By SEMA News Editors

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show has been open at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here) and Show badge discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. After, the price will increase to $120 per approved badge. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Set for November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2024 SEMA Show will once again reveal the future of the aftermarket as attendees connect with thousands of leading manufacturers showcasing the latest products, trends and technology in the industry.

Finding reasons to attend the 2024 SEMA Show is easy, including countless product innovations from new and iconic exhibitors, the latest custom vehicle trends and professional skill-enhancing education sessions led by top industry experts. Attendees can also partake in one-of-a-kind events and features, like the New Product Showcase, the No. 1 destination for discovering the hottest products in the automotive aftermarket industry, the dynamic Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish highlighting the techniques of influential builders, the world-class lineup of SEMA Education seminars and sessions, the newer Overland Experience showcasing customized vehicles in their intended environments and much more (more details can be found at semashow.com/attendee).

To assist professionals in demonstrating the Show's value to their employers, management offers a customizable sample letter to highlight specific benefits relevant to your business or market segment. This ensures that you can effectively communicate the potential impact on your day-to-day responsibilities and long-term business growth. View the SEMA Show sample letter to your boss as a PDF here.

For more information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

New images provided to SEMA News show that Audi is making strides on the development of its next-generation performance executive car, transitioning from the RS6 to the RS7.

A testing mule was spotted earlier in the year, according to sources, using modified A6 sedan bodies with wide wheel arches and large twin exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper.

The name change is part of Audi's overhaul of its model nomenclature. Audi has confirmed that future even-numbered models will be electric, while odd-numbered ones will continue to feature engines for the foreseeable future.

Details about the powertrain remain scarce. Insiders have indicated that it will be a plug-in hybrid, but it's unclear whether the new RS7 will retain a V8 engine or downsize.

By SEMA News Editors

Get ready to wrap up the SEMA Show in style with a night of heart-pounding live music at the SEMA Fest concert featuring live performances by Cage the Elephant, Sublime, Fitz and the Tantrums and Petey! Tickets to the 2024 SEMA Fest go on sale tomorrow, Friday, July 19, at SEMAFEST.com.

Last year, we introduced SEMA Fest, a one-of-a-kind festival that seamlessly blended motorsports, music and car culture. Now, in 2024, we're taking it up a notch by merging SEMA Fest's musical vibes with the automotive attractions of the SEMA Show, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience for car and music lovers alike on Friday, November 8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

2024 SEMA Fest ticket options include:

• SEMA Fest Concert General Admission (GA): Entry to all SEMA Fest concert GA viewing areas; does not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show exhibit halls.
• SEMA Fest Concert VIP Access: Exclusive access to the VIP viewing area with premium sightlines; VIP bars and washrooms; separate entrance for VIP pass holders at the entrance; device charging stations; does not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show Exhibit Halls.

In addition, exclusive tickets are available for the "SEMA Show Friday Enthusiast Experience" for those who do not qualify to attend the SEMA Show. For more details and to secure tickets to SEMA Fest, visit SEMAFEST.com!

Still need to register for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center? Visit the SEMA Show registration form here. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here) and Show badge discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

By SEMA's Washington, D.C., office

Matt Daigle has joined SEMA as director, communications for public and government affairs. He will be based in Washington, D.C.

Daigle is a seasoned communicator with more than 20 years of experience and leadership in advocacy and member communications. He has served on Capitol Hill, in a consulting company and in-house at multiple professional associations.

"We're very excited to have Matt join SEMA's D.C. team. He brings a wealth of experience in media relations and advocacy communications," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA senior vice president of public and government affairs. "Matt's expertise will help bolster SEMA and PRI's brand in Washington, D.C., and state capitols and better elevate the important issues we advocate for on behalf of our industry every day."

Daigle joins SEMA from the American Hospital Association where, as director of advocacy and member communications, he collaborated with the policy, federal government relations and legal departments on developing public- and member-facing messaging reflecting the goals and mission of the association for hospitals and health systems, Congress, government agencies and the public.

In his new role, Daigle coordinates communications strategies and executions with the association's marketing, councils, membership, political action committees (PACs) and other internal teams. He supports the development and execution of public relations that help shape the views of voters and opinion leaders about the automotive aftermarket industry, its products and its leadership in the public policy arena.

"I'm excited to join SEMA at such a pivotal time for the automotive aftermarket," said Daigle. "Our members make a tremendous contribution to the American economy, and I'm looking forward to sharing their accomplishments and driving positive change for the industry."

A native of South Orleans, Massachusetts, Daigle received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Marist College and a Master of Science degree in Journalism from Northwestern University.

By SEMA's Washington, D.C., office

Matt Daigle has joined SEMA as director, communications for public and government affairs. He will be based in Washington, D.C.

Daigle is a seasoned communicator with more than 20 years of experience and leadership in advocacy and member communications. He has served on Capitol Hill, in a consulting company and in-house at multiple professional associations.

"We're very excited to have Matt join SEMA's D.C. team. He brings a wealth of experience in media relations and advocacy communications," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA senior vice president of public and government affairs. "Matt's expertise will help bolster SEMA and PRI's brand in Washington, D.C., and state capitols and better elevate the important issues we advocate for on behalf of our industry every day."

Daigle joins SEMA from the American Hospital Association where, as director of advocacy and member communications, he collaborated with the policy, federal government relations and legal departments on developing public- and member-facing messaging reflecting the goals and mission of the association for hospitals and health systems, Congress, government agencies and the public.

In his new role, Daigle coordinates communications strategies and executions with the association's marketing, councils, membership, political action committees (PACs) and other internal teams. He supports the development and execution of public relations that help shape the views of voters and opinion leaders about the automotive aftermarket industry, its products and its leadership in the public policy arena.

"I'm excited to join SEMA at such a pivotal time for the automotive aftermarket," said Daigle. "Our members make a tremendous contribution to the American economy, and I'm looking forward to sharing their accomplishments and driving positive change for the industry."

A native of South Orleans, Massachusetts, Daigle received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Marist College and a Master of Science degree in Journalism from Northwestern University.

By Ashley Reyes  

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Baily Soto, curriculum specialist at Legacy EV, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Soto in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Baily Soto: I have worked at Legacy EV for a little over a year now. I think the most rewarding thing about working here is upskilling mechanics, so they can thrive in an industry with both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. 

SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?  

BS: The most challenging part of developing EV technician training is the lack of standardization. No one has done this yet, and if they have, they aren't sharing it with anyone! So, we have to rely on our own expertise and other EV pioneers to demonstrate safe best practices for all of us. 

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?  

BS: I have been working in the industry for only this past year, so this is my first industry job. However, being born and raised in Motor City, I have spent my life in a garage; every member of my family works for the big three. As the youngest of six children, my older brother’s version of babysitting me was putting me to work with them under a hood. 

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?  

BS: Determination, resilience and high personal expectations. When I was twelve, I went to the “bring your kid to work day” at my parent’s assembly plant in Flatrock, Michigan. Of course, seeing the build process of the new Mustangs was really cool, but knowing and living the long hours and hard work my parents and older siblings experienced as assembly line workers and service techs, I became determined to get a college education. Also, becoming an adult during the peak of the ‘08 financial crisis and seeing many of my friends’ families lose their jobs and default on mortgages, I wanted to ensure I was choosing a career path that would protect me from these hardships.  

Setting these high expectations for myself and having the resilience to move away from home to become the first in my family with a degree in higher ed motivated me to pursue a career path that helps other young people from blue-collar families. 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

BS: In just a single year, the education team at Legacy EV has created the first certified EV technician program, the first college-accredited EV technician course, the first EV Technician Education Council of EV Industry Leaders, the first EV technician education standards, the first High-Voltage Safety Certification Training, and have led numerous, successful EV technician trainings. 

As for challenges, of course, being a woman in a male-dominated industry can be frustrating and getting the attention of the industry on the need for high-voltage safety and EV education is anything but glamorous. I remember one conference in particular where I realized this--I was leading an EV safety seminar in our booth and I realized my audience was unengaged and walking away. To my surprise, I looked over to where they were gathering and it was an audio system booth, who was promoting subwoofers and sound systems with women proactively dancing. EV Safety just can’t compete with that, and I had to laugh at myself. Frustrating, yes, but we at Legacy EV are doing groundbreaking work in workforce development training, and I won’t let a little provocative promotion get in the way of delivering high-quality EV education to whoever will listen. 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?   

BS: I have to give credit to my Legacy EV team members here. Joining the team, I was one of the oldest employees and I am barely in my 30s! But I am glad I didn’t judge them by their ages, because learning and collaborating with the young innovation of our team has been inspiring. They all have such diverse backgrounds and I love to work with them and absorb their knowledge. Particularly, the EV industry is really new, and seeing the complex trials and tribulations of our application engineers designing EV powertrain kits, or mapping out safe battery boxes, motivates me to push the boundaries of our industry and workforce training. 

SN: What is the best career advice you have received?  

BS: When I made the jump to leave public education and join Legacy EV, my friend Vanessa, an awesome woman pioneering in the Web3 world, told me to accept failing at work every day. Innovators, pioneers, thought-leaders, developers, we fail every day. 

This advice has been instrumental as we build workforce training for EV technicians, because teaching new technology is hard, and exciting adult learners about learning is even harder. So, building a community through hands-on, skills-based training that defies traditional education and prepares and upskills auto technicians is a challenge worth accepting to me. 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

BS: No, but when I left my position as a high school teacher to join the Legacy EV team, and when I think about how hard it was to leave my students behind, I am reminded of the difference we are making here at Legacy EV. Not only are we upcycling classic vehicles and cutting emissions in the process, but we are providing workforce development and education that will fuel a healthy middle class.  

I come from humble means, and supporting blue-collar and minority families, like my own, was the reason I became a high school teacher in the first place. Now, at Legacy EV I get to help those young parents who are mechanics upskill and stay relevant in the industry; I get to train educators, so they can get their students excited about the auto industry, and I get to bring people together to enjoy some really cool rides. That is what I love about the EV industry. 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career goals? 

BS: My success is the result of a village, and my five older siblings have been my ultimate cheerleaders. One of my sisters dropped out of school in the 10th grade. Both, watching her thrive as she grew her own business and seeing her struggle without a quality education motivated me to pursue college and ultimately be a high-quality educator for at-risk youth and now, blue-collar adults. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

By SEMA News Editors

George Poteet, the legendary land speed record-setter and hot-rodding icon, has passed away at the age of 75. He was known for his record-breaking land speed piston-powered streamliner, "The Speed Demon 715," which secured a new land speed record of 470.015 MPH in August 2020. SEMA and PRI send their condolences to the Poteet family.

For more on Poteet's career, visit speeddemon715.com/about-george-poteet.

Photo Courtesy of the Speed Demon team.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

While many people assume that lawmakers aren't working when Congress is not in session, most members are out visiting businesses that are run by the people they were elected to represent. Earlier this week, Hellwig Products, a SEMA and PRI member company, took advantage of the Congressional recess week by hosting U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA). Hellwig provided Rep. Costa a tour of their 57,000-sq.-ft. location in Visalia, California and conversation with their employees.

"Hosting Rep. Costa at our business further solidified the relationship that we have forged over the years with the Congressman," said Hellwig Products CEO and Owner Melanie White. "I encourage SEMA member companies to take the opportunity to invite your elected representatives to visit your business. It's the best way to educate your lawmakers on our industry and its policy needs. We thank Congressman Costa for taking the time to interact with our team and for recognizing the important role that specialty automotive aftermarket businesses like Hellwig play in the local economy." 

Rep. Costa, who represents California's 21st congressional district spanning from Fresno to Visalia, has been supportive of the industry. Of note, he voted in support of the SEMA-supported Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act (H.R. 1435), a bill that would stop California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation from taking effect, thereby halting a requirement that all new vehicles sold in the state must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2035. Hellwig Products was founded in 1946 by Rudy Hellwig and his son and has remained family-owned and operated to this day. It manufactures sway bars, suspension components, and steel products in California's Cent­ral Valley. Vice President Mark Hellwig and CEO Melanie White represent the third and fourth generations leading the company today. 

Hosting a site visit with your member of Congress and their staff is a compelling way to provide them a first-hand look at what you and your team do while discussing the challenges and opportunities your business and the industry face. If you are interested in hosting your elected officials for a tour of your business, SEMA will assist you in coordinating the event. The government relations team can provide important resources to help your business prepare for the meeting, including local/state/national industry economic impact infographics and talking points on relevant policy issues. SEMA staff can draft and send an invitation to your lawmakers, coordinate the visit by providing a briefing before the event, and manage day-of logistics in coordination with you and your company. Use this link to let SEMA's government affairs staff know that you want to explore hosting your member of Congress. 

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

By SEMA News Editors

AAAA Forms Inaugural Board of Directors

The African American Automotive Association (AAAA) has formed its inaugural board of directors to lead the organization.

Christopher Harris, founder of the organization and seasoned executive with more than a decade of experience in the motorsports industry, will lead the board.

Joining Harris on the board are Kellie Crawford, Pamela Brown-Matthis, Kyle Mayers, Jeremey Miller, Dystany Spurlock and Larnelle Haynes.

The AAAA board will be committed to making the automotive industry more diverse and inclusive, according to the organization, and its mission is to build the foundations that foster diversity and change the makeup of decision-makers, allowing new ideas to grow within the automotive world. By transforming the industry's leadership to be truly representative of all people, AAAA aims to drive innovation and create a dynamic future for the automotive sector, the organization said in a statement announcing the inaugural board of directors.

For more information on the board and its first members, visit aaaassoc.com.

Turn 14 Distribution Announces Leadership Team Promotions

Turn 14 Distribution has announced several promotions in its leadership team.

Mike Hall, a 14-year veteran of the company, has been named the Horsham, Pennsylvania-based parts distributor's vice president of operations. He most recently served as director of operations and helped create new efficiencies in warehouse operations, the company said. With his promotion to vice president of operations, Hall will expand his oversight to include distribution optimization and transportation.

Mike Malloy has been promoted to vice president of purchasing. Malloy is approaching his 10-year anniversary at Turn 14 Distribution and recently managed a distribution arrangement resulting from the dismantling of Transamerican Wholesale and oversaw the negotiation and onboarding of over 100 vendor relationships through the Tucker acquisition.

Sabrina Usonis was also named the vice president of finance. Usonis has made a swift impact during her first year at Turn 14 Distribution, playing a key role in the Tucker acquisition and rising financial reporting expectations, according to the company.

For more information, visit turn14.com.

Stellantis Opens New Mopar Parts Distribution Center in Ontario

Stellantis North America recently commemorated the opening of a new Mopar Parts Distribution Center in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The $18.2-million, 513,000-sq.-ft. facility will employ more than 170 Canadian workers and support Stellantis dealerships and customers in Ontario, Quebec and Eastern Canada. It will house close to 55,000 parts and has the capacity to ship up to an estimated 2 million orders annually.

The new Mopar PDC in Brampton is the first Stellantis facility in North America to use the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system. The AutoStore system in Brampton uses 27 robots equipped with advanced picking functions to navigate tracks built above a 16-foot-tall grid stocked with parts. The robots retrieve various parts from one of 43,000 bins stacked within 11,700 square feet of storage space. The robots transport the chosen parts directly to various production stations where PDC employees pack and process the final shipments.

For more information, visit stellantis.com.

Adriana Cisneros Elected to Ford Board of Directors

The Ford Motor Company board has elected Adriana Cisneros as a director, effective immediately. Her addition expands the board to 15 directors.

Cisneros was appointed CEO of Cisneros Group in 2013. Founded in 1929 in Venezuela as a material transport business, Cisneros Group has grown and diversified significantly over the past 95 years. Adriana Cisneros assumed leadership from her father, Gustavo Cisneros, and under her guidance the company has become a global leader in digital advertising, media and entertainment and real estate, Ford said.

Cisneros will serve on the Ford board's Nominating and Governance and Sustainability, Innovation and Policy committees.

For more information, visit ford.com.

Meyer Distributing Announces Winner of Mustang Giveaway

Meyer Distributing has announced that Midwest Aftermarket, a retailer for aftermarket auto parts in Litchfield, Illinois, has won its Mustang Giveaway.

Sponsored by Holley, Air Lift and Mickey Thompson, the '23 Mustang GT Premium in Grabber Blue is outfitted with a 6-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter, Recaro seats, 9-in. Brembo brakes with painted-to-match calipers, active exhaust with Flowmaster Outlaw catback, Carroll Shelby wheels, Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires, raised wing rear spoiler and full Air Lift Performance suspension with 3P and dual compressor setup.

"My relationship with the Cooper brothers has grown tremendously," said Zach Wood, sales manager at Meyer Distributing. "They are hardworking, good people with a strong vison in sight. They are more-than-deserving winners of the Mustang Giveaway."

"The car is way above expectations. I loved to get to meet Austin to hear about all the different aspects of the vehicle and appreciate his willingness to take time out of his day to deliver," said Zac Cooper, owner of Midwest Aftermarket. "My relationship with Meyer and Zach is amazing. I would have never expected a company the size of Meyer to be such a personal partner and go above and beyond every day to make sure my account is a priority. Relationships in business have become a thing of the past with most companies, but not with Meyer Distributing."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC) is hosting a free online networking event on Thursday, August 1 at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT to help industry members establish valuable business connections.

All SEMA business members are invited to attend the Coffee and Conversation, where the aftermarket's hottest topics and issues will be discussed. During the meeting, participants will meet the "who's who" of the wheel, tire, suspension and brake markets, gain insight into opportunities and challenges that other businesses are experiencing and discuss the latest industry trends and innovations.

"WTSBC Coffee and Conversations offer a collaborative platform where members can share their experiences, exchange ideas and build valuable business relationships," said WTSBC Council Director Nicole Bradle. "Through this method of information sharing, attendees can further their career or company goals."

Organizers will introduce a discussion topic to start the conversation; however, attendees are encouraged to bring a talking point that impacts their business personally.

Join the conversation by registering here!