By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a report to Congress that is highly critical of anti-competitive repair restrictions employed by manufacturers that limit consumer choice. The U.S. Congress directed the FTC to prepare the report, which the agency based on research gathered at its “Nixing the Fix: A Workshop on Repair Restrictions” (July 16, 2019). The FTC considered a wide-range of products, from printers to computers, with a focus on automobiles and mobile phones. The report includes recommendations on how to best address these problems.

The FTC notes that the report is timely since consumer products are becoming harder to fix, and repairs often require specialized tools, difficult-to-obtain parts, and access to proprietary diagnostic software. Repair options decrease as a result, placing an increased financial burden on lower income and underserved populations.

The FTC observed “scant evidence” to support manufacturers’ justifications for repair restrictions. Manufacturer explanations for the restrictions were divided into six categories: protection of intellectual property, safety, cybersecurity, liability and reputational harm, consumer design choices, and quality of service. The report provides examples of how manufacturer restrictions can block repairs such as the use of access control technologies (ex: software locks or technological protection measures).

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA) seeks to protect aftermarket competition by making it illegal for a manufacturer to void a warranty or deny coverage if a customer has a repair or maintenance performed by an independent repair shop or using a third-party replacement part (unless the original manufacturer provides the service or part for free). In fact, the MMWA’s anti-tying provision is not limited to service and repair issues. It also applies to specialty parts and modifications. For example, it is illegal for an auto dealership to void a warranty based on the mere presence of a specialty part. If there is a malfunction, the dealership must show that the aftermarket part caused the problem.

The FTC expressed concern over whether the MMWA’s anti-tying provision is keeping pace with technological challenges that have the potential effect of tying a repair to the OEM or their authorized dealers using OEM parts. Examples provided include: unavailability of parts and repair information, statements that steer consumers to manufacturer repair networks, application of patent rights and enforcement of trademarks, or disparagement of non-OEM parts and independent repair.

The report identified industry self-regulation as potentially beneficial while noting that only the auto industry has created and implemented this. In 2014, trade groups representing the automakers and independent repair shops and aftermarket replacement parts manufacturers entered into a Memorandum of Understanding after Massachusetts passed a motor vehicle “right to repair” law. Manufacturers agreed to sell the diagnostic and repair information made available to their dealers to car owners and independent repair shops.

In 2020, Massachusetts voters approved a new ballot initiative to essentially expand the existing right to repair law to telematics. Starting with model-year ’22, “manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in Massachusetts to equip any such vehicles that use telematics systems … with a standardized open access data platform,” that would enable vehicle owners to authorize independent repair facilities and dealerships “to retrieve mechanical data from and send commands to, the vehicle for repair maintenance, and diagnostic testing.” The ballot initiative is currently subject to a court lawsuit.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Juan Torres

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, scheduled for November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is now open.

The premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November. Exhibitors include major automakers and small businesses, as well as iconic aftermarket manufacturers who are enhancing their booths to heighten their presence at what will be the first industry-wide in-person gathering for the $46.2 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry in nearly two years.

“Given the restrictions our industry has endured the last year, pent-up demand for the SEMA Show is at an all-time high,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “More so than other years, the 2021 SEMA Show will be fundamental in helping industry professionals grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward.”

Attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show will witness firsthand nearly two year's worth of innovation, technology and new products from manufacturers, as they showcase products, debut vehicles, conduct demonstrations and prepare to do business throughout all four halls of the 3.2-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.

“We are ready to get back to SEMA and connect with our customers this fall,” said Michael Hamrick, Wilwood Disc Brakes events and promotions manager. “Everyone at Wilwood Disc Brakes is putting their best foot forward to have a great event and catch up with our customers. We have quite a few new products to unveil, and SEMA is the place to do it.”

With the entire Convention Center in use, the SEMA Show floor will be designed to improve traffic flow and make navigating the event simple and easy. The 2021 SEMA Show floorplan will begin to take shape during the annual Priority Space Selection process, June 7–23. Companies that submit booth space applications before May 7 will participate in the weeks-long process to determine their booth location in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to sign up for educational seminars featuring industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together.

“We’re excited to already be working with the more than 1,500 companies that have committed to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show, and we expect hundreds more to reserve booth space before May 7,” said Gattuso. “We encourage attendees to register early so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from what will be an amazing event.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2021 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By Stephanie Martinez

In partnership with Nissan, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a Measuring Session for the all-new ’22 Nissan Frontier, May 17–21.

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

Two different trim levels will be featured: SV and PRO-4X, equipped with the following:

• A standard 310hp 3.8L direct-injection V6 engine.
• A 4WD, nine-speed automatic transmission.
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 ADAS features.

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. 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. All attendees will be required to sign an NDA upon arrival. No photography will be allowed during this event.

Register now.

*All registered attendees will be required to an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment.

The following is from SEMA Chairman Tim Martin.

As the SEMA Chairman of the Board, it is an honor and a privilege to serve YOU, the members of SEMA. Our industry’s future direction depends on your participation during this Board of Directors election.

We realize your time is of the essence, but it is important that you take a few minutes right now to read the candidates bios. This is your opportunity to have a voice and choose who will represent your company’s best interests.

The SEMA election is now open until May 25, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). The election packet containing your election log-in information and candidate flyers was mailed to you on April 29. An election email was sent out on May 11. If you did not receive this information, please request your voter log-in via this link, enter your email address that is on file with SEMA, and your election login information will be emailed to you.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Together we will build a strong industry!

Sincerely,

Tim Martin
SEMA Chairman of the Board
CEO, Aftermarket Advisors

 By SEMA Editors

The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• BullRing USA
• CURT
• Fuelab
• Injen
• JP Performance
• LEED Brakes
• Roll-n-Lock
• Tonno Pro
• Truck Covers USA
• Zycoat

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Accounts Payable Coordinator
Power Automedia is hiring an accounts payable coordinator responsible for executing the day-to-day accounting operations and general office administration. This means wearing multiple hats at times in order to get the job done. The best candidate will possess an upbeat, team and company-oriented attitude, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, results driven, “mature startup” environment. A minimum of three to five years of previous experience in accounts payable services and/or administrative positions is required.

Product Manager
VP Racing Fuels is hiring a product manager to evaluate and develop the product line total sales and product positioning and will be responsible for new-product development. This position requires strong project management skills and the ability to effectively work with others across the organization, including channel partners and sales teams, project managers, marketing, technical teams, operations, sourcing, supply chain, as well as external suppliers. Ideal candidates should be self-motivated individuals with a strong work ethic that have experience with managing the complete life cycle of products, conducting market research and a strong financial acumen. A bachelor’s in marketing, business administration, finance, engineering or related field and more than three years of product management experience are required.

Traveling Sales Representative
Quake LED is hiring a traveling sales representative to represent the brand and sell product at various off-road events and trade shows across the country. Responsibilities include selling product to the general public and event attendees, driving to and from events, setting up and breaking down displays, counting inventory on event trailers and providing customer service to end-users. Candidates must be able to travel for extended periods (up to one month at a time).

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By Della Domingo

With more than 550 automotive parts brands and more than 4 million unique parts, the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is evolving and dropping “Co-op” from its name to better reflect the growth in services and industry needs. Since launching nearly 10 years ago, SEMA Data has evolved and has expanded beyond being a central repository for data.

“We realized there were two things that happened: One was the manufacturers needed help to get standardized data to the co-op. Second, we needed to help the industry know what to do with it,” said Gigi Ho, vice president of SEMA Data. “We are now actively helping the industry progress and grow through data, and by dropping the ‘Co-op’ from the title, we wanted people to concentrate on the ‘Data’ aspects of what we do.”

SEMA Data began in 2012 as the first industry-owned and -operated data repository. Manufacturers would submit information about products in standard ACES and PIES formats, making it easy for resellers to find products quickly and efficiently. This would increase manufacturer sales, speed up the distribution process, and improve customer satisfaction.

With data standards just emerging, most businesses were still relying on paper catalogs and manufacturers struggled to adapt to the new formats. Once the data was structured properly and included in SEMA’s repository, resellers struggled to see the value.

“The industry has been evolving slowly with product information, going from print to spreadsheets to XMLs, and now push or pull APIs,” said Ho.

SEMA Data began offering plug-ins, based on its APIs (Application Programming Interface—a set of specifications used by a software program to query another software program), early last year for popular e-commerce platforms for companies to power their websites or to power the data feeds into their business systems. The APIs make it possible for businesses to get updated information more frequently and, in turn, move products through the distribution channel much faster.

As an industry made up primarily of small businesses, many companies are looking for ways to better utilize standardized data. To remain competitive, businesses must adapt to online sales and processes quickly, which can be boosted with properly formatted data. By dropping the Co-op from its name and rebranding the industry program as SEMA Data, Ho hopes to put the emphasis on data and wants companies to view it as a power source for their businesses.

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

Brass Knuckle Garage
Vader Combo

The Vader Combo from Brass Knuckle is one of the coolest, best-fitting, most fog-free protective eyewear on the market. The Vader Combo is ideal for construction, water departments, grinding and more.

The Vader Combo joins Brass Knuckle’s Vader splash goggle with an integrated face shield, offering 180-degree peripheral vision and face coverage. It exceeds the industry’s most stringent anti-fog standard. Its ANSI-rated, military-style splash goggle includes N-FOG anti-fog coating, a durable anti-scratch treatment, and is D3-rated for droplet and splash protection.

The Vader Combo Provides 99.9% UV protection and fits over most prescription eyeglasses. It meets demanding industry test requirements (ANSI Z87.1+, EN166K, EN166N, EN166UV) and meets or exceeds AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 for eye and face protection.

www.brassknuckleprotection.com

MSD
Chevy SB/BB Tall Block Cam Sync Plug

MSD’s cam sync plugs are the perfect solution when running an aftermarket sequential EFI system with coil-per-cylinder ignition. The cam sync plug installs in place of a traditional distributor, providing a hall-effect cam sync signal needed for the EFI system to reference the # 1 cylinder.

MSD's cam sync is a plug and play with Holley EFI systems and can easily interface with most aftermarket EFI systems. The cam sync plug will have 2-3/4-in. of adjustment.

www.holley.com
PN: 85142

Permatex
Color-Matching Bottles

Permatex unveiled a new color-matching packaging design for its popular line of threadlockers. The key component of the new design is the new color-matching bottle, which reflects the color and application strength of the threadlocking formula inside.

Permatex has incorporated the new color-matching bottles for the following SKUs in its Red, Blue and Orange threadlocker lines: High Strength Threadlocker Red 6 ml, 10 ml, 36 ml, 50 ml and 90 ml; High Temperature Threadlocker Red 10 ml; Cup/Core Threadlocker Red 36 ml; Large Diameter Threadlocker Red 36 ml; Permanent Strength Threadlocker Red 6 ml and 10 ml; and High Strength Removable Threadlocker Orange 5g Gel, 10 ml, and 36 ml. All of the Permatex Medium Strength Threadlocker Blue SKUs are already packaged in blue bottles.

www.permatex.com

Steele Rubber Products
’58 Chevrolet Impala Convertible Roof Rail Weatherstrips

Steele Rubber Products has unveiled a new part for ’58 Chevrolet Impala Convertible—Convertible Roof Rail Weatherstrips.

The Convertible Roof Rail Weatherstrip set is designed from the original part for superior fitment and seal. This six-piece set fits on the folding roof of the vehicle to seal the side windows when fully raised.

• Made from high-quality EPDM rubber which has higher ozone and UV resistance and better overall performance than original rubber.
• Fully molded from top-quality rubber-over-steel core inserts to ensure durability and proper sealing.
• Reproduction is designed from the original part to fit correctly.
• This reproduction set replaces factory #4724608 / 09 (Front), #4724159 / 60 (Center) and #4724031 / 4724032 (Rear).
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

www.steelerubber.com
PN: 70-4102-65

Polyvance
2-In.-Wide Magnetic Tape Spool

Polyvance offers two sizes of 2-in.-wide aluminum tape for holding broken plastic parts together while the parts are repaired with a plastic welder or adhesive. The tape is susceptible to being damaged if dropped on the shop floor, however.

To protect this valuable tape from damage and to keep it handy for easy access, Polyvance is now offering the 2-in. Tape Thing magnetic tape spool from Collision Edge. The product was designed to hold and protect masking tape, but it works perfectly to hold the Polyvance 6482 and 6485 aluminum tapes, too.

The 6480 2-in. magnetic tape spool is inserted inside the core of the aluminum tape. Flexible fingers hold the tape securely to the spool. The flange of the spool has three strong magnets imbedded inside which allow the spool to stick to any metal surface, like the side of the Polyvance Nitro-Fuzer nitrogen plastic welder. This protects the tape from being dropped and allows the user to easily spool off a length of tape when needed.

www.polyvance.com
PN: 6480