By SEMA Editors

Quadratec Names Crown Automotive as First-Ever Vendor of the Year

Quadratec Inc. has named New England-based manufacturer Crown Automotive as its 2021 Vendor of the Year.  Crown was chosen following an extensive search across Quadratec's entire vendor lineup, which features more than 500 of the Jeep aftermarket industry's biggest and most known manufacturers.

“Crown exemplifies what we expect from our vendors as a business partner as part of their everyday business practices,” said Quadratec Director of Category Management Phil Rees.

Crown Automotive fully embraced Quadratec’s customer-focused initiatives, provided a constant product supply to achieve superior order fill rates, fulfilled profitability expectations and assisted with numerous marketing efforts over Quadratec’s retail and wholesale sales channels.

“Crown supports our wholesale initiatives with competitive pricing, marketing support and jobber-based sales support,” said Quadratec Wholesale Manager Ray Weaver.

Meyer Distributing Announces Northwest Megahub

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Hermiston, Oregon, megahub. The 170,000-sq.-ft. facility will be expandable in four phases to 728,000 sq. ft. The inventory hub will contain full coverage of automotive, RV and marine accessories and replacement parts as well as outdoor lifestyle, janitorial/sanitation and industrial products to all Northwest population centers in addition to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton in Canada.

“The Northwest has always been a difficult market for us to reach,” says Cody Ziegler, director of sales for Meyer. “With this new inventory hub, we look forward to improving next day delivery service to Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Utah. We appreciate customers that have supported us in the last few years as we’re newer to the region. This is an opportunity for Meyer to say thanks by reinvesting everything back into infrastructure that will in turn help these customers provide faster service, more reliable delivery, and more cost-effective products to those they serve.”

“Minimizing the impact of the mountains and I-84, especially in the winter, will be a huge help,” states Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “Starting the inventory in the Northwest and combining that with 2-day service from both our Kingman and Denver hubs will dramatically improve service levels throughout the Northwest. We will go from around $10 million to $40 million of inventory in less than three years, so we’re definitely putting every dollar and then some back in to higher quality of service we’re more accustomed to providing in other parts of the country where we’re most established.”

MAHLE Motorsport Achieves Five-Year Perfect Safety Report

MAHLE Motorsport has announced that its division, comprised of 125 employees, was able to achieve a five-year manufacturing record with zero lost-time accidents. This sought-after work safety achievement was met March 14, 2022—a full 1,827 total days since the last recordable injury, and was reported by Brad Green, MAHLE Motorsport’s general manager.

DENSO Engineer Wins STEP AHEAD Award

Monique Radersma, a former director of Engineering at DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ontario, has won a STEP Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute. The STEP Ahead Awards annually honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.

Radersma, who retired at the end of last year, began her career at DENSO in 2005. She soon took roles of increasing responsibility and was later promoted to director of Engineering. In this position, she developed a quality management system that helped secure business with a major North American automaker, generating millions in sales. Radersma also helped pioneer the Women in Engineering business resource group at DENSO’s Guelph location and developed programs to grow female team members’ skills.

Outside of work, Radersma continues to advocate for women in STEM, speaking at conferences, mentoring students and supporting education initiatives that encourage young women to explore the sciences.

Now entering its 10th year, the STEP Ahead Awards have celebrated and supported the accomplishments of more than 1,000 outstanding women in manufacturing. On April 28, The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—will recognize Radersma along with 130 other women at a gala event in Washington, D.C.

Atturo Tire Donates $10,000 to 'Keeping Families Covered'

To kick off 2022, Atturo Tire has committed to donating $10,000 to Keeping Families Covered, to help provide basic needs to families in the greater Lake County, Illinois, area. Keeping Families covered is based out of Waukegan, Illinois, and is located next door to Atturo Tires.

Atturo Leadership recently presented their donation to Keeping Families Covered as part of a combined charity event where Atturo Employees assisted in wrapping, packaging and preparing donations to be distributed at an upcoming diaper drive. Atturo has also committed to continue to support Keeping Families Coveredthrough 2022 as a Diamond sponsor of their new “Changing Table” Program.

Brass Knuckle Releases New Catalog

Brass Knuckle’s new catalog showcases gear that stands up to the biggest challenges while maintaining ultimate wearability and style.

Brass Knuckle hand, eye and ergo protection are hard-working tools that can help save a finger, increase productivity, reduce replacement costs and more.

The new catalog is packed with information about each product to make it easier to specify the right one for the task. Everything is covered, from the coatings and base fiber blends of gloves to lens coatings, gaskets, and comfort features of eyewear, and beyond.

Check out what’s new in the Brass Knuckle line, including the wave-making Vader Combo with its superior goggles and integral face shield that moves with the face, not a helmet! Also, a new lineup of great-looking BK-Anti-Fog glasses that feature the strictest anti-fog protection in the world, but still look sleek and fashionable.

R&R Marketing Partners With Klean Freak in Nationwide Promotions

Klean Freak has chosen R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) to promote its products across North America.  

“Not often does a product come along that has a potential sale to every human on the planet,” stated Chuck Lenhart, COO, RRMCI. “The R&R team is extremely excited to help tell the world just how great the Klean Freak personal body wipe product line is. The partnership between RRMCI and Klean Freak could not be better as we all work hard and play hard, and Klean Freak is there to make us look and smell as good as new.”

RANDYS Worldwide Announces New Employee Ownership Program

RANDYS Worldwide Automotive, the parent company of Yukon Gear & Axle, has announced the Team Ownership Program (TOP), designed to give its employees ownership in the company. All RANDYS full-time employees (after 30 days with the company) will receive a grant valued at $10,000. The grants only have cash value at a liquidity event; i.e., company sale or distribution payout. The award grant’s share value will be updated quarterly. Shares are not transferable or saleable and are valid only if the employee is on active status. For more information, visit randysworldwide.com.

Continental Retools REDI-Sensor Website to Deliver More Robust TPMS Training and Education

Continental has launched a redesigned website for its REDI-Sensor Multi-Application TPMS Sensor program. The new website at REDI-Sensor.com, features a wide range of TPMS training and educational resources for professional technicians and shops. It also introduces and showcases the next generation of REDI-Sensor TPMS sensors, which can replace more than 290 different OE sensors and provide coverage for more than 150 million VIO with only four sensors.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors comes to the Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Fairgrounds, April 20–24. While the event is powered by thousands of vendors, millions of items for sale and nearly 100,000 guests from around the world, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase occupies a large footprint between the stage and grandstand, and brings a bit of the SEMA Show from Las Vegas direct to Carlisle.

The ARMO Hot Products Showcase spotlights many of the same items that are found at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The ARMO display is free to guests once through the gates of the Carlisle Fairgrounds and spotlights many of the same items that are found at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Learn more about the ARMO Hot Products Showcase and Spring Carlisle 2022 at carlisleevents.com.

  By Juan Torres

Applications for the 2022 SEMA Show are now available at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. The event taking place November 1–4 in Las Vegas is the premier automotive trade event in the world.

Manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories exhibit at the SEMA Show to promote new products, increase brand awareness, generate leads for future orders, build and strengthen relationships through in-person networking, and generate media coverage.  

“Nothing compares to the SEMA Show. There’s a unique energy and mystique about the Show that makes it the ideal place for manufacturers to promote their products and raise brand awareness,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “With buyers and media from all over the world in attendance, exhibitors have unlimited opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that lead to profitable business partnerships.”

With more than 100,000 professionals in attendance at the 2021 SEMA Show, the event was Las Vegas’ No. 1-attended trade show last year. It also marked the Las Vegas Convention Center’s first full-capacity event since the pandemic. Exhibitors found valuable ROI by participating at the Show, with nearly all participants rating their experience as positive and noting that they plan to return in 2022.

“In-person interactions have greater meaning today than ever before,” said Gattuso. “The ability to communicate face-to-face, witness a live product demonstration, and take a photo with a celebrity is rare. The SEMA Show offers four full days of valuable activity both on and off the Show floor.”

In addition to more than 4.6 million of convention space, the SEMA Show includes interactive experiences, celebrity appearances, unique seminars with dynamic speakers, and unique panel discussions.

Companies may apply for space at the 2022 SEMA Show at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. To be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, applications must be received by Monday, April 4. For more information, visit www.semashow.com.

View the list of participating manufacturers to date.

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the all-electric ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning. The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with Ford’s first ever all-electric F-Series truck.

New F-150 Lightning features will include:

• SuperCrew Four-Door Cab
• Four-Wheel Drive
• 5.5-Foot Cargo Bed
• Extended-Range Battery Option
• Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 Technology (ADAS)

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited.

Event Dates: April 11–April 15

Details and registration for the SEMA Garage '22 Ford F-150 Lightning Measuring Session.

By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio and Carr Winn

Nissan Product Planning Manager for Nissan North America Sam Cates provides a behind-the-scenes look at the ’23 Nissan Z, which was the featured vehicle at a recent SEMA Garage Measuring Session.

The seventh-generation Nissan Z is powered by a 3L V6 twin turbo, which is the same powerhouse featured in Infiniti's Q50 and Q60 Red Sport 400 models.

By Rachel Tatum

Alex Taylor will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything,” Tuesday, March 29, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).

Alex (@alextaylorracing), owner of Alex Taylor Racing, is a builder, racer and automotive content creator within the high-performance automotive industry. Taylor has grown up in the automotive world and began racing the car that she and her parents built and at the age of 16. She was the youngest competitor at Hot Rod Drag Week. She devotes as much time to content creation as she does with building and racing, producing and sharing videos of her build updates, installs and racing adventures. Taylor and her dad recently built a new full-tube chassis ’55 Chevy that she will use to take her racing career up a notch—she plans to upgrade her NHRA license later this year.

SEMA continues to actively recruit automotive influencers for the SEMA Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.

Nearly 680 applications have been received for the '22-'23 SEMA Scholarship Program. The program issues funds to students and recent graduates who aspire to lead the industry. Volunteers are needed to assist with reviewing applications and selecting winners.

Becoming a SEMA scholarship judge is a fantastic volunteer opportunity to give back to the industry and connect to the next generation of up-and-coming automotive talent. The entire evaluation process is online and easy to use. There is great flexibility and a variety of time commitment options, so volunteers can create a schedule that works best for them.

Judging begins April 4 and continues until May 16. To learn more and apply, visit the SEMA Scholarship Judge Application.  

For general details about the SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness program, visit www.sema.org/scholarships. 

By Ashley Reyes

Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) are the fastest-selling type of vehicle in the United States, accounting for 45% of passenger vehicles sold in 2021. They are also the most common type of vehicle on the road, accounting for almost one in four vehicles on the road, according to the new “CUV Market Snapshot” from SEMA Market Research.

The report, which helps businesses better understand the CUV market and identify opportunities, provides detailed analysis on the CUV landscape, opportunities for the aftermarket, accesorizer profiles and an outlook for the future.

As vehicle preferences among Americans change, light trucks (pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans) are becoming a larger share of the overall vehicle population. OEMs are shifting production away from passenger cars to more profitable light-truck platforms, largely driven by CUVs.

Additional key findings from the SEMA report include:

• Consumers spent $7.7 billion on specialty-equipment parts for CUVs in 2020—more than was spent on SUVs.
• Off-roading is an emerging opportunity segment within the CUV market. Thirteen percent of CUVs modified in 2020 were taken off-road, and vehicle manufacturers are introducing new options to their CUV lineups specifically aimed at off-road enthusiasts.
• Electrification is coming to the CUV market. Forty new electric CUV models are slated to be released in the next three years.
• By 2035, 59% of new CUVs sold are expected to be electric, hybrid, plug-in, or fuel cell.
• 47% of CUV accessorizers research parts using social media or online videos.
• There are currently more than 130 CUV models on the road, and more than 170 models projected to be sold from 2022–2028.
• CUV accessorizers can be found in any age group. The diverse spread of makes and models make these vehicles a match for almost anyone.

The complete “CUV Market Snapshot” is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research.

This report is the focus of the upcoming SEMA webinar, “CUV Market Snapshot – Emerging Opportunities,” on March 31.

Register for the Emerging Opportunities webinar.

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Manufacturer—(3) Open Seats

• Brian Herron, Opus IVS
• John Torvinen, Performance Assembly Solutions
• Kathryn Reinhardt (Incumbent), 4WP Factory/Pro Comp/Rubicon Express/Smittybilt
• Marcus Umlauff, Toyota Motor North America
• Melanie White (Incumbent), Hellwig Products
• Norris Marshall, Marshall Engines/BluePrint Engines

Manufacturers' Rep—(1) Open Seat

• Mark Taylor, KAM Marketing
• Richard Butler, R&R Marketing Consultants

Voting will take place online May 10-19, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning Friday, April 29. Winners will be announced by June 1.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA applauds Kansas lawmakers for passing H.B. 2594, “Exempting certain modifications on antique vehicles from vehicle identification number offense seizures and dispositions,” as a critical step forward in protecting the rights of restorers and owners of classic vehicles in the state.

SEMA-backed Kansas law H.B. 2594 will exempt certain modifications on antique vehicles from VIN offense seizures and dispositions.

The catalyst for the legislation came from an automotive enthusiast in Kansas who purchased his dream car in 2017—a ’59 Corvette convertible—from a dealership across state lines in Indiana. When he tried to register the car back home in Kansas, the Kansas Highway Patrol seized it as “contraband.” According to Kansas state law at the time, the Corvette must be crushed and has been sitting in a Topeka impound lot ever since, while the owner pleads his case in the state court system.

Under the previous Kansas law, police were required to seize and destroy any car on which the vehicle identification number (VIN) “has been destroyed, removed, altered or defaced.” There was no exception for a car lawfully purchased by someone who had no reason to be aware of its VIN issues. In the case of this ’59 Corvette, the dashboard VIN plate had been removed years ago during the car’s restoration and reapplied with new rivets.

Upon learning of the case in late 2021, SEMA worked with Kansas Rep. Leo Delperdang to introduce H.B. 2594 and prevent this from happening again. The new law protects restorers and owners of classic vehicles while not impeding law enforcement from carrying out their duties. It clarifies that a VIN may be removed from an antique vehicle “if the removal and reinstallation are reasonably necessary for repair or restoration unless the person knows or has reason to know that the antique vehicle is stolen.”

The bill cleared both the Kansas House and Senate unanimously and has now been signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly. It can be viewed in its entirety here.

While an extreme case, the Kansas enthusiast’s experience prompted SEMA to begin evaluating other states’ language to help ensure this severe incident remains an isolated occurrence. The process seeks to add clarification to similar existing laws to protect classic car restorers and owners.

In Arizona, SEMA-supported legislation (H.B. 2480) has been introduced to allow complete restoration of pre-’81 vehicles, including temporary removal of the VIN when necessary. H.B. 2480 changes existing law to allow the removal and reinstallation of a VIN on pre-’81 vehicles if reasonably necessary for repair or restoration. Prior to the new bill, enthusiasts who intentionally removed or altered a VIN, regardless of reason or vehicle model year, were guilty of a felony.

The Arizona bill passed the legislature and awaits approval or veto by Gov. Doug Ducey. The bill can be viewed here.

These bills are just two examples of the work SEMA undertakes every day to protect the automotive hobby and our freedom to pursue them. To learn more about SEMA’s legislative activities, visit www.semasan.com.