Andrew Stacy is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Stacy is a marketing manager at The AAM Group, a leading program distribution group and specialty marketing firm serving the automotive aftermarket.
Get to know Stacy in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Andrew Stacy: The best advice I have probably ever received is just simply to have confidence. There are many times throughout my professional career where I’ve found myself questioning why or how I’m in the position I’m in. One of my previous mentors said to me a long time ago something that I still use to this day to alleviate that confidence issue. He said, “Walk into any meeting or situation and act like you own the place.” Now, when he said this, he didn’t mean to act like a jerk to everyone else and act like a know-it-all. He meant to act as though you belong, and through that, you’ll have more and more confidence in each professional situation.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
AS: I’ve been a car guy basically my entire life. Working in this industry doesn’t feel like work! Working in this industry provides me with a bit more insight into the business side of things, rather than just the outside “enthusiast” aspect of it. I love that.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
AS: You can find me driving through the mountains of North Carolina or Tennessee, or hiking up them.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
AS: I prepare an agenda, review notes and do any necessary research into the subject matter of the meeting.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
AS: I would love to hang around Ken Block or any of the Hoonigans. They seem to love having a good time with anything car related.
If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA eNews and FLN member updates.
Jonathan Barber of Bob Cook Sales Earns CPMR Designation
Jonathan Barber of Bob Cook Sales has earned his Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) designation, the company announced. CPMR candidates invest one week annually for three years to gain knowledge and insight into operating a more progressive and efficient rep firm, the company said. In addition, they acquire an international network of colleagues from many industries. Graduates earn the right to use the designation and gain membership to MRERF’s Institute for Professional Advancement (IPA). Bob Cook Sales currently has six agents with their CPMR certification: Barber, Cathy Clark, Ryan Davenport, Mike Katz, Eddie Hamilton and Les Rudd. Barber currently serves on the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), which focuses on cultivating young talent in the automotive aftermarket and covers the Southeast territory, including Louisiana and parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
eTool Developers Celebrates Landmark Anniversary
Luanne Brown
Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers, has announced the company recently celebrated a milestone anniversary: 20 years as a premier provider of Internet-based software solutions for the automotive aftermarket.
A recognized authority in her field, Brown—a former member of SEMA's Board of Directors—founded eTool Developers in 2001 after attending her first SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the course of two decades, the firm has amassed an impressive client roster, including Action Trucks, AMP Research, Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), Bushwacker, Husky Liners, Superlift Suspensions, Truck Hero and Westin Automotive.
In reflecting on the company’s longevity, Brown credited those who’ve contributed to eTool’s success. “Special thanks to our clients, our team and all who have helped me over the years. I am extremely grateful to have discovered the automotive aftermarket and all the wonderful people who work in this industry. It has been an incredible 20 years, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Beyond serving on the SEMA Board, Brown previously chaired the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the SEMA Cares Committee. She is a recipient of SBN’s Athena Award and the Spirit of Leadership Award presented by the Women’s Automotive Association International. Brown currently sits on the board of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.
BorgWarner to Acquire Santroll Automotive Components
BorgWarner has announced that it will acquire Santroll Automotive Components, a carve-out of Santroll Electric Auto and Santroll Automotive Components’ eMotor business. BorgWarner said that the acquisition is expected to strengthen its vertical integration, scale and portfolio breadth in light vehicle e-motors while allowing for increased speed to market. Closing is expected in the late first quarter of 2022 and is subject to closing conditions. Based in Tianjin, China, Santroll designs and manufactures hairpin and concentrated-winding technology eMotors for light vehicles and supplies its patented technology to the Chinese OEM market. For more information, visit borgwarner.com.
IMS Museum Announces Key Promotions, New Hire
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum President Joe Hale has announced new senior leadership. Mandi Bender has been promoted to vice president of operations after joining as director of guest experience and events in March 2021. Bender will manage the day-to-day functioning of the Museum, including guest services, ticketing, events and visitor amenities. Additionally, Bender will supervise the museum's support services and maintenance and serve as a primary liaison with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Jason Vansickle has been promoted to vice president of curation and education. Vansickle has been with the museum since 2011, having served in numerous roles most recently as curator since 2018. Vansickle will oversee new exhibition creation and content development. He will continue to oversee the collection, restoration department, and work to develop the Museum's educational programming.
Kara Kovert Pray was hired as vice president of marketing and communications. Kovert Pray was most recently at Newfields as the director of marketing. Prior, she worked at the Indiana Sports Corp as the director of marketing and public relations. Kovert Pray will oversee all marketing and communication efforts for the museum, including press coverage, advertising, and overall marketing strategy. For more information, visit imsmuseum.org.
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.
Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open at www.sema.org/hof.
Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.
“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.
“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”
Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including:
Agosta, Matt (Steele Rubber Products)
Airheart, Bob (Bob Airheart Sales)
Alderson, Don (Muldoon Engineering)
Amato, Joe (Keystone Automotive Warehouse)
Appelgate, Brian (B&M Racing & Performance)
Arias Jr., Nick (Arias Pistons)
Arkus-Duntov, Zora (Chevorlet Motor Division)
Ayres, Joel (Automtoive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation)
Babcox, Tom (Babcox Publications)
Baney, Lou (SEMA)
Barnett, Don (Speed Warehouse)
Barris, George (Barris Kustom Industries)
Barsamian, Rich (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.)
Bartlett, John (Grant Piston Rings)
Baskerville, Gray (Hot Rod Magazine)
Belond, Sandy (Belond Mufflers)
Bingham, Jim (Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.)
Black, Keith (Keith Black Racing Engines)
Bleiweis, Raymond (Rocket Industries)
Blum, Charles R. (SEMA)
Bobins, Chuck (CB Sales)
Bolio, Steve (Scafidi-Bolio & Associates)
Borick, Louis (Superior Industries)
Borré, Dan (Keith Black Performance Inc.)
Borré, Jim (Manik Motors)
Brock, Ray (Petersen Publishing)
Brothers, Paul "Scooter" (Competition Cams, Inc.)
Brown, Ray (Superior Industries)
Cahill, Robert (Chrysler Corp., Mopar Division)
Campbell, Ben, Nighthorse (Senator)
Card, Charley (Honest Charley's)
Carleton, GiGi (Robert E. Petersen Foundation)
Cepek, Dick (Dick Cepek Inc.)
Chandler, Bob (Bigfoot 4x4 Inc.)
Chapouris, Pete (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
Chrisman, Art (Chrisman’s Auto Rod Specialist – CARS)
Coddington, Boyd (Boyds Wheels)
Coker, Corky (Coker Tires)
Coleman, Ron (Competition Cams)
Cook, Bob (Book Cook Sales)
Cornelison, Nile (Direct Communications Inc.)
Cozzie, Jim (Brenton Productions Inc.)
Crane, Harvey J. (Crane Cams)
Crower, Bruce (Crower Cams)
Day, Dick (Petersen Publishing Co.)
Deane, Russ (SEMA General Counsel)
Deist, Jim (Deist Safety Equipment)
Diamond, Murray (Plasticolor Molded Products)
Douglass, Howard (Douglass Mufflers)
Eatherly, Donnie (P&E Distributors Inc.)
Economaki, Chris (National Speed Sport News)
Edelbrock Jr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
Edelbrock Sr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
Elliott, Ed (Elliott-McMullen Advertising)
Elliott, George (Argus Publishers)
Evans, Doug (Bonnier Corporation)
Faulk, Amy (Hypertech Inc.)
Fishel, Herb (The Business of Motorsports)
Foose, Chip (Foose Design)
Foote, George (Karbelt Speed & Custom)
Foulger, Donna Imrie (SEMA)
France Sr., Bill (NASCAR)
Funfar, Run (Hedman Manufacturing)
Gage, Dennis (MadStache Inc.)
Gaines, John (G&M Performance Parts)
Garlits, Don (Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing)
Garner, Willie (Trans-Dapt)
Giampetroni, Angelo (Ford Motor Company)
Goldberg, Harvey (Goldberg Marketing Inc.)
Goldstein, Jack (Jack Goldstein & Associates)
Granatelli, Andy (Consultant)
Grant, Eric
Halibrand, Ted (Halibrand Engineering)
Harman, Kenny (Harman Collins Inc.)
Harris, Jack (Rush Sales)
Hart, C.J. (Lion's Drag Strip)
Hart, Jack (NHRA)
Hays, Bill (Centerforce Clutches)
Hedman, Bob (Hedman Manufacturing)
Heffington, Mark (Hypertech Inc.)
Hibler, Harry (Nanotech Fuel Corp.)
Hilborn, Stuart (Fuel Injection Engineering Co.)
Hiltz, Stan (Thrush Mufflers)
Holding, Dennis (Direct Parts Inc.)
Hooker, Gary (Hooker Headers)
Hrudka, Joe (Mr. Gasket Co.)
Hurst, George (Hurst Shifters)
Iskenderian, Ed (Isky Racing Cams)
Kagan, Leo (Amco Manufacturing)
Kawasaki, Wade (Coker Group)
Keller, Bob (Turbonetics, Inc.)
Kerr, Jim (Jim Kerr & Associates)
Konblett, Sheldon (SC Performance)
Kuhns, Arnold (SFI Foundation Inc.)
Lahmann, Butch (American Specialty Equipment)
Larivee Sr., Bob (Promotions Inc.)
LeSage, Burke
Leslie, Roy (Kenz & Leslie Accessories Ltd.)
Light, Jerry (Speed Warehouse)
Lipper, Ray (Center Line Wheel Corp.)
Lohn, Els (Ansen Enterprises)
Mallory, Boots (Mallory Ignition)
Martin, Dick
Maxwell, Dick (Chrysler Corporation)
McClelland, Dave (Diamond P Sports)
McFarland, Jim (AutoCom)
McJannett, Bob (Performance Improvements)
McMullen, Richard
Meguiar, Barry (Meguiar’s)
Menzler, John (COMP Performance Group)
Moon, Dean (Moon Equipment Co.)
Moore, Marla (Coker Tire)
Moroso, Dick (Moroso Performance Products)
Offenhauser, Fred (Offenhauser Equipment Corp.)
Olson, Carl (SFI Foundation Inc.)
Parks, Wally (NHRA)
Patteri, Robert (Patteri Sales)
Perry, Bill (Bill Perry and Associates)
Petersen, Robert E. (Petersen Publishing)
Piggins, Vince (Chevorlet Motor Division)
Pink, Ed (Ed Pink Racing Engines)
Pisano, Joe (Venolia Pistons)
Prudhomme, Don (Don Prudhomme Racing)
Raleigh, Don (Don's Speed Shop)
Reed, Alan (IMARC)
Richter, Roy (Cragar Industries)
Rifchin, Marvin (M&H Tires)
Roberts, Red (McLeod Industries)
Rollins, Rick (Superchips, Inc.)
Scafidi, John (Hurst Shifters)
Schiefer, Paul (Schiefer Equipment Co.)
Schubeck, Joe
Schwartz, Chuck (ConvExx)
Senter, Louis (Senter Engineering Corp.)
Shedden, Tom (Cragar Industries)
Shelby, Carroll (Shelby Automotives)
Shelton, Nate (B&M Automotive Group)
Sigman, Ben (Sigman-Pittman)
Simmons, John (SECO Performance Centers)
Simpson, Bill (Simpson Racing Products)
Smith, Bill (Speedway Motors)
Smith, Don (High Performance Distributors)
Spar, Bob (B&M Automotive)
St. Lawrence, Joe (RTM Studios)
Stroppe, Bill (Bill Stroppe & Son)
Thompson, Mickey (Mickey Thompson Enterprises)
Thomson, Chris (TMG Performance Group)
Towle, John (Performance Warehouse Association)
Van Cleve, Charlie (Hedman/TD Performance)
Van Cleve, Dick (Van Cleve & Associates)
Vandergriff, Robert (Hedman/TD Performance)
Vaughn, Jim (Mr. Phone)
Vaughn, Linda (Hurst Performance Products)
Warn, Thurston (Warn Industries)
Weber, Harry (Weber Cams)
Weiand, Joan (Weiand Industries)
Weiand, Phil (Weiand Automotive Industries)
Wells, Dick (SEMA)
Winfield, Ed (Winfield Carburetors)
Wirth, Jim (Wirth & Wirth Advertising)
Woodell, Van (Weathers Auto Supply)
Woomer, Steve (Competition Specialties)
Worthan, Rolan “Jeep” (Auto Meter Products, Inc.)
Xydias, Alex (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
Yunick, Henry “Smokey”
In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.
Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.
In partnership with Nissan, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, has announced a Measuring Session for the all-new ’23 Nissan Z, March 15–18.
The performance-grade Nissan Z is equipped with a standard twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque and six-speed manual transmission.
The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the newly designed Z.
The event will feature a Performance grade level Z, equipped with:
A standard twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
Six-speed manual transmission.
U.S. market consumers will have the option of a Sport- or Performance-grade vehicle, six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission, as well as a special-edition Proto Spec (limited to just 240 units).
Please note that 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. All attendees will be required to sign an NDA upon arrival. Photography will be limited during the event.
*All registered attendees will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing during their appointment. With the exception of wheels & tires, there will be no disassembly of this vehicle.
SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.
Mishimoto
Wheel Spacers
Mishimoto's wheel spacers are direct-fit and available in multiple bolt patterns. The wheel spacers are available for Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-Series, Honda and more.
CRP Automotive
Direct-Fit Audi Turbo Coolant Return Hose Replacement
CRP Automotive offers the Rein Automotive Turbo Coolant Return Hose CHT0688 as a direct replacement for Audi P/N 06H121492D on a wide range of Audi models. The hose is designed to ensure trouble-free installation and does not require any adapters. The part also comes with the needed washers and hose clamp.
Rein Turbo Coolant Return Hoses are designed to withstand the high demands of automotive turbo systems. They are manufactured with premium OE quality materials to offer maximum protection from premature failures. Excessive heat, oil and ozone are factors that can break down rubber and cause hose failure.
The new WORX Nitro 20V ½-in. Brushless Impact Wrench is a compact, lightweight powerhouse. This brushless impact wrench busts loose and tightens stubborn nuts, bolts and lugs, and it’s not limited to automotive use.
Instead of a lug wrench, the new WORX Nitro 20V ½-in. Brushless Impact Wrench applies the necessary torque to break free, spin or tighten lug nuts in no time at all.
The cordless impact wrench is equipped with a Nitro brushless motor for enhanced output, performance and dependability. The maintenance-free, brushless motor runs cooler with less friction and heat buildup than conventional motors with brushes.
The impact wrench provides three no-load speeds of 0-1300/2000 and 2900 rpm. The tool’s impact rate is 0-2000/3200 and itWORX Nitro 20V .5-in. Impact Wrench delivers 3,600 impacts-per-minute (ipm). The tool’s maximum torque is 2664 in.-lbs. Speed, impact and torque ranges are selected through the wrench’s digital keypad. Pressing the keypad advances the tool’s torque from low (1), to medium (2) and high (3). The fourth keypad is for driving screws with a screw icon ID.
Streamlight Inc. introduced the BearTrap high-power work light that delivers up to 2,000 lumens. Featuring both spot and flood beams, the light can rotate 270 degrees in its frame and clamps to virtually any surface or stands hands-free. It also features a magnetic base and a hanging hook for more placement options.
The work light provides six output modes, including three spot and three flood settings. The BearTrap’s flood mode fills work areas with soft, bright light, ranging from 2,000 lumens on high with a 2.5-hour run time to 575 lumens on low, with an 8.75-hour run time. In spot mode, the light provides a white concentrated beam for specific task lighting, ranging from 1,000 lumens on high for 4.5 hours to 325 lumens on low for 12.5 hours.
AudioControl has introduced the ACR-U universal volume control, a premium performance, highly durable level control that will improve the performance and user experience for OEM audio upgrades, classic car entertainment systems, marine audio installations and more.
The ACR-U is a passive control and takes RCA audio inputs into a compact receiver that connects to the volume control via standard ethernet cable for wire runs up to four hundred feet with zero loss—ideal for luxury yachts and other large-scale projects.
Users will appreciate that the ACR-U is a linear control, offering a smooth, even increase/decrease in output with the rotation of the knob. The ACR-U has been conformal coated for durability against the elements.
Companies planning to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show need to submit booth space applications and deposit prior to Monday, April 4, to participate in the Priority Space Selection process.
The space selection takes place May 2–18, and provides exhibitors with the opportunity to secure the best location for their SEMA Show display. The selection process is based on exhibitor seniority.
The 2022 SEMA Show space selection process takes place May 2–18, and provides exhibitors with the opportunity to secure the best location for their SEMA Show display.
The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Complete information about the 2022 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.
The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.
LoPro Wireless Solar-Powered Truck CAB LED Light System
The NEW LoPro series Wireless Solar-powered marker cab light system is revolutionary to the marketplace and gives you sharp and bright LED cab lights on your vehicle, but with no drilling, no holes, no wiring and no problems! Eliminate water leakage, corrosion on your roof and major issues with wired kits. The wireless cab light kit is easy to install, and after the first initial power on, takes care of the rest using light and vibration sensors to control the light. When the vehicle is moving, the sensor picks up the light vibration and turns the lights on so as it is dark out. Within 1–2 minutes after the vehicle is shut off, and the vibration stops, the cab lights will shut off on their own.
Looking for a ’19+ RAM 1500 light bar system with a seamless look? This unique LED system provides functional forward lighting while maintaining a factory appearance. Our high-powered 100W LED light bar is fitted into a housing that is designed to mimic the shape of the original factory bumper and integrate into the front end of the ’19+ RAM 1500 TRX or Rebel. Available in white or yellow LED emitters for a custom lighting solution. The projection is a mixed beam, so the user has the advantages of both a wide field of vision and a long narrow beam. The rugged construction of the RAM light bar provides durability in any condition, and the expertly designed system exhibits high-performance illumination with a seamless appearance.
Borgeson Universal now offers the only quick ratio power steering box to replace the Saginaw/Delphi 800 series in the ’68–’91 Chevrolet K and V Series trucks. This all-new power steering box has a quick 12.7:1 ratio with firm modern steering feel. The Borgeson Street & Performance power steering box will bolt directly to the stock location and fit to the original power steering pitman arms. Steering box includes adapters to be able to use either O-ring or flare-style hose connections. This new Borgeson steering box uses a ¾-in.-30 spline input shaft and all pre-’77 trucks will require a new rag joint connector #990012.
In-Channel Incredibly Durable Rain Guards for Ford F-150 ’15–’22 SuperCrew, Original Window Deflectors, Vent Deflector, Vent Window Visors, Dark Smoke Truck Accessories
CLIM ART window deflectors are specially designed to deflect rain, wind and snow to make car rides a more enjoyable experience for you and your family. They are an attractive smokey-gray color for added sun protection while also adding to the appearance of your vehicle. CLIM ART window deflectors are car-wash friendly. Package includes two front deflectors, two rear deflectors, installation instruction and degrease wipes. They are made of special, shatterproof, flexible polycarbonate. You can be sure that your window deflectors will not break during installation or use.
Introducing the new and improved Handle-Keeper. Using Quick Fist USA technology and material, the new and improved Handle-Keeper holds the Hi-Lift Jack’s handle to the upright steel bar, keeping it in place when not in use and eliminating “rattling” during transportation and storage. The new and improved Handle-Keeper works with all Hi-Lift Jack models and sizes. It easily attaches to the Hi-Lift Jack Handle and clamps to the steel standard bar when not in use. The new and improved design allows for proper use of the Hi-Lift Jack. The handle can be operated fully while raising and/or lowering without removing the Handle-Keeper. Still available in two colors: black (Mfr #HK-B) and red (Mfr #HK-R).
ENEOS Fully Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20 is formulated from 100% synthetic base oil, providing superior fuel saving performance, thermal and oxidation breakdown resistance. These oils flow better at cold temperatures, reducing wear on critical engine parts at start up.
Features:
Formulated from 100% synthetic base.
Meets latest industry standards, API SP and ILSAC GF-6A.
The SEMA-supported “INFORM Consumers Act,” H.R. 5502, passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the “America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength Act of 2022” (America COMPETES Act), H.R. 4521. The INFORM Consumers Act, which appears as Section 20213 of the larger bill, is designed to protect Americans from criminals who sell counterfeit and stolen goods through online marketplaces. Below are highlights of the INFORM Consumers Act:
Requires online marketplaces to verify certain information about high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products (sellers who make 200 or more discrete sales or transactions totaling at least $5,000 during any continuous 12-month period in the last 24 months), including the seller’s bank account number, business tax identification number or a taxpayer identification number and contact information.
High-volume third-party sellers with $20,000 in annual gross revenue through an online marketplace would have to disclose to consumers the full name of the seller or company, business address and contact info (current working email address, phone number or other direct electronic messaging for the seller) after each sale.
Empowers online marketplaces to suspend high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products who do not provide the required information within 10 days of the request from the online marketplace.
SEMA is advocating for Congress to pass the INFORM Consumers Act in coordination with our partners that compromise the Buy Safe America Coalition, a diverse group of retailers, consumer groups, manufacturers, intellectual property advocates and law enforcement officials who support efforts at all levels of government to protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods.
“We are alarmed by the danger posed to unsuspecting consumers when they purchase what they believe to be legitimate auto parts and equipment,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA’s vice president of government and legal affairs. “The reality is that major sources of counterfeit products are internet consumer purchases that arrive in the United States via postal and overnight carriers. We are confident that by passing commonsense legislation like the INFORM Consumers Act, we can stop these bad actors from selling dangerous counterfeit automotive parts and equipment to unsuspecting consumers.”
There has been a steep rise in the sale of counterfeit automotive parts on online marketplaces, posing a threat to the safety of U.S. consumers. The coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated the issue of counterfeit product sales, as traffic toward e-commerce has grown and current regulatory standards fail to hold third-party marketplaces accountable.
A recent study published by the Buy Safe America Coalition found that illegitimate imports entering the U.S. cost domestic retailers nearly $54.1 billion in sales annually, and more than 39,000 jobs in wholesaling and 280,000 retail jobs—paying more than $13.6 billion in wages and benefits to workers—were lost because of counterfeit production.
The U.S. House-passed America COMPETES Act is the counterpart to the U.S. Senate-passed “United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021” (USICA), S. 1260, which did not include the INFORM Consumers Act. The House and Senate are expected to conference the two bills and reconcile their differences. SEMA and its coalition partners will advocate of inclusion of the INFORM Consumers Act in the final consensus bill produced by the two houses.
For additional information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a final rule amending the federal motor vehicle safety standard regulating lighting equipment (FMVSS No. 108) to include performance-based standards for adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights. ADB headlights or “smart headlights,” which have been permitted on vehicles in Europe since 2006, operate as high-beam headlights and automatically dim portions of the beam when oncoming vehicles are detected by sensors.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill that was signed into law last year mandated that NHTSA update FMVSS No. 108 to allow for this technology. The final rule permits the use of ABD headlights on new vehicles as well as aftermarket installation of these systems, both for replacing original equipment and replacing a non-ADB headlight.
For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
California Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord) introduced SEMA-supported legislation (AB 1951) that would create the California Manufacturing Attraction and Development Exemption (CA MADE). If passed, the CA MADE exemption would eliminate the sales tax on most manufacturing equipment purchases. SEMA members are encouraged to register their support for the bill by clicking here.
If enacted, California would join 38 other states that currently have full exemptions on manufacturing equipment from sales and use tax. This exemption would change the current, narrowly applied exemption, and focuses on improving cost competitiveness to spur investment in California. Accounting for both local and state taxes, California’s ranks among the highest tax rates in the country.
Assembly Member Grayson is a member of the SEMA State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus 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. Included in the Grayson’s collection are two classic Ford Mustangs.
For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
Andrew Stacy is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Stacy is a marketing manager at The AAM Group, a leading program distribution group and specialty marketing firm serving the automotive aftermarket. 
