The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced Mike Mohacsi as its new vice president of product development and OEM relations. In his new role, Mohacsi will oversee the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and Detroit, Michigan.

Mohacsi brings 30 years of experience in the automotive/powersports industry, including product development, testing, manufacturing, operations, project management and quality assurance.

Most recently, Mohacsi worked for Power House Brands (Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension and Burly), which primarily offers aftermarket products for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including braking systems, wheels, suspension and accessories. While there, he provided direction and leadership for all engineering and operations activities for two manufacturing facilities in Cerritos, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.

Prior to Power House Brands, Mohacsi worked at HORIBA Instruments in the automotive segment as the director of West Coast area support, where he was responsible for new test equipment (dynamometers, emission, battery and software) installation projects as well as service for all customers (CARB, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, Hyundai, and VW) located on the West of North America (including Mexico). 

Mohacsi also managed engine testing operations at Toyota Racing Development in Costa Mesa for five years. While there, he managed five engine testing cells and two valvetrain testing cells. He also led the specification, procurement, installation and commissioning of two new state-of-the-art engine test cells used for NASCAR Cup Series racing from the ground up, including the building and related equipment.

Mohacsi has also worked for many other well-known companies such as Renthal Ltd., Yamaha Motor Corporation, Honeywell Turbocharging Systems, FMF Racing, Answer Products and the Toyota Technical Center.

For more information, visit semagarage.com.

Wilwood Engineering--the Camarillo, California-based designer and manufacturer of high-performance disc brakes and components--has appointed Brian Cox as its new media relations manager.

Cox joins the marketing/advertising team and will focus on new and long-standing relationships in automotive, truck, off-road and racing media. He will also help optimize and organize media ad buys, ad campaign creation and more.

With more than 25 years in automotive media and the aftermarket industry, Cox most recently served as the marketing manager at Vortech Superchargers in Oxnard, California. Prior experience includes positions at the MotorTrend Group as the associate publisher of HOT ROD, publisher of HOT ROD Deluxe and senior account executive for many magazine titles.

MAHLE Motorsport Hires Rob Kinnan as Marketing Manager

MAHLE Motorsport--the performance division of Fletcher, North Carolina-based MAHLE North America--has announced the addition of former HOT ROD Editor Rob Kinnan as the company's marketing manager.

Kinnan, recognized as one of the top content creators for the performance and racing industry, will be responsible for all marketing decisions for the division, including media buys, print and digital content, creative, sponsorships, budgets, PR and events.

Kinnan has also worked as the editor of MotorTrend Group's Mustang Monthly, among several other titles. He most recently served as the marketing director for ATI/ProCharger.

Brembo Opens Expansion of Escobedo Caliper Plant, Creates 500 Jobs

Brembo--the designer and producer of high-performance braking systems--has inaugurated its latest plant expansion in Escobedo, in Nuevo León, Mexico.

The expansion began in 2021 and represents a $207 million investment in Mexico. Company representatives state it will create 500 jobs in addition to the 1,100 associates employed since 2016. A ceremony held by Brembo North America President Stéphane Rolland was attended by Governor Samuel Garcia, the Italian Ambassador Luigi De Chiara and several Mexican authorities and institutional representatives.

Now fully operational, the 322,917-sq.-ft. Escobedo expansion is expected to double the facility's output, and also is expected to enhance all stages of the aluminum caliper production process, from foundry to manufacturing and assembly.

Speedvision Announces New Auto Build, Restoration TV Series Called 'Helping Hands Garage'

Speedvision--the Annapolis, Maryland-based auto entertainment network--has announced the greenlight of "Helping Hands Garage," an all-new automotive build and restoration series from Brenton Productions. The all-female core team features professional driver and builder Collete Davis and motorsports reporter and enthusiast Katie Osborne. Additional contribution comes from mechanic and stunt driver Bri Lynch. 

The series is currently in production and is slated for world premiere towards the end of 2023, only on Speedvision.

Sources have caught the upcoming refresh for the '24 Chevy Tahoe High Country as it was testing in Metro Detroit.

Though the front end is camouflaged, the prototype appears to have a dual-tier lighting configuration, which will be all-new for the Tahoe/Suburban. What gives this prototype away as the High Country are the wheels, which are similar--if not the same--as the units used on the current, pre-refresh models. Also note the deployable assist steps, standard on the High Country.

Similar to the front end, the rear end is covered, though it appears the vehicle features a new integrated exhaust configuration at the lower end of the rear bumper. Sources expect an official debut by the end of 2023, with an on-sale date in mid-2024.

Spy Shots: Toyota Tacoma TrailHunter

Toyota recently teased its Tacoma Trailhunter, and sources have caught the prototype of this new model testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

The model is a Double Cab with a long bed, a body that may not be available in the TRD Pro model. In addition, the suspension does not look high enough to be considered a TRD Pro. 

The truck seems to be hiding a roof rack, snorkel and off-road bumpers. A set of black wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Mud Terrain tires (265/70 R18) is putting the power of the now-confirmed hybrid engine to the pavement.

The recent IndyCar race at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway not only showcased thrilling high-speed action but also brought together industry leaders and supporters of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) for a memorable event. SEMA PAC donors were granted exclusive access to a suite with breathtaking views of the track and pit passes, providing them with an up-close and personal experience of the adrenaline-fueled world of IndyCar racing.

As PAC supporters cheered on their favorite drivers, they also reaffirmed their commitment to the automotive aftermarket industry's growth and advancement by raising more than $30,000 for the SEMA PAC. The SEMA PAC plays a crucial role in advocating for the automotive aftermarket industry's interests in the political landscape. Through voluntary contributions from individuals, SEMA PAC provides financial support to candidates who champion policies and legislation that promote the growth, innovation and success of SEMA members. By supporting candidates who understand the challenges faced by the automotive industry, SEMA PAC ensures that the voices of its members are heard and their interests are represented.

For more information on how you can support these efforts or attend similar events, contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., staff

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA) (S. 873) by a voice vote. This SEMA-supported bill will help to expand access and increase the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy. As a result, this historic public lands and recreation legislation is the first comprehensive recreation package since 1963. It will help improve and grow America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. 

The bill requires federal land-management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, and it includes provisions to streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits. Additionally, the legislation directs the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed and prohibited and to update them periodically to ensure that the maps do not become outdated.

SEMA, along with our partners that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) for their leadership in passing this vital legislation that benefits public lands, access to the outdoors, and the economy.

Click here to sign a letter to your U.S. Senators asking them to support S. 873.

For more information on the American Outdoor Recreation Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., staff

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA) (S. 873) by a voice vote. This SEMA-supported bill will help to expand access and increase the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy. As a result, this historic public lands and recreation legislation is the first comprehensive recreation package since 1963. It will help improve and grow America's outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. 

The bill requires federal land-management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, and it includes provisions to streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits. Additionally, the legislation directs the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed and prohibited and to update them periodically to ensure that the maps do not become outdated.

SEMA, along with our partners that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) for their leadership in passing this vital legislation that benefits public lands, access to the outdoors, and the economy.

Click here to sign a letter to your U.S. Senators asking them to support S. 873.

For more information on the American Outdoor Recreation Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., staff

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites manufacturers of aftermarket parts to demonstrate and answer questions about the implementation of the new CARB-eFILE system (hereafter referred to as eFILE), a new electronic document-management system for the Aftermarket Parts Certification and Audit Branch. The system will be used for submitting, receiving and tracking Executive Order (EO) applications electronically. 

In addition to informational materials provided on the eFILE website, the Aftermarket Parts Certification and Audit Branch will hold a single training session on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, to provide information and training on using the new eFILE system. The training will be held via Microsoft Teams only.

Attendees will learn the implementation schedule of eFILE, the usage of the system and actions manufacturers must take to gain access.

Note: after the implementation of the new system, all applications must be submitted through eFILE, and applications for aftermarket parts exemptions and experimental permits submitted by email will no longer be accepted. This change will not affect active applications or applications submitted before the new eFILE system was officially implemented.

Aftermarket eFILE Training 

Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 

Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm (PDT) 

Call-In #: +1-916-538-5111 

Passcode: fPUoT2 

Click Here:  Join Meeting 

For more information, visit CARB Certification's Document Management System webpage. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Mountain Top USA as its newest member spotlight company. Get to know the story behind this industry-leading truck bed accessories supplier in this SEMA News interview with North American Sales Manager Dennis Noonchester below. 

SEMA News: Tell us about your company.  

Dennis Noonchester: We've come a long way. With 40 years of experience in the automotive industry and many long-lasting OEM relationships, we have been on a long and interesting journey to get to where we are today. Among the things that we've learned is that there are no shortcuts in this business. Quality takes an investment in time and people. 

SN: What was your company's breakthrough moment? 

DN: In maturing from a single Danish hub to a global entity, we've made sure that we do things properly wherever we are. We deliver the same high-quality products and services that we're globally known and respected for. As we continue to grow, the competition to be a market leader gets tougher. That's why we protect our leadership by investing even more time and energy into researching and developing new ideas. From materials and design to production processes and career paths, we're always evolving. 

SN: Tell us about your business now and projects you are working on.  

DN: Mountain Top USA is expanding and preparing to launch an aggressive sales and marketing campaign that will disrupt the product category.  

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

DN: We are most proud of our innovative engineering and European-influenced designed products. 

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

DN: Follow your passion! If you love the automotive industry, the aftermarket is the most exciting place to be.  

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company contributes to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Designing wheels can be challenging. So what can designers do within the confines of a circle that will meet buyers' needs for both fashion and functionality?

Wheel and tire industry members are invited to join the live webinar "How to Design the Latest Wheels Fashion" on Thursday, June 15, at 12 p.m. EDT to learn new approaches to knowing when to keep, refresh or create new wheel designs that will sell. Led by industry experts and presented by the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the webinar will leave participants inspired to create new designs.

Attendees will learn the following:

• New design inspiration, from classic styles to cutting-edge innovations
• Key principles of the design process
• Examples of design failures and successes
• How to overcome the challenges of creating something new within the confines of a circle
• Physical challenges to designing wheels
• The lifespan of design trends

The webinar includes a Q&A with presenters Aston Liyanarchi (Liyanarchi Design), Scott Weiss (Konig American), George Finch (The Carlstar Group LLC) and Alex Martinez (MetaMartini).  Register now!

By Ashley Reyes

The 2024 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is confirmed for January 30-February 1, at the Embassy Suites - Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California. By connecting motorsports parts manufacturers with journalists and content creators, the council's iconic event helps manufacturers generate coverage and raise brand awareness while providing media with a quick, easy and efficient method of gathering content. 

Unlike traditional trade shows or conferences, the Media Trade Conference consists of private, uninterrupted meetings where media members can interview and learn about a company's product and news. As a result, manufacturers are able to build strong, long-lasting relationships with individuals who can reach millions of their target audiences.

Read more about the event in the May issue of SEMA News Magazine here.

Manufacturers and media are encouraged to mark their calendars now for the MPMC Media Trade Conference taking place January 30-February 1, 2024. Manufacturer registration will open in mid-June. Go here to learn more about the Media Trade Conference.