By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and businesses in the restylers/accessory market are invited to join the council for a virtual membership and volunteer meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) / 12:00 p.m. (CST) / 1:00 p.m. (EST).

The meeting is the best time to learn about what PRO is currently working on and find out how to get more involved with the council and industry at large. Attendees will discover the many benefits associated with volunteering, the different levels of volunteerism, and about the various programs designed to help restylers grow their businesses through programs such as the PRO Cup Challenge and the new PRO Car Show program.

Register here.

News and updates from the specialty-equipment industry.

Covercraft Acquires Lloyd Mats

Covercraft announced the acquisition of Lloyd Mats, an industry-leading manufacturer of custom-fit carpeted floor and cargo mats. Since 1978, Lloyd Mats has developed a comprehensive library of vehicle application-specific patterns in the custom floor mat category.

The company offers multiple branded, licensed and personalized versions of its floor mats across dozens of colors and carpet styles. The acquisition is the first completed under Covercraft’s new ownership, Audax Private Equity (“Audax”). 

SEMA Data's Jonathan Briseno Wins 2022 ACPN Scholarship

The Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, named Jonathan Briseno of SEMA Data as the 2022 ACPN Scholarship winner. The ACPN Scholarship is awarded to one individual who has the passion and determination to pursue professional and personal growth. The scholarship provides opportunity to attend the 2022 ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference—a gathering of content professionals and service providers in the aftermarket.

The ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference is set to take place May 15–18, in Orlando, Florida, during the Auto Care Connect event. ACPN’s mission is to educate, inspire and connect industry professionals who specialize in the management of automotive product related content.

For more information about the ACPN scholarship, click here.

Christine Bowser Appointed President of Pinnacle Media

Christine Bowser has been appointed president of Pinnacle Media, a full-service marketing communications agency serving clients in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial and financial services sectors. The agency’s founder, Drew Shippy, will remain with the firm as chairman and CEO.

Bowser joined Pinnacle in 2002 as a public relations account executive. She most recently served as vice president and director of account service, overseeing the company’s relationships with clients throughout North America.

In turning over daily operation of the company to Bowser, Shippy will focus on assisting Pinnacle clients, both in North America and Europe, with marketing strategy and content development.

RYNO Classifieds Launches $60,000 Racer Support Tour Sponsorship Program

RYNO Classifieds has announced its Racer Support Tour with $60,000 of sponsorship payouts. The promotion details are available at www.RYNO.com, where every type of racer can signup, create a profile, and get ready for the voting to begin on February 7.  Fans, friends and family can cast their vote for their favorite racers, and vote daily for multiple racers and show the support they need to continue to push the limits. The racer with the most votes during the week wins a $1,000 sponsorship check from RYNO and our sponsors.

A racer with a solid support team and the passion for pushing the social-media channels to gain votes will have the opportunity to win up to $30,000 in sponsorship checks during the 30 weeks of the Racers Support Tour.

NPW Miami Acquires Jim’s Auto Parts of Ft. Lauderdale

National Performance Warehouse announced the acquisition of Jim’s Auto Parts. Jim’s, owned by Jim Arpin, has been in business since 1962 and is the last of the Broward Group of stores that is now under NPW management. The Broward Group was the largest independent group of auto parts stores in South Florida. Jim’s Auto will continue to fly the Bumper to Bumper banner.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) are invited to a cross-council mixer on Thursday, February 3, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., at King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California.

The cross-council mixer at King of the Hammers is the ideal opportunity for attendees to meet new contacts and strengthen existing connections.

The event is located inside the VIP tent and will provide the ideal opportunity for attendees to meet new contacts and strengthen existing connections. Participants will be updated on resources and volunteer opportunities available in the industry, watch the short-course race and learn about land use and stewardship from the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA).

King of the Hammers attendees who are not current TORA, ETTN or SBN members but are interested in getting more involved are invited to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn about what SEMA councils and networks have to offer.

Registration, although not required, is encouraged so that event organizers can plan accordingly. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.   

Learn more and RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

Within SEMA are nine niche-specific groups where members can connect with others who share common goals, interests and challenges.

While each group addresses the needs and promotes awareness of its particular market, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is at the forefront of building awareness of the benefits of vehicle accessorization.

In today’s ever-changing market, it is critical that companies involved in vehicle accessorization have a means to address and speak out through a unified voice in issues that influence and impact the restyling industry. PRO is that influential voice.
The council invites all companies active in vehicle accessorization to join the cause and will host a virtual meeting for all current and prospective members who are interested in getting more involved within the council and industry at large.

Taking place virtually on January 27, at 12:00 p.m. (PST), the meeting will provide attendees an opportunity to engage with council leadership on PRO’s initiatives for 2022, get updates on the PRO Cup Challenge and learn about PRO’s New Car Show program—designed to increase consumer engagement within the restyling and aftermarket community at automotive shows.

Register here.

[Editors' Note: The current SEMA Scholarship application information can be found at www.sema.org/scholarships].

The 2022 SEMA Scholarship application period for students preparing for careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open and will run through March 1. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. A loan-forgiveness component is also available to employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed and are currently paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical school within the United States.

“College is expensive and for current students and recent graduates who have outstanding student debt, receiving a SEMA scholarship or loan forgiveness can help ease financial concerns,” said Chris Standifer, project manager, recognition programs at SEMA. “Reducing costs also means students have more time to focus their studies toward a career in our industry. This gives them a competitive advantage empowering them to reach their academic and career goals.”

The annual scholarship program is a cornerstone of SEMA’s efforts to support career development and access in the automotive industry. In addition to the scholarship and loan-forgiveness program, aspiring industry professionals have access to SEMA’s career center, resources, job posting center and more. Scholarship winners will also have the opportunity to attend the 2022 SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens 18 years or older and demonstrate a passion for automotive hobbies and careers. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, including but not limited to accounting, sales, marketing and engineering. Eligible students and SEMA-member company employees can apply until March 1, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

This story was originally published on January 13, 2022. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

 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.

Motul Launches TEKMA Line of Lubricants for Diesel Engines

Motul has announced its TEKMA line of heavy-duty lubricants for diesel engines. Formulated to address the most demanding conditions with zero compromise in performance, Motul TEKMA engine oils are designed to deliver enhanced fuel economy and power, maximum engine protection and extended drain intervals.

“The Motul TEKMA line builds on our 168 years of lubricating experience to meet the extreme demands of both light-duty/passenger diesel trucks and heavy-duty on- and off-road diesel engine markets, including stationary engine applications in power generation,” said Motul USA Brand Manager Nolan Browning. “We’re thrilled to bring TEKMA to our commercial customers and consumers in the United States and Canada.”

TEKMA ULTIMA+ 10W-40 is a 100% synthetic diesel engine lubricant for the latest generations of turbo diesel engines with DPF systems. Formulated to withstand the most demanding conditions, ULTIMA+ features extreme oil film strength for superior additive and viscosity retention with dispersant and antioxidants to prevent soot build-up and oil filter clogging. The superior detergent package helps keep pistons cleaner and control deposits, while extending drain interval potential versus mineral and semi-synthetic oils.  

TEKMA FUTURA+ 10W-30 is a low-SAPS Technosynthese diesel engine oil designed for the latest generation of trucks, buses, construction machinery, farm machinery, stationary engines and boat engines running with low-sulfur fuel (≤ 50 ppm). Designed for high-performance heavy-duty diesel engines, FUTURA+ delivers improved pumpability in cold climates and better circulation of oil during extended idling. The lower viscosity also decreases engine wear at start up and improves fuel economy by up to 3% as compared to 15W-40.

TEKMA MEGA+ 15W40 is a mineral diesel engine lubricant designed for the latest generation of trucks, buses, construction machinery, farm machinery, stationary engines, and boat engines running with low-sulfur fuel (≤ 50 ppm). MEGA+ features excellent resistance to shearing to keep oil viscosity consistent and provide extended drain interval capability while maintaining engine longevity. MEGA+ is the perfect option for use as a universal oil for fleets consisting of both new and older generation diesel engines.

The Motul TEKMA line meets and exceeds the leading engine manufactures’ specifications with the latest API CK-4 technology and is fully backward compatible to all previous API standards. Motul TEKMA ULTIMA+, FUTURA+ and MEGA+ are available in 5L bottles, 20L jerrycans, 208L drums, 1,000L containers, and in bulk.

Motul also has a selection of additives for complete diesel engine care and maintenance, including Engine Clean, Hydraulic Lifter Care, Diesel System Clean and DPF Clean (Canada only).

www.motul.com

JMS—Daytona Sensors CD-1 Super Speedway Ignition System

CD-1 Super Speedway ignition system is a complete plug ’n’ play capacitive discharge ignition system perfect for professional racing. This device produces an output of 135 mJ spark energy. Racers can digitally set launch, burnout and max RPM limits with 100 RPM steps up to 9,900 RPM. With an encapsulated construction, the CD-1 SS uses surface mount electronics and is waterproof and highly resistant to vibration and shock. Specially designed for these race series: Southern Super Series, CARS Super Late Model Tour and the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series.

PN: CD1SS_6000-6701
www.jmschip.com

 Seibon Carbon, OE-Style Carbon-Fiber Doors for ’90–’94 Nissan Skyline R32

Seibon Carbon components are carefully hand-crafted using only the finest materials. Our production team offers superior craftsmanship with more than 20 years of experience working with carbon fiber. Every component is constructed with a consistent weave pattern. Our production processes allow exceptional carbon/resin ratio, creating high product stiffness that also leads to extra strength. For a stunning finish, our products are coated with a glossy clear coat that does not chip or flake. We meticulously inspect all of our components and stand firmly behind our products so that you can enjoy peace of mind with every genuine Seibon Carbon product. Creating performance-oriented products that help shed unnecessary weight without sacrificing style is our specialty. Race after race, Seibon products have proven to be as strong as the driver's ambition to win, thus making Seibon Carbon the preferred brand among professional drivers.

Features:

• Durable and lightweight
• Show-ready. No painting required.
• Uses professional, high-quality 3K 2x2 twill weave carbon-fiber fabric.
• Reuses OEM install hardware.

PN: DD9094NSR32
www.seiboncarbon.com 

 Heatshield—Intake Manifold Heat Shield All Holley LS Hi-Ram

I-M Shield lowers intake combustion temperatures and create more power. Lowering intake manifold temps creates a denser fuel and air mixture, creating more power. Think of it as an intercooler for your intake—same physics and chemistry—just a different way to get there. The inner Kool Core insulation, combined with an 1100 aluminum make this one heavy-duty peel-and-stick insulator for your intake manifold. Heavy-duty adhesive will stick to any clean semi-smooth surface. Simply de-grease, clean surface, then wipe with pre-paint cleaner or isopropyl alcohol, let dry, then firmly press the I-M Shield onto the underside of the intake manifold. Use provided edging tape to finish the install. It works on both composite and aluminum intake manifolds for late-model and classic vehicles.  

Features:  

• Withstands 1,100°F radiant continuous
• Best dollar per RWHP around
• Adhesive good for 300°F
• Lowers intake temperatures

PN: 140031
www.heatshieldproducts.com

Borgeson Power Steering Box Delphi 600 Series Power Steering Upgrade Box for ’65–’77 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Fullsize Cars.

Borgeson now offers a modern Delphi 600 series integral power steering upgrade for the ’65–’77 fullsize Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars. The Borgeson conversion box is a new modern Delphi 600 series integral power steering gearbox with true modern power steering feel, feedback and a quick 14:1 ratio. Borgeson has manufactured this box to bolt directly to the factory mounting location and to fit the stock power steering linkage without any modifications. The original factory steering coupler will need to be changed to fit the new steering box input shaft. Hose kits are available for both stock Ford pumps and our Saginaw P/S pump upgrade kits. Manual steering cars will require a factory power steering pitman arm.

Features:

• True modern power steering feel and feedback.
• Quick steering ratio with fewer turns lock-to-lock.
• Based on a true OEM Delphi 600 series steering gear.
• Made in the USA.

PN: 800128
www.borgeson.com

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Supreme Court will not consider an appeal to permit the year-round sale of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol. Biofuel producers had asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow year-round sales of E15 for many years, and the Trump Administration issued a rule in 2019 to permit such sales. However, the Biden Administration rescinded the rule in 2021, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia agreed that the EPA had overstepped its legal authority when issuing the 2019 rule. The Appeals Court upheld the summertime restriction for certain E15 sales.

Prior to 2019, the EPA prohibited the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 gasoline as there may not be enough protections to guard against misfuelling.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the nonprofit organization Friends of Oceano Dunes, allowing a “quiet title” lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission (CCC), California State Parks and other government groups to move forward. The suit contends that off-roading and camping access to Oceano Dunes is protected by an “implied-by-law dedication” since OHV enthusiasts and campers recreated on the land for decades before the government entities acquired the properties. A quiet title lawsuit is usually brought against a private landowner in a dispute over who owns the land. Friends of Oceano Dunes, however, is not disputing who owns the land but rather that the land was specifically designated for use for beach driving and camping. The case is set for trial in March 2023.

This action is separate from a lawsuit filed by SEMA and Ecologic Partners Inc., a nonprofit group comprised of the Off-Road Business Association, the American Sand Association, and the American Motorcyclist Association District 37. The SEMA/Ecologic Partners suit challenges the CCC’s claim that there are environmental concerns requiring the closure of the dunes to OHV use. Friends of Oceano Dunes filed a similar suit. The suits have been joined and are in pretrial discovery with a hearing set for March in Superior Court.

Since 1974, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) has been a state-designated OHV park managed and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. It is the only opportunity for motorized recreation at a state park along California’s Pacific coast but has been under threat of closure for many years. Opposition to OHV use at the dunes is largely based on environmental arguments—airborne particulate matter (dust) and/or threatened plants and animals. For years, SEMA has joined with many other OHV groups in challenging the scientific basis for the claims and in citing the importance of the area for the enthusiast community. However, in March 2021, the CCC voted to shut down OHV access within three years, along with additional restrictions before the three-year deadline, which has triggered the lawsuits by pro-OHV groups.

In December, the CCC reached an agreement with Friends of Oceano Dunes and SEMA/Ecologic Partners not to pursue several of the projects it had announced in March 2021 until the ongoing litigation is resolved. Specifically, some camping will be permitted immediately and the Pier Avenue vehicle entrance to Oceano Dunes will not be closing in July 2022.  Further, Arroyo Grande Creek will no longer be closed when the ocean touches the lagoon, rather, the creek crossing will only be closed when the creek water reaches a depth of 12 in.  

Outside of the court proceedings, the CCC continues to assert its authority to reduce OHV access to Oceano Dunes. At a December 17 administrative hearing, the CCC voted unanimously to approve the State Parks’ proposal to remove 108 acres of OHV access and 22 acres of camping areas as part of the ongoing dust control mitigation and dune habitat restoration effort. SEMA and the other OHV groups have opposed the State Parks proposal.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By Mike Imlay

Nationwide tool and equipment retailer Harbor Freight Tools has announced a donation of $100,000 to SEMA Cares and the SEMA Scholarship Fund. The donation is intended to support SEMA’s outreach to youth in need on a variety of levels.

“SEMA wishes to thank the Harbor Freight Tools Foundation LLC for their incredible generosity,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This is a unique and significant gift that will benefit the many young people served by our association’s charity and scholarship programs. We greatly appreciate the support to the association and the industry that this donation represents.”

Harbor Freight Tools, a national tool store chain owned and led by Eric Smidt, has more than 1,200 locations across the United States. Through The Smidt Foundation, Smidt launched the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which awards more than $1 million annually to 18 outstanding U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs. The prize is just one part of a broader aim to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools.

“We are thrilled to support the important work of SEMA Cares,” said Smidt. “The SEMA Scholarship Fund provides much needed support for the education journey of young people working in the automotive industry. We especially applaud the ways these scholarships help recognize and nurture talent and open doors of opportunity.”

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares seeks to mobilize the aftermarket to improve the lives of children in need by supporting such charities as the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and illnesses. In addition, the SEMA Scholarship Fund and Loan Forgiveness programs offer students from all academic and technical disciplines within the automotive industry help with college tuition and student loans.

By Kyle Cheng

The ongoing supply-chain disruption has had ripple effects throughout the global economy, including the specialty-equipment industry. More than 80% of industry companies reported having severe or moderate impacts in 2021 because of it, including production delays, shipping issues and higher prices. However, this year should be better.

According to the latest “SEMA Future Trends” report, more than 80% of industry companies reported having severe or moderate impacts in 2021 because of supply-chain disruptions, including production delays, shipping issues and higher prices.

By the end of 2022, SEMA Market Research projects that the most pressing issues with the global supply chain should improve in the second half of 2022. However, prices may remain elevated for longer and likely into 2023.

Want to learn more? Interested in seeing what the forecast is for the specialty-equipment industry moving forward? Download the new “SEMA Future Trends – January 2022” report. In it, you’ll find:

• Outlook for the specialty-equipment industry in 2022 and beyond.
• Projections for the U.S. economy, including consumer spending, inflation and employment
• Outlook on the global supply chain and input prices.
• A look at changing demographics of consumers, and what that means for the industry in the future.

Download this report today at www.sema.org/research.

Join the SEMA Market Research team as they discuss this report and the overall outlook for the future in an upcoming webinar: “Outlook for 2022: Industry Forecast, Supply Chain Projections and Changing Consumer Demographics.” This webinar will take place on Wednesday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m (PST).

Register now!