By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learning through new and engaging webinars.

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Tuesday, April 27—Interview Skills

Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Series: Perfecting Your Job Search Series, Powered by the SBN

An interview may be the most important step of a job search. At this point, the prospective employer has already reviewed your résumé, determined that you meet their qualifications and has picked you as one of their top candidates. Get tips and tricks from HR professionals on what to do and what to avoid in an interview in order to secure the job offer. This one-hour interactive program will give participants confidence and strategies for a successful job interview.

Register here.

JUST ADDED: Tuesday, May 4, 2021—SEMA Virtual Town Hall

This Virtual Town Hall will provide SEMA members with the latest industry news and details on association programs impacting the specialty-equipment market. Led by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, the program features association leaders as they share details about the 2021 SEMA and PRI Trade Shows, EPA emissions compliance, a new membership program that unites the motorsports industry, and plans for a new SEMA Garage in the Detroit area.

Register here.

JUST ADDED: Tuesday, May 11—The Growing Diversity of the Light-Truck Market, Powered by TORA

Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series

Track: Trends & Research

Learn about the light-truck vehicle landscape and emerging trends and opportunities during this webinar presented by the SEMA Market Research team. Attendees will receive important information to help understand the light-truck market, detailed analyses of main truck segments, and an overview of new trends and shifts in overlanding, off-road, diesel and more.

Register here.

JUST ADDED: Thursday, May 20—More Than Just Jeeping: Other Ways People Go Off-Road

Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Learn how to capitalize on the growing interest in the outdoor and backcountry lifestyle by taking part in this webinar presented by the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA). Participants will learn about the evolving landscape of the off-road market, the different ways people are going off road and related products that businesses may want to consider to increase sales.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Nearly 15 years ago, passenger cars and light trucks each represented about half of all new light vehicles sold in the United States. Today, the share of light trucks—pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans—is roughly 76%.

As automakers prioritize light truck models, these segments are expected to continue to dominate both the market for new vehicles and the specialty aftermarket. Find out how light trucks are expected to shape the market by joining SEMA Market Research in a live webinar on May 11, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).  

Webinar participants will learn about the growing diversity of the light truck market and receive new information that will help them make more informed, strategic business decisions.

SEMA Live webinars allow participants to hear from and engage with presenters in real-time during the event.

Register here for “The Growing Diversity of the Light Truck Market, Powered by TORA.”

By SEMA Editors

The September 2021 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, 2021—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 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 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.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

By Jason Catullo

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With under seven months before the opening of the 2021 SEMA Show, positive news from Las Vegas has specialty-equipment businesses eager meet in person, and Show management excited to help reconnect the industry at the world's leading celebration of innovation, ingenuity and passion for automobiles. Momentum for the 2021 space allocation, which takes place in June, is very strong with an anticipated 1,800 companies expected to participate. This will be very appealing to industry buyers who have the chance to secure credentials as registration opens in May.

Below are key dates and information to help attendees and exhibitors prepare for the return of the SEMA Show. For additional information, visit www.SEMAshow.com.

Positive News From Las Vegas

The city of Las Vegas continues to move toward reopening, with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announcing plans for the city to be at 100% capacity by June 1. SEMA continues to work closely with city and state officials to provide the industry with an event that complies with the most up-to-date guidelines, while optimally showcasing the latest automotive aftermarket products, technology and trends.

New Ways to Connect

The Las Vegas Convention Center completed construction of a new 1.4-million square-foot hall earlier this year. The new (West) hall will optimize the SEMA Show experience by providing even more new features to encourage more valuable interactions between buyers and exhibitors. In addition to personally connecting on the Show floor, a newly constructed, high-speed underground transportation system connects the entire campus together and will make navigating the Show's displays, attractions and special events easier than ever. The $52.5 million people-mover system will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls.

Show Space Selection in June

Exhibitors continue to reserve space for the 2021 Show and will begin selecting their locations on the Show floor through the Show's space allocation process, taking place June 7-21. For companies interested in exhibiting in 2021, the deadline to submit the Exhibit Space Rental Application is May 7. Prior to space selection, the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be made available and includes the information and forms needed to prepare the SEMA Show, such as deadline dates, shipping details, display and feature vehicle guidelines and more.

More Than Products

The SEMA Show provides buyers the opportunity to connect with the companies behind the automotive aftermarket's newest products, and see the latest vehicle and lifestyle trends. The Show is also where attendees can learn practical skills and discover ways to thrive in today's fast-changing automotive industry through SEMA Education. The 2021 SEMA Show will feature more than 100 business and professional-development seminars that prepare individuals and companies for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Attendee registration for the 2021 SEMA Show opens May 3.

A Homecoming Unlike Any Other

When the industry reunites at the Show in November, it will have been two years since everyone will have seen one another, together. People are looking forward to gathering at the Show to reconnect with friends, network with new contacts and get back to business in general. The SEMA Show and the city of Las Vegas will be ready to welcome everyone back with open arms. Currently, the Show’s hotel block is open, and we encourage you to start making your plans now to attend the best automotive event of the year.

For information on how to exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.

To register to attend the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

The Ferrari 812 GTO (Versione Speciale) was caught thinly disguised while out on a test run in Maranello.

Last year, Ferrari was seen testing a cobbled together mule that consisted of an 812 Superfast. Fast forward to today, and we have what appears to be the fruits of that labor—an 812 GTO. The GTO badge was last seen in 2011, so after a decade in retirement, the 812 GTO seems to make sense.

Power is expected to come from the 6.5L V12 found in the 812 Superfast, which pumps out 789 hp and 530 lb.-ft. of torque, although the GTO is expected to come in more than 800 hp, especially given the fact that the Monza models are already ringing in at 799 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ferrari 812 GTO (Versione Speciale) was caught thinly disguised while out on a test run in Maranello.

Last year, Ferrari was seen testing a cobbled together mule that consisted of an 812 Superfast. Fast forward to today, and we have what appears to be the fruits of that labor—an 812 GTO. The GTO badge was last seen in 2011, so after a decade in retirement, the 812 GTO seems to make sense.

Power is expected to come from the 6.5L V12 found in the 812 Superfast, which pumps out 789 hp and 530 lb.-ft. of torque, although the GTO is expected to come in more than 800 hp, especially given the fact that the Monza models are already ringing in at 799 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Automotive enthusiasts and replica car companies alike are eager for the Biden Administration to approve a rule allowing the sale of completed replica cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a rule during the last days of the Trump Presidency that must be finalized before the SEMA-led replica car law takes effect.

U.S. Representative Norma Torres (D-CA) shares SEMA’s desire to see the replica car law finalized so that manufacturers can begin production and start hiring workers. Rep. Torres recently asked U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg to give special consideration to finalizing the replica car rulemaking at a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing.

Rep. Torres, who previously toured the SEMA Garage, shares SEMA’s passion for classic vehicles, as she enjoys driving a ’66 Ford Mustang that her husband Louis restored (he’s currently fixing up a classic Ford truck).

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to its proposed rule to modify or remove the current E15 warning label requirement for gasoline that contains 15% ethanol.

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. In 2011, the EPA prohibited the use of E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, along with motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.

The EPA’s proposed new label would weaken the warning message and be smaller in size. SEMA argued that these changes would increase the likelihood of E15 gasoline being used in incompatible vehicles.

SEMA also opposed the EPA proposal to remove the E15 warning label requirement all together. Such removal would place the responsibility to know if their vehicle is compatible solely on the consumer, which would lead to much more misfuelling. Instead of removing or limiting the warning label, SEMA suggested in its comments that the label should be strengthened by expanding it to include the words “WARNING” and “Check your owner’s manual”; be 5x7 inches or larger; and include pictograms depicting a boat, a lawnmower, a chainsaw, a motorcycle and a snowmobile.

SEMA also recommended that the EPA take this opportunity to establish a uniform national labeling standard for gasoline that contains 10% ethanol or less. The labels are currently subject to state law and some states do not require that consumers be informed that the gasoline being purchased contains ethanol.

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

By Linda Spencer

Meet key global trade buyers of automotive specialty-equipment products here in the United States. Since buyers will travel to multiple states for the Reverse Trade Mission (RTM), attendees will choose the most convenient location from the list of stops below.

The RTM enables attendees to meet one on one with global distributors and resellers and participate in numerous networking receptions and special events with top international buyers. The day-and-a half program (per location) will create opportunities for visiting international resellers and for U.S.-based suppliers to establish or enhance relationships and hopefully lead to increased business. Space is limited.

Locations (select one):

• California: July 19-20
• Michigan: July 22-23
• North Carolina: July 26–27

The registration fees is $300, which includes the opportunity to meet one on one with visiting buyers and all meals during this day-and-a-half program, starting with a dinner the first night followed by one-on-one meetings and a closing reception.

A special promotion package of $2,700 is available, which includes a half-page ad in the SEMA Buyer’s Guide, to be distributed at the RTM, in SEMA News and in the Center for International Commerce (CIC) at the 2021 SEMA Show and a one-month digital ad on www.sema.org.

A $1,200 grant is available from the U.S. federal government for qualified companies with an additional $1,650 from the State of California for qualified California-based companies resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package ($3,000 value for $150).

Eligible Michigan companies participating in the RTM and taking advantage of the $2,700 Special Promotion Package (SPP) can receive $1,200 from the federal MDCP grant and $1,050 through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program to cover a maximum 75% reimbursement of all eligible export expenses. For more information or to apply, contact export@michigan.org to get connected with your international trade manager.

In addition to the $1,200 MDCP award, an additional $1,650 from the State of North Carolina for qualified North Carolina-based companies is available, resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package. For more information or to apply, contact Jen Vogelsberg at jen.vogelsberg@edpnc.com.

Many other states also have grants. Contact Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org for more information.

Register now for the Reverse Trade Mission.

For more information on the Reverse Trade Mission or other SEMA International programs and resources, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Chairman of the Board Tim Martin, President and CEO Chris Kersting and other SEMA/PRI executive staff will share updates about the industry’s top initiatives during the Virtual Town Hall, Tuesday, May 4, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Recognizing the changes that have taken place in the industry during the past year, the association has many new, enhanced and modified programs focused on current needs. During the 45-minute Virtual Town Hall, members will get updates about resources for emissions compliance, programs uniting the motorsports community and reconnecting the industry at in-person trade events this year.

SEMA/PRI executive staff will talk about the status of current programs and events available to members, and answer questions live during the Virtual Town Hall.

By participating in the event, members can make their voices heard and provide feedback on how SEMA can better serve the industry and membership.  

Register here.