By: Kristopher Porter

Matt Beenen of Builtright Industries (with check) was named the winner of the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network.

The seventh annual SEMA Launch Pad presented by YEN is accepting applications for new, innovative automotive products/services from business entrepreneurs under age 40. As a reminder, you do not need to be a SEMA member to apply to compete, and if chosen as one of the 15 semi-finalists, your company receives a complimentary membership to SEMA (up to a $1,000 value). 

The SEMA Launch Pad is the premier automotive business competition offering young innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs a platform at the largest automotive aftermarket B2B gathering—the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Through this competition, applicants will be narrowed down to 15 semi-finalists who will be further narrowed down to five finalists via a social media voting campaign. The five finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product to a panel of industry judges in front of a live audience to win the grand prize designed to advance their business.

Ready to learn more and apply? Click here.

2019 Prize Packages

GRAND PRIZE: One Winner

• The finalist, top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:
• $10,000 to be used for the benefit of your business
• Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2019 SEMA Show*
• One full-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News magazine
• Up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage
• SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting

FINALISTS PRIZE: Five Competitors

The top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:

• Invitation to pitch at the live event for the grand prize held on November 4.

TOP TEN: 10 participants

• The semi-finalist prizes plus:
• Complimentary 2019 SEMA Show "Kiosk" Booth*
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show
• Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet
• One-hour mentoring session with an industry leader
• Widespread awareness of your brand and business

SEMI-FINALISTS PRIZE: 15 participants

• One-year SEMA membership.
• Complimentary registration to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 18–19)
• $500 award to be used toward flight cost to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit.
• License to use the SEMA-filmed pitch video on company marketing deliverables.
• Widespread awareness of your business through SEMA communication channels

*All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize-winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes. All prize winners must complete a W-9 in order to receive a prize.

**No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2019 SEMA Show “Kiosk” Booth in New Products Showcase Area or the “Turn-key” Exhibit Space with Premium Placement in the 2020 SEMA Show.

Learn more: Terms & Conditions.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.F. 193) has been introduced in the Iowa Senate to require the issuance of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for all motor vehicles.

Current law allows single license plates on only model year 1948 or older vehicles. The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.F. 193) has been introduced in the Iowa Senate to require the issuance of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for all motor vehicles.

Current law allows single license plates on only model year 1948 or older vehicles. The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) sent its report to President Trump on whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to U.S. national security. The report was not made public and the president now has until mid-May to decide on whether to impose tariffs. If he pursues tariffs, President Trump has many options, from imposing global tariffs of as much as 20% to 25% to targeting the tariffs on certain countries and products.  The DOC investigation applied to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts.   

Last year eight major trade associations formed the “Driving American Jobs” Coalition to oppose the potential tariffs.  The group includes SEMA and represents the broad scope of the auto industry, from automakers and dealers to parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers.  The Coalition has sought to convince the Trump Administration not to pursue tariffs.  The Coalition issued the following statement as the DOC report was transmitted to President Trump on February 17:

Statement: Auto tariffs are a tax on American workers and consumers. A massive 25% tariff will raise the price of cars and motor vehicle parts, strain family budgets and reduce car sales and vehicle repairs. Decreased sales will mean fewer American jobs with wide-ranging effects across our economy that could prove catastrophic. Driving American Jobs will continue to fight for the 10 million Americans whose livelihoods depend on the U.S. auto industry. We strongly urge the Trump Administration to find that the auto industry is not a national security threat.

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

By Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) sent its report to President Trump on whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to U.S. national security. The report was not made public and the president now has until mid-May to decide on whether to impose tariffs. If he pursues tariffs, President Trump has many options, from imposing global tariffs of as much as 20% to 25% to targeting the tariffs on certain countries and products.  The DOC investigation applied to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts.   

Last year eight major trade associations formed the “Driving American Jobs” Coalition to oppose the potential tariffs.  The group includes SEMA and represents the broad scope of the auto industry, from automakers and dealers to parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers.  The Coalition has sought to convince the Trump Administration not to pursue tariffs.  The Coalition issued the following statement as the DOC report was transmitted to President Trump on February 17:

Statement: Auto tariffs are a tax on American workers and consumers. A massive 25% tariff will raise the price of cars and motor vehicle parts, strain family budgets and reduce car sales and vehicle repairs. Decreased sales will mean fewer American jobs with wide-ranging effects across our economy that could prove catastrophic. Driving American Jobs will continue to fight for the 10 million Americans whose livelihoods depend on the U.S. auto industry. We strongly urge the Trump Administration to find that the auto industry is not a national security threat.

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

By Linda Spencer

Take advantage of a popular member benefit by joining SEMA on two promising overseas trips to learn about the potential for your products and meet with pre-vetted buyers:

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 26–31, 2019

Participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turn-key booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Register now!

SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing.

SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference
Melbourne, Australia
May 9–13, 2019

Participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Rumor has it that there are more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx Show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Register now!

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

Take advantage of a popular member benefit by joining SEMA on two promising overseas trips to learn about the potential for your products and meet with pre-vetted buyers:

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 26–31, 2019

Participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turn-key booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Register now!

SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing.

SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference
Melbourne, Australia
May 9–13, 2019

Participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Rumor has it that there are more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx Show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Register now!

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

Take advantage of a popular member benefit by joining SEMA on two promising overseas trips to learn about the potential for your products and meet with pre-vetted buyers:

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 26–31, 2019

Participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turn-key booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Register now!

SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing.

SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference
Melbourne, Australia
May 9–13, 2019

Participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Rumor has it that there are more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx Show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Register now!

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Kyle Cheng

Download the February “Industry Indicators Report” available for free at www.sema.org/research.

Where is the U.S. economy heading? The answer to that question isn’t easy or clear.

On some fronts, there’s tremendous strength. The economy added more than 300,000 new jobs in January, despite the government shutdown. This marks the 100th consecutive month of job gains—the longest streak on record. Additionally, there was more industrial production in December than any other month in history.

In other areas, however, there is continued growth but at a slower pace. Vehicle sales were down 5.1% in January from the previous month, and 3% from a year ago. Additionally, consumer sentiment also dropped last month.

The outlook for the next few months remains solid, but uncertainties intensify after that. The potential of a government shutdown intensifies the uncertainty.

To learn more, download the February “Industry Indicators Report”—now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

Download the February “Industry Indicators Report” available for free at www.sema.org/research.

Where is the U.S. economy heading? The answer to that question isn’t easy or clear.

On some fronts, there’s tremendous strength. The economy added more than 300,000 new jobs in January, despite the government shutdown. This marks the 100th consecutive month of job gains—the longest streak on record. Additionally, there was more industrial production in December than any other month in history.

In other areas, however, there is continued growth but at a slower pace. Vehicle sales were down 5.1% in January from the previous month, and 3% from a year ago. Additionally, consumer sentiment also dropped last month.

The outlook for the next few months remains solid, but uncertainties intensify after that. The potential of a government shutdown intensifies the uncertainty.

To learn more, download the February “Industry Indicators Report”—now available for free at www.sema.org/research.