SEMA Member News—January 2020

ETTN Puts Education Front and Center

Informative discussions among technical professionals created an engaging and successful Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Lunch & Learn.

As the group within SEMA charged with identifying and sharing information and knowledge about the latest developments in automotive technology, the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) made education the centerpiece of its weeklong activities at the SEMA Show.

ETTN sponsored five education sessions.

The Monday presentation, titled “3-D Printing in the Automotive Industry: How It Will Benefit Your Business Power,” focused on how additive manufacturing can help aftermarket companies bring products to market more quickly, reduce cost and advance productivity.

Members attending “Racing and Performance Forum: Keeping Technology at the Forefront,” presented on Tuesday, heard frontline leaders, experts and drivers discuss the latest technologies and innovations being used in racing and adapted to production vehicles as well as the relevance and importance of motorsports and technology to the future of the performance industry.

The third session, “Advanced Vehicle Technology: Practice, Policy and Challenges, was held on Wednesday. The panel discussion was centered on the practices, challenges, policies and product-liability considerations member companies—be they manufacturers, distributors or installers—need to be aware of to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.

Also on Wednesday, attendees had the opportunity to learn how new vehicle technologies such as advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomy, 3-D printing processes and other factors are changing the way cars are designed, manufactured and customized. “Automotive 4.0: New Technologies, New Opportunities” brought together leading tech experts who talked about how SEMA-member companies can compete in today’s rapidly evolving market.

Talking Trends, Saluting Leaders

ETTN Chair Ian Lehn (left) and Chair-elect Rob Simons (right) stand with Ryan Truax, founder of Advanced Fuel Dynamics, who won the 2019 ETTN Techie Award.

ETTN wrapped up the week with two activities on Thursday. The council-sponsored session, “Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Forum: Next-Gen Safety Performance,” examined new business opportunities for passive ADAS products as well as the challenges member companies encounter as a consequence of ADAS technologies, and it identified resources, practices and tools required to develop solutions.

The much-anticipated third annual ETTN Vehicle Tech Lunch & Learn offered a welcome respite from the Show. Members had a chance to learn about key network initiatives and member resources as well as volunteer opportunities through conversations with council leadership and SEMA staff. The casual setting, which included food and beverages, also gave technical, engineering and design pros the opportunity to share knowledge and talk about the latest trends in automotive technology.

But the highlight of the Lunch & Learn was the presentation of two awards. The ETTN Techie Award was presented to Ryan Truax, founder of Advanced Fuel Dynamics, which specializes in aftermarket flex-fuel systems.

In acknowledging Truax’s role in advancing automotive technology, SEMA Director of Councils and Networks Bryan Harrison said: “Ryan’s flex-fuel management technology is truly ground-breaking, and ETTN was honored to present him with the Techie Award in recognition of his innovation and significant contribution to reducing harmful emissions.”

The second award, for Ambassador of the Year, was presented to Chris Crecelius of Edelbrock Performance, who was lauded for his many contributions to the industry and
the network.

“ETTN was honored to present Chris with our Ambassador of the Year award,” said ETTN Chair Ian Lehn, president of Boostane. “A past select committee member and a constant champion for all things automotive and relevant to our initiatives, Chris is a great representation of why our continued success as a network for SEMA’s future is possible.”