA's 50th Awards Banquet.

Hot Shot’s Secret was recently honored as Manufacturer of the Year by the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA). The award was presented to Josh Steinmetz, Lubrication Specialties Inc.’s e-commerce manager during NTPA's 50th Awards Banquet. The annual banquet recognizes the people and organizations who give support to tractor and truck pulling, including competitors, families, crew members, promoters and sponsors. Hot Shot’s Secret became a sponsor of NTPA truck and tractor pulling in 2020, under a three-year partnership that designates Hot Shot’s Secret as the official Fuel Additive of the NTPA.

SuperSprings Announces New Leadership Structure

SuperSprings International (SSI) has announced changes to its leadership team. SSI has restructured to establish five defined business units led by a member of its new leadership team. The units include Tom Bateman, director of marketing; Jeni Chen, director of operations; Justin Tevis, director of data and tech ops; and Ryan Dougan, controller. All members of the leadership team report to Chief Commercial Officer Adam Weisner, who reports to SSI Chairman and CEO Gerry Lamberti.

Total Seal Adds Victor Wise as Director of Quality

Total Seal Piston Rings has announced Victor Wise as its new director of quality. He will focus on day-to-day operations, working with management and manufacturing to ensure the highest quality product ships to the customer on time, with the tightest tolerances possible. With more than 15 years of management involvement, Wise’s experience includes aerospace, automotive, semiconductor and commercial. Positions include management, quality engineer, consultant, auditor, inspection and more roles. In addition, he holds a certificate as a lead auditor and an internal auditor for quality standards.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

 The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

Aero Exhaust

Direct-Fit Exhaust Tips – Black ’15–’21 Dodge Charger V8 Models

Now you can further complement the appearance of your ’15–’21 Dodge Charger with a set of AERO direct-fit exhaust tips. The black powdercoat finish provides an under the radar stealth appearance for enthusiasts looking for a serious look. Beneath the black powder coat finish, these tips feature a premium grade 304 stainless-steel construction.

Designed to connect to the factory ball-flange connection utilizing the original factory hardware for a simple DIY installation experience. Further enhanced with a 5.0-in. outlet diameter for a bolder look which exits through the factory rear valence. The overall 8.5-in. tip features a laser-etched logo for further style enhancement. Backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

Features:

• Direct factory replacement
• Black powdercoat finish with laser-etched logo
• 304 stainless-steel construction
• Bold 5.0-in. outlet diameter
• Factory ball flange connection
• DIY install no cutting or welding
• Completely fills rear valence void
• Lifetime limited warranty

www.aeroexhaust.com

PN: 10105

Fia Inc.

Winter and Bug Grille Screen Kit

Fia GS900 Series custom-fit bug grille screen is made from heavy-duty tear-resistant mesh. In the spring, summer and fall it protects the grille and radiator from stone chips, bugs and debris. Quick and easy installation with Fia's patented Stick-A-Stud no-drill installation system. Using a 3M adhesive-backed stud fastener, just peel and stick to surface and snap on either the bug screen. No tools are required for installation.

FABs:  

• Heavy-duty tear-resistant mesh
• Protects grille and radiator from stones, bugs and debris
• Quick and easy installation with Stick A Stud 3M adhesive system
• Custom fit for most vehicles

www.gofia.com

PN: GS901-44

 Hamburger’s Performance

LS Swap Filter Integration Systems

When performing an LS engine swap into classic musclecars and trucks, the use of an aftermarket steel or fabricated aluminum oil pan is highly popular, and usually provides better crossmember, component and ground clearance than GM’s factory cast-aluminum pan. As a result, the oil-filter-mounting location, which is integrated into the factory GM cast pan, needs to be relocated. Hamburger’s Performance Products’ LS Swap Filter Integration Systems are designed specifically to address this concern faced by builders during their LS engine swap products.

All kits include a CNC-machined remote filter base, premium-braided hoses, fittings, hose ferules and filter nipples. Made in the USA.

www.hedman.com/hamburgers-performance

PN: 3371
 

 KW Suspension

Coilover Kit V3—Mercedes AMG GT, GT S, Coupe, Without Adaptive Suspension

Cutting-edge motorsports technology or more performance on the road. Like every suspension product developed by KW automotive and manufactured in Germany, the KW Variant 3 coilover suspension kit also provides a significant improvement on the road. Thanks to the high-quality dampers, springs and elastomer spring elements, pitching and rolling movements during load changes, such as evasive maneuvers, cornering, acceleration and braking are significantly reduced. The braking distances are also shortened. Thanks to improved support and feedback, drivers not only feel more confident, but also driving in everyday life is improved. With compression and rebound stage damping that can be set separately and independently of each other, the damper setup can be customized to your personal driving preferences or vehicle changes such as weight, tire characteristics or altered vehicle rigidity. True performance optimization is only possible with this unique, patented system.

For example, this allows the compression damping force to be increased and get more grip from the tires, to improve cornering behavior and reduce squat without simultaneously altering the rebound stage damping which is optimally matched to the spring rate—a scenario that results in reduced grip and the associated loss of performance. The KW Variant 3 INOX-LINE coilover kit is the ideal tool for performance-oriented drivers and experienced tuning enthusiasts who place a strong emphasis on the overall performance of their suspension. The Variant 3 features patented TVR-A and TVC-A technology, which provides separately adjustable rebound and compression damping. The extensive adjustment angel of the independently configurable rebound and compression make it easy to directly influence the steering behavior, directional stability, grip and handling characteristics for confident and repeatable results at the limit of driving dynamics.

www.kwsuspensions.com

PN: 35225080

BD Diesel

Cummins 6.7L Cobra Twin Turbo Kit

BD Diesel’s engineers have designed the Cobra kit for maximum power and efficiency, while remaining compact. Clean, optimized design keeps air conditioning, both batteries and shock tower in their stock positions. Borg Warner Twin turbos matched to provide the wide range of air needed for street and strip performance. Our kit includes everything you need for bolt-on next-level performance, 600–1,400 flywheel horsepower, in a compact package.  

FABs:  

• Primary: S476SXE/96mm 1.58AR
• Secondary: S361SXE/80mm 0.90AR
• V-band on the inlet to the secondary turbo
• Custom coolant tube and formed silicone hose
• Twin volute divided hot pipe
• Borg Warner twin turbos matched to provide the wide range of air needed for street and strip performance
• 900–1,400 flywheel horsepower in a compact package
• Clean, optimized design keeps air conditioning and shock tower in the stock position
• Wastegate-ready exhaust manifold
• 5-in. turbo outlet close-radius Cobra casting
• 5-in. downpipe
• Retains passenger battery with custom mounting tray
• 5-in. Velocity stack air filter and filter shroud

https://us.bddiesel.com

PN: S361SX-E/S476SX-E Dodge ’07.5–’09

It’s never too early to start planning for the annual SEMA Show. Last month, more than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show. With 2021 in the books, it’s now time to start planning for the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

More than 100,000 industry exhibitors, buyers and media reconnected to do business for the first time in two years at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Reserve a booth now!

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

Dear SEMA Member:

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Manufacturers (3 open seats)
• Manufacturers Rep (1 open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President & CEO