Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:00

By SEMA News Editors

Legacy Motor Club, Jimmie Johnson Join Extreme E

Legacy Motor Club, the NASCAR Cup Series team based in Statesville, North Carolina, is expanding into Extreme E competition with team co-owner Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel.

Johnson will partner with Gray Leadbetter, a closed-course series champion, for the 2024 season of the all-electric off-road racing series.

With Johnson unable to contest the opening two rounds of the series due to the Daytona 500, Travis Pastrana will partner with Leadbetter for the upcoming Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia.

For more information, visit legacymotorclub.com or extreme-e.com.

Join Fellow Associates at 2024 Motorsports Day at the West Virginia Capitol

Motorsports industry professionals are invited to the 2024 Motorsports Day at the West Virginia Capitol on Friday, February 23. The event brings motorsports facilities and businesses together to educate, collaborate and grow the industry in the Mountain State.

West Virginia Motorsports Day

The coalition of motorsports businesses will share the impact of the industry with West Virginia elected officials and state agencies and provide an opportunity to display your business or race track in the State Capitol Rotunda in Charleston, West Virginia (at no cost to the exhibitor). 

Click here for more information.

All-Electric Junior Touring Car Series to Support Formula E

The NXT Gen Cup, an all-electric junior touring car series, will serve as a support series for the Formula E World Championship during the 2024 season.

NXT Gen Cup

Launched in 2023, the NXT Gen Cup will have six European races and feature a 20-car grid with drivers ages 15-25. The single-make series runs an all-electric car developed and built by the Lestrup Racing Team, the LRT NXT1, based on an electric MINI Cooper SE road car.

For more information, visit nxtgencup.com or FIAFormulaE.com.


Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 08:09

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News sources recently spotted the soon-to-be-revealed Ford Bronco Sport refresh undergoing testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Bronco Sport

Camouflage wraps concealed the updated front and rear fascia of the prototype, but insiders indicated the new model will sport a slightly more aggressive look. In addition to exterior changes, the refresh is expected to introduce a hybrid engine choice. This prototype, with its dual exhaust, hints at the presence of the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.

Inside, sources are anticipating a modest refresh with a larger navigation screen and an updated HVAC layout.

Ford is likely to unveil the refreshed model later this year, with sales expected to commence towards the end of 2024.

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 08:02

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. 

Turn 14 Distribution

Marketing Manager in Horsham, Pennsylvania

Pit+Paddock, the athlete management, marketing agency and online magazine division of Turn 14 Distribution, is seeking a marketing manager to lead the development and execution of all Pit+Paddock automotive events. This position will also be responsible for sponsor relationships, managing campaigns and projects, attending industry events and more.

ARB

Brand Manager in Corona, California

This position will review and analyze the sales of ARB products versus competitors, develop sales growth strategies, coordinate product merchandising, develop sales incentives for retailers, conduct product training and more.

AMS Performance

Account Executive in Batavia, Illinois

The selected candidate will be interacting directly with performance shops and distributors to educate, promote and sell AMS products. Other responsibilities include social-media management, prospecting for new accounts, attending events and additional tasks to represent the AMS brand.

 

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 06:43

ETTN Emissions ComplianceBy Ashley Reyes

Laboratory tests for attaining an Executive Order (EO) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on an aftermarket product are both expensive and time-consuming. However, other alternatives are available to speed up the calibration process and avoid costly failed lab tests. These same tools can be added to most dyno shops to document the emissions impact of modifications and custom tuning.

During the SEMA webinar, "Bridging the Gap from 'Runs Good' to Emissions Compliance," on Tuesday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m. PST, emissions engineer, author and expert Greg Banish will discuss tools to use when working on a project that will eventually apply for CARB EO certification. Attendees will learn about the tools and tactics used to deliver emissions-compliant performance calibrations, increasing the likelihood of passing an official emissions test on the first try, and therefore saving testing time and resources.

The presentation will benefit tuners and calibrators, dyno shop owners, tuning software company engineers and regulators. It presents attendees with a wide variety of tools and solutions used in emissions development and expert advice on avoiding common errors during the process.

Sign up today!

Thu, 02/15/2024 - 06:26

SEMA ScholarshipBy Ashley Reyes

The 2024 SEMA Scholarship application period for students pursuing careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is closing in two weeks. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application by March 1 at sema.org/scholarships.

What is the SEMA Scholarship Program? 

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of industry leaders and innovators.

What are the eligibility requirements? 

  1. Be a high school senior or 18 years of age at the time of submission.
  2. U.S. or Canadian Citizen (permanent/legal residents are not eligible to apply).
  3. Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
  4. Incoming freshmen or continued enrollment in college, university or post-secondary career and technology school in the United States or Canada.
  5. Pursuit of degree or certification that leads to a career in automotive. All disciplines welcome.

What are the application requirements? 

  1. Demonstrate passion for the automotive industry in your answers to select questions.
  2. Upload unofficial transcript or technical training progress report.
  3. Request an online recommendation from your teacher, employer or mentor.

What are the benefits of being selected? 

In addition to financial assistance, scholarship winners have the chance to attend the SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities through the SEMA Show Student Program. Through the program, students witness the automotive aftermarket industry in action, can participate in a Gear-Up-Up Networking event (exclusively for women students and professionals), and attend a Student Industry Networking Day, where students network with industry leading companies and their employees.

What is the application process? 

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships before the March 1 deadline. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them.

Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:27

internal combustion engine close-up

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is encouraging our member companies to take action by voicing your opposition to the implementation of ACC II. The automotive aftermarket needs your help! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting comments through February 27, 2024, on whether it should grant a waiver for anti-internal combustion engine (ICE) regulations to take effect.

The California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulations ban the sale of new ICE vehicles by 2035. ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV--eliminating the sale of any new gas-powered vehicles.

Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the EPA for its regulation to take effect. SEMA opposes ACC II because 17 states--representing nearly 40% of the American population--have previously adopted California motor-vehicle emissions laws. To date, nine states have already adopted ACC II; three states have adopted ACC II through 2032, which requires 87% of new motor-vehicle sales to be ZEV; and two states have started the regulatory process to adopt ACC II. 

If the EPA grants California a waiver for ACC II, this too-fast mandate will reduce vehicle choice and force Americans to purchase more expensive vehicles. ACC II, if implemented, would also disrupt automotive industry supply chains, devastate small automotive businesses and eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair businesses.

It's urgent that industry members send a letter to the EPA opposing California's ICE ban at https://p2a.co/criacj9.

SEMA's Washington, D.C., office is working around the clock to protect our industry's rights. Sign up for the latest SEMA Action Network updates here. For more information, visit semasan.com.

Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:27

internal combustion engine close-up

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is encouraging our member companies to take action by voicing your opposition to the implementation of ACC II. The automotive aftermarket needs your help! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting comments through February 27, 2024, on whether it should grant a waiver for anti-internal combustion engine (ICE) regulations to take effect.

The California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulations ban the sale of new ICE vehicles by 2035. ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV--eliminating the sale of any new gas-powered vehicles.

Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the EPA for its regulation to take effect. SEMA opposes ACC II because 17 states--representing nearly 40% of the American population--have previously adopted California motor-vehicle emissions laws. To date, nine states have already adopted ACC II; three states have adopted ACC II through 2032, which requires 87% of new motor-vehicle sales to be ZEV; and two states have started the regulatory process to adopt ACC II. 

If the EPA grants California a waiver for ACC II, this too-fast mandate will reduce vehicle choice and force Americans to purchase more expensive vehicles. ACC II, if implemented, would also disrupt automotive industry supply chains, devastate small automotive businesses and eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair businesses.

It's urgent that industry members send a letter to the EPA opposing California's ICE ban at https://p2a.co/criacj9.

SEMA's Washington, D.C., office is working around the clock to protect our industry's rights. Sign up for the latest SEMA Action Network updates here. For more information, visit semasan.com.

Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:03

By SEMA News Editors

Meyer Distributing Opens Arizona Cross-Dock

Meyer Distributing is opening a new facility in Quartzsite, Arizona.

The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Kingman, Arizona, distribution hub, which houses an inventory of automotive accessories, 4x4 and off-road, crash and collision, and RV products.

"The Quartzsite, Arizona, dock will significantly improve deliveries to all of Western Arizona and Southeast California," said Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. "The whole region will now receive at least four deliveries weekly from Kingman to Bullhead City to Lake Havasu down to Yuma and El Centro at the border. Meyer continues to focus on organic growth and investing via acquisitions to bring the best brands to market for our customers."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

AST, MOTON Suspension Name Regal Autosport as Exclusive UK Distributor

Suspension manufacturers AST Suspension and MOTON Suspension Technologies have selected Regal Autosport as its official distributor in the United Kingdom.

Regal Autosport MOTON AST

Additionally, RACESPORT has been named AST Suspension and MOTON Suspension Technology's Official Motorsport and Servicing Partner in the same region and will support the needs of its AST and MOTON customers.

For more information, visit ast-suspension.com or motonsuspension.com.


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

Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:03

By SEMA News Editors

Meyer Distributing Opens Arizona Cross-Dock

Meyer Distributing is opening a new facility in Quartzsite, Arizona.

The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Kingman, Arizona, distribution hub, which houses an inventory of automotive accessories, 4x4 and off-road, crash and collision, and RV products.

"The Quartzsite, Arizona, dock will significantly improve deliveries to all of Western Arizona and Southeast California," said Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. "The whole region will now receive at least four deliveries weekly from Kingman to Bullhead City to Lake Havasu down to Yuma and El Centro at the border. Meyer continues to focus on organic growth and investing via acquisitions to bring the best brands to market for our customers."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

AST, MOTON Suspension Name Regal Autosport as Exclusive UK Distributor

Suspension manufacturers AST Suspension and MOTON Suspension Technologies have selected Regal Autosport as its official distributor in the United Kingdom.

Regal Autosport MOTON AST

Additionally, RACESPORT has been named AST Suspension and MOTON Suspension Technology's Official Motorsport and Servicing Partner in the same region and will support the needs of its AST and MOTON customers.

For more information, visit ast-suspension.com or motonsuspension.com.


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

Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:01

SEMA Council and Network Leaders Identify the Trends and Issues Impacting the Aftermarket in 2024

By Michael Imlay

Every new year offers an opportunity to reflect on recent challenges and achievements and chart a future course. With the first quarter of 2024 well underway, SEMA magazine again turns to association council and network leaders for their takes on the market trends and issues impacting key industry categories, along with their expectations for the next 11 months. SEMA councils and networks are on the cutting edge of the latest changes and best business practices sweeping their aftermarket segments.

These volunteer organizations also play a major role in shaping and growing their respective industries for the benefit of all. Moreover, they provide networking opportunities that can enhance personal, professional and business growth. To learn more about SEMA councils and networks, attend their events, or become an active volunteer member, visit sema.org/councils-networks.

In December 2023, we presented statements from five of SEMA's nine councils and networks. This month we present insights from the remaining four, based upon interviews with council leadership. What follows has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network

Sara Morosan, LGE-CTS Motorsports, Chair

Tiffanie Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting, Chair-Elect

The SBN's mission is to provide networking, education and recognition opportunities for professional women within the industry. We're also about encouraging women to join the industry.

Currently, the SBN has more than 700 members and is very diverse. In the past, members were mostly drawn from larger companies, but now we're seeing membership growing among freelancers and individuals from smaller companies. Female-owned businesses within the industry are also increasing in number—many of them second-generation shops where women have inherited the businesses started by their parents. We're also seeing growing numbers of women in marketing, as well as those stepping into their own brands and companies.

SBN Bronco

Last year's SBN Bronco build was a major 30-year milestone for the network, which continues to empower women within the aftermarket through a variety of education and professional growth opportunities.

Last year the SBN celebrated its 30th anniversary. It's rewarding to see how our network has evolved over the years. We marked the milestone with an all-female Ford Bronco build, which came 10 years after a similar Mustang build. It was amazing seeing our younger women coming in, creating new connections and having the same experience many of us had a decade ago. The Bronco sold for nearly $60,000 on eBay, with proceeds going to SEMA charities.

Other 2023 programs included our second Women Leadership Forum. This women-only symposium is designed to foster networking, learning and personal and professional growth. This March, we will take the symposium to Texas, making it more accessible to women from the East Coast.

We also recently started a male allyship program to advance the conversation about women in the workplace. We have presented three webinars on the topic, and will continue to grow these webinars in 2024. Our main goal this year is to enhance current programs and leverage social media to highlight women's contributions to the industry. We want to show younger women that they have significant roles to play in the aftermarket. We have also created an internet space where members can freely talk about issues and situations and share advice.

As we enhance the programs we already have, we are also constantly exploring new ideas to serve SBN members. We look forward to each new generation of industry women who join our network, our conversations, and our ongoing work to network, educate and empower all our members.

Future Leaders Network (FLN)

Matt Beenen, Mountech, Chair

Jerid Suchy, BuiltRight Industries, Chair-Elect

FLN's core mission is to cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket through education and networking. Since the only limiting factor for involvement is being under the age of 40, our membership is comprised of individuals from every corner and segment of the industry.

Our diverse talent pool also allows us to draw on the experiences of sales, marketing, operations, customer service and engineering professionals. Because of this, FLN generally has a good finger on the pulse of trends and consumer behaviors.

If we could broadly quantify what consumers and enthusiasts want from industry companies, it would be "value and authenticity." Most of our membership saw last year as one of holding steady, with some members reporting slight growth for their companies or industry categories. Overall, it seemed a year of "normalization" after a couple years of accelerated growth.

We see our industry constantly evolving with technological advancements. Consolidations of brands and supply-chain partners make it more important to leverage individual relationships than ever. Additionally, the hybrid workspace model has made it clear that hiring for cultural fit within your organization (rather than résumé stats alone) is an important component to keeping an engaged and enthusiastic workforce.

FLN members often say that these changes consistently challenge them to think deeply about long-term visions and trends to ultimately find new opportunities within their specific market segment. One opportunity our members are leveraging is artificial intelligence. Incorporating AI into day-to-day workflows has helped many to optimize their efficiency and provide value to their organizations.

The most significant challenges to our membership include overreach by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/California Air Resources Board, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Bureau of Land Management and other enforcement/regulatory bodies. We have consistently helped to get our membership engaged with the SEMA Political Action Committee, stay updated on relevant issues within their segments, and network with members across SEMA councils and networks to help facilitate cooperation on these issues.

We have also received so much positive feedback from our first two Professional Development Program courses that we are adding a second level to the series for individuals who complete level one and wish to further their leadership skills. We are also working on a few proposals to overhaul and bring new vision to the SEMA Launch Pad program.

As always, individuals can engage with FLN by attending our general membership meetings, stopping by one of our many regional networking events, or simply dropping us an e-mail.

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

Matt Reasoner, Real Truck, Chair

Dawson D. Druesedow, 4 Wheel Performance, Chair-Elect

TORA membership includes manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers/installers and e-commerce businesses in the truck and off-road space. Our members cater to off-road enthusiasts, outdoors-people, overlanders, fleet- and work-truck owners, as well as everyday truck owners.

Chevrolet Silverado electric

While the truck and off-road category is generally holding steady, high interest rates have dampened new-vehicle sales.

Popular category accessories continue to be bed covers, steps, lifts and wheels and tires. All things considered, our category is holding steady; however, lack of new-truck inventory has been replaced with high interest rates for new-vehicle buyers. We're also seeing more consumers steering away from "wants" and focusing primarily on "needs" as inflation runs rampant. In contrast, fleet business is one of the bright spots. Many municipalities and corporations spent the past 18–24 months waiting for trucks to become available and are finally seeing the trucks delivered.

Workforce struggles continue to affect all segments of the truck and off-road category. Manufacturers, dealers and warehouse distributors alike are all facing challenges in finding reliable, trustworthy staff seeking long-term employment. These staffing issues have created extended lead times in many cases as manufacturers struggle to keep up with demand. This ultimately results in a chain reaction that resonates all the way to the end consumer.

On the technology front, as OE manufacturers continue to add new tech into nearly all trim levels of vehicles, we have seen many product categories change to accommodate. One category that has been affected the most is bumpers. Our businesses must ensure that the product is ADAS-compatible without loss of functionality.

As for opportunities, we've seen the overlanding category absolutely explode since the pandemic. Racking systems, rooftop tents, storage and security are all growing product segments.

Meanwhile, the economy is the largest challenge for all of us. Amid inflation, the 2024 election and international instability, consumers are seeing less disposable income and are being much more conservative with how they spend it.

Public land preservation is another issue very close to our hearts. Government overreach continues to run rampant across the nation, and threatens the ability of our customers to recreate responsibly on public land. One of our main objectives as a council is to raise awareness of responsible recreation and engage membership with pressing legal regulations that are threatening our businesses and livelihoods. We're working closely with SEMA's Washington, D.C., team to stay abreast of issues.

We are also continuing to work with the side-by-side (UTV) community to bring them more into the fold. While our method of going to market is somewhat different, we share a common interest in preserving public lands and OHV areas. Any legislation that potentially prevents access is detrimental to both of our communities, and we are stronger as one voice.

Wheel, Tire, Suspension, & Brake Council (WTSBC)

Michael Lusso, Hennessy Industries, Chair

Brett Kinsfather, Shopmonkey, Chair-Elect

WTSBC businesses and industry professionals are a diverse group of management and executive-level leaders in the manufacturing, distribution, retail, business services and media sectors of the wheel, tire, suspension and brake industries. Our consumers encompass nearly every automotive enthusiast. While vehicle use may vary along with style and performance, wheels and tires are consistently on the' purchasing radars of enthusiasts.

Overall, the wheel and tire category experienced incremental growth in 2023, with a variety of changes among individual segments, such as growth in the Tier-4 tire segment. While a pullback in some consumer spending had an impact on the more trend-driven wheel and tire combos, other segments have remained strong.

There are other important wheel and tire trends to report as well. First, we've seen a shift in demand from larger-diameter, single-use wheels and tires toward multi-use aftermarket wheel-and-tire combos. This shift to a multi-use preference tends to rise when consumers are attempting to maximize their purchases with the disposable income they have available.

Second, technological advancements in ADAS, electric vehicles and connectivity devices continue to grow. All these have vehicle and market impacts well beyond wheels and tires.

Third, over the last couple of years, organizations have continued to consolidate. Most notable are Goodyear's purchase of Cooper/MT, Wheel Pros' purchase of Transamerican Auto Parts, and Fox Factory's purchase of Custom Wheel House.

Wheel and Tire Council

New technologies are rapidly changing wheel and tire design and manufacturing, as well as the ways consumers "test-fit" and purchase the products.

At the same time, access to technology continues to be ever more affordable. As a result, businesses that once perhaps could not afford the technology required to optimize tire inventories or engage customers with a modern digital-first approach can now do so.

In addition, 3D visualization and customization tools allow customers to virtually test-fit aftermarket wheels on their vehicles before making a purchase, ultimately creating an enhanced digital-first shopping experience. Moreover, advanced sensors embedded in tires can provide real-time data on things like tire pressure, temperature and tread wear. This type of data gathering can not only help drivers properly maintain their tires, it can help the manufacturers and other organizations such as fleets optimize the tires they are either making or maintaining.

The increasing number of EVs on the road also presents an emerging opportunity. Thanks to factors like their increased weight, lower center of gravity, and torque, tires on EVs wear exponentially faster than on ICE vehicles. As a result, tire manufacturers are expanding their EV offerings, while wheel manufacturers are finding ways to reduce unsprung weight.

The most significant challenges facing our segment include the expansion of non-emissions regulations that place additional restrictions on tire manufacturers. For example, Georgia is now making the distributors responsible for tire-sales fee collections, thus impacting supply-chain operations for one state.