By Ashley Reyes

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting its next online General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion on Tuesday, October 10, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to current and prospective members, the meeting is the best time to learn about HRIA's current events, member resources and top priorities. The meeting will then be followed by a panel discussion on financial planning. During the talk, attendees will discover the best course of action to take when key employees of their company, or even the shop owners themselves, retire or leave the business and leave a large impact on operations.

Attendees will learn what steps to take now or in the future to plan for retirement, common challenges and solutions to creating a business succession plan, different options to consider for a specific type of business and what to consider when valuing a business. The discussion will be moderated by Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs and feature speakers Karl Schulman of Garret's Rod Shop, Chris Holstrom of Chris Holstrom Concepts, Keith Guertin of OneDigital and Frieda Rakhman of Fifth Third Bank.

Register here.

By SEMA Editors

Several automakers have unveiled new models at the 2023 North American International Auto Show, some of which can serve as a preview for what's to come for this year's highly anticipated SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.

Ford showed off its '24 F-150 Tremor, which might be one of the most feature-filled full-size trucks available to buyers.

For example, Ford showed off its '24 F-150 Tremor, which might be one of the most feature-filled full-size trucks available to buyers. It features an updated grille, headlights, stamped steel bumpers, special off-road tires and an upgraded tailgate door. In addition, the truck reportedly features a 12-in. infotainment system screen, digital gauge cluster and heads-up display.

The '24 Ford F-150 features updated stamped steel bumpers and an upgraded tailgate door.

In addition, GMC showcased its first-ever Sierra EV Denali, a powerful electric pickup truck with a sleek grille and headlights. The model features advanced driving experience and driver-assisted technology, with more details expected to be announced at a later date.

GMC's first-ever Sierra EV Denali features advanced driving experience and driver-assisted technology.

Register for the SEMA Show

Builds like these are expected to be highlighted outside of and throughout the SEMA Show floor, so you don't want to miss the 2023 event, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Injen Technology as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with Jay Crouch, Injen Technology's director of global business, below.   

SEMA News: Tell us the story of Injen Technology. How did the company start?  

Jay Crouch: In 1988, a young entrepreneur named Ron Delgado was working late into the evening trying to find a better way to polish products for his contract manufacturing business, then known as RD Metals Works. RD Metals held contract manufacturing jobs within multiple industries, including polishing baseball bats for Easton. At the time, most polishing machines only polished along flat surfaces, but when Ron had the idea for a multi-axis machine that could polish better and faster than anything he had used before, he was determined to make it a reality.  

What began as a mission to perfect the art of polishing soon grew into a full-fledged quest to develop industry-changing design and manufacturing solutions. In 1991, as the demand for high-quality aftermarket air induction products began to reach scale, Ron knew he had found an opportunity to make his mark on an industry he loved. RD Metal Works soon started building and polishing intake systems on a private-label basis for many leading brands in the industry. 

In 1998, Ron knew that his team could design and build industry-leading intake systems and decided to launch and market his own brand of cold air intakes. Absorbing the experience, design capabilities and quality standards of RD Metal Works in 1998, Injen Technology was born. Ron and the team at Injen Technology quickly embarked on a never-ending quest to brand their own name and set new standards of quality and performance while constantly striving to improve our own engineering capabilities. Bringing together all phases of manufacturing under one corporate umbrella proved to be the equation for unrivaled success. 

For the past 25 years, Injen Technology has led the way in innovation and design within the performance aftermarket. Constantly innovating and pushing the limits of design, Injen currently holds more than 10 patents, with four of those patents on the tuning process of an air intake system--something no other manufacturer can claim. Continually growing and innovating, Injen Technology is headquartered in Montclair, California, with production facilities in Pomona, California, and Coachella, California.  

SN: What was Injen Technology's breakthrough moment?  

JC: After 25 years of business, there are definitely a few noteworthy breakthroughs. First was the patenting of Injen's MR Technology. MR Technology is our patented venturi stepping process that enables our engineers to "tune" an intake for maximum power by adjusting airspeed at the MAF during the design phase. This opened the doors for endless design possibilities for maximum power without the fear of check-engine lights.  

Another breakthrough was developing and installing our own air filter manufacturing line. This allowed our team at Injen to not only produce our own air filters right here in California, but it also allowed our engineering team more freedom to develop new intake designs without fear of having to use an existing off-the-shelf air filter.  

One of our latest innovations is Injen's "Evolution" line of rotomolded intakes. Injen is globally recognized as a leader in cold air intake design and our DNA is forged in our traditional line of aluminum intakes. With the addition of our rotomolded line of closed box intake systems branded as "Evolution," we were able to use our decades worth of engineering and apply that the Evolution line. The Evolution line has really taken us to the next level. These designs have allowed our team to bring more focus to the Euro and truck market segments. By entering the off-road and truck market with unique intake systems designed specifically for the Jeep, Bronco, Tacoma, Silverado, F-150 and more, we opened up an entirely new market for Injen and followed along as our truck offerings quickly climbed as our number-one-selling products. 

SN: Tell us about Injen Technology now and projects you are working on.  

JC: 2023 is an exciting year for Injen. While we're continuing our current manufacturing in Pomona, California, we're also opening our new world headquarters in Montclair, California. As far as development is concerned, our team is heavy in the development of many new product lines for the off-road market, including new exhaust designs to help round out our product offerings. Stay tuned for exciting products for the new Tacoma, the new Tundra, the Jeep 392, plus much more. You might hear a whisper of our Carbon Fiber lineup coming at SEMA 2023, so make sure you stop by our booth to see if the rumors are true! 

SN: Tell us about a product that you are proud of.  

JC: I'm partial to our Evolution line. The development on this line was strong, as we needed to expand our offerings and overcome the design limitations of traditional aluminum intakes. With the addition of our Evolution line, we're now able to use 3D scans of a vehicle and develop an intake system that basically drops in for a factory fit and with a performance look and feel. It really is a best-in-class solution and the reason why our designs are so far ahead of the competition when it comes to power output and overall fitment. I have a feeling that I'll have a new favorite around SEMA time though, so make sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date on everything Injen!  

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

JC: Like others have said in the past, it is imperative to carve out a niche and turn it into a career within this incredible industry. Being an enthusiast is only part of the equation, the key is to have a specialty or niche and then apply that to our industry, along with your automotive passion. Learn as much as you can to become an expert in your craft and mix in your passion at the same time. Before you know it, you'll be sought-after within this industry and beyond.

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates. 

By the SEMA D.C. office

A California bill creating a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered vehicles into zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) has cleared several major legislative hurdles, but a final vote has been delayed until 2024 due to the state's budget deficit. 

The bill, Senate Bill (SB) 301, is authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino and sponsored by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). It would offer Californians up to $4,000 to convert their gas- or diesel-powered vehicle into a ZEV, allowing the Golden State to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture while assisting consumers who want to convert their vehicles to cleaner motors.

The bill passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee in September 2023 and is eligible for a final vote on the Assembly floor. However, after discussions with Senator Portantino, SEMA decided not to proceed with a vote in 2023. The delay will allow SEMA and the legislature to pick up where they left off in 2024 instead of reintroducing the bill from scratch. 

"We understand that the state's budget deficit is a major concern, and we are committed to working with the legislature to ensure that SB 301 is enacted as soon as possible," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's Senior Director of State Government Affairs & Grassroots. 

"SB 301 is a win-win for California," Robinson continued. "It will help us to reduce emissions, support small businesses and create new jobs. We are confident that the legislature will see the value of this bill and pass it in 2024." 

SB 301 has won the backing of business and environmental groups alike. The California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA), the Los Angeles Business Federation (LA BizFed), the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, BREATHE California, and CALSTART have all endorsed the bill. The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has also labeled SB 301 as a "Job Creator." 

California has multiple programs to promote the purchase of new ZEVs, but none assist with ZEV conversions of gas-powered vehicles. SB 301 would fill this gap, making it more affordable for Californians to convert their existing vehicles to ZEVs. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Attending networking events at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is not just about expanding your contact list; it's about cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining valuable insights and accessing tailored support for your career or business.   

One of the standout features of the SEMA Show is the various Council and Network events that provide specialized support for each automotive segment. Whether focused on classic hot rods and restoration, the latest truck and off-road innovations, automotive technology, automotive restyling, wheel and tire or if you're a woman or aged 39 and under, the SEMA Show has events and resources tailored to your needs.  

"SEMA council and network events are the premier venues for SEMA Show attendees to forge powerful connections with industry peers and leaders in their specialized market segment," said Zane Clark, SEMA Vice President of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks. "The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out." 

With everything from receptions and happy hours to meetings and lunches on the calendar, attendees can expect to expand their network and connect with those who share common interests and challenges. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone--making SEMA Show council and network events a must-add to your SEMA Show itinerary this November. 

Explore the event calendar at this link.

By Ashley Reyes

Attending networking events at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is not just about expanding your contact list; it's about cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining valuable insights and accessing tailored support for your career or business.   

One of the standout features of the SEMA Show is the various Council and Network events that provide specialized support for each automotive segment. Whether focused on classic hot rods and restoration, the latest truck and off-road innovations, automotive technology, automotive restyling, wheel and tire or if you're a woman or aged 39 and under, the SEMA Show has events and resources tailored to your needs.  

"SEMA council and network events are the premier venues for SEMA Show attendees to forge powerful connections with industry peers and leaders in their specialized market segment," said Zane Clark, SEMA Vice President of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks. "The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out." 

With everything from receptions and happy hours to meetings and lunches on the calendar, attendees can expect to expand their network and connect with those who share common interests and challenges. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone--making SEMA Show council and network events a must-add to your SEMA Show itinerary this November. 

Explore the event calendar at this link.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has opened entries for its Design & Innovation Award and Evolution of Hot-Rodding Award that will recognize exceptional hot rods at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.  

The Design & Innovation Award will be presented to a builder or shop in recognition of a vehicle that exemplifies the meaning of an exceptional hot rod. The build will be judged on details in the design, craftsmanship and engineering that represent the passion and skill of the builder and the creativity of their innovative mind.

The Evolution of Hot-Rodding Award will be presented to a builder or shop in recognition of a vehicle that pushes the boundaries of tradition and embodies the evolving trends in the hot rod industry. The build will be judged on exceptional quality, creative design, innovative technology and features that advance and expand the definition of a hot rod. 

To enter, builders must post a photo of their vehicle on Instagram using the hashtag #SEMAHRIA2023. The caption must include the vehicle's year, make and model, builder name, shop name and booth number or relative location (i.e., Silver Lot) at the SEMA Show. The photo can be a sneak peek of a section of the car and does not have to be the entire vehicle.

Judges (three hot-rod industry experts) will view the entries on the SEMA Show floor. All entries will be considered for both awards at the discretion of the judges. Winners will be announced and celebrated at the HRIA Reception, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PDT at the Westgate Hotel, Pavilions 9-11.

Questions can be directed to HRIA Director Marcy Yanus at Marcy@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington D.C. office 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a proposed rule requiring automakers to equip new vehicles with seatbelt warning systems for the front passenger and rear seats. More than a decade after the agency was directed by The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21), NHTSA has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant crash protection," to require a seatbelt use warning system for rear seats. Currently, FMVSS No. 208 only requires a seatbelt warning for driver seat use. 

NHTSA's draft rulemaking proposes:  

• A visual warning on a vehicle startup for at least 60 seconds, notifying the driver of the status of the rear seatbelts.  
• If a rear seatbelt is not buckled, an audio warning will go off for at least 30 seconds while driving. 
• An audio-visual warning for the right front passenger seat remains active until the seatbelt is secured, similar to the current driver seat warning. 

NHTSA is accepting public comments on the proposal until November 6. You may submit your written comments here. 

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington D.C. office 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a proposed rule requiring automakers to equip new vehicles with seatbelt warning systems for the front passenger and rear seats. More than a decade after the agency was directed by The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21), NHTSA has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant crash protection," to require a seatbelt use warning system for rear seats. Currently, FMVSS No. 208 only requires a seatbelt warning for driver seat use. 

NHTSA's draft rulemaking proposes:  

• A visual warning on a vehicle startup for at least 60 seconds, notifying the driver of the status of the rear seatbelts.  
• If a rear seatbelt is not buckled, an audio warning will go off for at least 30 seconds while driving. 
• An audio-visual warning for the right front passenger seat remains active until the seatbelt is secured, similar to the current driver seat warning. 

NHTSA is accepting public comments on the proposal until November 6. You may submit your written comments here. 

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

An entry price increase is approaching for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and one of the best ways for exhibitors to generate leads and convert sales at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. This year, the Showcase is relocating to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for expanded visibility. Accessible exclusively to SEMA Showgoers, the New Products Showcase is the top buyer and media destination and serves as a one-stop shop to easily discover thousands of the hottest products in the industry.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to submit one New Products Showcase entry at no cost. Additional products can be entered for $95 before Friday, October 6. After that date, the first product entry is still free, with additional entries $150 each. There is no limit to the number of products a company can submit and no official close date for New Product Showcase entries (learn more and get involved at semashow.com/newproducts).

Each new product in the Showcase has a dedicated QR code that attendees can scan and learn more about the part and where the exhibitor is located, so getting involved is a great way to attract buyers to your booth. All New Products Showcase entries receive the added benefit of being featured in SEMA News, listed in the SEMA Show app, and possibly winning a Best New Product award, which will be presented in 18 categories, including electric vehicle (EV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), during the official SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, October 31.

Attendees looking to get a jump start on their 2023 SEMA Show plan can download the SEMA Show app at semashow.com/app to view new products, find exhibitors and events, get an overview of the floorplan, and much more.