California Assembly Member Tim Grayson (D-Concord) reintroduced SEMA-supported legislation (AB 52) that would provide businesses with a state tax credit equal to what they pay in local sales tax for qualified manufacturing equipment. AB 52 is scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Committee on Revenue & Taxation on April 17. SEMA members are encouraged to register their support for the bill by clicking 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. 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 to attract new businesses and create jobs.
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.
Given that punking humans is still one of the easiest ways for a hacker to penetrate the most sophisticated of cyberdefense systems, many businesses are doubling down on training their employees to be on the lookout for the latest hacker scams.
“Most security and risk leaders now recognize that major disruption is only one crisis away,” says Richard Addiscott, senior director analyst, Gartner (www.gartner.com/en), a technology advisement firm. “We can’t control it, but we can evolve our thinking, our philosophy, our program and our architecture.”
Despite widespread awareness of hackers among workers, one the most common ways hackers still penetrate business networks is by spoofing employees.
Granted, most of us know by now that we need to exercise care when clicking on external links, deciding whether or not to download an attachment, or offering up password and other information to someone on the phone who seems like an employee who simply got locked out of the company’s network.
But the plain fact is that despite this common knowledge, hackers keep tricking many of us into allowing them to penetrate our business networks in just these ways to wreak havoc, steal critical company data or hold an entire system hostage with a demand for a ransom.
This vulnerability has become even more troublesome since the arrival of COVID, which transformed millions of employees worldwide into remote workers.
In the process, that change also instantly made thousands of corporate networks even more vulnerable as remote employees accessed business computer networks with non-cyberprotected personal smartphones, personal digital assistants, laptops and other computerized devices, according to Sarah Pavlak, a security industry principal at business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan (www.frost.com):
Add an increase in hacker break-ins on cloud-based systems, a jump in hacking attacks orchestrated by nation-states—and increasing hacker access to tricks and techniques powered by artificial intelligence—and it becomes clear that nothing less than 24/7 vigilance by company staff will be needed by to simply thwart the cybercriminal threat moving
forward.
Fortunately, if you’re looking to refresh or deepen the cybersecurity training you give to employees to help safeguard your business, there are a raft of training service providers that offer a number of different approaches to realizing that goal.
Some training courses can be completed in an hour or so. Others can be permanently embedded in a business computer network, continually probing employee ability to identify—and avoid—common hacker tricks. And still others rely on gamification to engage employees in good cybersecurity hygiene and turn hacker awareness into a friendly competition.
Here’s a representative sampling of what’s available:
ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training (www.eset.com/us/cybertraining): This is a good option for businesses that are looking to dedicate a small part of one business day to spotlight cybersecurity. ESET offers a 90-min. course on how to outwit hackers, which engages employees by inviting them to enter a gamified environment, where they play the part of a virtual IT security tech.
There are also other modules that focus on defeating malicious emails, as well as mini games where employees can win badges and reputation points for excelling at thwarting the bad guys.
CybSafe (www.cybsafe.com): This security trainer also offers brief, interactive courses tailored to the various employee roles of a typical business. The interesting twist with CybSafe: The company uses artificial intelligence to analyze each employee’s cybersecurity savvy and then custom tailors a security training program best suited to each employee.
Living Security (www.livingsecurity.com): This software enables businesses to identify where the cybersecurity risk is greatest within the organization—be it specific departments or geographic regions. Once identified, employees there can play ‘snackable’ training modules—1 to 5 min. long—that strengthen their cybersecurity chops. Focus areas include cybersecurity risks associated with remote work, data classification, password use and malicious emails. This training format is also gamified, which includes a “leaderboard” that tracks cybersecurity competitions and gives special recognition to high-scoring employees.
Ninjio (https://ninjio.com): This trainer relies heavily on short, animated videos—no longer than 5 min. apiece—that brings home the dangers of hacker risk. The format, like many of its competitors, is gamified and includes a leaderboard where employees engaging in cybersecurity competition can see how they stack up against colleagues.
Cofense (https://cofense.com): Businesses looking to “try before they buy” may want to check out this cybersecurity trainer, which offers an entry-level training course for free. Cofense relies heavily on short, interactive training modules, which highlight common cybersecurity risks and feature questions at the end to ensure employees have grasped the point of the training.
Proofpoint (www.proofpoint.com/us/products/security-awareness-training): This trainer places a heavy emphasis on homing in on employees who are extremely vulnerable to malicious emails and then providing them training content that they can use to get savvier when it comes to hacker tricks. Employees can also use Proofpoint’s “PhishAlarm” to flag emails that they receive that look suspicious—and then receive insights on their picks from the cybersecurity pros at their business.
KnowBe4 (https://info.knowbe4.com): An old hand in this space, KnowBe4 offers extremely in-depth cybersecurity training that features: Web-based training that employees can access to learn or brush up on common vulnerabilities; a look at typical attacker techniques using simulated attacks; ongoing monitoring of employee cybersecurity hygiene by KnowBe4. Unlike many cybersecurity trainers, KnowBe4 can be integrated into a business’ daily operations by opting for its random attack delivery service, which continually tests employee vigilance by sporadically sending them simulated, malicious emails. Paired with a monitoring and reporting system, the service enables managers to easily identify employees who are extremely adept at recognizing the simulated malicious emails that KnowBe4 sends them—as well as spotlighting other employees who need to get more training on resisting hacker tricks.
Hook Security (https://hooksecurity.co/landing/hook-security-free-trial): Like KnowB4, this trainer offers an ongoing test-and-probe service, which sporadically sends simulated malicious emails to employees and generates reports on individual employee response to those messages. An interesting approach from Hook: Employees who fall victim to a simulated malicious email receive instant training from the system on how to avoid making the same mistake in the future. They also receive monthly dashboard reports from Hook on how they’re faring—and how they’re progressing on Hook cybersecruity training modules. Plus, Hook also offers a free trial.
Joe Dysart is an internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan
SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2023 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.
Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.
All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.
The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
There are nearly 50 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
The following hotels are located within one mile of the Las Vegas Convention Center:
Courtyard by Marriott – Las Vegas Convention Center (0.7 miles)
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Las Vegas Convention Center (0.6 miles)
Hilton Grand Vacations – Las Vegas Convention Center (0.7 miles)
Las Vegas Marriott (0.9 miles)
Residence Inn by Marriott – Las Vegas Convention Center(0.7 miles)
The September 2023 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2023—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young entrepreneurs and professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could also be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process.
We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Velocity Modern Classics is hiring a director of marketing responsible for leading the development and implementation of the company’s marketing strategy. This position will work closely with the chief revenue officer and oversee the marketing department to design, implement and monitor effective marketing strategies that align with business goals. Candidates should have a solid marketing background and work experience managing a variety of promotional projects end-to-end, including events and heavy digital marketing with emphasis on PPC and paid social. This role will develop marketing strategies and efforts to strengthen the company’s market position and achieve desired business goals.
Texas Speed and Performance is hiring a manufacturing production planner responsible for scheduling manufacturing activities according to demand and capacity. The right candidate will ensure goods are produced on time for distribution and stock in an efficient manner. This person will have previous experience in machining and light metal fabrication production-planning in a fast-paced upbeat environment. The candidate should be comfortable communicating across the organization as they drive for results. The goal is to ensure the smooth and cost-efficient flow of production operations while maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Power Automedia is hiring magazine editors and staff writers. Candidates should be passionate and knowledgeable about high-performance cars with a strong basis in writing and photography. As an editor, you need to be comfortable and accountable to meet deadlines and quality requirements. Responsibilities include writing and managing editorial magazine content and assigning freelance editorial articles and news.
Hypercraft has announced Kirk Miller has joined the company as vice president of direct sales. In his new role, Miller will bring his years of experience and global relationships to help serve the EV marketplace across multiple applications in “an effort to break down barriers to EV manufacturing.” Miller comes from AEM Electronics, where he spent 24 years as vice president of sales and marketing. He played an integral role as the company’s foremost expert in the performance aftermarket with a focus on the tuner, EV and motorsport market segments.
Gerflor Acquires SnapLock Industries
Gerflor has announced that it has acquired SnapLock Industries. Begun more than 30 years ago, SnapLock helped create the modular surface industry with the brands SnapSports, RaceDeck, FastDeck, and SnapLock Dance, Tent & Event Floors. SnapLock has provided differentiated solutions that have transformed expectations of flooring surfaces, from garages and sports to dance and event spaces.
SnapLock adds to the portfolio of sports surface brands within the Gerflor portfolio. With Taraflex, Sport Court, Stagestep and Connor Sports, Gerflor is the foundation for world-recognized athletic events, from the Olympics to NCAA and world championships in basketball, volleyball and pickleball. According to Gerflor, the combination of Gerflor innovation and SnapLock segment knowledge and manufacturing capabilities would lead to new solutions that redefine customer’s expectations and experience with the floor.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Sweeps World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year
Hyundai Motor Company'sIONIQ 6 Electrified Streamliner has won the World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year for 2022, lauded by an international jury for its unique aerodynamic design and outstanding all-electric range. World Car Awards revealed the results at a ceremony held at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
A jury of 100 automotive journalists from 32 countries chose IONIQ 6 from the top three finalists, all launched in 2022. This is Hyundai's second straight triple honors at the World Car of the Year awards. Last year, the jury named IONIQ 5 the winner in the same categories.
IONIQ 6 is the second model in Hyundai's dedicated all-electric lineup brand, IONIQ. It takes full advantage of a bespoke Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture to offer 800-V, ultra-fast charging capabilities for a 10% to 80% charge in 18 minutes while also offering a spacious interior.
The IONIQ brand's winning this year will help to energize Hyundai Motor's efforts to accelerate its electrification strategy. Hyundai Motor plans to introduce 17 new BEV models by 2030, including Genesis luxury brand models, and aims to boost annual global BEV sales to 1.87 million units by 2030.
Ford Becomes America’s Best-Selling Brand in the First Quarter of 2023
Ford’s vehicles, commercial and EVs drove a first-quarter sales increase of 10.7%, making the automaker America’s best-selling brand. Sales surged across Ford’s areas of strength, including trucks (up 19.6%); three-row SUVs (up 47.6%); Bronco brand (up 18.3%); Ford Pro Transit van (up 86%); Mustang (up 5.2%) and electric vehicles (up 41%). Ford’s overall vehicle sales—Ford Blue, Ford Pro, Model e and Lincoln—totaled 475,906, up 10.1% with estimated share up over a year ago.
Ford’s EV sales grew 41% in the first quarter on sales of 10,866 electric vehicles. F-150 Lightning sales totaled 4,291 pickups with production capacity actions on track to hit an annual production run rate of 150,000 this year. Sales by Ford Pro of the E-Transit, America’s best-selling electric van last year, climbed 62.7%. Reflecting downtime at the plant for changes to increase production, Mustang Mach-E sales were down.
Ford is America’s number-one-selling selling truck manufacturer, with 254,023 trucks and vans sold in the first quarter, outselling GM’s trucks and vans by approximately 27,000 vehicles. Sales of Ford’s overall trucks, including pickups and vans, were up 19.6% on the strength of F-Series pickups (up 21.1%) and Ford Pro’s Transit van (up 86%).
To support this momentum, Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant will add a third crew in April to increase production for Ford Pro of the best-selling Transit and E-Transit vans. Ford also is increasing production at manufacturing plants across North America to meet strong customer demand for vehicles including Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Bronco Sport and Maverick.
Ford Explorer was the best-selling, three-row midsize SUV in America, and the Bronco brand saw sales growth of 18.3%, including a 37.6% rise for Bronco. Additionally, Expedition sales surged.
Camp Jeep Returns to the 2022 New York International Auto Show
Camp Jeep is returning to New York, making its 16th appearance at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Since 2004, more than 425,000 New York Auto Show attendees have experienced this off-road driving course. Camp Jeep gives showgoers a chance to experience some of the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles. The obstacles are designed to demonstrate some of the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before they ever reach consumers. Camp Jeep attendees will see firsthand the Jeep capability standards for ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation, breakover, off-camber and suspension.
Product specialists will drive attendees over the Camp Jeep course in a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and Rubicon 392, all-new Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Gladiator Mojave and Rubicon and Grand Cherokee L.
In addition to Jeep Mountain, attendees will enjoy a ground clearance stair climb, demonstrating a Jeep vehicles’ ground clearance and traction ability as they climb over a 5-ft. staircase. The Trail Rated Pass is all about extreme three-wheeling as Jeep vehicles navigate over a 50-ft. long, 8-ft. tall obstacle as the vehicle articulates side to side. The Extreme Breakover obstacle will have attendees on the edge of their seats as Jeep vehicles navigate a 25-degree uneven plane until one wheel loses contact with the surface. Other obstacles include a 30-degree articulation wedge that is guaranteed to raise the excitement factor along with Maneuverability Moguls that test a Jeep vehicle's low crawl and suspension capabilities.
All Camp Jeep riders will be automatically entered into the Stellantis U.S. National Giveaway for a chance to win $100,000 toward any eligible Stellantis U.S. vehicle. Camp Jeep will be open during all press, preview and public hours of the New York International Auto Show, beginning Wednesday, April 13.
Yokohama Corp. of North America Sells Assets of Friend Tire Co. to Southern Tire Mart
Yokohama Corp. of North America (YCNA) and Southern Tire Mart (STM) have agreed to terms to transfer the ownership of Friend Tire Company’s (FTC) assets to STM. FTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of YCNA. This agreement was finalized on April 1. Sales of the Yokohama brand through FTC have been transferred to STM and include all the rights and access that were afforded to FTC.
Tread Lightly! Announces 2023 BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails Program
Tread Lightly! has announced its third year awarding the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails Program grants. Each year, the Outstanding Trails Program provides opportunities for off-roading clubs across the United States to nominate trails to receive grants for education and conservation. The first year Tread Lightly! awarded grants on behalf of BFGoodrich Tires was in 2021. To date, the awards have supported off-road trails across the U.S.
Since 2006, BFGoodrich has awarded more than $245,000 in grants to support organizations dedicated to conserving off-road trails. Past grant recipients have installed educational signage, improved infrastructure and repaired local off-roading trails.
Clubs are required to be active, supporting members of Tread Lightly! to be eligible to apply for funding. To learn more about Tread Lightly! and apply for funding, visit treadlightly.org. For more information on BFGoodrich Tires, visit bfgoodrichtires.com.
Dayco Strengthens Team Structure
Dayco has promoted four aftermarket team members. Jay Buckley has accepted the role of director of marketing, catalog and technical product support. Joining the company in 2020, he most recently served as director of product management. Buckley has an extensive background in marketing and is an ASE-certified technician.
Taking over a majority of Buckley’s duties will be Jerry Reeves, who will lead the entire product team and oversee product launches across all applications and industries. Reeves joined Dayco two years ago and has helped launch over a dozen new products in the past 18 months.
In the meantime, Jon Crawford is now the senior product manager, focusing on special projects. Previously product manager for the industrial division, Crawford joined the company in 2020, spearheading cross-functional projects with finance, sales and distribution.
Sheila Mann is now the financial controller for Canada and will continue to support the North American team. She joined Dayco almost three decades ago as a credit manager and continued to be promoted several times throughout her career with the company. She will oversee budgeting and forecasting and collaborate and consult with leadership on strategic financial decisions.
Dodge Earns Two 2023 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards
Dodge is celebrating a pair of 2023 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image awards, with Dodge taking honors for Best Performance Brand and Most Refined Brand. The honors mark the fifth consecutive year Dodge has been recognized with a KBB.com Brand Image Award.
The 2023 Brand Image Awards are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book's Brand Watch study, which offers insight into how shoppers perceive important factors driving their purchase decisions and captures brand/model familiarity and loyalty among new-car shoppers. The study is broken out by six segments and captures brand and model familiarity and consideration among new-car shoppers. The study tracks 12 factors important to shoppers across all segments and models and respondents are in-market for a new vehicle and recruited from KBB.com.
The Best Performance Brand Award was based on ratings across all non-truck models and the importance of one factor: driving performance. Kelley Blue Book cited Dodge models as “bred for high performance, featuring massive power and torque for an exhilarating, unforgettable driving experience.”
The Most Refined Brand Award was calculated based on ratings across all non-truck models and the weighted importance of four factors: driving comfort, interior layout, technology and prestige/sophistication.
Dodge brand vehicle technology was hailed by KBB.com as making "significant strides with its driver assistance features and uncompromising safety systems, while also providing control and comfort in the driving experience."
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is hosting a networking Happy Hour at the 2023 Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Thursday, April 20, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. in the Hot Products Showcase tent.
All ARMO members are invited to attend the event, where they will be able to network with industry friends, grab a bite to eat and a beverage and check out the new hot products on display.
Attendees will learn about ARMO’s latest initiatives, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council. Prospective members are also invited to attend, as it will be a great event to learn about the ARMO member benefits available to restoration businesses.
Rated as one of the most valuable educational resources in the industry, the SEMA Show seminar program is now available at the click of a button. Recordings of the most popular sessions from the 2022 SEMA Show are available to SEMA members at no cost at
Check out the short clips from the sessions in the videos below, and click through to view the entire seminars at your convenience. (Logging in to your SEMA.org member account is required.)
How to Market and Sell in the Post-Pandemic World
The pandemic drastically altered the business world. In this seminar, you’ll gain an understanding of what drives customers’ purchasing decisions and how to influence their journey. Hear from Daniel Grissom, CEO of Deal Closer Coaching, and discover the tools and messaging that will position your company as a market leader.
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members modified an All-Female Ford Bronco Build in 2022. Get inspired by this panel of women who led the project as they share how their team of volunteers accomplished the SBN’s vision at the highest level.
You’ll hear from Jennifer Petraitis (Driven Lighting Group), Sherry Kollien (Motor City Solutions), Kathryn Reinhardt (Hemmings), Rebeca Olavarrieta (Roco 4x4) and Sara Morosan (LGE-CTS Motorsports).
SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members are invited to a mixer at Jeep Beach Week in Daytona, Florida, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (EDT).
Taking place on the third level of the Daytona International Speedway, the mixer is the ideal event for members in the truck and off-road space to learn about what the council is working on. Attendees will engage in fun conversations, discuss new truck and off-road and industry trends and find out what volunteer opportunities are available in the industry.
If you’re a business in the truck and off-road market, register for the mixer now to discover the many benefits that TORA has to offer. TORA select committee leaders will be on site to answer questions.
Hyundai Motor Company's IONIQ 6 Electrified Streamliner has won the World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year for 2022, lauded by an international jury for its unique aerodynamic design and outstanding all-electric range. World Car Awards revealed the results at a ceremony held at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
Ford’s vehicles, commercial and EVs drove a first-quarter sales increase of 10.7%, making the automaker America’s best-selling brand. Sales surged across Ford’s areas of strength, including trucks (up 19.6%); three-row SUVs (up 47.6%); Bronco brand (up 18.3%); Ford Pro Transit van (up 86%); Mustang (up 5.2%) and electric vehicles (up 41%). Ford’s overall vehicle sales—Ford Blue, Ford Pro, Model e and Lincoln—totaled 475,906, up 10.1% with estimated share up over a year ago.
Camp Jeep is returning to New York, making its 16th appearance at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Since 2004, more than 425,000 New York Auto Show attendees have experienced this off-road driving course. Camp Jeep gives showgoers a chance to experience some of the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles. The obstacles are designed to demonstrate some of the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before they ever reach consumers. Camp Jeep attendees will see firsthand the Jeep capability standards for ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation, breakover, off-camber and suspension.
Tread Lightly! has announced its third year awarding the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails Program grants. Each year, the Outstanding Trails Program provides opportunities for off-roading clubs across the United States to nominate trails to receive grants for education and conservation. The first year Tread Lightly! awarded grants on behalf of BFGoodrich Tires was in 2021. To date, the awards have supported off-road trails across the U.S.
Dodge is celebrating a pair of 2023 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image awards, with Dodge taking honors for Best Performance Brand and Most Refined Brand. The honors mark the fifth consecutive year Dodge has been recognized with a KBB.com Brand Image Award.
