This Monday, September 9, 2024, is the deadline for motorsports parts manufacturers to secure their participation in the 2025 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, the premier motorsports business event where companies can establish quality relationships with members of the media.
Taking place January 21-23, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive in Orlando, Florida, the Media Trade Conference provides manufacturers the opportunity to take part in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings in which they can showcase their products and share their latest news with journalists, editors, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers. Relationships that are forged at the event result in content that is shared by media to their mass audiences year-round.
Participation is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) manufacturing companies whose membership is active at the time of the conference.
Sign up now to secure your spot for this influential event!
Questions can be directed to MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org.
Tire Group International--one of the leaders in the distribution of premium-quality tires and tubes--has announced the acquisition of Avaun Tire Supply, a wholesale distributor based in Portland, Oregon. Avaun and TGI have been partners since Avaun was founded in 2016 by Sherko Rasouli and Freddie Capshaw, and this strategic move is part of TGI's ongoing expansion plans in key markets across the United States, according to the company.
In addition to overseeing TGI Portland, Rasouli will take on the added responsibility of driving sales of TGI's house brands, Cosmo Tires, Astro Tires and Duramas in the Western USA.
"We are thrilled to welcome Avaun to the TGI family," said Joaquin Gonzalez Jr., president of TGI. "This acquisition not only expands our footprint in the Pacific Northwest but also allows us to strengthen our house brands, Cosmo Tires, Astro Tyres and Duramas, under the capable leadership of Sherko Rasouli and Freddie Capshaw."
Meyer Distributing Announces Plattsburgh, New York, Location
Meyer Distributing, Inc., the Indiana-based parts distributor, is opening a new crossdock in Plattsburgh, New York. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Pennsylvania distribution hub, which houses an inventory of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4x4 and off-road, and RV and trailer parts.
"Meyer is your source for automotive accessories in the Northeast," said Jeremy Schnaus, Meyer's automotive accessories sales manager. "Our experienced, customer-centric sales staff is ready to help take your business to the next level by increasing your profitability allow you to service your customers quicker."
New Hunter University Offers Comprehensive Online and In-Person Training
Hunter Engineering is introducing Hunter University, its new global learning platform designed for easily accessible training for customers, technicians, technical school instructors, students and any other interested parties.
The platform collects all of Hunter's extensive learning content in a single place, offering dozens of free online courses worldwide, as well as streamlined registration for hands-on, in-person classes at training centers around the United States.
"Given the industry's critical need, we recognize our responsibility to help train current and future technicians," said Hunter Field Development Director Tom Settle. "Hunter University makes it easy to select training in the way that suits each person best."
All existing content was updated and refreshed as part of the nine-month effort, often converting from PowerPoint presentations to shorter, easy-to-understand dynamic modules with narration and video. The online courses are generally presented in five-minute segments, so even a 10-module course could be completed in approximately one hour.
Additionally, the online courses are accessible internationally and available in 21 languages.
The new state-of-the-art platform provides a more individualized experience with personal profiles, unique learning paths, task tracking, and training history. Equipment certifications can be earned on a self-guided basis, while technical school instructors can download materials for use in their classes.
Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:
If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses.
Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.
Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:
If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses.
Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.
Last month, SEMA and industry leaders testified at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing in opposition to the agency granting the state of California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which seeks to ban the sale of medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Watch highlights of testimony from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Rick Albertini, CEO of Phenix Enterprises, Inc.; and Ben Winter, vice chair of Transfer Flow, below:
If the EPA grants this waiver, California will be able to mandate the types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that companies must purchase, in addition to requiring many businesses to retire trucks that have only been in service for 13 years. The ACF would devalue companies' property, and businesses would pay higher prices to have their products delivered, with the costs of the new zero-emission trucks that the ACF regulation mandates being passed on to consumers and other businesses.
Learn how SEMA is fighting for a technology-neutral automotive future by visiting sema.org/advocacy.
The California legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation (AB 52), introduced by Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord), which would provide businesses with a state tax credit equal to what they pay in local sales tax for qualified manufacturing equipment. The bill now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval or veto.
SEMA members are encouraged to register for support for the bill here.
Manufacturing is a vital industry in California, accounting for more than 10% of the state’s GDP and employing nearly 8% of the state’s workforce. The automotive aftermarket alone employs nearly 150,000 people and contributes more than $40 billion to the state’s economy. Thirty-eight states already offer sales-tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and R&D. By failing to do the same, California risks losing businesses to these states, which can provide a more attractive business environment. In addition, providing incentives for manufacturing and R&D can help the state attract new businesses and create jobs.
The bill’s progress to date shows the importance of SEMA’s champions in statehouses nationwide. Assembly Member Grayson is a SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and was the 2019 winner of SEMA’s Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award. In addition to being a lawmaker, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his wife Tammy, is also an enthusiast, with two classic Ford Mustangs in their collection.
For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson, SEMA’s senior director for state government affairs and grassroots, at christianr@sema.org.
The California legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation (AB 52), introduced by Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord), which would provide businesses with a state tax credit equal to what they pay in local sales tax for qualified manufacturing equipment. The bill now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval or veto.
SEMA members are encouraged to register for support for the bill here.
Manufacturing is a vital industry in California, accounting for more than 10% of the state’s GDP and employing nearly 8% of the state’s workforce. The automotive aftermarket alone employs nearly 150,000 people and contributes more than $40 billion to the state’s economy. Thirty-eight states already offer sales-tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and R&D. By failing to do the same, California risks losing businesses to these states, which can provide a more attractive business environment. In addition, providing incentives for manufacturing and R&D can help the state attract new businesses and create jobs.
The bill’s progress to date shows the importance of SEMA’s champions in statehouses nationwide. Assembly Member Grayson is a SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member and was the 2019 winner of SEMA’s Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award. In addition to being a lawmaker, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his wife Tammy, is also an enthusiast, with two classic Ford Mustangs in their collection.
For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson, SEMA’s senior director for state government affairs and grassroots, at christianr@sema.org.
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, September 24, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT.
Open to all women employed by a SEMA member company, the meeting will provide updates on SBN's current priorities for members, which include networking, education and recognition opportunities. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover ways to get more involved, and hear the network's plans for its members at the 2024 SEMA Show.
The SBN's mission is to provide opportunities for professional women in the specialty-equipment industry which will enhance their careers and positively impact the growth of the automotive aftermarket. Both current and prospective members are encouraged to attend the meeting, as it's a great way to tap into valuable resources.
Third-Generation Audi Q5 Sportback Shows Off New Look
The third generation of the Audi Q5 will introduce significant design changes compared to the second-generation model, according to new images provided by SEMA News sources. While the overall proportions remain similar, the redesigned SUV features a more striking front and rear design. This applies to the Q5 Sportback as well, which was recently spotted in Germany for the first time.
The new Audi Q5 lineup will feature a shorter octagonal Singleframe grille, slimmer and more technical-looking headlights, a taller, lower air intake and side-air inlets. At the rear, the SUV is expected to have a more distinctive appearance with sleeker rear combination lamps that incorporate Audi's second-generation digital OLED technology, along with a full-width narrow LED light band.
The prototype of the next-generation Q5 Sportback, even through its swirly camouflage, reveals the Singleframe grille and vertical air intakes. Audi is testing the Sportback with its final exterior design, which includes production-ready headlights and taillights. The Sportback will also feature unique bumpers and wheels to differentiate it from the standard Q5.
Inside, Audi is aiming for a more streamlined design that reduces the number of physical controls. The front of the cabin is expected to include three screens: an 11.9-in. OLED Audi virtual cockpit, a 14.5-in. OLED MMI touch display and an optional 10.9-in. MMI passenger touch display. Additionally, sources said a new head-up display (HUD) is likely to be included.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Spotted Fully Camouflaged
Insiders recently managed to snap new photos of Hyundai's upcoming all-electric seven-seat SUV, expected to be named the Ioniq 9.
The new flagship EV is set to carry over much of the design language from the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, while its technical specs are likely to be similar to those of the Kia EV9, sources said.
While Hyundai hasn't announced an exact date for the Ioniq 9's reveal, rumors suggest that the global debut could take place in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The upcoming electric SUV appears to feature a blunt front end, complete with vertical running lights integrated into the bumper and horizontal headlights above, which insiders expect to feature the pixel-style LED design.
The side profile of the Ioniq 9 features a steeply raked windshield and a roofline that slopes gently toward the rear. This sleeker design cues more from the Ioniq 6 sedan and could enhance aerodynamics and range, though it may compromise headroom for passengers in the third row.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 borrows heavily from the all-new Santa Fe's dashboard layout, sources said. It boasts a digital instrument cluster that flows into the infotainment display. The HVAC and infotainment system controls offer a blend of physical knobs and touch-sensitive buttons.
Attendees can make history at the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, which will once again offer an attendee experience like no other trade event on the planet, with thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, the latest vehicle trends and dozens of education sessions led by top industry professionals. In addition, countless new products, emerging trends and innovative technology will be available to attendees on the Show floor (view the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan here), like these from SEMA Show exhibitors that highlight some of the best of the specialty-equipment market. (Still need to register for SEMA? Do so here for only $60 through Friday, September 27).
The SEMA Show serves as a mecca for the automotive aftermarket industry; bringing together leading innovation, world-class builds, and a shared passion for all things surrounding car and truck culture. Preview some of those innovations in this SEMA News exclusive.
To stay at the forefront of the automotive industry, you want to take advantage of the unique opportunity to see these innovations--in person on the SEMA Show floor--but you can also get a SEMA News exclusive sneak peek here and add these brands and booths to your SEMA Show planner:
AI-Powered Reporting Solution for Body Shops, Service Providers
1Source ADAS, one of the leading providers of innovative solutions for the collision-repair industry, shared it will be giving demos of its groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ADAS calibration platform at the 2024 SEMA Show. The new platform is designed to leverage AI to streamline the calibration process, reduce errors and improve efficiency.
"ADAS technology is becoming increasingly complex, and accurate calibration solutions are essential for ensuring vehicle safety and functionality," said Tommy Ames, CEO of 1Source ADAS. "Our new platform... simplifies capturing the calibrations required for a specific repair, making it faster and easier for shops to obtain accurate, repair-specific ADAS service info and deliver high-quality repairs."
The 1Source ADAS platform offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline the calibration workflow, including automated calibration identification, OEM-compliant procedures, and cloud-based reporting.
"We're confident that our new platform will revolutionize how shops approach ADAS calibration," said Kirk Carlisle, 1Source ADAS product manager. "By leveraging AI, we're able to deliver a solution to shops seeking ways to get the data needed to repair the vehicle correctly without spending hours looking for what they need to do it."
1Source ADAS will showcase its new AI-powered calibration reporting platform at Booth #36241 in the Collision Repair & Refinish section in the Upper South Hall. Visit its booth for a live demonstration and to learn more about how their platform can help transform your ADAS workflow.
Fuel2Electric: The 'Most Ambitious Vehicle Upcycling Project of All Time'
In a switch-up within the industry, Fuel2Electric (F2E) emerges as one of the most ambitious vehicle upcycling projects ever. Spearheaded by a visionary trio, they are redefining the EV space, filling the bland expanse of factory EVs with vintage automobiles baptized in electricity. For those embarking on the internal combustion engine (ICE) conversion journey, F2E offers a streamlined experience from concept to completion.
Fuel2Electric, which will exhibit at the 2024 SEMA Show, offers a directory with more than 70 vendors and auto shops specializing in EV conversion projects.
With more than 70 specialized vendors and auto shops in its directory, it's a veritable gold mine for anyone seeking conversion expertise. In addition, the F2E hub also doubles as a marketplace for necessary parts and a staging ground for projects waiting to be brought to life.
"Fuel2Electric was established to make EV conversions accessible to all automotive enthusiasts. We are thrilled to collaborate with precursors like EV West, TREMEC Electric GT, and top-notch converters like Moment Motors, Flashdrive and 70 others! Our platform will empower customers to confidently embark on their electrification journey, knowing they have access to top-tier products and services," said Laurent Frugier, co-founder of F2E.
Fuel2Electric isn't just about keeping cars out of museums or dusty garages; it's about setting them free on the highways, with the wind in their grilles and vigorous electric blood flowing through their veins under the hood. It's about the future—one where we don't discard the past, but infuse it with new, high-end technology instead. Visit the F2E Booth #24821 to learn more!
Viral Seat Cover Sensation Expands to Automotive Accessories B2B Marketplace
Seat Cover Solutions, Inc., an emerging leading manufacturer of luxury seat covers and other vehicle interior accessories will exhibit at the SEMA Show for the first time. Launched exclusively online, the Seat Cover Solutions line quickly became a viral sensation, amassing tens of millions of views across social-media platforms. Within just one year, Seat Cover Solutions emerged as the most searched and discovered seat cover brand on the internet, according to the company, and they are using that momentum to resonate with a broader audience and make a significant impact in the automotive accessories market.
Seat Cover Solutions' viral success brings them to the SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, for the first time ever in 2024.
"Our viral success and substantial growth have positioned us perfectly to enter the B2B market," said Grant Pawlak, CEO and co-founder, Seat Cover Solutions. "We're excited to bring our unique, high-quality, easy-to-install seat covers to businesses and showcase our brand at SEMA."
You can see these viral sensations in person in Booth #11974 in North Hall's First Time & Featured Exhibitors section.
Let's be honest, all of the brands on the 2024 SEMA Show floor are essential stops for any attendee, buyer, professional or enthusiast serious about staying informed and competitive in the automotive industry. These booths at SEMA, November 5-8, offer unparalleled access to the latest products, technologies and talent, making them key highlights of the SEMA Show. We'll see you there!
Still need a badge? Attendee, buyer, and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register.
