Spies in Northern Sweden caught another look at the Mercedes Maybach S-Class. Maybach these days is the top-range Mercedes models with an add-on in exclusivity and style, and the next-generation S-Class will be the best example of that.

Equipped with a new front grille and modified exhaust pipes, painted in two-tone color and with the added space of nearly one meter, the Maybach will become the crown jewel of Mercedes-Benz and will try to rival the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

The Maybach S-Class will remain available as S560 and S650, automatic will be standard and four-wheel drive will be available as an option.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Spies in Northern Sweden caught another look at the Mercedes Maybach S-Class. Maybach these days is the top-range Mercedes models with an add-on in exclusivity and style, and the next-generation S-Class will be the best example of that.

Equipped with a new front grille and modified exhaust pipes, painted in two-tone color and with the added space of nearly one meter, the Maybach will become the crown jewel of Mercedes-Benz and will try to rival the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

The Maybach S-Class will remain available as S560 and S650, automatic will be standard and four-wheel drive will be available as an option.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, the 2020 MPMC Media Trade Conference gives editors and reporters an opportunity to have up to 14 one-on-one meetings each day of the event.

Media who have signed up for the 2020 MPMC Media Trade Conference will receive their schedules via email, January 13. The event, taking place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, includes personalized schedules for journalists to meet privately with motorsports parts manufacturers.

All media who have registered and received a confirmation before December 20, will receive their schedules via email by January 13. Schedules for all other registrants will be available for pick up onsite at the event.

Media who have not yet registered can still do so. Schedules will be filled as openings are available and provided to media onsite at the event.

Media with questions can visit www.sema.org/mtc or contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, the 2020 MPMC Media Trade Conference gives editors and reporters an opportunity to have up to 14 one-on-one meetings each day of the event.

Media who have signed up for the 2020 MPMC Media Trade Conference will receive their schedules via email, January 13. The event, taking place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, includes personalized schedules for journalists to meet privately with motorsports parts manufacturers.

All media who have registered and received a confirmation before December 20, will receive their schedules via email by January 13. Schedules for all other registrants will be available for pick up onsite at the event.

Media who have not yet registered can still do so. Schedules will be filled as openings are available and provided to media onsite at the event.

Media with questions can visit www.sema.org/mtc or contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.

SEMA News—January 2020

EVENTS

By Linda Spencer

2019 SEMA Show Connects Exhibitors, International Buyers and Media

Winners of the 2020 Global Media Awards had the opportunity to speak with the journalists who selected their product for an award. In addition to providing general coverage of the SEMA Show, these editorial media typically provide extensive coverage of the winning products and provide insights into their selection process.

International Buyers from 130 countries descended on the 2019 SEMA Show, walking the aisles to find products that would resonate well with their customers back home and to see the latest trends in customizing. Networking with the more than 20% of buyers residing overseas features high on the list of priorities of exhibitors. Global recognition of their products from a panel of international journalists is a sought-after recognition and serves to assist companies in identifying promising export markets. The SEMA Show organizes a number of programs and resources to assist in making those connections.

This is part one of a two-part SEMA News story on the international programs and resources featured at the 2019 SEMA Show. What follows below are some highlights of the programs and resources at this year’s Show. An upcoming SEMA News article will feature the 172 companies winning Global Media Awards (GMA) at the 2019 Show, including the top 2020 GMA winner RSI SmartCap with eight awards. It was a favorite among judges from a diverse group of countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Peru and New Zealand. Also covered will be the second top vote getter, Factor 55, which won six 2020 GMAs, and judge’s comments about all the winning products.

SEMA held a Latin America session with buyers and enthusiast media from more than half a dozen countries in the region, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Venezuela. The buyers and journalists covered nearly every SEMA niche, including restoration, off-road, circuit and drag racing, as well as street-performance upgrades. The discussions focused on everything from online versus brick-and-mortar shops; the size of markets; and regional versus country differences and similarities. Obstacles to exporting to certain countries in the region (such as the high tariffs imposed by the Brazilian and Argentinian governments) were also discussed. In contrast, due to U.S. free-trade agreements, there are zero taxes on U.S. products in a number of countries in the region, including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.	The day before the 2019 SEMA Show officially opened, exhibitors and key buyers and media participated in roundtables on three promising markets.
Nearly 30 enthusiast journalists from 20 countries in Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America and Latin America served on the GMA panel. Armed with their extensive knowledge of their home markets, including trends and local terrain and vehicle mix. In addition to covering the Show for their publications, each was charged with selecting 10 products from the more than 3,000 in the New Products Showcase that they believed would best fit in their markets. The winners of the GMA had the opportunity to meet the journalists selecting them for international recognition at the International Happy Hour.	The Center for International Commerce (CIC) served as home base for visitors from outside the United States during the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, as well as a quiet place for exhibitors to meet with current or potential overseas customers. Among the resources available in the CIC were translators, private meeting rooms, a lounge area, complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments.
Exhibitors who ordered complimentary “We Export” signs could signal to the international buyers from 130 countries walking the Show that they were interested in exporting.	The 16th edition of the 2019 International Happy Hour once again attracted about 1,000 attendees—exhibitors, international buyers and media—at the largest annual automotive specialty-equipment global networking event. The 280 GMAs were presented to exhibitors selected by a panel of nearly 30 international media, who each selected 10 products that they believed would best suit their markets.
Three SEMA member companies—Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, MW Company and Motorstate Distributing—received prestigious Department of Commerce Export Achievement Awards for impressive success in growing their export sales. Each of the companies participated in one or more of the 2019 trips that SEMA conducted to explore the potential of the specialty-equipment industry with markets overseas. The awards were presented to this year’s recipients at the 2019 SEMA International Happy Hour reception by Liz Clark, an official from the U.S. Department of Commerce. From left: Liz Clark, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration’s automotive team leader; Robert Ledesma, international team lead, Motorstate Distributing; Darren Lane, B2B e-commerce and export sales manager, Motorstate Distributing; Ace Chatoo, MW Company’s regional sales manager/Middle East sales manager; James Lawrence, SEMA Chair-Elect and CEO of Power Automedia; and, from Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels, Bill O’Roake, international sales manager, Caroline Perkins, credit manager, and Don Sneddon, advertising manager.	Roundtable discussions held on Monday, November 4, on the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand and Latin America provided exhibitors with information on top markets, with insights into distribution, unique characteristics and trends. The sessions also provided an excellent networking opportunity, allowing exhibitors to meet with key buyers and overseas enthusiast media before the SEMA Show began.

SEMA News—January 2020

REQUIRED READING

By Juan Torres

SEMA’s Council and Network Leaders Talk 2020 Trends

SEMA’s council and network leaders recently shared the initiatives that they are working on, what’s currently trending in their markets, what they envision the future might hold, and the challenges they face.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2019/12/whats-trending-for-2020

SEMA News—January 2020

By Fredy Ramirez

EVENTS

SEMA Members Team With WD-40 and SEMA Garage to Raise Money for Charity

SEMA Garage, WD-40 and many others came together in order to create a custom ’66 Ford Bronco that will be auctioned off to benefit Childhelp. The first steps were to remove the body, assess the tired components, then sandblast the frame.

Sometimes people come together for a special cause and create something extraordinary. SEMA Garage, WD-40 and many others in the industry came together in order to create a custom ’66 Ford Bronco that will be auctioned off to benefit Childhelp later in the year. Childhelp is an organization dedicated to closing the cycle of child abuse in the United States by helping victims and those at risk.

For even the most experienced craftsmen, building a vehicle takes time, effort and money. Most of the parts for this vehicle came via donations. All those who worked on the build, which required extensive custom adaptations, donated their time to ensure the creation of a quality vehicle.

The design concept was simple: to keep the classic look and operational simplicity of a ’66 Bronco, but build one that delivers up-to-date driving capabilities and improved off-road utility. The team’s first step was to assess the vehicle’s condition. “We had to strip the entire vehicle down to the frame,” Project Lead Luis Morales said. “We started taking things apart to see what could be salvaged and what needed to be replaced.”

SEMA Garage Engineer Conner Morris (right) and Project Lead Luis Morales worked to shoehorn the 3.5L EcoBoost engine into the Bronco engine bay.

After the assessment stage, the Bronco received a systematic, frame-up makeover from tail to bonnet. Solo Motorsports installed a rollcage and new radius arms developed specifically for the Bronco. While at the paint and body shop, the chassis and all the underpinnings were sandblasted and repainted. LGE-CTS Motorsports painted the body a color reminiscent of WD-40 blue, with PPG Industries providing the paint. The team also added a Rhino Linings flooring liner to create an interior that could be easily cleaned and resist rust and abrasion.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

When the rolling chassis returned to SEMA Garage, the team began to work on the suspension, which employs Skyjacker Suspensions springs and shocks. A set of 4.56-ratio Currie front and rear axles with Yukon Gear and Axle gears provided ideal strength and gearing for off-road use. The rear axle is a Ford 9-in., and the front is a Dana 44; locking hubs are from Warn.

When the newly painted body pieces returned to the SEMA Garage, they were fitted to the chassis. “Joining those things when there had been modifications to each of them independently was challenging,” Morales said, but in the end the Bronco’s clean, purposeful appearance and overall stance was exactly what the build called for.

The custom ’66 Ford Bronco was displayed at the 2019 SEMA Show in the WD-40 booth—the vehicle’s first public appearance.

Next came work on the exterior, with lighting and trim provided by Drake Automotive Group. Lund International donated fender flares, and AMP Research provided powersteps. BCR Custom Wiring installed the wiring.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The EcoBoost is a bigger engine than the inline-six that originally powered the ’66 Bronco. To make the swap work with space at a premium, the team engineered a custom cooling system using Mishimoto components, relocated the Optima battery, and worked with GReddy to install an air-induction system to fit the cramped engine bay.

The Bronco’s interior features Distinctive Industries/Roadwire Interiors panels and upholstery.

With a bigger power unit came a custom driveshaft rated to handle the output. Wilwood installed new brakes and contributed a plan to optimize the rear brake lines. Summit Racing provided an original-spec fuel tank. New wheels from American Racing Wheels and 35-in. tires from Toyo Tires were also added. MagnaFlow dropped by the SEMA Garage to create and install a one-off exhaust system.

The Bronco features a number of one-off parts, many of which were 3-D printed. The center console, the ECU cover and some of the dash covers are 3-D-printed, one-off designs. Two companies, Stratasys and Dinsmore Inc. helped print parts for the Bronco. The interior also features Distinctive Industries/Roadwire Interiors interior panels and upholstery.

The Bronco’s first public appearance came at the SEMA Show in November. The auction has been tentatively scheduled for mid-January.

SEMA News—January 2020

By Fredy Ramirez

EVENTS

SEMA Members Team With WD-40 and SEMA Garage to Raise Money for Charity

SEMA Garage, WD-40 and many others came together in order to create a custom ’66 Ford Bronco that will be auctioned off to benefit Childhelp. The first steps were to remove the body, assess the tired components, then sandblast the frame.

Sometimes people come together for a special cause and create something extraordinary. SEMA Garage, WD-40 and many others in the industry came together in order to create a custom ’66 Ford Bronco that will be auctioned off to benefit Childhelp later in the year. Childhelp is an organization dedicated to closing the cycle of child abuse in the United States by helping victims and those at risk.

For even the most experienced craftsmen, building a vehicle takes time, effort and money. Most of the parts for this vehicle came via donations. All those who worked on the build, which required extensive custom adaptations, donated their time to ensure the creation of a quality vehicle.

The design concept was simple: to keep the classic look and operational simplicity of a ’66 Bronco, but build one that delivers up-to-date driving capabilities and improved off-road utility. The team’s first step was to assess the vehicle’s condition. “We had to strip the entire vehicle down to the frame,” Project Lead Luis Morales said. “We started taking things apart to see what could be salvaged and what needed to be replaced.”

SEMA Garage Engineer Conner Morris (right) and Project Lead Luis Morales worked to shoehorn the 3.5L EcoBoost engine into the Bronco engine bay.

After the assessment stage, the Bronco received a systematic, frame-up makeover from tail to bonnet. Solo Motorsports installed a rollcage and new radius arms developed specifically for the Bronco. While at the paint and body shop, the chassis and all the underpinnings were sandblasted and repainted. LGE-CTS Motorsports painted the body a color reminiscent of WD-40 blue, with PPG Industries providing the paint. The team also added a Rhino Linings flooring liner to create an interior that could be easily cleaned and resist rust and abrasion.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

When the rolling chassis returned to SEMA Garage, the team began to work on the suspension, which employs Skyjacker Suspensions springs and shocks. A set of 4.56-ratio Currie front and rear axles with Yukon Gear and Axle gears provided ideal strength and gearing for off-road use. The rear axle is a Ford 9-in., and the front is a Dana 44; locking hubs are from Warn.

When the newly painted body pieces returned to the SEMA Garage, they were fitted to the chassis. “Joining those things when there had been modifications to each of them independently was challenging,” Morales said, but in the end the Bronco’s clean, purposeful appearance and overall stance was exactly what the build called for.

The custom ’66 Ford Bronco was displayed at the 2019 SEMA Show in the WD-40 booth—the vehicle’s first public appearance.

Next came work on the exterior, with lighting and trim provided by Drake Automotive Group. Lund International donated fender flares, and AMP Research provided powersteps. BCR Custom Wiring installed the wiring.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The EcoBoost is a bigger engine than the inline-six that originally powered the ’66 Bronco. To make the swap work with space at a premium, the team engineered a custom cooling system using Mishimoto components, relocated the Optima battery, and worked with GReddy to install an air-induction system to fit the cramped engine bay.

The Bronco’s interior features Distinctive Industries/Roadwire Interiors panels and upholstery.

With a bigger power unit came a custom driveshaft rated to handle the output. Wilwood installed new brakes and contributed a plan to optimize the rear brake lines. Summit Racing provided an original-spec fuel tank. New wheels from American Racing Wheels and 35-in. tires from Toyo Tires were also added. MagnaFlow dropped by the SEMA Garage to create and install a one-off exhaust system.

The Bronco features a number of one-off parts, many of which were 3-D printed. The center console, the ECU cover and some of the dash covers are 3-D-printed, one-off designs. Two companies, Stratasys and Dinsmore Inc. helped print parts for the Bronco. The interior also features Distinctive Industries/Roadwire Interiors interior panels and upholstery.

The Bronco’s first public appearance came at the SEMA Show in November. The auction has been tentatively scheduled for mid-January.

SEMA News—January 2020

EVENTS

By Mike Imlay

A Night of Excellence

Highlights From the 2019 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet

More than 2,500 attendees packed the banquet hall of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday night, November 7, for the SEMA Show’s Industry Awards Banquet, a celebration of the aftermarket’s best and brightest. The annual banquet is among the Show’s most anticipated highlights.

Traditionally taking place Thursday night at the SEMA Show, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet honors industry innovators, volunteers and personalities who make significant contributions toward the advancement of the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket. Themed “How Do You SEMA?” and emceed by automotive television and podcast personality Kevin Oeste and motorsports announcer Jarod DeAnda, the 2019 banquet was held November 7 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Always popular among Showgoers, the gala drew more than 2,500 attendees eager to celebrate the night’s award recipients in a variety of categories, including the SEMA Chairman’s Service Award, Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year, and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. Recent SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Bob Chandler, Bruce Crower and Marla Moore were also recognized.

All of the above honorees are featured in the following pages, while Dan Kahn, founder of Kahn Media and the evening’s 2019 SEMA Person of the Year recipient, will be profiled separately in the February 2020 issue of SEMA News. Along with the awards, the ceremonies featured music and headline entertainment, the latter courtesy Las Vegas’ iconic Blue Man Group.

In his opening remarks to attendees, SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin noted that the evening was “really a celebration of all the ways people contribute to 
this industry.”
“Together, we serve millions of enthusiasts around the world who are involved in automotive customization, restoration and motorsports, [and] our vehicles, products and lifestyle are promoted by marketers, influencers and educators,” he said, adding that the SEMA community is unlike any other group of product engineers.

After their opening remarks, SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin (right) and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting paid tribute to the late Jessi Combs, whom Martin honored with the Chairman’s Service Award for her many contributions to SEMA and the industry.

“We are constantly messing with something that already works okay; we can’t leave it alone,” he explained. “We want to change something to make it better; make it faster; make it do something it couldn’t do before; take something old and make it look brand new; or take something brand new and make it more beautiful and unique. The SEMA community embraces change, creativity and competition.”

Following Martin, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting also addressed the audience, touching upon the industry’s roots with racers and other pioneers whose contributions spanned generations. The lesson, he said, was that anyone in the audience could make a difference through their ideas and passion.

“So this is about all of us, but it’s [also] about each of you,” Kersting said. “Your contribution, your innovation, your success will be the force that keeps our industry moving forward. And along the way, this [SEMA] association is here to 
help you.”

Following their opening addresses, Martin and Kersting paid special tribute to the late motorsports legend Jessi Combs, who had emceed the banquet and other SEMA events in past years.
“I am proud to award the SEMA Chairman’s Service Award to a woman who has inspired millions of people around the world, Jessi Combs,” Martin said. “In August, we lost one of our industry’s shining stars, but tonight this award celebrates her contributions to our industry. Whether you knew her personally, professionally or watched her light up the screen, you could not help but be inspired by her infectious spirit and electric smile.”

Hunter Engineering was named Manufacturer of the Year.

Manufacturer of the Year: Hunter Engineering

The Manufacturer of the Year award celebrates a specialty-equipment manufacturer demonstrating exceptional performance working with warehouse distributors, manufacturers’ reps and others in the retail community. In addition, the honoree shows leadership within both the overall industry and their aftermarket segment through their high standards in business practices, innovation and customer satisfaction.

The 2019 award went to Hunter Engineering, a SEMA Show exhibitor for more than 20 years (and usually represented at the Show by more than 100 staff members, including its entire regional management and executive team). Finalists for the award included Air Lift Co. and Hypertech Inc.

AllPro Distributing took Warehouse Distributor of the Year honors.

Warehouse Distributor 
(WD) of the Year: AllPro Distributing

The SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award recognizes a WD that stands out through operational excellence, industry involvement and developmental support to clients and staff. Outstanding customer service and expert product knowledge are also key considerations. A SEMA member for more than 30 years, AllPro Distributing took home the 2019 honors for its major strides in growing its business through exceptional customer service. Finalists for the award included Keystone Automotive and last year’s winner, Turn 
14 Distribution.

The Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award went to Kunzman & Associates.

Manufacturers’ Rep 
Agency of the Year: 
Kunzman & Associates

When aftermarket manufacturers seek to boost sales, expand into new territories or introduce new products, they often turn to a manufacturers’ rep agency. Because such agencies can play a pivotal role in getting products into the hands of consumers, the SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award honors those that demonstrate exceptional performance and professionalism, product-line knowledge, communication with suppliers and client networks, along with training and education.

The 2019 award went to Kunzman & Associates, whose vendor relationships have averaged 17 years over the course of the agency’s 18-year tenure. Kunzman & Associates is also known for its service to the industry at large; every member of its team belongs to a SEMA council, select committee or task force. The year’s finalists also included Considine Sales & Marketing and PSKB Inc.

Chris Candido (right), co-founder of Turn 14 Distribution, received the Gen-III Innovator of the Year award.

Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Chris Candido, Turn 14 Distribution

A Gen-III Innovator is defined as an industry individual under age 40 who is making breakthroughs in new products, new approaches to business, or trendsetting achievements. Nominees for the award must demonstrate truly innovative thinking that helps lead the industry forward. Awardees are selected by a panel of SEMA Board of Directors members and Young Executives Network representatives.

Chris Candido of Turn 14 Distribution was named the 2019 recipient for his innovative use of technology to help reimagine wholesale distribution. An English major and self-taught software developer, Candido is also a recent SEMA News “35 Under 35” honoree. Justin Hartenstein of Oracle Lighting and Jason Kencevski of Speedmaster were the award’s other two finalists.

Jarod DeAnda congratulated recent SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Bob Chandler (right), the man behind Bigfoot and the Monster Truck phenomenon.

SEMA Hall of Fame 
Recognitions

SEMA inducted three industry leaders into its Hall of Fame during its annual Leaders and Legends Installation & Gala in July. At the SEMA Show’s Industry Awards Banquet, the inductees were reintroduced to the wider industry audience.

With more than 45 years in the industry, Bob Chandler is credited with inventing the Monster Truck phenomenon. After a serious motorcycle accident ended his plans to work in the family business, Chandler bought a pickup and opened a 4WD shop. But every weekend event saw him breaking something on the vehicle, prompting his general manager to nickname him Bigfoot because he couldn’t take his foot off the throttle. Chandler emblazoned the name on the side of his truck and it stuck. From there, his truck got bigger and bigger as he spawned the famous Monster Truck events that brought a new wave of truck enthusiasts into the industry.

Kevin Oeste (left) interviewed Barbara Crower (center), wife of the late Bruce Crower, another SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, along with the Crower’s grandson Lewis.

More than 60 years ago, Bruce Crower began making performance parts for fellow hot rodders. His passion to make things go faster made him an innovator in all things motorsports and resulted in Crower Cams and Equipment Co., a multimillion-dollar organization producing high-performance parts for a wide variety of applications. In addition, Crower is credited with advancing the industry’s speed and safety. Over his career, he was recognized with several awards, including the 1977 SAE Louis Schwitzer award for innovation and engineering excellence. Crower, who passed away in July 2019, was represented at the SEMA Show banquet by his wife Barbara and grandson Lewis.

SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Marla Moore (center) was also applauded for her many years of leadership and service to the industry.

Marla Moore didn’t originally consider the automotive aftermarket to be her career path when she was brought into it as an artist-illustrator 35 years ago. But it quickly won her over and made her a lifelong industry enthusiast. She has been a tireless volunteer and advocate ever since, serving on a variety of SEMA councils and task forces and building a reputation as a trusted leader and mentor. The recipient of many industry awards and honors, Moore is currently the marketing director for the six companies and 10 brands that make up Legendary Companies, and she serves on the board of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, a SEMA Cares charity. But of all her accomplishments, one of her proudest moments was bringing her father to the SEMA Show and introducing him to all the industry icons who had invented and built the parts he had been using for years on his car projects.

Summing up the evening, Kersting said: “We are honored to recognize each year the individuals and companies who embody the spirit of our industry. The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is a highlight of the SEMA Show and a great way to culminate an outstanding week of business. It’s always great to spend time with friends and family, celebrating the industry that we all love.”